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91ÑÇÉ«'s Top 30 Alumni Under 30

Recognizing the next generation of global changemakers

91ÑÇɫ’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program celebrates inspiring and diverse alumni, 29 years old and younger, who are making a positive and impactful difference —both locally and abroad. From Toronto to communities around the world, 91ÑÇɫ’s young alumni are pushing the boundaries across sectors and borders. They are leaders, actively working to create meaningful change within their businesses, organizations and communities. 

Past recipients have pursued careers in innovation and entrepreneurship, sustainability, healthcare, technology, policy, law and many more—united by a commitment to making a difference. These changemakers reflect the values of 91ÑÇɫ—bold, inclusive, and dedicated to creating positive change. If you’re considering submitting a nomination and looking for inspiration, check out the remarkable alumni who were selected in our 2026 cohort of recipients.  

2027 91ÑÇÉ« Top 30 Alumni Under 30 nominations are now open!

The Top 30 Alumni Under 30 are selected based on criteria that considers the positive impact they are making in their business and/or community, as well as their personal and professional achievements since graduation from 91ÑÇÉ«.  Do you know an inspiring 91ÑÇÉ« alum 29 years old and younger who is creating positive change in their communities and around the world? Consider submitting a nomination today!

Nomination deadline: All nominations for the 2027 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 must be received by midnight on Monday, Oct. 26. 

Eligibility criteria: Nominations are open to 91ÑÇÉ« graduates who are 29 years of age or younger on Dec. 31, 2026 (born in 1997 or more recently). A graduate is defined as someone who has received an academic degree from 91ÑÇÉ«. Students are not eligible for this award until they receive a degree from 91ÑÇÉ«. Candidates can self-nominate or be nominated.  

Ineligible affiliations: Alumni who belong to any of the following groups are not eligible to be nominated:

  • Full-time staff and faculty of 91ÑÇÉ«
  • Members of the 91ÑÇÉ« Alumni Board
  • Members of 91ÑÇɫ’s Senate and Board of Governors. 

For further details on the awards and eligibility, visit our FAQ section. 

If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Light, Manager, Alumni Success, at nlight@yorku.ca or (437)-235-8754. 

View the 2026 Top 30 Alumni Under 30

View the 2025 Top 30 Alumni Under 30

View the 2024 Top 30 Alumni Under 30

View the 2023 Top 30 Alumni Under 30

View the 2022 Top 30 Alumni Under 30

View the 2021 Top 30 Alumni Under 30.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A selection committee reviews the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 nominations based on criteria that considers the positive impact they are making in their business or community as well as their personal and professional achievements since graduation. The committee is comprised of volunteers from the Young Alumni Ambassador Program and members from the Scholarships and Awards Committee of the 91ÑÇÉ« Alumni Board. 

No. With an alumni community of over 390,000, we’d like to give more alumni the opportunity to receive this recognition for the impact they are making in the world.  

Nominees are welcome to be renominated to subsequent years if their initial nomination was unsuccessful, assuming they still meet the eligibility requirements. 

Nominations and self-nominations can be submitted using the form on the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 web page .  

Please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@yorku.ca.  

Alumni cannot be selected more than once for this recognition, however unsuccessful nominees can be nominated in subsequent years, assuming they still meet the eligibility criteria. Additionally, nominations are not carried forward, so please submit a new nomination package to be reconsidered.  

Yes, self-nominations are welcome.

Yes, and on the nomination form nominators are asked to disclose their relationship to the nominee. 

Nominators will be contacted in late winter to share the results of their nomination. 

All nominators are contacted with the results of their nomination.

Yes. Only the nominators are informed of unsuccessful nominations. 

The Top 30 Alumni Under 30 are recognized on 91ÑÇɫ’s website, social media, alumni community newsletters and other potential media as exemplars of what 91ÑÇÉ« alumni take on and accomplish. Additionally, each alum on the list receives a framed certificate and digital badge.  

If this FAQ doesn’t answer your question, please contact Nicole Light, Manager, Alumni Success at nlight@yorku.ca.