York University Alumni Board - Division of Advancement

Working together to build the future

The York University Alumni Board (YUAB) consults with the University’s president and University Advancement on a range of issues, ideas and plans. We provide strategic advice, counsel, philanthropic engagement and network-building to enhance York’s reputation, encourage giving, and increase student engagement.

“Here at York, we have a global network of engaged, enthusiastic alumni. And as some of our most valuable community members, we want them to participate in and help shape our future.”

— Julie Lafford, Assistant Vice President, Alumni Engagement

Current YUAB Members

The YUAB has up to eighteen members with diverse backgrounds and careers. Members have two-year terms, and we meet up to four times per year and participate in subcommittees.

Don Levy (BA ’86)

Chair

Don Levy is the Managing Director of Confido Wealth Management & Confido Private Client Group. He has been in the Financial Service Industry for over 32 years and has operated in partnership with Manulife Wealth for the past 28 years. Prior to this he worked for a company that did corporate finance. Don graduated from York University with a Bachelors Degree, and has since completed the Canadian Securities Course, Professional Financial Planning Course, along with courses in Insurance, Risk Management, and Taxation. In addition, he has completed several Professional Designations including the Certified Financial Planner (CFP), The Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), and The Fellow Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI). He has also been granted Membership into the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP).

As Senior Portfolio Manager and Financial Advisor, Don has developed a practice specializing in portfolio construction and management, as well as estate and retirement planning. The practice is based upon strong long-term relationships with clients. He adheres to a stringent code of ethics and operates with the utmost integrity. Great client service is of paramount importance. To deliver great client service, he is assisted by a team consisting of Associate Advisors, personal administrative assistants, and a personal client relations coordinator. Don has forged strong working relationships with legal, accounting, and banking professionals, to assist clients in these areas. His investment principles are firmly rooted in proven wealth creation strategies. Any investment recommendations will represent high quality investments aimed at preserving capital and maximizing growth. Don currently serves on the Advisory board of PFSG, a non profit that provides creative funding for the building of churches across Canada, as well as supporting emergency relief and development overseas.

He also participates in the P.A.C.E. (Canada) adopt a school program. He has previously acted in various leadership roles including a member on the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital Board Finance Committee, and The United Way of Oakville Board of Directors. Don is past Co-Chair of the Toronto Volunteer Committee of ORBIS Canada, the Toronto-based development office of ORBIS International, a global charity aimed at eliminating preventable blindness. Don has been involved in various community programs in the Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington and surrounding areas.

Ali Badruddin (BBA ’09)

Chair, Networks Committee

After serving for four years on the Networks Committee, the YUAB is pleased to welcome Ali Badruddin as a board member.

Ali brings a wealth of experience in student engagement and strategic planning. Since 2015, he has worked as a Management Consultant with StrategyCorp. Prior to this, Ali was an entrepreneur who built his own independent consulting practice. His projects included working with C-level executives in the financial, travel, and public sector; assisting them with developing global strategy, business model transformation, and company-wide cost reduction. Ali graduated from York in 2009 with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business, where he served as Vice President of the Student Government, board member of the Faculty Council, and founder of Schulich’s premier student think tank.

Sarah Devika Sumnauth (BES ’11)

Chair, Scholarships & Awards Committee

Sarah Devika Sumnauth began her career working in eco-friendly retail, while finishing up her degree at the Faculty of Environmental studies. She gradually built her skills as a Buyer for one of North America’s largest organic grocers, Whole Foods Market. From there, she leaped into the world of entrepreneurialism and kickstarted her cosmetics brand Urban Minerals, a line of vegan and cruelty-free mineral cosmetics, built for diverse skin tones. She has gladly lent her knowledge and skills to the York University community, as a workshop facilitator for the Change Your World summit, speaker at the FEUC Dean’s Brunch and volunteer with students in the TASTE program – Take a Student to Eat.

