The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards Archives - Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends

Announcing the 2023 91��ɫ U Alumni Award Recipients

mj112 — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:30:30 +0000

Each year, the 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards celebrate four outstanding alumni who exemplify the values of 91��ɫ, have made remarkable contributions to their fields, and have changed the world for the better. The tradition of recognizing their contributions will continue at the 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards Show in Toronto, April 3, 2024.

The remarkable recipients of this year’s awards are: The Honourable Harry S. LaForme (LLB ‘77, LLD ‘08), Fatima Israel (MBA ‘06), Flavien P. Joubert (MES ‘03), and Temo Primrose Gare (BA ‘12).

"This year’s recipients represent the positive contributions 91��ɫ alumni are making around the world," says Julie Lafford, Assistant Vice-President, Alumni Engagement. "In addition to their many accomplishments, exceptional leadership, philanthropic support, and meaningful engagement with the alumni community, the 2023 award recipients continue to set an example for future generations of students and alumni alike. It will be a pleasure to honour them this fall at the Alumni Awards ceremony."

The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards feature four award categories, each of which honour a distinct set of achievements and contributions.

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.

The Honourable Harry S. LaForme (LLB ‘77, LLD ‘08) OC, IPC

Senior Counsel, Olthius Kleer Townshend LL.P

The Honourable Harry S. LaForme is a retired judge who received an LLB and LLD from Osgoode Hall Law School. In 1994, he was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Justice, making him one of three Indigenous judges to be designated to this level of trial court in Canada at the time. He dedicated his career to furthering the rights of aboriginal peoples, Canada’s LGBTQ2 communities and the rights of all other marginalized groups living in Canada. In 2004, LaForme became the first Indigenous judge to be appointed to an appellate court in Canada with his appointment to the Ontario Court of Appeal.

During his tenure, LaForme specialized in Indigenous law with a focus on Constitutional and Charter issues and represented Canadian Indigenous interests internationally. In 2018, LaForme retired from the judiciary and currently works as senior counsel with Olthius Kleer Townshend. LaForme has received honourary degrees from various universities and numerous accolades including the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in Law & Justice and the order of Canada. He’s also published numerous articles on issues related to Indigenous law and justice and speaks frequently on Indigenous issues, Indigenous law, constitutional law, and civil, equality, and human rights.

Outstanding Achievement

An alumnus/a who has achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students.

Fatima Israel (MBA ‘06)

Fatima Israel is a marketing officer with an MBA from the Schulich School of Business who is transforming the industry with her expertise in professional services, telecommunications, technology, health services, and fintech. Israel is an advocate for putting people at the heart of transformation to drive innovation, catalyze progress, and deliver on purpose. She boldly combines ambitious ideas with insights to build a better working world for her clients and communities.

Her passion for leadership and advancing the marketing community has earned her awards from the Canadian Marketing Association and the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business. Israel strives to channel this passion to support the next generation as an executive mentor and advisory council member for the American Marketing Association, a mentor for the EY Women's Athlete Business Network, and a regular judge for marketing industry award programs.

Tentanda Via

An alumna/us who has demonstrated innovative, unconventional, and daring leadership and success, reflecting the university’s motto, “The way must be tried.”

Flavien P. Joubert (MES ‘03)

Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change & Environment on the Island of Seychelles

Flavien P. Joubert currently serves as the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change & Environment on the Island of Seychelles. Before attaining his master’s degree in Environmental Studies at 91��ɫ, Joubert completed his higher national diploma and graduate studies at the Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom. During his studies, Joubert re-discovered one of the rarest bat species in the country and co-wrote two research papers on the subject. In his role as minister, Joubert has continued to promote research and conservation on bat species.

