York's Top 30 Alumni Under 30 - Division of Advancement

Recognizing the next generation of global changemakers

York University’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program celebrates inspiring and diverse alumni, 29 years old and younger, who are making a positive and impactful difference —both locally and abroad.

From Toronto to communities around the world, York’s young alumni are pushing the boundaries across sectors and borders. They are leaders, actively working to create meaningful change within their businesses, organizations and communities. Past recipients have pursued careers in innovation and entrepreneurship, sustainability, healthcare, technology, policy, law and many more—united by a commitment to making a difference.

These changemakers reflect the values of York University—bold, inclusive, and dedicated to creating positive change.

View the 2025 Top 30 Alumni Under 30

View the 2024 Top 30 Alumni Under 30

View the 2023 Top 30 Alumni Under 30

View the 2022 Top 30 Alumni Under 30

View the 2021 Top 30 Alumni Under 30.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A selection committee reviews the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 nominations based on criteria that considers the positive impact they are making in their business or community as well as their personal and professional achievements since graduation. The committee is comprised of volunteers from the Student Alumni Ambassador Program, the Young Alumni Ambassador Program and members from the Scholarships and Awards Committee of the York University Alumni Board.

No. With an alumni community of over 380,000, we’d like to give more alumni the opportunity to receive this recognition for the impact they are making in the world.

Nominees are welcome to be renominated to subsequent years if their initial nomination was unsuccessful, assuming they still meet the eligibility requirements.

Nominations and self-nominations can be submitted using the form on the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 web page.

Please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@yorku.ca.

Alumni cannot be selected more than once for this recognition, but unsuccessful nominees can be nominated in subsequent years, assuming they still meet the eligibility criteria. Additionally, nominations are not carried forward, so please submit a new nomination package to be reconsidered.

Yes, self-nominations are welcome.

Yes, and on the nomination form nominators are asked to disclose their relationship to the nominee.

Nominators will be contacted in late winter to share the results of their nomination.

All nominators are contacted with the results of their nomination.

Yes. Only the nominators are informed of unsuccessful nominations.

The Top 30 Alumni Under 30 are recognized on York University’s website, social media, alumni community newsletters and other potential media as exemplars of what York alumni take on and accomplish. Additionally, each alum on the list receives a framed certificate and digital badge.

If this FAQ doesn’t answer your question, please contact Nicole Light, Senior Alumni Engagement Officer at nlight@yorku.ca.

If this FAQ doesn’t answer your question, please contact Nicole Light, Manager, Alumni Success at nlight@yorku.ca.