Sarah has built her brand Urban Minerals up into an award-winning platform, having won North America’s Best Cruelty-Free Business award and Best Vegan Lipstick, and she partners with local women’s shelter, Sistering Drop-in, to create gift sets for women in need. She also partners with Toronto Community Housing in their entrepreneurship program B3 Be Build Brand as a co-facilitator, helping to breathe life into new businesses and teach about sustainability and social enterprise. In her most recent role, Sarah has branched out to work with a Canadian Sales Agency and Distributor as a Sustainability Manager, where she is excited to build a thriving eco-friendly sales model from the ground up.

Cameron Branston (BA ’01)

Member, Alumni Networks Committee

Cameron Branston is a seasoned professional in government relations, foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction, and international trade. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, Cameron collaborates with companies from California and Texas, helping them leverage the talent and innovation of the Waterloo Region to establish and grow their presence in Canada. Prior to his current role, Cameron served as a Senior Investment Officer at the High Commission of Canada in London, representing Alberta’s UK Office. There, he led initiatives to attract FDI, advance international trade opportunities, and manage government relations. During his time in England, Cameron was also elected as a Municipal Councillor in Buckinghamshire, where he represented his community and contributed to impactful local governance. Since returning to Canada in May 2022, Cameron has continued his commitment to community development by mentoring new Canadians through the YMCA Immigrant Services Program. Cameron holds a Specialized Honours BA in Political Science from Glendon, York University, and a Master's degree in Nationalism Studies from the University of Edinburgh. His academic background and professional expertise reflect a deep understanding of global markets, public policy, and international collaboration.

Erica Henry-Jackman (BA ’04, MPPAL ’09)

Member, Alumni Networks Committee, Member, Nominations and Governance Committee

Erica Henry-Jackman is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in Economic Development, International Relations, and Tourism. She currently serves as the Manager of Investment Attraction at the City of Brampton’s Economic Development and International Relations division. In this role, Erica leads initiatives to foster business growth, attract foreign direct investment, and position Brampton as a hub for innovation and global partnerships. Throughout her career, Erica has played a pivotal role in driving economic transformation and creating opportunities for sustainable growth. She is recognized for her strategic approach to investment services, leveraging her expertise to build relationships with multinational corporations, governments, and international trade organizations. Her leadership was instrumental in establishing Canada’s first municipal Africa Caribbean Desk, a pioneering achievement in economic development.
Erica’s career has included leadership roles such as Senior Advisor for Anti-Black Racism at the City of Brampton and Director of Tourism for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in Canada. She has a proven track record of building alliances with local and international stakeholders to drive transformation in post-crisis environments. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Erica is a dedicated member of Toastmasters International and currently serves as Division Director. She is a proud boy mom of a curious Gen Alpha and balances her family life with her passion for the arts. As an alumna of York University, Erica is committed to contributing to the university’s mission of shaping global leaders and is dedicated to advancing its legacy of innovation and impact.

Ivan Ho (BASc ’07)

Member, Mentorship Advisor

As a Strategic Partner Manager at Google, Ivan carries 14 years of digital marketing, advertising sales & partnerships experiences across Asia and in Canada. He's passionate about technologies and innovations which are the key motivators for him to pursue a career in driving digital transformation for his business partners. He strongly believes having an empathic and consultative approach to business partnerships is the key to succeed in the tech industry.

Outside of work, Ivan has a strong passion in career coaching. He has been a designated mentor, regular panel speaker and guest lecturer at various universities in Hong Kong and Toronto since 2016. Ivan shares digital trends, innovations and tech companies' culture, helping students who are interested in pursuing a career in the tech sector to navigate their academic and career paths to reach their professional and life goals.

Chinedu Ezemenari (BA ’05)

Member, Networks Committee

Chinedu Ezemenari is a seasoned staffing professional and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in workforce management and talent acquisition across industrial and corporate sectors. He is also the founder and managing director of CE CLOTHIER, an award-winning Toronto-based luxury fashion label whose designs have been featured in GQ, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and US Weekly, to name a few.