Joubert’s career with the Ministry of Environment began in 1996, where he held several key positions, including director general for Wildlife Enforcement and Permits, CEO of the Seychelles National Parks Authority and CEO of the Landscape and Waste Management Authority. Internationally, Joubert has represented Seychelles in many fora related to chemicals and waste and served as a prominent figure in the Basel and Stockholm Conventions. He also played instrumental roles in initiatives around chemical safety in Seychelles. In 2015, Joubert was recognized by The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for his leadership at The Eighth Conference of the Parties (COP8) to the Nairobi Convention. In 2020, he was appointed Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Energy.

One to Watch

An alumna/us 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.

Temo Primrose Gare (BA ‘12)

Journalist, Television Host, Executive Producer, Fibe TV; Founder, Okavango Media

Temo Primrose Gare is a journalist, accomplished television host, and executive producer with years of experience in the media industry. Temo received a BA from 91��ɫ, where she laid the foundation for her passion for journalism and communication. She later pursued her Master of Media in Journalism and Communication at Western University. In 2018, Temo was honoured with the Raveena Aulakh Memorial Award in recognition of her academic achievements and contributions to journalism and communication. Since completing her studies, Temo has worked at CTV News, BNN Bloomberg, and NewsTalk and produced two television shows for Rogers Communications and Bell Media. Temo currently serves as the host and executive producer of the television show ‘Our Stories’ and is the founder of Okavango Media, her production company which provides a space for her to shape and amplify compelling stories that resonate with audiences on a deeper level.

A special thank you to our premier sponsor TD Insurance and our recipient video sponsor Manulife for helping us recognize these outstanding alumni. For more information about The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards visit yorku.ca/alumniandfriends/connect/events/yorku-alumni-awards.

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, was the founding president of the 91��ɫ Alumni Association (now the 91��ɫ Alumni Board/YUAB) and was a member and Chair of the 91��ɫ Board of Governors - a 1960 inaugural 91��ɫ student and the first alum to have been appointed to the Chair.

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

The post Announcing the 2023 91��ɫ U Alumni Award Recipients appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

2022 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards recipients announced

alucches — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 14:55:13 +0000

For 21 years, The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards have celebrated alumni who exemplify the values of 91��ɫ, have made remarkable contributions to their fields, and changed the world for the better. The tradition of recognizing their contributions will continue at an event on Nov. 16, 2022.

Leaders honoured at this year’s awards include Gregory Sam Sorbara (BA ’78, LLB ’81, LLD ’13); Dr. Eileen de Villa (MBA ’03); The Honourable Michael H. Tulloch (BA ’89, LLB ’89); and Larissa Crawford (BA ’18).

The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards feature four award categories, each of which honour a distinct set of achievements and contributions.

Outstanding Contribution

An alumnus/a who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of 91��ɫ and its students through exceptional service, commitment and/or philanthropic contributions.

Gregory Sam Sorbara (BA ’78, LLB ’81, LLD ’13)

Chancellor, 91��ɫ; Principal, Sorbara Group of Companies; Owner, The Royal Hotel, Picton

Gregory Sorbara is a Principal of Sorbara Group of Companies, Ontario-based land development and property management business specializing in commercial, industrial and residential developments across the Greater Toronto Area.

Mr. Sorbara is completing his second term as 91��ɫ's 13th Chancellor, a role he has held since June 2014. His departure coincides with the recent opening of The Royal, a boutique hotel located on Main Street Picton that he and his family lovingly restored and reimagined while honouring its strong 100-year history in the community.

His passion for enhancing the lives of Ontarians is evident in his 21 -year public service career (between 1985 and 2012), where he held numerous cabinet positions in the Ontario Legislature, including Minister of Finance, Minister of Colleges and Universities, Minister of Labour & Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, and as the Member representing Vaughan

Mr. Sorbara has worked with the interests of the Greater Toronto Area at heart and has contributed substantially to its infrastructure and financial growth. He has championed postsecondary education as a catalyst for social and economic growth and a driver of community building. His landmark second budget as Minister of Finance in 2005 featured the bold plan to invest significantly in increasing accessibility for low-income students while funding more enrollments and expanded faculty, graduate scholarships and research. He also brought forward many positive reforms to the provinces taxation system, including the Business Education Tax reduction and equalization, eliminating GTA pooling, welfare rate increases, 25% increase of senior property tax credit, Property Tax Reform, harmonizing corporate tax collection with the federal government and eliminating the capital tax.

