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York alumnus continues the fight for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion amidst changing tide

Promoting inclusion for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is a cause that Trevor Fairlie (JD ’19) has devoted a lot of time and energy into. However, with recent changes in the social and political spheres, this cause has faced a new challenge; one that Trevor hopes to meet head on.   Trevor is a lawyer and the former chair for Start Proud, a national non-profit organization that provides support for 2SLGBTQIA+ students during the early stages of their career.  The organization had an […]

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. As a tour leader with Worldwide Quest, Dan […]

Alumna opens doors for Black girls and young women 

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 […]

Six exceptional alumni celebrated at the 25th anniversary of the York U Alumni Awards 

On Nov. 6, members of the York University community gathered at the TIFF Lightbox in downtown Toronto for the 25th anniversary of the 2025 York U Alumni Awards. More than 200 guests were in attendance bringing together alumni, friends, faculty, students and staff for an evening of celebration, entertainment and networking.  “For the past 25 years, […]

Building a community of mental health support 

After dealing with his own personal battle with depression, Jason Balgopal (JD, LLB ’97) saw the importance of a support group to help combat a challenge that many deal with in isolation. To address this crucial need, Jason started the Mental Wellness Peer Support Group, a weekly peer-to-peer support group for those who face similar […]

York alumnus leverages education background to teach new information technology

While many students pursue a degree in Education with the goal of teaching in the classroom, Miles Gargaritano (BEd ’15) pursued his degree with the goal of teaching in the workplace. As the Senior Director, Information Technology (IT) Operations at Loopio, a Toronto-based software company that supercharges response management, Miles utilizes what he learned in […]

York University Alumni Board recognizes four students for academic excellence and leadership 

The York University Alumni Board has announced the recipients of the 2025 Alumni Silver Jubilee Scholarship, Alumni Golden GRADitude award and the Harry Arthurs Alumni Families Entrance Scholarship. Alumni Silver Jubilee Scholarship Shon Lazarev The Alumni Silver Jubilee Scholarship is presented to a student who exemplifies excellence in academics, leadership and community impact. This year’s […]

Navigating the Summer Job Market: How to stay strategic during the slower months 

As a proud alumna of York University, I’ve built a career deeply rooted in community, leadership and impact. Over the past decade, I’ve worn many hats: Non-profit director, executive recruiter, board leader, and now, your Alumni Career Coach. In this article, I’m sharing some of the most common situations job seekers are navigating right now […]

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. “I was at a […]

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. “Our communities shape who we are and […]