A proud York University alumnus, Chinedu was an active member of the York Lions Football Team, YFS (York Federation of Students), and YUBSA (York University Black Students Alliance). It was at York U where he met his wife and life partner. Together, they are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters.

Drew Green (BA ’97)

Member, Nominations & Governance Committee

Drew Green is President and Chief Executive Officer of INDOCHINO, growing the brand by over 600% between 2015- 2022, delivering nine figures in revenue in 2018, currently with 86 showrooms across North America and operations globally. Mr. Green has been recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, US Retailer of the Year, Innovator of the Year, along with other awards during his career.

Through his family office DREWGREEN.CA INC., Mr. Green has become a mentor to dozens of Canadian entrepreneurs, becoming a founder, chairman, and/ or a shareholder in dozens of private and public companies that drive innovation and growth, including Riverdale Rentals, Pineapple Financial, Apollo Insurance, Parvis Invest, OR Collective, Yourika, Cloudrep AI and Between Co., a company founded by York University alumni. Drew served as a Director at The Scarborough Hospital Foundation for many years, and has established the Drew Green Thunderbird Award at the University of British Columbia and The Drew Green Lions Award at York University, providing student-athletes at both institutions with scholarships.

Stachen Lett-Frederick (BSW ’13)

Member, Nominations & Governance Member

Recipient of several awards including one of Canada’s Top 100 Powerful Women by Women’s Executive Network and Top 10 Women of Worth by L’Oreal Canada, Stachen has over 20 years of experience in the field of community and program development internationally and in Canada (Ottawa, Greater Toronto Region including Peel Region). She is the Founder of BrAIDS for AIDS, a not for profit organization to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in the African ,Caribbean and Black Communities in Canada and internationally through a culturally relevant practice of hair braiding. Additionally, She is the current Executive Director of Weston Frontlines Centre, a youth charity in one of the poorest ridings in Toronto that she has grown from the verge of closing to a million dollar organization.

She is a Professor at Sheridan College as well as CEO/Founder of a consultancy firm called Lett’s Consult Community that specializes in grant writing, fundraising, business development and strategy particularly for nonprofits and small businesses and with government bodies on developing community development and partnership plans. She holds a BSc, BSW and an MBA.

Rana Nasrazadani (BA ’20, MPPAL ’22)

Member, Nominations & Governance, Scholarship & Awards, Senate

Rana Nasrazadani is an award-winning advocate, educator, public speaker, and policy analyst. Her work focuses on the intersections of accessibility, human rights, and education in Canada.

Informed by her lived experience navigating interlocking systems of oppression, Rana uses her passion for accessibility and equity to drive her comprehensive strength-based approach to disability rights advocacy. Through this work, she challenges ableism, advances accessibility, and emphasizes the importance of having lived experiences and knowledge at the center of decision-making processes.

She has been featured in The Toronto Star, CBC, and is a sought-after public speaker, who has spoken at numerous advocacy events across Ontario.

Rana was a member of Ontario's Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) Education Standards Development Committee, which led the development of recommendations aimed at creating a province-wide standard for accessibility in Ontario’s education system, as required by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

During her time at York, she championed accessibility work on campus, and worked on several projects regarding the university's accessibility initiatives, including advising architects on accessible design for the York University Markham Campus.

Rana holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Human Rights and Equity Studies and a Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law from York University.

In 2021, Rana was named one of York University’s inaugural Top 30 Alumni Under 30. She currently works as a Policy Analyst in the Ontario Public Service.

Jonathan Clodman (BEd ’19, BA ’19, MEd ’20)

Member, Nominations & Governance, Senate

Jonathan Clodman is an Elementary Teacher in the Toronto District School Board. His work in support of children/youth and education extends through a variety of classroom, camp, postsecondary, and community-based experiences.