He currently serves on the Boards of the Ontario Arts Foundation, Festival Players, The Prince Edward Affordable Housing Corporation and Chair Emeritus of Mackenzie Health Foundation Campaign Cabinet.

He and his wife, Kate, spread their time between their home in Toronto and their active farm in Prince Edward County. They have six children and sixteen grandchildren.

Outstanding Achievement

An alumnus/a who has achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students.

Dr. Eileen de Villa (MBA ’03)

Medical Officer of Health, City of Toronto

Dr. Eileen de Villa is the Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto. Dr. de Villa leads Toronto Public Health, Canada’s largest local public health agency, which provides public health programs and services to the nearly 3 million residents of Toronto. Prior to joining Toronto Public Health, Dr. de Villa served as the Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel serving 1.4 million residents.

Dr. de Villa received her degrees as Doctor of Medicine and Master of Health Science (MHSc) (Health Promotion) from the University of Toronto and holds a Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business at 91��ɫ. Dr. de Villa is also an Adjunct Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Health at the University of Toronto.

Dr. de Villa has authored, published and presented research on issues including public health considerations for city planning and emergency preparedness, communicable and infectious disease control, and public health policy development.

Dr. de Villa has been recognized for her leadership and achievements with Faculty Educator awards from the University of Toronto – Public Health and Preventative Medicine Residency Program, the Naimark Award, from the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement and, in 2021, the award for Communicator of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC, Toronto Chapter).

In her capacity of Medical Officer of Health, Dr. de Villa has led the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto since the city saw its first case of COVID-19 on January 25, 2020. In addition to providing leadership to the largest immunization campaign in the history of Toronto, throughout the COVID-19 response, Dr. de Villa has advised political partners including Mayor John Tory on measures the municipal government could take, such as declaring a state of emergency, and introducing local by-laws on physical distancing and mask wearing to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. In her ongoing efforts to lead Toronto through the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. de Villa has worked tirelessly to ensure Torontonians have the tools and information they need to keep themselves and those around them safe, while also maintaining critical public health services.

Dr. de Villa continues to play a key advisory role in the City and Province's COVID-19 response and recovery, remaining vigilant of COVID-19 trends and providing updates and reassurance to the public regularly.

Tentanda Via

An alumna/us who has demonstrated innovative, unconventional, and daring leadership and success, reflecting the university’s motto, “The way must be tried.”

The Honourable Michael H. Tulloch (BA ’89, LLB ’89)

Ontario Court of Appeal Justice

Justice Tulloch was born in Jamaica and immigrated to Canada when he was nine years of age. He earned two degrees at 91��ɫ and was called to the bar in 1991. He has the distinction of having been the first Black judge to be appointed to the Ontario Court of Appeal – and to any appellate court in Canada. He was a Crown attorney (in Peel and Toronto), a private defense lawyer and a special prosecuting agent with the Federal Department of Justice. During this time, he also participated in a number of commissions including the Ontario Government Review on Civilian Oversight on Policing, the Review of the Ontario Legal Aid Plan, and the Criminal Code Review conducted by the Federal Attorney General and the Minister of Justice.

One to Watch

An alumna/us 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.

Larissa Crawford (BA ’18)

Founder, Future Ancestors Services Inc.

Larissa Crawford proudly passes on Métis and Jamaican ancestry to her daughter, Zyra, and is a published Indigenous, anti-racism, and climate justice researcher and policy advisor with over 14 years of experience. Larissa is the Founder of Future Ancestors Services, a youth-led professional services social enterprise that operates at the intersection of climate and racial justice.

