York University School of Public Policy & Administration Alumni Network (YUSPPAAN) is a community of graduates from York University’s School of Public Policy & Administration (SPPA). Our alumnus include public servants from all levels of government and non-profit organizations and private sector leaders. We work closely with our alumnus to promote their achievements and deliver events and programming for professional development opportunities.
Career Support
Get help with resume and cover letter writing, interview practice and mentoring.
Alumni Recognition
We will showcase your successes and promotions.
Learning and Professional Development
Get help with obtaining admission to conferences and lectures, membership to professional associations and skills upgrade and training.
Events and
Programming
Access to diverse roster of events and job shadowing opportunities.
Partnerships
Have a great idea? Partner with us to bring it to life. We collaborate with public, private, and non profit organizations to give you opportunities.
Meet The Team!
Khushbu Dhaliwal
Chair
I am the Chair of the York University School of Public Policy and Administration Alumni Network (YUSPPAAN). I am currently working as a Program Consultant at the Internships Unit within the Treasury Board Secretariat, where I support and deliver programs for interns within the Ontario Public Service (OPS). Prior to this, I was a Program and Service Delivery intern in the Ontario Internship Program (OIP) with the Ontario Travel Information Services, Destination Ontario, at the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. I started working for the OPS as a practicum student in 2020 and helped with the implementation, development and execution of many critical initiatives. I have completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in History and the Professional Certificate in Public Policy Analysis at York University in 2021. I also served as the President of the Public Policy and Administration Student Association (PPASA) and am the recipient of the York University School of Public Policy and Administration 2021 Undergraduate Student Award.
Jade-Omar Williams
Vice-Chair
I am the Vice Chair of the York University School of Public Policy & Administration Alumni Network (YUSPPAAN). My first experience in the public sector came in the year 2020 when I became a vaccine representative for the Ontario Health government. What a year that was. It was of course accompanied with the challenges that came with the pandemic. Being in that environment really made me aware how much people missed in-person interactions and how we collectively struggled once those opportunities were limited. This is a lesson learned that we will not soon forget. Fast-forwarding to the future, I took on more client engaging roles such as being the Event Coordinator for the Business Improvement Area of Cityplace/Fort York, and later, to my current role as a mortgage specialist with First National. I now understand how essential it is to create communication avenues and to foster growth in relationships once they are built. I plan to do my best to bring this knowledge and experience to YUSPPAAN.
Gurkamal Dhahan
Director of Finance
I am the Director of Finance for the York University School of Public Policy and Administration Alumni Network (YUSPPAAN). With three years of experience in the public sector, I am now a Policy Advisor and Issues Manager in the Office of the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. This position has provided me with an incredible opportunity to navigate and direct the policymaking process with a political lens. Prior to this position, I was an intern with the Ontario Legislature Internship Programme and also a Policy Coordinator at the Town of Aurora. I hold a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Administration, and Law (MPPAL) and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration (BPA) from York University’s School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA).
Arman Hamidian
Director of Membership and Partnership
I am the Director of Membership and Partnerships with the York University School of Public Policy and Administration Alumni Network. I currently work at Santis Health as a Management Consultant in strategy and policy. Prior to this role, I worked as a Program Manager at SE Health, incorporating elements of design thinking to develop a toolkit for organizations to build affordable housing for older adults. I previously worked in various research settings with a strong emphasis on social determinants of health, including the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, the Centre for Global Child Health the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, and the Wellesley Institute. In my capacity as Policy Researcher at the Wellesley Institute. I have also worked in several Ministers’ offices for the Ontario Government from 2015 – 2018, notably as a public appointments advisor and policy advisor. I served as the Board Chair at Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services for three years, and recently a board member at South Riverdale CHC. I recently completed my Master of Public Policy, Administration, and Law (MPPAL) at York University.
Stephanie Anderson
Director of Events and Programming
I am the Director of Events and Programming of the York University School of Public Policy & Administration Alumni Network (YUSPPAAN). Currently I work as a paralegal with a Municipality that I was introduced to through a course offered through York’s School of Public Policy & Administration, the course is Practicum in Public Administration (4995). This practicum provided me with experience in public administration, such as learning about important matters that municipalities must consider for their residents and visitors. I have over 10+ year experience working in the public sector, and the private sector including owning and operating my own firm. I am a Yorku graduate with an honors degree in Political Science and Certificate in Public Policy Analysis. My experience and education have led me down the wonderful career path of law and public policy.
Fadzie McConnel
Director of Events and Programming
I am the Director of Events and Programming of York University School of Public Policy & Administration Alumni Network (YUSPPAAN). I am a mother of two girls, the catalyst for my drive to continue to learn and make a difference. I have 17+ years combined experience in court services at the criminal level and in court administration at the Provincial Offences level working at the City of Toronto and the Municipality of York. My current duties include effective, empowering and engaging leadership strategies, policy and program development, and strategic change management. I have obtained a Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL) degree from York University, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Justice System Administration, and a BA in International Development Studies. I am committed to good governance, justice policy, diversity, inclusion, equity, belonging and client-centred, service excellence.
Georgette Morris
Podcast
I am the Podcast lead for the York University School of Public Policy & Administration Alumni Network (YUSPPAAN). I am a doctoral student at Carleton University. I have obtained a Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law from York University, an Honours BA in Human Rights and Equity Studies as well as a BA in Social Science. In addition, I hold certificates in French, Law and Society, Public Policy Analysis and post graduate diplomas in Democratic Administration, Ethics and Public Affairs. I have worked with all levels of government in various departments in roles relating to administration, programs, policy, and research. My research seeks to analyze the Hansard text from the House of Commons as it relates to decision making, participatory democracy specifically within the topic of Temporary Foreign Work Program’s. I focus on both legislative and regulatory advancement through the publication of reports, and media coverage.
Sylvia Gajusingh
Director of Communications
I am a new Director with the York University School of Public Policy & Administration Alumni Network (YUSPPAAN). I am currently a Registry Officer with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), Refugee Protection Division (RPD). Prior to the public sector, I worked as a legal assistant and paralegal for 10 years in various areas of law. Through my current position with the RPD I act as the Chair of the RPD’s Black Heritage Committee, as well as the Executive Organizer for the IRB’s Cultural, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group. I completed my Bachelor of Arts with Honours with a double major in Philosophy and East Asian Studies at York University, and an accelerated Paralegal program at Seneca College. I was licensed by the Law Society of Ontario in 2013 and then went back to York University in 2019 to complete my Master’s in Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL), finishing in 2021 with an additional Graduate Diploma in Justice System Administration. During my Masters, I served as the secretary to the Graduate Student Association of Public Policy, Administration and Law (GSAPPAL), and was the 2021 recipient of the Graduate Student Award.