Connections: Student & Alumni Mixers

Connections: Careers in Tech | March 11, 2026

Venue: Vanier College, Room VC001 

At Connections: Student & Alumni Mixer event for Careers in Tech, our alumni panel discussed the versatility and current industry trends in tech. They shared insights with our upper year LA&PS students on how to better prepare for and build a successful career. The networking reception followed the panel.

Pre-event, the students were able to receive some networking training, to help them connect and network with the alumni during the reception. 

The alumni panelists were:

• Marta Rzeszowska, EMBA, CPP, PMP®, Head of Corporate Development and Innovation, Symcor
• Matthew Waters, VP Marketing, Demand Generation, ScalePad
• Sukhvinder Auluck, Senior Director - Enterprise Canada Partner, Kyndryl Canada Ltd.
• Taje Mohabir, Partner, Vice President of Wealth and Asset Management IP & BPS Market Development, CGI

Browse our Alumni Bios to see more alumni that participated in past events.

Connections: Women in Leadership Mixer | March 4, 2026

Venue: Vanier College, Room VC001

In honour of International Women's Day, LA&PS Development and Vanier College hosted a special Connections: Student & Alumni Mixer event for Women in Leadership.

Moderated by Interim Dean Kathryn McPherson, this stellar LA&PS alumnae panel shared their lived experiences, discussed the importance of women in leadership, overcoming obstacles and the importance of confidence and resiliency as students step into their careers. The networking reception followed the panel. 

Pre-event, the students were able to receive some networking training, to help them connect and network with the alumnae during the reception. 

The alumnae panelists were:

• Christine Evitt, Former President, Soroc Technology
• Giselle Vincett, VP North America, Yordas Group
• Janice Tee MHRM, Global VP, Human Resources, Magna International
• Shawna Hayman, SVP, Client Lead, Publicis
• Racheal Awe, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Elections Ontario

Browse our Alumni Bios to see more alumni that participated in past events.

Connections: Wealth Management and Finance Mixer | November 5, 2025

Venue: Vanier College, Room VC001

This Student & Alumni mixer focused on careers in Wealth Management and Finance. Upper year LA&PS students had the opportunity to listen to the expert alumni panel and glean some valuable ideas for their future career paths. The networking reception followed the panel. 

Pre-event, the students were able to receive some networking training, to help them connect and network with the alumni during the reception. 

The alumni panelists were: 

• Don Levy, CFP, CIM, FSCI, TEP, Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager, Confido Wealth Management Group
• Elizabeth Hurly, CFP, CIM, RIAC, Financial Advisor, Hurly Owen Wealth Advisory at Raymond James
• Fabio Campanella, Partner, The Campanella Group
• Jason Polsinelli, MBA, PFP, STI, CFDS, CIM, Senior Wealth Advisor and Portfolio Manager, Scotia Wealth Management
• Madhav Dugar, Senior Analyst, CIBC Capital Markets

Browse our Alumni Bios to see more alumni that participated in past events.

Connections: Law Mixer | October 8, 2025

Venue: Vanier College, Room VC001

This Student & Alumni mixer focused on careers in Law. Upper year LA&PS students had the opportunity to listen to the expert alumni panel and glean some valuable ideas for their future career paths. The networking reception followed the panel. 

Pre-event, the students were able to receive some networking training, to help them connect and network with the alumni during the reception. 

The alumni panelists were: 

• Aaron Crangle, Lawyer, Crangle Law Professional Corporation 
• Angelo Sciacca, C.S., Partner, Schultz Law Group
• Jayson Thomas, Partner, Loopstra Nixon LLP
• Sandev Purewal, Partner, Learners LLP

Browse our Alumni Bios to see more alumni that participated in past events.

Connections: Law Mixer | March 5, 2025

Venue: Vanier College, Room VC001 

This Student & Alumni mixer focused on careers in Law. Upper year LA&PS students had the opportunity to listen to the expert alumni panel and glean some valuable ideas for their future career paths. The networking reception followed the panel. 

Pre-event, the students were able to receive some networking training, to help them connect and network with the alumni during the reception. 

