Our Students

Ashlynn Chand graduated from the University of Alberta with Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology. She worked as a freelance journalist and editor before starting her master’s degree. She has written for Ricochet Media, TorontoStar, The Tyee, Jacobin, The Walrus, Xtra Magazine, and was a labor reporting intern at PressProgress. Her short time as a reporter, she covered topics relating to community, migrants, and women. She is a child of the internet and spends too much time online, leading her to become interested in feminist digital spaces. Working at Amazon and writing about sex workers, she became interested in the ways gender, migration, labour, and technology intersect. Her research plan is to study how digital sexual violence affects migrant women in Malaysia or alternatively find how technology companies impact digital sexual violence in the Global South.

Daisy graduated from Humber College with a Bachelor of International Development, where she was on the Dean's List every semester and received the International Development Award and the Academic Excellence Award. She was also recognized in the Dean's Newsletter September 2022 Edition for her work placement with ASONI in San Jose, Costa Rica, a community-based organization dedicated to providing a safe environment and educational support to some of the city's most marginalized youth. Her time in Costa Rica equipped her with valuable skills and knowledge, inspiring her to continue her education and pursue an MA in Development Studies at York University. In her quest to reconnect with her indigenous roots and provide a voice to her community, the Igorot community, her research will focus on Igorot people's experiences with discrimination and marginalization and its ramifications in the Philippines. When she is not engaged with schoolwork, she enjoys archery, embroidery, and cooking.

Emily graduated with distinction from Toronto Metropolitan University with a BA (Hons) in Public Administration and Governance, a minor in Global Politics and Development, and a Certificate in Food Security. Since her early days in the community gardens of British Columbia, she has worked with non-profit organizations to strengthen food security and build resilient communities. After years of work in emergency food distribution and food skills education, Emily became interested in the state's role in food systems and has served on several food policy councils, including as Chair of the Simcoe County Food Council. Awards recognizing her dedication to academic and community work include the Alterna Prize for Women Social Change Leaders (2020) and the David Crombie Achievement Award (2023). Emily's current research on the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program examines how extractive neocolonial systems affect development in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.

Fatima has completed her Paralegal Studies Diploma from Humber College and is also a licensed paralegal in Ontario and a notary public. Additionally, she holds an Honours Bachelor's degree in Global Political Studies from York University. Her research focuses on the experiences of the Hazara people of Afghanistan who are currently in Pakistan as refugees. This research resonates with her passion for social justice and her interest in global issues, especially in Central and South Asia, as well as the Middle East. Fatima has actively contributed to her community by supporting the Afghanistan Relief Organization (ARO) as a part-time online English instructor, assisting women refugees in Pakistan. Additionally, she serves as the Head of Events at the Pakistani Students' Association (PSA) at York University, the largest Pakistani students club in Canada, where she keeps the student community engaged and entertained.

Fatoumata Kane, a distinguished alumna of York University, holds an Honours degree in International Development. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to fostering a positive impact on the world, both professionally and personally, she stands as an esteemed member of the UNICEF Canada team. Within this role, Fatoumata actively contributes to meaningful projects designed to enhance the lives of children and communities. Preceding the commencement of her Master's program, she served as a Program Coordinator for an Environmental Initiative, overseeing various sustainability projects that culminated in her participation at COP27. This experience further enriched her understanding of environmental issues on a global scale. As Fatoumata advances in her academic, professional, and entrepreneurial pursuits, she is eager to magnify her impact. Her enthusiasm is fueled by the prospect of inspiring others to join her on this transformative journey of positive change and sustainable development. In addition to her academic achievements, her hands-on experience in program coordination and environmental initiatives positions her as a dynamic and forward-thinking advocate for meaningful change.

Fitsum completed her undergraduate degree at University of Toronto with an Hons Bachelor of Arts Degree double majoring in African Studies and Diaspora and Transnational Studies. She took several courses during her undergraduate degree that were instrumental in forming her research interests and applying to York University's Development Studies program. These courses helped her develop a critical lens to analyse the importance of historical events in relation to contemporary challenges in the world, how power dynamics between the global north and south shape the paradigms, and decisions made by the government, organisations, and civil society. She believes that grassroots organisations play an essential role in promoting change. Her current research interest is centred on youth unemployment and solutions proposed by local development initiatives in Ethiopia. Additional areas of interest include egalitarian education, closing income inequality, food security, humanitarian assistance, environmental sustainability, and making the world more accessible to individuals with disabilities. She is confident that this program will enrich her understanding on the interdisciplinary topic of development, gain practical skills from the research opportunities, and allow her to critically engage with her colleagues, professors, and program administrators.

