Meet the 2026 Top 30 Alumni Under 30
We’re proud to announce York University’s 2026 Top 30 Alumni Under 30. These remarkable alumni are creating meaningful change across sectors from aviation to healthcare. Together, they are building an innovative and sustainable future.
Dan Riskin leads a journey through The Amazon rainforest with York alumni travel program
As a TV host on Daily Planet, York alumnus Dan Riskin (MSc ’00) led audiences on journeys around the world to learn about fascinating scientific discoveries. Now, Dan is leading global trips that enable Canadian university alumni to make their own scientific discoveries while gaining life-long memories.
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Growing up, Asha James (BFA ’18) always had a deep interest in the arts, but it wasn’t until she joined musicals in high school that she would discover that the stage was where she felt most at home. As Asha entered the acting industry, she was determined to find stories and cast members that reflected her community. It was this desire that would lead her to land a role in Obsidian Theatre’s FLEX, a project that would shape her career.
As a Black youth coming to Canada from Zimbabwe, Tapo Chimbganda (PhD ’17) had a difficult time adjusting to a new country. She felt isolated and saw first-hand many of the barriers that young Black women face. It was this early experience that inspired her to start Future Black Female, an organization that seeks to guide and empower Black girls and young women to achieve their goals with the support of others in their community.
Desaraé Dee (BFA ’12) is a Canadian fusion artist, pianist, composer, producer, and educator whose work centres on instrumental and genre-blending music that explores emotion, spirituality, and storytelling. Like many alumni, Desaraé’s career path was not a straightforward one, and she credits York University as a key influence in becoming the successful, award-winning instrumentalist she is today.
Many alumni discover their talents in the classroom. Others find it through career paths. For chef, cookbook author, filmmaker and television personality Valerie Azinge (BA ’12), it was a personal health journey that would reveal her gift for the culinary arts. What started as a fun way to share her fitness recipes, transformed into a dynamic digital culinary company that landed her offers to be on Chopped, The Social and Top Chef.
Reverend Doctor Cheri DiNovo C.M. (BA ’94) is a queer activist, author and former minister and politician recognized for her transformative leadership in advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and legislation.
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.
Inspired by his elder brothers who left their home in Zimbabwe to study 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 community.
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.
When it came time for Laiba Khaqan (BA ’22) to choose where to study, 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.
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 community.
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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 community, but continue the tradition of supporting York University and its students in the future.