The alumni panelists were: 

• Aaron Crangle, Lawyer, Crangle Law Professional Corporation 
• Leora Shemesh, Owner, Leora Shemesh Criminal Law 
• Sandev Purewal, Partner, Learners LLP

Browse our Alumni Bios to see more alumni that participated in this event.

Connections: English, Creative Writing, Professional Writing and Humanities Mixer | February 5, 2025

Venue: Vanier College, Room VC001 

This Student & Alumni mixer focused on navigating a career path with an English or Creative Writing degree. Upper year LA&PS students had the opportunity to listen to the expert alumni panel and glean some valuable ideas for their future career paths. The networking reception followed the panel. 

Pre-event, the students were able to receive some networking training, to help them connect and network with the alumni during the reception. 

The alumni panelists were: 

• Alan Bresgi, Head of Communications, mBolden Consulting
• D'Arcy Cameron, Career Strategist & Coach
• Tanna Braodbar, Founder, Percepta Leadership

Browse our Alumni Bios to see more alumni that participated in this event.

Connections: HR Management Mixer | November 7, 2024

Venue: Vanier College, Room VC001 

This Student & Alumni mixer focused on careers in HR Management. Upper year LA&PS students had the opportunity to listen to the expert alumni panel and glean some valuable ideas for their future career paths. The networking reception followed the panel. 

Pre-event, the students were able to receive some networking training, to help them connect and network with the alumni during the reception. 

The alumni panelists were 

• Laura Alfano Victoria , National Leader, Early Talent, Deloitte
• Michael Obnowlenny, Vice President, People & Culture, Wise Publishing, Inc.
• Nadia Ciani, Founder/Consultant, EnergyXChange Group

Browse our Alumni Bios to see more alumni that participated in this event.

Connections: Finance, Economics and Accounting Mixer | September 25, 2024

Venue: Vanier College, Room VC001 

Our first in-person Connections: Student & Alumni Mixer was a great success!  Focusing on career discussions in Finance, Economics and Accounting, upper year LA&PS students had the opportunity to listen to the expert alumni panel and glean some valuable ideas for their future career paths. The networking reception followed the panel. 

Pre-event, the students were able to receive some networking training, to help them connect and network with the alumni during the reception. 

The alumni panelists were: 

• Kim Coote, CPA, CGA, CFO, Whitecap Venture Partners/Whitecastle Management Limited
• Michael Baxter, CPA, CA, EMBA, Director, Accounting, MLSE
• Tosin Akinwekomi, MBA, CPA, CMA, Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives, CIBC

Browse our Alumni Bios to see more alumni that participated in this event. 

Careers In Information Technology | February 28, 2024
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Students in Information Technology in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies participated in a virtual Speed Mentoring and Networking event on February 28, where they engaged with established professionals and experts in the Information Technology field.  

The alumni mentors had a breadth of industry knowledge and experience to share, coming from companies including Entegris, ISM – a Kyndryl Company, Binance.US, SourcingHaus Research and Consulting Group and more.   

The event included a feature interview with Johanna de Boer, CEO & Founder of HINGE Consulting Group. Johanna shared her career journey, from graduating in geography from York to running her own consulting company, helping companies bridge gaps by offering expertise on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Information Advisory and more. She also spoke about current trends in the IT industry and how networking and making connections can help you build a successful and lasting career.

Careers in English or Creative Writing | February 13, 2024
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Students in English or Creative Writing in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies participated in a virtual Speed Mentoring and Networking event on February 13, where they engaged with alumni who have graduated from English or Creative Writing programs and are now established professionals and experts in a variety of fields.  

The alumni mentors had a breadth of industry knowledge and experience to share, coming from companies including Brunico Communications, Volkswagen Group Canada, Ontario Pension Board and more.  The mentor group also included entrepreneurs and freelancers. 

The event included a feature interview with Stephanie Hart, VP, Communications at Aviso. Stephanie shared insights on how the skills developed while taking an English or Creative Writing can be useful in any industry and how having an open mind, focusing on your passion, and building a networking community goes a long way towards achieving personal and professional success.  

Careers in HR Management | January 31, 2024
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Students in HR Management in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies participated in a virtual Speed Mentoring and Networking event on January 31, where they engaged with established professionals and experts in the HR Management field. 

