For decades, the Jane-Finch neighbourhood has been in media headlines that focus on crime and poverty. But York University alumni are helping rewrite that narrative through education, mentorship and community investment.
Two graduates, Talisha Ramsaroop and Krystle Skeete, who are former residents of the Jane-Finch community, are leading efforts to empower youth and strengthen ties between York and the surrounding community.
Ramsaroop, who earned a master’s degree in sociology from York in 2016, now works as the community projects coordinator at the University’s TD Community Engagement Centre (CEC). Her connection to York began in high school when she joined the University’s Advanced Credited Experience (ACE) program, gaining early exposure to post-secondary education while growing up in the Jane-Finch community.
“I wish all my friends had the same opportunities I had,” she says. “That experience motivated me to create more access for young people to have the post-secondary opportunities they deserve.”
At the CEC, Ramsaroop has spent the past seven years building partnerships between York and the Black Creek-Jane-Finch community. One of the centre’s flagship initiatives is the First-Year Network, which supports local students as they transition from high school to York. The program offers workshops on exam prep, course selection and on-campus employment.
Beyond her work at York, Ramsaroop co-founded the Lotus program – a space for Indo-Caribbean women in the community to connect, share experiences and participate in local events.
Skeete holds an undergraduate degree in sociology and law and society, as well as a BEd and MEd specializing in human rights, equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice, from York. She is currently working toward her PhD in social work. She chose York for its proximity but found her path through volunteer work, she says, noting her involvement in youth engagement programs like the Young Leaders of the City helped shape her career and led her to discover a passion for working with youth and teaching.
“I was volunteering at local schools like Westview, Emery, Jefferys and McGuigan,” while working as a Youth Program Worker for Jane/ Finch Centre she recalls. “There were so many challenges with young people, I decided I was going to teach.”
Skeete went on to become a course director at York and now serves as director of community safety services in the University’s Community Safety Department. In this role, she oversees campus safety, strategic partnerships and community engagement.
“By spending time in community spaces, the University can better understand people’s needs and work with them to create lasting solutions,” she says.
Both Ramsaroop and Skeete embody the goals of Anchor YorkU, a University initiative that invests in the local economy through hiring, procurement and partnerships. The program aims to increase the number of community vendors on campus – from construction firms to caterers.
“Anchor YorkU is about supporting economic benefits in the community,” says Ramsaroop. “It’s about getting more residents signed up as campus vendors, whether it’s for construction projects, catering or even buying pens.”
Their work reflects a broader shift in how York engages with its neighbours – not just as a place of learning, but as a partner in community development.
As Ramsaroop and Skeete continue to mentor youth and advocate for change, they encourage others who want to drive meaningful change to get involved in local communities.
With files from Sandhya Maharaj, Talisha Ramsaroop and Krystle Skeete