The 91亚色 Education Alumni Network (YUEAN) has been named the 2025 Network of the Year by the 91亚色 Alumni Board (YUAB). This annual award is given to a network that has demonstrated its dedication and commitment to 91亚色 through engagement, impact,聽and mentorship. Through influential programming, YUEAN has strengthened relationships, expanded professional pathways, and created opportunities for meaningful dialogue within the 91亚色 community.聽
鈥淪electing the Network of the Year is always a challenging task, but the Education Alumni Network鈥檚 impact was undeniable,鈥 reflects Ali Badruddin (BBA 鈥09), Chair of the Networks Committee on the 91亚色 Alumni Board. 鈥淭heir commitment to mentorship, leadership development and inclusive programming has strengthened the 91亚色 alumni community.鈥濃
A central focus of the network鈥檚 efforts this year was the establishment of its mentorship program in partnership with the Faculty of Education Student Association (FESA) and the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Robert Savage. Alumni and students were paired based on professional goals, teaching interests and areas of specialization, creating one-on-one relationships rooted in guidance, support and shared experience.鈥
鈥淭his work of our alumni is an invaluable part of our wider supports to our current students,鈥 says Robert Savage, dean of the Faculty of Education. 鈥淥ur students benefit enormously from all initiatives, and particularly the mentoring provided by the recent direct experience of our alumni. It has been great to help co-create a structure for this win-win for all involved, and I am delighted to see YUEAN rightly recognised for all the excellent work they do.鈥濃
Beyond mentorship, YUEAN curated thoughtful and impactful events that connected and engaged a wide community of educators. This year鈥檚 highlight was the alumni panel on AI, careers and digital learning, which brought together alumni experts to discuss how emerging technologies and evolving career landscapes are reshaping the field of education and strengthen the bridge between students and alumni working in leadership roles across the sector.
鈥淵UEAN鈥檚 accomplishments this year reflect not only dedication, but vision,鈥 says Dennis Garces (BA 鈥92), Vice-Chair of the Networks Committee on the 91亚色 Alumni Board. 鈥淭hey have created opportunities that bridge generations of educators and create a true sense of connection. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements.鈥濃
Through mentorship, meaningful events and storytelling that centres the experiences of educators, the Education Alumni Network has demonstrated the transformative power of alumni leadership. The 91亚色 Alumni Board congratulates the entire Education Alumni Network Leaders:
- Jason Singh (BEd 鈥11), Chair
- Esther Martinez (BEd 鈥21, BA 鈥21, MEd 鈥24), Vice-Chair
- Blessing Owusu (BA 鈥17, BEd 鈥19, MEd 鈥24), Secretary
- Mizgin Semsur (MEd 鈥21, BEd 鈥19, BA 鈥17), Co-Director of Engagement and Events
- Jennifer Tran (BA 鈥23), Co-Director of Engagement and Events
- Yasmine Mensah (BA 鈥20), Alumni Engagement Officer
For more information about this award and the Alumni Networks program, contact Yasmine Mensah, Alumni Engagement Officer at mensahy@yorku.ca.