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Alumni Profiles

York alumna builds recipe for success

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 […]

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 […]

Environmental and public health leader recognized for advancing clean air policies and tobacco control 

Michael Perley (BA ’70) is an environmental and public health advocate whose exceptional leadership has earned him one of Canada’s highest honors, the Order of Canada. He’s being recognized for his transformative work on tobacco control, creating smoke-free spaces and influencing significant legislative changes on acid rain emissions and air pollution in Canada and the […]

Alumni Spotlight: Irene Jeremic (LLM ‘11)

Since graduating from Simon Fraser University (B.Sc.), Jeremic’s career path has been nothing short of remarkable. As an executive at SFU’s spin-off company, eLearning Solutions, she unleashed her passion and displayed a knack for global commerce. As the eLearning Solutions’ VP Business and Customer Relations, Irene was responsible for managing of the development of an […]

Former minister dedicates career to advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ legislation 

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. While her passion for activism began in her late teens, it was during her time as a student at York University that she would make her first […]

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: Alexander Grynszpan (iBBA ’17, JD/MBA ’21) 

When Alexander Grynszpan (iBBA ’17, JD/MBA ’21) first stepped onto Keele Campus, it was with a clear vision to merge his passion for law with his interest in finance. Growing up in a multilingual household, he dreamed of a career with an international footprint. The International Bachelor of Business Administration (iBBA) at the Schulich School of […]

Top 30 Alumni Under 30 Spotlight: Tinotenda Mutsvangwa (BA ’20, MMgt ’21)

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 […]

Top 30 Alumni Under 30 Spotlight: Jasrin Kaur (BCom ’23) 

For Jasrin Kaur (BCom ’23), taking the leap from Italy to Canada was the start of a rewarding journey. Born to Indian parents and raised in Italy, she moved to Canada five years ago to begin her undergraduate studies as an international student. Drawn to the unique combination of business and technology courses, she enrolled in […]

Top 30 Alumni Under 30 Spotlight: Laiba Khaqan (BA ’22) 

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 […]