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.
“York definitely shaped my interpersonal skills and my ability to relate to people,” says Tinotenda. “There’s over 55,000 people on campus from all walks of life. You’re interacting with different people every day. It shapes your thinking and makes you more considerate and empathetic.”
However, for Tinotenda, moving miles away from home brought various challenges as an international student.
“I think the most difficult thing I had to experience was finding myself in a new environment and being far away from home and having to re-establish yourself,” says Tinotenda. “I think that’s what made me passionate about always representing international students and striving for better conditions for international students.”
But it would be the opportunities and community at York that would ease the transition and transform Tinotenda’s experience as an international student. From working as a night porter in his residence to supporting students at York Red Zone as a student ambassador, these opportunities introduced him to all the resources available to York students.
“I felt like there was so much support through my team leads, my mentors and my team members who I am still in touch with today,” says Tinotenda. “As an international student, you can go to York International, and they can help you with anything related to being an international student. It became a pleasurable experience.”
He especially credits Michelle Hughes, a recruitment and communications coordinator for the Master of Management program at Schulich, for giving him the encouragement he needed to follow his dreams.
“She was very instrumental because she validated my dreams and what I wanted to achieve in life,” says Tinotenda. “She helped build that bridge from my undergraduate studies at LA&PS to graduate studies at Schulich and let me know what I was capable of.”
Thanks to these meaningful experiences, Tinotenda was inspired to serve as a mentor to students and youth. He took on multiple leadership roles including acting as a financial peer mentor supporting both domestic and international students with practical financial guidance and served as a lead mentor in the pilot Black Excellence program.
“We were collaborating with the Toronto District School Board where we’d mentor Black students and first-generation students and families who were coming to university and had no prior knowledge,” says Tinotenda.
After completing his undergraduate studies at York, he co-founded Incorporate Zim, a non-profit and podcast platform amplifying youth voices in Zimbabwe, which was featured on the country’s largest private radio network. Driven by his passion for financial and youth empowerment, Tinotenda aspires to continue to empower future generations through mentorship.
“Another thing that I'm passionate about is continuing to mentor Black students, especially marginalized groups,” says Tinotenda. “I really want to be that resource for my community, especially since I'm working for CIBC in wealth management. I want to be able to speak to my community and let them know how they can build, maintain and protect their wealth.”
Tinotenda Mutsvangwa is a 2025 recipient of York University’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 which recognizes inspiring and diverse alumni 29 years old and younger who are driven to make a difference locally and globally. View the 2025 Top 30 Alumni Under 30.