Since the launch of Future Ancestors Services in April 2020, the organization has mobilized +$95K in donations and gifted services for anti-racist and climate justice initiatives. Larissa and her team seek to increase their clients' capacity to honour people and Planet through their minds, work, and spaces, and do so while leveraging decolonized and Indigenized approaches to 'doing business.' Among their +300 diverse clients are small youth-led collectives and non-profits; Canada's most influential law firms and publishing houses; and the highest offices of Canadian government.

Larissa graduated from 91��ɫ with a Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Communication Studies in June 2018, Summa Cum Laude, with 2-year-old Zyra on her hip and the Robert Tiffin Leadership Award. After experiences such as starting a library in Accra, Ghana, studying international law and volunteering in Istanbul, Turkey, and representing her university at several global United Nations events, Larissa redirected her efforts to home. She led several anti-racism and Indigenous research initiatives at the university, and shortly after brought this experience to Ontario’s Ministry of Energy and Ontario’s Anti-Racism Directorate as a policy advisor; the 2018 G7 as an expert advisor and youth delegate; and many of her related volunteer roles. Larissa's experience has led to her specializations in raced-based data collection, Indigenous and anti-racism research, accessibility, restorative circle keeping, restorative practice and conflict resolution, climate justice, and public policy.

Through programs such as the CohortX Climate Justice, the Action Canada, and the Youth Climate Lab FutureXChange fellowships, the Raven Trust Capital Fireweed Fellowship, and the Students on Ice Arctic Policy Cohort, Larissa continues her learning of Northern Indigenous climate knowledge, climate policy, anti-racism opportunities in environmentalism, and doing business with traditional and decolonized approaches.

In 2022 Larissa was honoured in Complex Canada’s 20 Creators Who Will Shape the Next 20 Years of The Culture, and in 2020-21 in Women of Influence’s Top 25 list; in Refinery Canada’s 29 Powerhouses; as 91��ɫ’s Top 30 Under 30 Alumni; in HuffPost’s 26 Indigenous Influencers to Follow; and with the Pollution Probe Equity in Sustainability Award. She supports international brands such as Merrell, Nike, and The Body Shop, in better serving and representing her communities.

A special thank you to our premier sponsor TD Insurance and our recipient video sponsor Manulife for helping us recognize these outstanding alumni.

For more information about The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards visit yorku.ca/alumniandfriends/connect/events/yorku-alumni-awards.

Remembering Bruce Bryden, an outstanding 91��ɫ leader

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

The post 2022 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards recipients announced appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

The 2021 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards celebrate the impact of alumni

akolade — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 22:01:46 +0000

Alumni, students, staff and friends came together virtually on Nov. 18, 2021, for The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards, an evening of entertainment, networking and celebration honouring the outstanding accomplishments of our alumni award recipients.

“These award ceremonies have touched me to the bottom of my heart,” said 91��ɫ Chancellor, Gregory Sorbara (BA ’78, LLB ’81). “One of the things we lost [during the pandemic] was the ability to come together, break bread and celebrate the achievements of four very special alumni. We’ve done that every year and it was always a highlight of the academic year for me as chancellor. Tonight, we’ve recaptured that in a terrific evening.”

The evening was hosted by alumnus Shahir Massoud (BBA '06), author, chef and television personality, and recent Glendon graduate Moboluwajidide ‘Bo’ Joseph (BA ’21), recipient of the Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award and Robert Everett Exceptional Leadership in Student Governance Award. Together, they showed the audience that even though aspects of the university may change, it’s still the same 91��ɫ family committed to creating positive change and building a better future.

One of the University’s premier accolades, the 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards aim to celebrate 91��ɫ’s remarkable alumni and was first established to honour alumnus Bruce Bryden – the founding President of the 91��ɫ Alumni Association.

Honoured at this year’s awards ceremony were Dr. Earle Nestmann (MSc ’71, PhD ’74) with the Outstanding Contribution award; Christopher House, C.M. (BFA ’79), with the Outstanding Achievement award; Dr. Pamela Ohashi (BSc Hons ’82) with the Tentanda Via award; and Weyni Mengesha (BFA ’05) with the One to Watch award.

