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Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends

Division of Advancement

Six exceptional alumni celebrated at the 25th anniversary of the York U Alumni AwardsÌý
On Nov. 6, members of the York University 51³Ô¹ÏÍø gathered at the TIFF Lightbox in downtown Toronto for the 25thÌýanniversary of the 2025 York U Alumni Awards.

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Canada’s most powerful women include York alumni, former faculty
York University alumni are among this year’s winners of the Women Executive Network's (WXN) Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards, celebrating leadership and impact across diverse fields.

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Featured Events

Former minister dedicates career to advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ legislationÌý

Reverend Doctor Cheri DiNovo C.M. (BA ’94) is a queer activist, author and former minister and politician 51³Ô¹ÏÍød for her transformative leadership in advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and legislation.

Indigenous filmmaker and advocate finds inspiration at York

Lisa Jackson (MFA ’19) is an Anishinaabe (Aamjiwnaang First Nation) award-winning filmmaker who has written, directed and produced films, television and multimedia projects, from a dome film to VR and IMAX. Partway through her film career, she decided to pursue a master’s degree and studied in York’s MFA in Film program.

Top 30 Alumni Under 30 Spotlight: Tinotenda Mutsvangwa (BA ’20, MMgt ’21)

Inspired by his elder brothers who left their home in Zimbabwe to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø abroad, Tinotenda Mutsvangwa (BA ’20, MMgt ’21) was determined to carve his own path. Drawn to the university’s multiculturalism and liberty, Tinotenda enrolled in York University’s Political Science program where he would broaden his perspectives and build 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Top 30 Alumni Under 30 Spotlight: Jocelyn Cadieux (MES ’20)

Growing up in a small town outside of Ottawa, Jocelyn Cadieux (MES ’20) learned the importance of accessibility and mobility. Now, as an urban planner working for the City of Ottawa, he aims to build strong communities by making urban spaces more accessible and developing the surrounding infrastructure.

Top 30 Alumni Under 30 Spotlight: Laiba Khaqan (BA ’22)Ìý

When it came time for Laiba Khaqan (BA ’22) to choose where to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, York University’s distinguished psychology program was an easy decision. It was her time as a York student that would spark her passion to drive systemic change, a commitment that continues to shape her path today as an entrepreneur and mental health advocate bridging mental health, technology and education.Ìý

Top 30 Alumni Under 30 Spotlight: Valeriy Kostyuk (BFA ’18)

Valeriy Kostyuk (BFA ’18) is a Ukrainian-Canadian producer who has had a successful career in art and entertainment. However, after hearing about the conflict in his home of Ukraine, he set forth to make a positive change in his 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Entrepreneur tackles gender disparity in the arts

Born in the U.S. and raised in Canada in a Spanish-speaking home with roots in Barcelona, Nuria Madrenas (BA ’16) is deeply inspired by culture, creativity, and 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. It took just over two years for this arts enthusiast to fuse her passion and entrepreneurial desire to create positive change and bring Tacit – an online gallery and art consultancy dedicated exclusively to female artists – to life.

York alumna discusses equitable opportunities and the importance of representation in classrooms

Dr. Dionne Stephens (BA ’96), an esteemed alumna whose journey began long before becoming the only black tenure-track faculty member in the department of Psychology at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, discusses opportunities, representation and learning in the University’s dynamic, metropolitan and multicultural stage.Ìý

York alumna aims to spur positive change for Black health equity through dementia research

It was life’s twists and turns that led Ngozi Iroanyah (MA ’17) to pursue research dedicated to improving the health status of Black communities. And it’s her passion for creating positive change for Black people living with dementia that has fuelled years of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø on the topic.

York alumna breaks barriers as a Black international fundraiser

From the age of 15, York alumna Fatou Jammeh (iBA ’15)Ìýwas certain she wanted to become a diplomat. Today, Fatou is breaking barriers in the non-profit sector as a Black fundraiser and consultant to various organizations. While she had no clear trajectory to the world of fundraising, choosing to pursue International Studies at Glendon proved to be a pivotal step in her journey.

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Ways to Give

From funding desperately needed scholarships and research to creating world-class facilities and groundbreaking teaching methods, donations to York University help make it one of Canada’s leading universities. Your generosity is helping create a new generation of Canadian leaders who will not only go on to change their 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, but continue the tradition of supporting York University and its students in the future.

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