The alumni mentors had a breadth of industry knowledge and experience to share, coming from companies including CPP Investments, TD Bank Group, LCBO, Volkswagen Group Canada, Johnny’s Selected Seeds and more.  

The event included a feature interview with Daniela De Cotis, VP, Human Resources, Business Banking at TD Bank Group. Daniela shared her insights on the future of HR Management profession, and how connecting with your peers and those that have different points of view are some of the key tools to building a successful career. 

Careers in Economics, Accounting & Finance | September 27, 2023
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Students in Economics, Accounting and Finance at Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies participated in a virtual Speed Mentoring and Networking event on September 27, where they engaged with established professionals and experts in the fields of economics and finance. 

The alumni mentors had a breadth of industry knowledge and experience to share, coming from companies including BDO Canada, TD Securities, Sun Life Financial, OSFI, Morgan Stanley and more.  

The event included a feature interview with Mark Lam, Partner, Head of Quality Monitoring at BDO Canada. Mark shared his insights on how to build a successful career right now, while still in university, including the importance of networking and taking the time to invest in yourself.

Leveraging my Liberal Arts Degree | March 2, 2023

On the evening of March 2nd, students in 65 of York University’s Liberal Arts programs got an opportunity to meet alumni from their programs and get inspired for their futures. The event, Leveraging my Liberal Arts Degree marked the return of in person Connections, first such gathering since 2020!  

For the fifth consecutive year, the Connections speed mentoring and networking event series was hosted by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) Development Team, bringing alumni and students together for career conversations. 

Before the networking rounds, students received on-site coaching on networking etiquette.  It gave them the opportunity to reflect on the purpose of networking and how to make the best use of their time. 

Guest alumni mentors in attendance included vice presidents, CFOs, and entrepreneurs. Each brought a breadth of experience and knowledge from areas including finance, manufacturing, marketing, human resources, management, and others.

Careers in HR Management | January 25, 2023
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Students in School of Human Resources Management at Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies participated in a virtual Speed Mentoring and Networking event on January 25, where they engaged with established professionals and experts in the field of human resources.

The alumni mentors had a breadth of industry knowledge and experience to share, coming from companies including BMO, Ceridian, Mercer, Info-Tech Research Group, and Kids Help Phone.

The event included a feature interview with LA&PS alumna Kelly Mawhinney (MHRM, Human Resources Management ‘17), Partner, Toronto Career LOB at Mercer. Kelly shared her career journey after graduation from York University, talks about the current trends and future of HR and provides valuable advice on what you can do right now to prepare for and find success in whichever career you choose to pursue.

Careers in Information Technology | December 1, 2022
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Students in School of Information Technology programs at Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies participated in a virtual Speed Mentoring and Networking event on December 1, where they engaged with established professionals and experts in the field of information technology.

The alumni mentors had a breadth of industry knowledge and experience to share, coming from companies including Softchoice, RBC Capital Markets, Accenture, Workday and MLSE.

The event included a feature interview with LA&PS alumnus Manil Wagle (MA, Information Systems & Technology ‘14), Senior Manager, Data Science & Advanced Analytics at OXFORD Properties.  Manil shares his career journey after graduation from York University, the importance of guidance in mentor-mentee relationship, and how combination of passion, hard work and continuous education can lead to a successful career.

Careers in Economics, Accounting & Finance | October 5, 2022
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Students in Department of Economics and the Accounting and Finance programs at Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies participated in a virtual Speed Mentoring and Networking event on October 5, where they engaged with established professionals and experts in the fields of economics, accounting and finance.

The alumni mentors had a breadth of industry knowledge and experience to share, coming from companies including TD, KPMG, Metrolinx, MNP LLP and Franklin Templeton.

The event included a feature interview with LA&PS alumnus Nadeem Kassam (BCom, Commerce '11 and MBA ‘20), Head of Investment Strategy at Raymond James Ltd. Nadeem shared his journey from York University to his current position, realities of current job market and the importance of networking to develop relationships and gather knowledge and insights for a successful career.

