The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards - Division of Advancement

Each year, the 91��ɫ Alumni Awards recognize outstanding alumni who have achieved the extraordinary and are working to right the future by creating positive change in their fields. The Awards celebrate the broad 91��ɫ alumni community of innovators, activists, and researchers and its long-standing commitment to the public good. The tradition of recognizing their contributions will continue at the 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards show. If you have any questions about the Alumni Awards show, please contact Rose Lucibello, Manager, Advancement Events at crocitto@yorku.ca. If you have any questions about the nominations process or recipients, please contact Nicole Light, Manager, Alumni Success at nlight@yorku.ca.

View previous Alumni Awards recipients here.

The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards Show
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 10
Time: 7 p.m.
Location:

2026 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards Recipients

The recipients of the 2026 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards are: Randy Williamson (JD ’88), Shayla S. Dube (BSW ’09, MSW ’10), Laurie Fox (MBA ’12), Amanda Coombs (BA ’19), and Keith Loo (MBA ’12).

Outstanding Contribution

Randy Williamson (JD ’88)
Lawyer and Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP

Randy Williamson draws upon more than 40 years of experience as a legal adviser, chartered professional accountant, public company senior executive and three-time business owner to help his clients achieve their organizational objectives. Following a distinguished career in business, he has built a successful law practice by providing value to clients through strategic advice. In 2013, he was appointed to the University's Board of Governors, serving for eight years, including on its Executive Committee. He has served as board Chair of the 91��ɫ Development Corporation, and participated in two Chancellor Search Committees and a Presidential Search Committee. He also supported innovation at 91��ɫ as the first private sponsor of YSpace’s Tech Accelerator.

Outstanding Achievement

Shayla S. Dube (BSW ’09, MSW ’10)
Sessional Instructor, University of Calgary; Founder and Executive Director, Abantu Wellness Community Services and Sabuntu Intercultural Services

Shayla S. Dube is an award-winning clinical social worker, psychotherapist, educator and community leader whose multidimensional work spans clinical practice, higher education, mentorship, community building and organizational wellness, advancing racial equity and collective well-being. For more than 15 years, Shayla has provided psychotherapy, mentors practitioners and leads culturally responsive interdisciplinary clinical supervision circles. She brings Ubuntu and Sawubona into practice, helping people feel seen and supported while equipping organizations to build cultures of belonging and well-being.

Tentanda Via

Laurie Fox (MBA ’12)
Campaign Director, Will Power

Laurie Fox is the director of Will Power, a public awareness campaign inspiring Canadians to think differently about their charitable giving and leave a charitable gift in their will. She has worked in the non-profit sector for more than two decades and has seen the need in our communities and across the country rise. She is on a mission to show all Canadians the power they have to do more in this world by giving in a different way. The Will Power campaign runs a website, with free tools and resources, where visitors can explore the contribution they can make with a gift in their will, while still supporting loved ones.

One to Watch

Amanda Coombs (BA ’19)
Executive Director, Back 2 Basickz Youth Support Services

Amanda Coombs is the founder and executive director of Back 2 Basickz Youth Support Services, a non-profit organization providing mental health, academic, employment, mentorship and justice-related services to youth. Her work focuses on creating pathways to meaningful employment, education, entrepreneurship and economic independence. She has partnered with 91��ɫ to deliver Passion Into Profit, an entrepreneurship initiative providing youth with training, mentorship and funding to transform their ideas into businesses. She served for 14 years as a tenant representative in the Jane and Finch community and later completed two terms on the Toronto Community Housing Corporation Board of Directors, advocating for residents and systemic improvements.

Excellence in Entrepreneurship

Keith Loo (MBA ’12)
CEO and Co-Founder, Skinopathy

Keith is the CEO and Co-Founder of Skinopathy, an AI healthcare company helping to transform how patients access dermatology and wound care. A 91��ɫ alumnus, Keith has spent his career at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and healthcare innovation. After leadership roles with Microsoft and other global technology companies, he co-founded Skinopathy with a mission to make healthcare more accessible, inclusive, and equitable through responsible AI. Today, Skinopathy's technologies support patients, clinicians, long-term care providers, and industry partners across Canada and beyond. Keith is also an educator, mentor, and community leader who remains deeply connected to 91��ɫ, supporting students, entrepreneurs and emerging innovators.

The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards Categories

AWARD	DESCRIPTION
Outstanding Contribution	An alum who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of 91��ɫ and its students through exceptional service, commitment and/or philanthropic contributions.
Outstanding Achievement	An alum who has achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students.
Tentanda Via	An alum who has demonstrated innovative, unconventional and daring leadership and success, reflecting the university’s motto, “The way must be tried.”
One to Watch	An alum who has made a significant impact in their field and/or community within 15 years of a bachelor’s degree or 10 years of a professional/graduate degree.
Excellence in Entrepreneurship	An alum who has excelled in entrepreneurship that has led to positive change in their field or the community.

Remembering Bruce Bryden, an outstanding 91��ɫ leader

The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards were inspired by Bruce Bryden who was an exceptionally committed and influential leader at 91��ɫ for many years. He was a member of our first undergraduate class, the founding president of the 91��ɫ Alumni Association (now the 91��ɫ Alumni Board/YUAB) and a member of the 91��ɫ Board of Governors.

The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards recognize and honour his vision, exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievements.

TD Insurance is proud to sponsor the Alumni Awards and congratulates this year's recipients. Exclusive provider of home, car and small business insurance for 91��ɫ U alumni, students, employees, and retirees.

Proud supporter of 91��ɫ alumni and provider of preferred rates on life, health, dental, and travel insurance.