Dr. Dionne Stephens (BA ’96), an esteemed alumna whose journey began long before becoming the only black tenure-track faculty member in the department of Psychology at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, discusses opportunities, representation and learning in the University’s dynamic, metropolitan and multicultural stage. She reflects on her experience as a Black woman pursuing […]
It was life’s twists and turns that led Ngozi Iroanyah (MA ’17) to pursue research dedicated to improving the health status of Black communities . And it’s her passion for creating positive change for Black people living with dementia that has fuelled years of study on the topic. “I’m always hoping that we can destigmatize […]
From the age of 15, York alumna Fatou Jammeh (iBA ’15) was certain she wanted to become a diplomat. She fulfilled this dream working in various roles at the UN World Food Programme in Italy, Kenya and most recently, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Today, Fatou is breaking barriers in the non-profit sector as […]
While a student at York, Tosin Akinwekomi (BCom ’07), founded Beam Inc., a non-profit organization that donated school supplies to underprivileged students in Nigeria and rebuilt schools in the area. Now the Senior Director, Business Effectiveness, Client Contact Centres at CIBC. Tosin shares the experiences he had as a York student and advice he has […]
York alumna Ohemaa Boateng (BA ’17) has lived in the Jane and Finch community since she was a child. But it wasn’t until she started her role as a youth intern at Black Creek Community Farm that she would learn about food sovereignty and the challenges faced by marginalized people in her community. As a youth […]
Kamika McLean (BA ’02) has studied and worked in the United Kingdom and the Caribbean in various legal capacities. Currently, Kamika sits on the executive team of KSS HoldCo. Inc, a private equity company, as General Counsel. She is also a certified Notary Public & Commissioner. What are some of your memories of studying at York? […]
Artist, author, and educator Robert R. Small, C.M. (BEd ’14) is a highly sought-after speaker and workshop leader who gives speeches across Canada and delivers powerful workshops on the importance of Black History. He is the creator of the LEGACY poster which has been a staple seen across Canada in schools, businesses and organizations for […]
While for many, the topics of equity, diversity, and inclusion have only recently been at the forefront of discussions, for Anika Holder (BA ’98) these principles – creating safe, diverse, and inclusive spaces for all and challenging the norm – have always been a priority. Anika has used these beliefs as a foundation for what […]
Flavien Joubert is currently the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change & Environment on the small nation island of Seychelles. He completed a Master of Environmental Studies (MES) in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change at York University in 2003. How did you end up at York? I attended York in 2001 as a graduate […]
This February marks the 25th anniversary of the first time Black History Month was officially commemorated in Canada. This declaration was thanks in part to the work of Glendon alumna Rosemary Sadlier (BA) and honourary alumna Jean Augustine (LLD ’11). Throughout the month of February we’ll be sharing the stories of Black York alumni and […]