About us
YSpace is York University’s pan-university entrepreneurship and innovation hub supporting startups and entrepreneurs from a variety of sectors and communities. Our programming spans across scaling innovative technologies through customer and investor capital to scaling agri-food businesses into mass retail to diversity-focused initiatives like ELLA for women-led businesses and Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) for Black-led businesses. We are also home to two physical hubs in the City of Markham and the Town of Georgina.
Our team
Leadership
David Kwok
Associate Director, Entrepreneurship
David Kwok
Associate Director, Entrepreneurship
What is your role at YSpace?
Associate Director of Entrepreneurship. I oversee all of YSpace's programming and operations with a focus of providing the ultimate service and support for entrepreneurs across multiple sectors and stages of the product life cycle.
Favorite Quote
"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. I can't accept not trying" - Michael Jordan
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
Sounds cliche, but everything! From the first day of opening our doors to all the socials, events, and connecting with the community.
What is your theme song?
"Lose Yourself" - Eminem
What is your guilty pleasure?
Pho Ga. Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup.
Never have I ever...
Gone waterfall jumping.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
"Learning Myself"
Marlina Ramchandran
ELLA Entrepreneurship Manager
Marlina Ramchandran
ELLA Entrepreneurship Manager
What is your role at YSpace?
Entrepreneurship Manager, ELLA: I design and execute programs to support women entrepreneurs to help them succeed in the entreprneurial world.
Favorite Quote
"The way to get started is to quit talking, and begin doing." - Walt Disney
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
ELLA Altitude 2022 Showcase and The YSpace team gathering (Xmas 2022).
What is your theme song?
"Stuck on You" by Lionel Richie
What is your guilty pleasure?
'Sunday mom's special' goat meat curry with soft rotis, white fluffy rice, and yogurt dip...ooh so yummy (followed by an afternoon siesta).
Never have I ever...
Slept for less than 7 hours.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
"Tommorow is Another Day".
Nafis Ahmed
Entrepreneurship Manager, YSpace
Nafis Ahmed
Entrepreneurship Manager, YSpace
What is your role at YSpace?
Entrepreneurship Manager. I oversee the technology portfolio, supporting founders across our lifecycle of programs. I also manage the YSpace Markham hub.
Favorite Quote
"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." - Muhammad Ali
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
Every YSpace social and showcase event where we get to hangout with our amazing community!
What is your theme song?
"C.R.E.A.M" - Wu-Tang Klan
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chicken wings and a cold beer
Never have I ever...
Gone skydiving
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Against All Odds - The Legacy
Nicole Troster
ELLA Entrepreneurship Manager (Maternity Leave)
Nicole Troster
ELLA Entrepreneurship Manager (Maternity Leave)
What is your role at YSpace?
Entrepreneurship Manager, ELLA (on parental leave): I developed and oversee YSpace's suite of programs to accelerate the growth of women-led businesses
Favorite Quote
"Ideas without action are useless" by Helen Keller
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
Pivoting ELLA programs at the start of the COVID-19 programs. We made it work in such a short period of time!
What is your theme song?
"Fighter" by Christina Aguilera
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate!
Never have I ever...
Done rally racing and had podium finishes every time
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Driven Woman
Olusegun Villasa
BEA Entrepreneurship Manager
Olusegun Villasa
BEA Entrepreneurship Manager
What is your role at YSpace?
Black Entrepreneurship Alliance Manager. I oversee all of BEA programming which is designed to support Black founders at all stages to scale their companies.
Favorite Quote
"In the midst of chaos, there is always opportunity" - Sun Tzu
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
Black Entrepreneurship Alliance 2022 Kick-Off celeberation – Good close for our first full year in operation.
What is your theme song?
"Worth the Weight" by Jidenna (ft. Seun Kuti)
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cheeseburger, large fries, and a large banana milkshake
Never have I ever...
Purchased a pair of Jordans.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
"Son of the Soil and the Diaspora"
Team
Alina Ali
Student Community Engagement Coordinator
Alina Ali
Student Community Engagement Coordinator
What is your role at YSpace?
Student & Community Engagement Coodinator. I assist with YSpace's technology portfolio & educational programs to develope community led initiatives that provide support to our students & entrepreneurs.
Favorite Quote
"The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise" - Maya Angelou
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
The community coming together at the 2023 New Year Social
What is your theme song?
