York University has announced its Top 30 Alumni Under 30 for 2026, with five of the alumni coming from the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. This incredible group under the age of 30 were selected based on their work creating real-world impact and positive change. They continue to use their skills developed through their LA&PS degrees towards causes and endeavours that benefit and inspire others.
“Each year, the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program highlights the remarkable achievements and impact of York’s global young alumni community,” says Julie Lafford, assistant vice-president, alumni engagement. “This year’s cohort features a diverse group of innovators who are shaping the future through their leadership, creativity and volunteerism.”
The LA&PS Alumni in the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 for 2026 are:
Muhammad Abdulhafiz
Founder, Tutorizer
BHRM ‘24, Human Resource Management
Muhammad Abdulhafiz is an educator, entrepreneur, and changemaker. Recognizing that mathematics is often the most challenging and frequently failed subject for students, he was inspired to rethink how it could be taught. This led him to developing Tutorizer, a tutoring program that supports math students through offering gamified practice and personalized learning paths, while helping them develop confidence and a genuine love for learning. As a secondary school teacher with the Toronto District School Board, He dedicates himself to creating classrooms where every student feels valued and supported. He also participates in extracurricular activities as a club supervisor, soccer coach, and student mentor. Beyond the classroom, he leads the Student Impact Alliance, a not-for-profit organization empowering marginalized and low-income youth through community care events and drives, grocery support programs, and structured mentorship initiatives that build belonging and expand access to opportunity.
Wasi Syed Babar
Senior Program Manager, City of Toronto, Chief Operating Officer, Muslim Youth Revival
BA ’20, Interdisciplinary Social Science and Public Policy, Administration and Law
Wasi Syed Babar is a transformative leader in public service and nonprofit innovation, recognized for driving large scale modernization and building resilient teams. At the City of Toronto, he leads enterprise transformation initiatives focused on enhancing the performance and resilience of mission critical public service systems. Previously, Wasi led Doctors Without Borders Canada’s Project Management Office (PMO), standardizing delivery across various projects in IT, HR, finance, communications and donor engagement. He also advanced federal modernization initiatives for the Government of Canada, managing a multi-million-dollar portfolio and aligning transformation programs with national priorities. Beyond his professional roles, Wasi is Chief Operating Officer of Muslim Youth Revival, a non-profit he co-founded to empower youth through grassroots leadership, mentorship, and community programs. Under his leadership, the organization has tripled its reach, built a volunteer base of more than 50, and secured sustainable funding through strategic partnerships.
Talha Aamer Chaudhry
Technology Consultant, Abacus
BA ’19, Economics
Talha Aamer Chaudhry is an entrepreneur and leadership coach. At Abacus, he spearheads enterprise cloud and integration projects helping organizations become more data driven. Through CodeStitch, his AI-powered apparel venture, he is bridging artificial intelligence with fashion, and sustainability by employing underprivileged communities and promoting ethical production. Talha leads several university chapters across Asia under his mentorship platform, EdSquare, supporting young entrepreneurs and students. He previously served as a coach for MBA students at Hitotsubashi University Business School in Tokyo, teaching Conflict Intervention & Transformation for Leaders. His newest venture, RiDscvr, embodies his mission to help individuals rediscover direction, resilience, and meaning in a rapidly evolving world.
Adam Garisto
Speechwriter, Office of the Prime Minister of Canada
BA ’20, Public Administration & Law
Adam Garisto has crafted the messaging for Canada’s top politicians, including two prime ministers and two ministers of national defence. He has communicated some of the government’s most high-profile policies and decisions. In 2025, Adam held the pen for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first federal budget. As a speechwriter for Prime Minister Carney, Adam has used the written word to move Canadians to reimagine what is possible when building our country. Previously, Adam served as speechwriter and communications advisor to defence ministers Bill Blair and David McGuinty, where he helped craft and launch Our North, Strong and Free. Adam got his start in politics in 2021 working for member of Parliament Michael Coteau before moving to Ottawa to write for prime minister Justin Trudeau.
Esther Martinez
Educator and Founder, Raíces
BA ’21, Children, Childhood & Youth
As the founder of Raíces, Esther Martinez leads an initiative that supports youth in their educational and career journeys through interactive workshops, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities that connect participants with professionals from diverse fields. Since its launch, Raíces has received strong engagement from parents, youth leaders, and the Latino community who recognize the need for dedicated support and greater representation across all sectors. Esther also represents York as a young alumni ambassador, supporting events and initiatives. She is also the vice-chair for the York University Faculty of Education Alumni Network (YUEAN), where she strengthens alumni relations and fosters connection across the faculty community.
Launched in 2021, York’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University’s alumni community, while inspiring the next generation of young alumni leaders. To view the full list of 2026 recipients, and learn more about them, visit the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 web page.
Originally published in YFile.