An alumnus of York’s Psychology and Education programs, Jonathan was a proud President’s Ambassador, Health Ambassador, Student Senator, and President of the Faculty of Education Students’ Association. He was awarded the Cornerstone Leadership in Action Award and the Faculty of Education Award for Community Work. Jonathan continued his time at York completing a Master of Education, during which he served on the Faculty of Education Council and governance committees.

Since then, Jonathan has been included in York's Top 30 Alumni Under 30 and the Ontario Public School Boards' Association's Above and Beyond campaign, in recognition of outstanding early career achievement as well as impactful volunteerism during the COVID-19 pandemic. He maintains his connection to York today by hosting teacher candidates on practicum in his classroom, speaking to future students and future alumni at panels/events, and through his work on the YUAB.

Crystal Heidari (BSc ’17, JD ’20)

Member, Scholarship & Awards Committee

Crystal Heidari is a proud York University alumna, holding an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology (summa cum laude) from the Faculty of Health and a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School. Her academic excellence and leadership have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Robert J. Tiffin Award, Benjamin Laufer Memorial Entrance Scholarship, Alumni Golden GRADitude Award, and Faculty of Health Silver Medal.

Now a practicing family lawyer, Crystal was called to the Bar in 2021 and has since built a dynamic career in the field. She seamlessly handles various dispute resolution processes, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation, adapting her strategy to meet her clients' goals. Crystal combines her legal expertise with her psychology background to support individuals navigating complex and emotional legal matters.

Beyond her practice, Crystal remains deeply engaged in the legal and alumni communities. She serves as a Young Alumni Ambassador for York University and holds leadership roles on the executive committees of the Ontario Bar Association’s Family Law Section, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, Women’s Law Forum, and Young Lawyers Division (Central). She is passionate about mentorship, advocacy, and fostering connections among fellow alumni.

Julia Satov (BA ‘11, MEd ‘14)

Member, Scholarships & Awards Committee

Julia is a global leader, strategist and consultant with 15+ years' experience, effective in how companies, academia and NGOs, mobilize inclusion, engagement analytics and social impact towards organizational vision, and business priorities. She is an internationally published author on diversity with extensive experience in DEI, ARAO, Learning & Development, Culture, Leadership Development, Employee Engagement, Policy, Change and Organizational Effectiveness. My career, in both the private and public sector, start up, scale up and M&A, spans the industries of Academia, Legal, Finance and Tech. A national award winner for Outstanding Achievement in Organizational Development, CIO Views Top 10 DEI Inspiring Leaders to Follow in 2023, a Community Impact Award recipient by Extraordinary Women in Tech 2024 and New York Moves DEI Power Women 2024 Honouree. She has taught business executives at the University of the West Indies, graduate courses at Centennial College, guest lectured at Capilano, Schulich School of Business & York University and keynotes nationally and internationally in various forums. She sits as Co-Chair & Strategic Advisor to UNITAR CIFAL York, EDI Committee, on the Board of Directors for Ernestine's Women Shelter, and York University's Alumni Board of Directors.

Julia has a degree in Philosophy, a Masters of Education, a Law Clerk Diploma, and Certificates in: Professional Ethics (2012), Data-Driven Decision Making (2018) and a Certificate in Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (2023).

Abdullah Merei (BASC ’09, MBA ’15)

Member, Scholarships and Awards Committee

Currently serving as Senior Director, Engineering at Evertz Microsystems Ltd., Merei is leading the design, development, marketing and full deployment of industry-changing products and solutions for major broadcasting/media networks around the world.

Abdullah earned his degree in Computer Engineering from the Lassonde School of Engineering in 2009, graduating first in his class with distinction, and his MBA at the Schulich School of Business in 2015. His long list of accomplishments include: receiving the Allen Berg Award in 2007 and 2008, and being awarded a gold medal from the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. Merei was also the recipient of the inaugural Alumnus of the Year at the annual Lassonde Awards in 2015 and the 2017 One to Watch York University Bryden Award.