Francisco is currently studying for a Master's degree in Development Studies. His research project will focus on authoritarianism and attacks on the freedom of the press in Mexico.

He holds a Master's degree in Comparative Public Policy from the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO-Mexico) and two Bachelor's degrees, one in Law and the other in Economics, from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). At that University, he taught Public Finance, Socioeconomic Problems of Mexico, and Growth and Development Economics. He was also a full-time Associate Researcher at the UNAM's Institute for Economic Research. He has authored and co-authored books, chapters, and articles on public finance, transparency, accountability, combating corruption, and culture related to economic underdevelopment. When working for a CSO in 2005, he became interested in the protection of human rights, specifically in freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the right to access public information.

As a first-generation Canadian, Humairah was born to Sri Lankan Muslim immigrants, and the unique experiences of her family have ignited a deep drive within her to understand marginalized Muslim populations with utmost sincerity and compassion. This personal commitment has been a guiding force throughout her life. She completed her BA in Human Rights and Equity Studies and is currently in her first year of the MA program in Development Studies.

Humairah wears multiple hats in her professional life. She serves as a Program Director with SMILE Canada, an NGO dedicated to empowering Canadian Muslim youth with disabilities, reflecting her dedication to fostering inclusivity and social equity within her community. Additionally, she holds the role of Lab Coordinator at the Global South Migration Lab, actively contributing to research and initiatives related to migration, particularly in the Global South.

Furthermore, her time as a Research Assistant has been marked by her valuable contributions to various research projects, including investigations related to the refugee and migrant crisis, and the impact of COVID-19 on migrant remittances. Her own experiences of racialization and discrimination as a Muslim woman, coupled with her research background, have led Humairah to a compelling focus for her MA research. She is keen to explore how COVID-19 development disparities intersect with Islamophobia, further stigmatizing Muslims, particularly in Sri Lanka. This research endeavour exemplifies her dedication to shedding light on the complex social and health issues affecting Muslim communities and working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Jasmine graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology. After taking lessons on human nature and the functioning of the brain, she went on to study anthropology, which looked at humans on a larger scale, and human rights and equity. She gained knowledge of policy concerns and societal inequalities, and she became passionate about addressing such issues. Jasmine intends to go on working in development, policy, and refugee problems with an emphasis on the Afghan diaspora in Toronto. The focus of her research will be on those who departed Afghanistan in response to the Taliban takeover in 2021. Her research aims to investigate and comprehend the common narratives of Afghan migrants and the narratives put on them, encounters, and difficulties faced by immigrants from Afghanistan, specifically regarding their views on the current Taliban government. Filling in the information vacuum about the viewpoints of Afghan immigrants in the Canadian setting. She aspires to improve the lives of refugees and contribute to the urgently required change of our social institutions for these neglected groups by using her experiences and lessons.

Kayla earned an Honours BA from Wilfrid Laurier University, double-majoring in Communication Studies with a focus on global communication and Global Studies concentrating on international development. During her undergraduate years, she actively engaged in various student clubs and activities. She found particular fulfillment as the Communications Executive of Laurier's Sustainable Development Goals Club, allowing her to practice her human rights and advocacy aspirations. Kayla possesses a steadfast dedication to advocating for vulnerable populations, and she aspires to establish a career in International Law with the goal of fostering a more equitable and just world. Her internship at COSTI Immigration provided invaluable firsthand experience in assisting newcomers in their settlement journey in Canada. Through this experience, she gained a deep understanding of the challenges refugees face upon their arrival in Canada, nurturing a profound empathy for their struggles. This motivation drives her commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming society for all. Consequently, her research interests now center around comprehending and addressing the challenges faced by refugees and the support mechanisms available in Canada to assist them.

Liyu holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in African Studies and Diaspora and Transnational Studies from the University of Toronto. She is passionate about social justice issues and has engaged in numerous initiatives that promote human rights issues and environmental sustainability. She has worked with local community organizations who share her interests in promoting social justice initiatives. Among these initiatives are the following: partaking in problem-solving exercises at the development and peace conference; encouraging people to sign a petition in support of the Toronto Youth Cabinet's campaign to end anti-Black, brown, and Indigenous racism in Ontario schools; tutoring international students; volunteering at homeless shelters; and participating virtually in Climate Justice U of T initiatives. She is optimistic that the DVST program will enable her to pursue her research interest: the relevance of Ethiopia's education system in relation to the socio economic demands of its population, and, ultimately, how this contributes to the country's sustainable development.