Careers in Accounting & Finance | March 9, 2022
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Students in the Accounting and Finance programs at Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies participated in a virtual Speed Mentoring and Networking event on March 9, where they engaged with established professionals and experts in the fields of accounting and finance.

The alumni mentors had a breadth of industry knowledge and experience to share, coming from companies including Metrolinx, SAP Canada, TD, Deloitte, KPMG, and Franklin Templeton.

The event included a feature interview with LA&PS alumna Sandra Gortana (BA, Economics '88), Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Auditor at TD Bank Group. Sandra shared her journey from her time at York University to her current role, as well as the mentors in her life and the importance of mentorship and networking for students in every stage of their career.

Careers in Human Resources Management (HRM) | February 9, 2022
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Students in the School of Administrative Studies (SAS), Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, participated in a virtual Speed Mentoring and Networking event on February 9, where they engaged with established professionals and experts in their fields.

The alumni mentors had a breadth of industry knowledge and experience to share, coming from companies including Deloitte, Bank of Montreal, CPP Investments and Citco Canada Inc.

The event included a feature interview with LA&PS alumnus and mentor Dario Kosarac (MHRM, Human Resources Management '14), Managing Director, Head of Talent Analytics & Rewards at CPP Investments. Dario shared his journey from York University student to current role, the future of Human Resources and the skills university students need to successfully transition to the workforce.

Careers in Information Technology | November 24, 2021
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Students in the School of Information Technology, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, participated in a virtual Speed Mentoring and Networking event on November 24, where they engaged with established professionals and experts in their fields.

The alumni mentors had a breadth of industry knowledge and experience to share, coming from companies including RBC, BDO Canada Google, CGI Canada, ISM Canada and Intuit.

The event included a feature interview with LA&PS alumnus and mentor Hasnain Versi (BA, Economics and Business '00), President and CEO at ISM Canada.  Hear Hasnain discuss his journey from an international student at York University to his current role, the influential role his mentors have played in his life, and the importance of networking and mentorship for students. Hasnain also doled out valuable advice about post-grad life, learning from failure, and embracing the unexpected.

Careers in Economics & Finance | November 10, 2021
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Students in the Economics and Finance programs at Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, participated in a virtual Speed Mentoring and Networking event on November 10, where they engaged with established professionals and experts in their fields.

The alumni mentors had a breadth of industry knowledge and experience to share, coming from companies including Canada Life, McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, TD and Value Insight Realty.

The event included a feature interview with LA&PS alumnus Matt Golden (BA, Economics '92), Founder & Managing Partner at Golden Ventures. Listen in as Matt speaks about making the transition from student to professional, how he's using his economics degree, and the importance of mentorship — at every stage of your career.

Careers in Business & Management | March 3, 2021

Students and new alumni in the School of Administrative Studies (SAS), Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, participated in a virtual Speed Mentoring and Networking event on March 3, where they engaged with established professionals and experts in their fields.

More than 40 alumni mentors met online with 60 students and recent graduates over three speed-mentoring rounds, followed by a topical networking session covering the focus areas most important to SAS students. The alumni mentors had a breadth of industry knowledge and experience to share, coming from companies including Microsoft, TD, Staples Canada, AstraZeneca, GE Healthcare and PwC.

The event included a feature interview with LA&PS alumnus Robert Cultraro (BCom '93), senior vice-president, chief investment and pension officer at Hydro One Inc. Cultraro shared insights about his career path and imparted industry knowledge to help students navigate their career journeys.

Read more about this event in YFile

Careers in Human Resources Management (HRM) | January 26, 2021

Students in the School of Human Resources Management were treated to an evening of expert advice and candid feedback from York alumni on Jan. 26 at the Connections Speed Mentorship & Networking event hosted by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) development team.

More than 20 LA&PS alumni mentors met online with 75 students, over three speed-mentoring rounds and topical networking sessions in Zoom breakout rooms. The alumni mentors, all senior leaders in industry and government, brought a breadth of experience and knowledge to guide students on their career journeys.

The event also included a feature interview with LA&PS and Osgoode alumna Grace Palombo, executive vice-president and chief human resource officer at Great-West Lifeco Inc. Palombo talked about her career journey and gave valuable insights for students aspiring to a career in human resources management.

Read more about this event in YFile