"Happy" - Pharrell Williams
What is your guilty pleasure?
Biryani - South Asian chicken & rice
Never have I ever...
Gone bungee jumping
What would the title of your autobiography be?
"Rigging Life in Your Favor"
Bukola Adekanye
BEA Food Program Officer
Bukola Adekanye
BEA Food Program Officer
What is your role at YSpace?
I provide support for BEA/YSpace Food and Beverage founders, and help them connect with the right resources and opportunities to actualize their business dreams "
Favorite Quote
“On n’est jamais seul quand on est avec soi-meme” - Anonymous. Translation: "One is never alone when one is with oneself"
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
The BEA Launch - Meeting everyone in person after having year's worth of virtual programming sessions.
What is your theme song?
"Cock Crow at Dawn" by Bongos Ikwe
What is your guilty pleasure?
Checking food posts online.
Never have I ever...
Gone mountain hiking
What would the title of your autobiography be?
"The Untold story"
Galen Udell
Tech Program Advisor
Galen Udell
Tech Program Advisor
What is your role at YSpace?
Tech Program Advisor - I help startup founders through the fundraising process. Assessing their KPI's and business model to ensure it matches financial ask.
Favorite Quote
"I always cook with wine. Sometimes I even put it in my food" - W.C. Fields
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
The electric buzz anytime you were there pre-Covid
What is your theme song?
"The Beat Goes On" by The Kings
What is your guilty pleasure?
Any carb, but especially chips
Never have I ever...
Been early
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Pulling up the Bootstraps: Lessons Learned from Hardtimes
Judy Chang
CPG Program Advisor
Judy Chang
CPG Program Advisor
What is your role at YSpace?
Food & ELLA Program Advisor. I help founders navigate the wonderful world of entrepeneurship and the Consumer Packaged Goods industry
Favorite Quote
"Start the day with a grateful heart" - Anonymous
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
All the amazing events where we got to meet founders from multiple cohorts over the last 3 years (Food, ELLA, BEA Launch!)
What is your theme song?
Mo-eh-yo (Ignite) - Fujii Kaze
What is your guilty pleasure?
Ramen and pretty much anything with noodles and broth.
Never have I ever...
Played never have I ever (until now)
What would the title of your autobiography be?
"WIP"
Kanishia Mensah
BEA Programs & Events Coordinator
Kanishia Mensah
BEA Programs & Events Coordinator
What is your role at YSpace?
Programs and Events Coordinator. I assist the BEA team in planning, implementing, and delivering entrepreneurial programming for Black entrepreneurs.
Favorite Quote
Know your worth, then add tax. - American Proverb
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
Meeting the YSpace team and BEA manager for the first time during the Christmas Social 2021. It's incredible to see how the team has expanded since.
What is your theme song?
Build My Life by Housefires
What is your guilty pleasure?
All things sweet, specifically Plantain and Cinnabons.
Never have I ever...
Gotten a tattoo
What would the title of your autobiography be?
"Elevated Kay: Redefining Her Life"
Lamisaa Mahmud
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Lamisaa Mahmud
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
What is your role at YSpace?
I am in charge of leading YSpace's overall digital marketing strategy to maintain a cohesive brand identity and build a community online through partnerships within & outside of York University
Favorite Quote
“Believe in what you want so much that it has no choice but to materialize.” - Abraham Hicks
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
During our holiday social, we did an "egg race", was super odd but hilarious.
What is your theme song?
Remember the Name by Fort Minor
What is your guilty pleasure?
They say sushi every week keeps the docs away
Never have I ever...
Skipped my workout session.. and you shouldn't either.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Better than the day before
Mary Olabanwo
BEA Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Mary Olabanwo
BEA Marketing & Communications Coordinator
What is your role at YSpace?
Marketing and Communications Coordinator - I manage the content for our social media and website, and help develop marketing strategies to increase engagement in the community.
Favorite Quote
"Your attitude determines your altitude" - Zig Ziglar
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
2021 Christmas Social: Meeting the whole team for the first time.
What is your theme song?
"Pamilayo" Zizibo
What is your guilty pleasure?
Daily Bubble Tea
Never have I ever...
Used someone else's netflix account
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Minh
Website & Social Media Associate
Minh
Website & Social Media Associate
What is your role at YSpace?
