In a world defined by rapid change and global challenges, the call for bold, compassionate, and visionary leadership has never been louder. At York University, we are proud to see our alumni stepping up to meet that call—not someday, but now.
York’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program celebrates exceptional young leaders who are using their talents, education, and passion to make meaningful change. Among this year’s recipients, 12 individuals are from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and each one is a powerful example of how our alumni are already shaping a better, more inclusive and sustainable future.
Purpose-Driven Visionaries: 12 Graduate Studies’ Alumni Making Change
Jocelyn Cadieux (MES ’20) is building healthier cities, one policy at a time. As Chair of the MES Planning Alumni Committee (MYPAC) and a dedicated policy planner, Cadieux champions walkable, transit-friendly communities. His long-range planning work makes cities not only more sustainable but also more livable—helping current and future generations thrive.
Lauren Castelino (MES ’24) is leading the charge toward environmental justice. As founder of the Green Career Centre, a non-profit that supports underrepresented youth entering green industries, Castelino is opening doors for the next generation of environmental leaders, empowering them to shape the policies and projects that will define a greener tomorrow.
Jordan Crocker (MBA ’22) exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and purpose. A lawyer and advocate, Crocker has worked with Rainbow Railroad to help 2SLGBTQIA+ asylum seekers find safety and freedom. Through mentorship and legal support, he builds bridges to brighter futures for marginalized individuals globally.
Jaskaran Grewal (MMgt ’18) brings a unique blend of business, legal, and tech expertise to his role as a corporate lawyer. Passionate about the venture ecosystem, Grewal advises emerging companies on navigating digital innovation, growth, and regulation. Outside the boardroom, he’s a dedicated volunteer, supporting non-profits with strategic counsel and community outreach.
Alexander Grynszpan (MBA ’21) is advancing human rights and access to justice. In addition to his work in cross-border capital markets law, Grynszpan volunteers with international NGOs supporting asylum-seeking youth. His legal advocacy ensures that vulnerable populations are heard, represented, and protected.
Svetlana Mamaeva (MBA ’21) is on a mission to close the gender gap in financial literacy. A first-generation Canadian and founder of FinPowered, Mamaeva has led over 100 free financial education workshops in Canada and Moldova, empowering women to take control of their financial futures. Her book, Money On Her Terms, is an extension of her belief that economic empowerment leads to societal transformation.
Tinotenda Mutsvangwa (MMgt ’21) sees finance as a vehicle for empowerment. As a financial advisor at CIBC and co-founder of Incorporate Zim, Mutsvangwa supports Black excellence and entrepreneurship across borders. His work helps individuals and communities build wealth, independence, and lasting change.
Blessing Owusu (MEd ’24) believes that every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and included. Through her research on Black student experiences and her children’s book Abena’s Adventures: A Taste of Home, Owusu is reshaping classrooms with narratives of representation, belonging, and identity—transforming how equity is taught and lived in education.
Aniket Prabhudesai (MASc ’22) is taking Canadian innovation to space—literally. As part of the technical team at MDA Space, Prabhudesai is working on the Canadarm 3 and other next-generation space robotics. His contributions are advancing humanity’s reach and Canada's legacy in space exploration.
Pankaj Puar (MSc ’21) stands at the cutting edge of science and medicine. As a senior medical student at the University of British Columbia and PhD candidate at the University of Toronto, Puar plays a key role in global clinical trials. His research into novel therapies is already shaping how diseases are treated, and lives are saved around the world.
Anjelica Ramsewack (MMgt ’21) is using storytelling to dismantle barriers and create impact. As co-founder of Engage, Ramsewack empowers BIPOC youth to become changemakers through accessible education and creative policy communication. Her work brings clarity, voice, and opportunity to communities that need it most.
Nathan Yiu (MDEM ’21) turns compassion into action in times of crisis. As Emergency Planning Advisor for the City of Vaughan and a global volunteer with the World Organization of the Scout Movement, Yiu empowers communities to prepare for the unexpected—inspiring a culture of resilience, service, and shared responsibility.
These 12 remarkable individuals are more than achievers—they are architects of a better world. Across industries, across borders, and across lived experiences, they embody the values of leadership, inclusivity, and innovation that define York’s graduate community.
Launched in 2021, the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program continues to spotlight the energy and excellence of young alumni who apply their York education to transform lives, communities, and the world at large.
Discover more about these inspiring changemakers and find out how you can be part of the movement for positive change by visiting the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 website.