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 […]
Completing a degree while working full-time is no small feat, now imagine doing it during a global pandemic. Asare Kester-Akrofi (MPPAL ’20) is a recent graduate of York's Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL) program, working full time in public service and is an active community volunteer.
When Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu (BA ’10) was hired in January 2020 to take the helm of Toronto’s Obsidian Theatre as its new artistic director, she had no idea how much the world would change by the time she started the job in July.
After completing two degrees from York, Sarah Embaye's early career success took her to Los Angeles to work at a Black led startup before returning to Toronto where she now works as a partnerships coordinator at MLSE LaunchPad.