Melissa completed her undergraduate studies in Political Science (Hons. Bachelor of Arts) at York University. She studied topics such as gender and development, globalization, post-colonialism, decolonialization in Africa and immigration, particularly their economic and social integration in Canada. She developed a nuanced understanding of gender-based violence and the experiences of women survivors of war rape. Melissa hopes to continue working in development with communities that are underrepresented and marginalized. She wants to use the theoretical frameworks from the DVST program to fulfill her aspiration of advancing gender equality and development in Canada and abroad. She intends to conduct research on reproductive rights and justice from the perspectives of women from low social class communities, Indigenous communities, and racialized communities. Specifically, she will question what various actors (governmental and non-governmental organizations) are currently doing in providing effective strategies in addressing the challenges that women from marginalized communities in Canada face regarding their reproductive rights, justice, and health.

Owen is currently a Development Studies MA student at York University. Prior entering York, he graduated with a BA at University of Toronto Scarborough, where he majored in International Development Studies, and minored in French and Public Policy. He is interested in the field of development studies as it is interdisciplinary, and it focuses on different issues in the developing world. His current research interest is forced migration and how local communities can help newcomers in Canada. His major research paper will focus on displaced Ukrainian refugees because of Russian invasion and how state and non-state actors can support Ukrainian newcomers.

Rifatur completed his Honor’s and Master’s degrees from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh in Women and Gender Studies. His Honor’s monograph focused on Women’s well-being and happiness, and Master’s thesis focused on Bangladeshi women’s employment exit from the employment sector and domestic re-entry. After his education, he worked with a Public Policy think tank called IID, where he worked on issues related to gender and migration, and worked closely with the policymakers to advocate for meaningful change. He also worked as a Research Fellow with an International Development Consultancy firm called Globesight, with the Gates Foundation as one of the closest collaborators. Over his career, he has worked with many NGOs, INGOs, CSOs, and CBOs in Bangladesh, such as BRAC, Asian Development Bank, British Council, Sisimpur (Sesame Street) Bangladesh, ActionAid, UNWomen, and others, on issues of Education, Refugees, Financial Inclusion, and Disability Arts. At York University, he hopes to learn more about the development discourse from the perspective of the Global North and plans to do research on issues of International Migrant Students.

Roshane holds a Master of Publishing (Distinction) from Simon Fraser University. His research focused on knowledge ecosystems and learning organisations. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in International Relations from the University of the West Indies, Mona. Roshane’s research is rooted in the on-going debate on culture’s role in sustainable development. He studies cultural diplomacy in the Global South, with a particular interest in the policy infrastructure and programming that supports south-south cooperation. His work focuses on the role(s) of cultural and creative industry civil society organisations in UNESCO Creative Cities in Colombia and Jamaica. Roshane's professional background is in marketing, communication, and strategic partnerships. He previously served as the Advocate, Policy Advisor and Campaigns Officer at the Graduate Student Society at Simon Fraser University.

Shireen is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago where she read for and achieved a Bachelor of Science in International Relations with a Minor in Political Science. During her earlier formative years Shireen had been an active member in the Girl Guides Association and Rangers at the St. Joseph’s Convent St. George which helped to foster a sense of selflessness and empowerment. Those activities did not end upon graduation in fact she found a way to engage in her community through membership in the Rotaract Club (District 7030) and as a volunteer at the Mt. Gava Reading and After School Program for underserved youth in her community. She understood that these activities did not only help to shape her outlook on what development should look like and entail, but it also cement her career path. To realize this goal, while she worked in the banking industry in her home country of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, she sought out online short courses which piqued her interest, such as those offered by the World Bank and Amnesty International via edX . She also pursued a short course entitled ‘What is Development’ offered by the University of East Anglia and the rest is history. She hopes to gain further appreciation of Development Studies both in theory and practice so that she can make a meaningful contribution to her society and the world at large.

Valerie graduated from the University of Ghana (UG) with First Class Honours in Political Science and French (BA). Having an interest in French, she studied in University of Strasbourg, France for a one-year language immersion study abroad program. As part of her strategies to master the French language, she joined Prothelan, a drama club in the university which promoted the study of languages, and this yielded positive results.

After her undergraduate studies, she worked as an Administrative Assistant at the International Programmes Office of the University of Ghana, and then as a Virtual Assistant and part-time Data Specialist with Aya Data and ultimately as an Executive Assistant to the Managing Director of Velia Consulting before beginning her graduate studies. Through this, she gained research, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Her interest in the DVST program emerged through her passion for humanitarian work and additionally her exposure to the field of development studies during her undergraduate program in Political Science. Her research interest lies in healthcare where she aims to examine equity in healthcare access in Africa through the National Health Insurance Scheme, using Ghana as a case study. Through this research, she hopes to contribute her quota to Ghana’s health system and development in general.