The York University Education Alumni Network (YUEAN) has been named the 2025 Network of the Year by the York University Alumni Board (YUAB). This annual award is given to a network that has demonstrated its dedication and commitment to York through engagement, impact, and mentorship. Through influential programming, YUEAN has strengthened relationships, expanded professional pathways, and created opportunities for meaningful dialogue within the York community.
“Selecting the Network of the Year is always a challenging task, but the Education Alumni Network’s impact was undeniable,” reflects Ali Badruddin (BBA ’09), Chair of the Networks Committee on the York University Alumni Board. “Their commitment to mentorship, leadership development and inclusive programming has strengthened the York alumni community.”
A central focus of the network’s efforts this year was the establishment of its mentorship program in partnership with the Faculty of Education Student Association (FESA) and the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Robert Savage. Alumni and students were paired based on professional goals, teaching interests and areas of specialization, creating one-on-one relationships rooted in guidance, support and shared experience.
“This work of our alumni is an invaluable part of our wider supports to our current students,” says Robert Savage, dean of the Faculty of Education. “Our students benefit enormously from all initiatives, and particularly the mentoring provided by the recent direct experience of our alumni. It has been great to help co-create a structure for this win-win for all involved, and I am delighted to see YUEAN rightly recognised for all the excellent work they do.”
Beyond mentorship, YUEAN curated thoughtful and impactful events that connected and engaged a wide community of educators. This year’s highlight was the alumni panel on AI, careers and digital learning, which brought together alumni experts to discuss how emerging technologies and evolving career landscapes are reshaping the field of education and strengthen the bridge between students and alumni working in leadership roles across the sector.
“YUEAN’s accomplishments this year reflect not only dedication, but vision,” says Dennis Garces (BA ’92), Vice-Chair of the Networks Committee on the York University Alumni Board. “They have created opportunities that bridge generations of educators and create a true sense of connection. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements.”
Through mentorship, meaningful events and storytelling that centres the experiences of educators, the Education Alumni Network has demonstrated the transformative power of alumni leadership. The York University Alumni Board congratulates the entire Education Alumni Network Leaders:
- Jason Singh (BEd ’11), Chair
- Esther Martinez (BEd ’21, BA ’21, MEd ’24), Vice-Chair
- Blessing Owusu (BA ’17, BEd ’19, MEd ’24), Secretary
- Mizgin Semsur (MEd ’21, BEd ’19, BA ’17), Co-Director of Engagement and Events
- Jennifer Tran (BA ’23), Co-Director of Engagement and Events
- Yasmine Mensah (BA ’20), Alumni Engagement Officer
For more information about this award and the Alumni Networks program, contact Yasmine Mensah, Alumni Engagement Officer at mensahy@yorku.ca.