“I’m humbled and honoured, and… completely surprised and delighted by this recognition. Thank you,” said Dr. Earle Nestmann (MSc ’71, PhD ’74), recipient of the Outstanding Contribution award. “I became involved with the Board of the 91��ɫ U Alumni Association and subsequently the Board of Governors. I had the privilege to work alongside many dedicated volunteers too numerous to mention. Serving on these boards and providing support for students have been important ways for me to give back to the university.”

The Awards show opened to music by the 91��ɫ U Gospel Choir and included an appearance by Toronto-based comedian and 91��ɫ alumna Hoodo Hersi (BA ’14, BEd ’15), as well as a Vanier College Productions student performance of “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. The evening closed with a beautiful performance by 91��ɫ U graduate student and four-time Juno nominee, Sarah Slean.

To watch the full event recording on YouTube,

A special thank you to our premier sponsor TD Insurance and our recipient video sponsor Manulife for helping us recognize these outstanding alumni.

The post The 2021 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards celebrate the impact of alumni appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

Recipients of The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards announced

akolade — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 20:10:11 +0000

Leaders honoured at this year’s awards include Dr. Earle Nestmann (MSc ’71, PhD ’74); Christopher House (BFA ’79); Dr. Pamela Ohashi (BSc Hons ’82); and Weyni Mengesha (BFA ’05).

“This year’s award recipients are powerful examples of the positive change that 91��ɫ alumni are creating locally and globally in their professional industries and communities,” said Julie Lafford, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement at 91��ɫ. “Like our past award recipients, the 2021 honourees set an example for students and alumni through their extensive achievements, leadership, philanthropic support and meaningful engagement with the alumni community. We look forward to celebrating them at the Alumni Awards ceremony this fall.”

The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards feature four award categories, each of which honour a distinct set of achievements and contributions.

Outstanding Contribution

An alumnus/a who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of 91��ɫ and its students through exceptional service, commitment and/or philanthropic contributions.

Dr. Earle Nestmann (MSc ’71, PhD ’74)

President, Health Science Consultants Inc.

Dr. Earle Nestmann, the president at Health Science Consultants Inc., received both an MSc and PhD in biology at 91��ɫ. While a student at Ohio’s Marietta College, he received the William Bay Irvine Medal for most outstanding student in the 1968 graduating class. After his studies at 91��ɫ, he served in the biology department as assistant professor from 1974 to 1977, and later as a member of the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association from 2006 to 2014 and the Board of Governors from 2013 to 2020.   

Dr. Nestmann has published more than 100 articles in scientific literature and was co-editor of the proceedings of an international conference on chemical mutagenesis and of a laboratory manual on recombinant DNA technology. He has served on several editorial boards for scientific journals and was president of the Genetics Society of Canada. He was a research scientist at Health Canada and pesticide regulatory manager for a multi-national company before becoming a principal of an international consulting firm. Dr. Nestmann continues to consult part-time as president of Health Science Consultants Inc., serving on international expert panels as well as writing reports, scientific opinions, and manuscripts for publication. Together with his wife Berna, Dr. Nestmann has provided exemplary philanthropic support for 91��ɫ science students and faculty for over 15 years, including Dean’s Undergraduate Research Awards and Science Exploration Camps for elementary and secondary school-aged children. The Earle Nestmann Scholarship was established in 2008 for master’s or doctoral students studying molecular biology or genetics.  

Outstanding Achievement

An alumnus/a who has achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students.

Christopher House, C.M. (BFA ’79)

Choreographer, performer, director and teacher

Christopher House received a BFA in dance from 91��ɫ and was a performer and choreographer with Toronto Dance Theatre for 42 years, including 26 as the company’s artistic director. He completed a political science degree from the University of Ottawa before beginning dance training in Toronto, Ottawa, and New 91��ɫ. House created more than 60 works for the theatre, diversified the company’s repertoire, and developed many programs that reflect his commitment to ongoing education including the long-running Studio Series for young people and, along with Ame Henderson, the biennial Emerging Voices Project for young creators.    

