91ÑÇÉ«ÌýalumnusÌýcontinues the fightÌýforÌý2SLGBTQIA+ÌýinclusionÌýamidstÌý changing tide
TrevorÌýisÌýa lawyer andÌýtheÌýformerÌýchair for Start Proud, a national non-profit organization that provides support forÌý2SLGBTQIA+ studentsÌýduring theÌýearly stagesÌýof their career.ÌýÌýThe organization had an enormous impact on his young career, and he was determined that the next generation of studentsÌýwouldÌýbenefitÌýfromÌýthe same networking and career growth opportunities that he had.ÌýÌý
Order of Canada honours seven 91ÑÇÉ« U community members
Seven members of the 91ÑÇÉ« community have been appointed to the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, by the Governor General of Canada.
Featured Events
As the associate director of Adaptive Sports and Fitness at the University of Michigan, ErikÌýRobeznieksÌý(BSc ’19)ÌýchampionsÌýsport equity and providesÌýthose with disabilities an equal opportunity toÌýparticipateÌýin sports. His career in adaptive sport can be traced back to his time as aÌýkinesiologyÌýstudentÌýat 91ÑÇÉ«.Ìý
Growing up, Asha James (BFA ’18) always had a deep interest in the arts,Ìýbut itÌýwasn’tÌýuntilÌýsheÌýjoined musicalsÌýinÌýhigh schoolÌýthatÌýsheÌýwouldÌýdiscoverÌýthatÌýthe stage was where she felt most at home.ÌýAsÌýAsha entered theÌýactingÌýindustry, she was determined to findÌýstories andÌýcast membersÌýthatÌýreflected her community.ÌýIt was this desire that would lead her toÌýland a role in Obsidian Theatre’sÌý¹ó³¢·¡³Ý,Ìýa project thatÌýwould shape her career.Ìý
As a Black youth coming to Canada from Zimbabwe,ÌýTapoÌýChimbgandaÌý(PhD ’17)ÌýhadÌýa difficult timeÌýadjusting to a new country.ÌýShe felt isolated and saw first-hand many of the barriers that young Black women face. ItÌýwas this early experience that inspired her to start Future Black Female, an organization thatÌýseeksÌýto guide and empower Black girls and young women to achieve their goals with the support of others in their community.
Desaraé Dee (BFA ’12) is a Canadian fusion artist, pianist, composer, producer, and educator whose work centres on instrumental and genre-blending music that explores emotion, spirituality, and storytelling. Like many alumni, Desaraé’s career path was not a straightforward one, and she credits 91ÑÇÉ« as a key influence in becoming the successful, award-winning instrumentalist she is today.
Many alumni discover their talents in the classroom. Others find it through career paths. For chef, cookbook author, filmmaker and television personality Valerie Azinge (BA ’12), it was a personal health journey that would reveal her gift for the culinary arts. What started as a fun way to share her fitness recipes, transformed into a dynamic digital culinary company that landed her offers to be onÌýChopped, The SocialÌýandÌýTop Chef.
Reverend Doctor Cheri DiNovo C.M. (BA ’94) is a queer activist, author and former minister and politician recognized for her transformative leadership in advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and legislation.
Lisa Jackson (MFA ’19) is an Anishinaabe (Aamjiwnaang First Nation) award-winning filmmaker who has written, directed and produced films, television and multimedia projects, from a dome film to VR and IMAX. Partway through her film career, she decided to pursue a master’s degree and studied in 91ÑÇɫ’s MFA in Film program.
Inspired by his elder brothers who left their home in Zimbabwe to study abroad, Tinotenda Mutsvangwa (BA ’20, MMgt ’21) was determined to carve his own path. Drawn to the university’s multiculturalism and liberty, Tinotenda enrolled in 91ÑÇɫ’s Political Science program where he would broaden his perspectives and build community.
Growing up in a small town outside of Ottawa, Jocelyn Cadieux (MES ’20) learned the importance of accessibility and mobility. Now, as an urban planner working for the City of Ottawa, he aims to build strong communities by making urban spaces more accessible and developing the surrounding infrastructure.
When it came time for Laiba Khaqan (BA ’22) to choose where to study, 91ÑÇɫ’s distinguished psychology program was an easy decision. It was her time as a 91ÑÇÉ« student that would spark her passion to drive systemic change, a commitment that continues to shape her path today as an entrepreneur and mental health advocate bridging mental health, technology and education.Ìý
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Ways to Give
From funding desperately needed scholarships and research to creating world-class facilities and groundbreaking teaching methods, donations to 91ÑÇÉ« help make it one of Canada’s leading universities. Your generosity is helping create a new generation of Canadian leaders who will not only go on to change their community, but continue the tradition of supporting 91ÑÇÉ« and its students in the future.