In his spare time, Merei seizes the opportunity to remain active and engaged. He is a mentor and role model to a number of Lassonde undergraduate students and also volunteers by mentoring start-ups in the technology industry.

Taline Apelian-Sutor

Member, Student Representative; Scholarships & Awards Committee

Taline Apelian-Sutor is a passionate third-year Biology student pursuing her degree with the Faculty of Science. Committed to serving her community through volunteer involvement, Taline actively seeks leadership opportunities at York University. A few of her endeavours include engaging in undergraduate research, supporting new students as a Peer Mentor, and advocating for her peers as a member of the Science Student Caucus and Faculty of Science Executive Committee. She also works to bridge the gap between students and university leadership as a President’s Ambassador. Outside of school, Taline operates a French tutoring business and finds great fulfillment in helping her students strengthen skills and gain confidence in their second language. She can also be found playing volleyball at York, practicing the piano, hiking, swimming, and exploring the outdoors.

Adaeze Emmanuel

Member, Student Representative; Scholarships and Awards Committee

Adaeze P. Emmanuel is a committed third-year Global Health student at York University, specializing in health promotion and disease prevention. With a strong passion for community engagement and leadership, she has taken on various roles to make a meaningful impact. Adaeze has served as a Course Representative, Junior Student Representative with the Global Health Student Association (GHSA), and Active Bystander with the Centre. As a Peer Mentor, she amplifies student voices and fosters a sense of belonging, while her role as an Alumni Ambassador focuses on building connections between alumni and current students.

Beyond her contributions to York University, Adaeze volunteers with Results Canada, where she advocates for global health issues impacting individuals worldwide. In her personal time, she channels her creativity into sharing food recipes on social media, combining her love for culinary arts with her commitment to connecting with others. Adaeze's dedication to advocacy and community-building continues to inspire her work both on and off campus.

Dennis Garces (BA ’92)

Vice Chair, Networks Committee; Member, Nominations & Governance Committee

Dennis is a serial entrepreneur, having been involved in a number of start-ups and has been a part of several successful public and private acquisitions. He has held numerous leadership roles over the past three decades. As a senior executive in the entertainment industry at PolyGram, Universal, Sony Music and BMG Music US and Somerset Group Global, Dennis has played pivotal roles in a multitude of global artists and was involved with brands as Much Music’s MuchDance and Big Shiny Tunes as well as MTV Party-To-Go, American Idol and the Grammy Awards music series.

Until most recently, Dennis has spent his time as a Strategic Advisor to a number of US, Canadian and European publicly traded and private companies. He has recently joined Deltec Bank & Trust, headquartered in the Bahamas as Executive Director, Corporate & Institutional Banking working with global entrepreneurs in a wide array of industries as technology, entertainment, esg and crypto currency.

Dennis supports the entrepreneurial spirit through his work with Upper Canada College’s, Common Ties Mentorship program, as well as his role as a mentor for several start-ups through Futurepreneur, a non-profit organization helping Canadians become business owners with loan financing, mentoring and business resources as well as a mentor with The Forum Mentor Program, supported by Scotiabank, a mentorship program to support Female Entrepreneurs.

Dennis holds an Honors BA in Creative Writing/English Lit with a minor in Economics and Psychology from York University.

Ross McMillan (BA ’01)

Vice-Chair, York University Alumni Board; Chair, Nominations and Governance Committee

Ross is a proud York alumnus, currently the Director, Student Success & Services at St. Lawrence College. Ross has dedicated his professional life to supporting student engagement and success, in his previous role as the Executive Director of Student Community & Leadership Development at York he led one of Canada’s largest central student affairs units building award-winning programs impacting thousands of students. Ross continues to serve as a Fellow of McLaughlin College and as a mentor to new student affairs professionals. In recognition of his dedication to York and the transformative impact co-curricular experiences have, Ross has endowed an annual club of the year award.

In recognition of his work, Ross has received numerous university and professional association awards.