He has collaborated with many leading companies including the National Ballet of Canada and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, as well as artists Kimsooja, Jordan Tannahill, The Hidden Cameras and Cirque du Soleil, and is an associate dance artist at the National Arts Centre. His works have been performed in 19 countries worldwide, and in 2018, his retrospective program House Mix toured to 15 cities in Canada and two in Colombia. His accolades include three Dora Mavor Moore Awards, the Muriel Sherrin Award for International Achievement in Dance, the Silver Ticket Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts, and an honorary doctorate from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2017.  He is currently at work on a new solo performance work that will premiere in January 2022.   

Tentanda Via

An alumna/us who has demonstrated innovative, unconventional, and daring leadership and success, reflecting the university’s motto, “The way must be tried.”

Dr. Pamela Ohashi (BSc Hons ’82)

Director, Tumor Immunotherapy Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Dr. Pamela Ohashi is the director of the Tumor Immunotherapy Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and received a bachelor of science in biology from 91��ɫ. She studied at the University of Toronto with Dr. Tak Mak and completed her post-doctoral training at the University of Zurich with Nobel Prize winner Dr. Rolf Zinkernagel and Dr. Hans Hengartner. Dr. Ohashi’s research interests involve understanding T-cell tolerance as well as strategies to promote tissue-specific immune responses and translating these findings into clinical trials. Her research has proven many basic principles in T-cell tolerance and identified novel concepts in immune regulation. One of her greatest achievements in the field of immunological science is her contribution to the establishment of an immunotherapy program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. This involved leading clinical, academic, and industrial players in the field, linking research in genomics and bioinformatics with basic and translational science and clinical trials of novel anti-cancer immunotherapeutics.

One to Watch

An alumna/us 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.

Weyni Mengesha (BFA ’05)

Artistic Director, Soulpepper Theatre Company

Weyni Mengesha is a Canadian film and stage director known for her ground-breaking work and community engagement. Since graduating in 2005 with a BFA from 91��ɫ, she has directed plays that have gone on to break box office records, tour nationally and internationally, and have been developed into television shows playing on CBC, Global, and Netflix. She made her U.S debut in 2016 at Theatre @ Boston Court directing Bars and Measures which received three Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award nominations and an NAACP nomination for her direction. Mengesha went on to make her New 91��ɫ debut with Martin Zimmerman’s Seven Spots from the Sun at Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre, along with the off-Broadway debut of the critically acclaimed Kim’s Convenience. In 2019, she became artistic director of Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto, a celebrated artist-driven company that offers year-round programming and training for artists from across the country. She is also cultivating a television and film career with numerous award-winning short films and episodic TV shows under her belt and a feature in development.

Mengesha is also a committed educator, mentor of new talent, and producer of youth arts initiatives. She was the co-director of the acclaimed A.M.Y. Project (artists mentoring youth) from its inaugural showcase in 2005 until 2011 and continues to be a member of their advisory board. In 2004, she co-founded Sound the Horn and was artistic director of the organization for seven years providing a training and performance platform to hundreds of young artists from Ethiopian and Eritrean communities across North America. She continues to be a guest teacher for artistic training programs across Canada, including the National Theatre School of Canada, Canadian Film Centre (CFC) and The Soulpepper Academy. In 2018 Mengesha was named one of The 50 most influential Torontonians by Toronto Life magazine.

A special thank you to our premier sponsor TD Insurance and our recipient video sponsor Manulife for helping us recognize these outstanding alumni.

For more information about The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards visit yorku.ca/alumniandfriends/connect/events/yorku-alumni-awards/ or to attend the virtual event.

Remembering Bruce Bryden, an outstanding 91��ɫ leader

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

The post Recipients of The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards announced appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.