I assist in generating contents on Yspace's online platforms and creating marketing promotions.
Favorite Quote
"Stay hungry. Stay foolish" - Steve Jobs
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
I haven't had any memorable moments at YSpace yet since I just joined. So I'm very excited create happy memories with my new team!
What is your theme song?
"Power" by Kanye West
What is your guilty pleasure?
Takis! Licking the cheese crumbs off your finger is always shameful act.
Never have I ever...
Cried at a concert
What would the title of your autobiography be?
"Slow Motion is Better Than No Motion"
Nunu Francisco
BEA Program Officer
Nunu Francisco
BEA Program Officer
What is your role at YSpace?
I am the BEA Program Officer for the tech industry. As a tech enthusiast, my passions lie in entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. In my role, I help entrepreneurs navigate the complex world of technology and business, providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Whether it’s helping them refine their pitch, connect with investors, or build a strong team, I’m there every step of the way.
Favorite Quote
“The distance between your dreams and reality is called action” - unknown
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
My most memorable moment in YSpace was the pitch contest and mixer.
What is your theme song?
I love music, so my theme music changes often. But for this season, my theme song is THIS YEAR (Blessings) [feat. Ehis’ D’ Greatest]
What is your guilty pleasure?
I have an insatiable appetite for cheesecake.
Never have I ever...
Gone paragliding.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Love, Chaos & Triumph
Snehal Phatak
ELLA Program Coordinator
Snehal Phatak
ELLA Program Coordinator
What is your role at YSpace?
Program Coordinator, ELLA. I coordinate the logistics for programming, workshops and events as well as provide administrative support to accelerate growth for the participating companies.
Favorite Quote
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it ‘The Present’ – Eleanor Roosevelt
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
Meeting my wonderful teammates! Waiting for many more to come!
What is your theme song?
“Happy” - Pharrell Williams
What is your guilty pleasure?
Eating home baked cakes
Never have I ever...
Gone for Skydiving
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Me, Myself & Happiness
Stephanie Simpson
YSpace Northern York Region Coordinator
Stephanie Simpson
YSpace Northern York Region Coordinator
What is your role at YSpace?
Program and Operations Lead for YSpace Georgina and East Gwillimbury, I provide support and resources for the unique needs of rural communities.
Favorite Quote
“The greatest gift you can ever give another person is your own happiness.” - Abraham Hicks
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
Heartfelt peer-to-peer sessions and hugs from grateful business owners.
What is your theme song?
"Dreams" Fleetwood Mac
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sushi, 100%
Never have I ever...
Had meat in 7 years
What would the title of your autobiography be?
How to Live Your Bliss
Vaishnavii Shivakumar
Lead Website & Social Media Associate
Vaishnavii Shivakumar
Lead Website & Social Media Associate
What is your role at YSpace?
I assist in curating YSpace social media presence, compiling research, and the promotion of community events.
Favorite Quote
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
Making funny videos for our social media
What is your theme song?
"Be Honest" by Jorja Smith
What is your guilty pleasure?
Strawberry cheesecake blizzards never disappoint!
Never have I ever...
Broken a bone
What would the title of your autobiography be?
"Exceeding Your Expectaions"
Yanky Li
Tech Program Advisor
Yanky Li
Tech Program Advisor
What is your role at YSpace?
Tech Program Advisor. I help entrepreneurs to change the world in their own way.
Favorite Quote
"I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is." - Forest Gump
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
The YSpace team gathering (Xmas 2022)
What is your theme song?
"One day more" - Les Miserables
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cold milk tea
Never have I ever...
Learned to play a musical instrument
What would the title of your autobiography be?
The path less traveled
Youngmi Lee
YSpace Programs Coordinator
Youngmi Lee
YSpace Programs Coordinator
What is your role at YSpace?
Assist work-integrated learning programs for students as a Program Assistant and support YSpace operation.
Favorite Quote
"Happiness depends upon ourselves." - Aristotle
Most memorable moment at YSpace?
YSpace holiday and Summer social
What is your theme song?
Lucky" by Jason Mraz
What is your guilty pleasure?
Instant packed Tteok-bokki (korean rice cake)
Never have I ever...
Driven on the highway by myself.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Dreams becoming reality.
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Contact us
For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940