91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program celebrates exceptional young leaders who are using their talents, education, and passion to make meaningful change. Among this year鈥檚 recipients, 12 individuals are from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and each one is a powerful example of how our alumni are already shaping a better, more inclusive and sustainable future.

Purpose-Driven Visionaries: 12 Graduate Studies鈥� Alumni Making Change

Jocelyn Cadieux (MES 鈥�20) is building healthier cities, one policy at a time. As Chair of the MES Planning Alumni Committee (MYPAC) and a dedicated policy planner, Cadieux champions walkable, transit-friendly communities. His long-range planning work makes cities not only more sustainable but also more livable鈥攈elping current and future generations thrive.

Lauren Castelino (MES 鈥�24) is leading the charge toward environmental justice. As founder of the Green Career Centre, a non-profit that supports underrepresented youth entering green industries, Castelino is opening doors for the next generation of environmental leaders, empowering them to shape the policies and projects that will define a greener tomorrow.

Jordan Crocker (MBA 鈥�22) exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and purpose. A lawyer and advocate, Crocker has worked with Rainbow Railroad to help 2SLGBTQIA+ asylum seekers find safety and freedom. Through mentorship and legal support, he builds bridges to brighter futures for marginalized individuals globally.

Jaskaran Grewal (MMgt 鈥�18) brings a unique blend of business, legal, and tech expertise to his role as a corporate lawyer. Passionate about the venture ecosystem, Grewal advises emerging companies on navigating digital innovation, growth, and regulation. Outside the boardroom, he鈥檚 a dedicated volunteer, supporting non-profits with strategic counsel and community outreach.

Alexander Grynszpan (MBA 鈥�21) is advancing human rights and access to justice. In addition to his work in cross-border capital markets law, Grynszpan volunteers with international NGOs supporting asylum-seeking youth. His legal advocacy ensures that vulnerable populations are heard, represented, and protected.

Svetlana Mamaeva (MBA 鈥�21) is on a mission to close the gender gap in financial literacy. A first-generation Canadian and founder of FinPowered, Mamaeva has led over 100 free financial education workshops in Canada and Moldova, empowering women to take control of their financial futures. Her book, Money On Her Terms, is an extension of her belief that economic empowerment leads to societal transformation.

Tinotenda Mutsvangwa (MMgt 鈥�21) sees finance as a vehicle for empowerment. As a financial advisor at CIBC and co-founder of Incorporate Zim, Mutsvangwa supports Black excellence and entrepreneurship across borders. His work helps individuals and communities build wealth, independence, and lasting change.

Blessing Owusu (MEd 鈥�24) believes that every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and included. Through her research on Black student experiences and her children鈥檚 book Abena鈥檚 Adventures: A Taste of Home, Owusu is reshaping classrooms with narratives of representation, belonging, and identity鈥攖ransforming how equity is taught and lived in education.

Aniket Prabhudesai (MASc 鈥�22) is taking Canadian innovation to space鈥攍iterally. As part of the technical team at MDA Space, Prabhudesai is working on the Canadarm 3 and other next-generation space robotics. His contributions are advancing humanity鈥檚 reach and Canada's legacy in space exploration.

Pankaj Puar (MSc 鈥�21) stands at the cutting edge of science and medicine. As a senior medical student at the University of British Columbia and PhD candidate at the University of Toronto, Puar plays a key role in global clinical trials. His research into novel therapies is already shaping how diseases are treated, and lives are saved around the world.

Anjelica Ramsewack (MMgt 鈥�21) is using storytelling to dismantle barriers and create impact. As co-founder of Engage, Ramsewack empowers BIPOC youth to become changemakers through accessible education and creative policy communication. Her work brings clarity, voice, and opportunity to communities that need it most.

Nathan Yiu (MDEM 鈥�21) turns compassion into action in times of crisis. As Emergency Planning Advisor for the City of Vaughan and a global volunteer with the World Organization of the Scout Movement, Yiu empowers communities to prepare for the unexpected鈥攊nspiring a culture of resilience, service, and shared responsibility.

These 12 remarkable individuals are more than achievers鈥攖hey are architects of a better world. Across industries, across borders, and across lived experiences, they embody the values of leadership, inclusivity, and innovation that define 91亚色鈥檚 graduate community.

Launched in 2021, the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program continues to spotlight the energy and excellence of young alumni who apply their 91亚色 education to transform lives, communities, and the world at large.

Discover more about these inspiring changemakers and find out how you can be part of the movement for positive change by visiting the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 website.

Bintu Alkassoum (MMAI 鈥�22)

Bintu Alkassoum is a Toronto-based previous startup founder and current artificial intelligence (AI) adoption manager at BASF Canada. Bintu's expertise lies in artificial intelligence strategy, data analytics and product development. As the AI adoption manager at BASF's Digital Hub, she helps drive AI innovation in a large enterprise environment to enhance organizational efficiency and strategic decision-making. Bintu's entrepreneurial achievements are apparent in her role as the founder and CEO of RELOOPED, a sustainable fashion marketplace app. This initiative highlights her prowess in product design and user research, as well as her commitment to responsible consumption. Bintu's work is characterized by a blend of creative excellence and a deep commitment to social responsibility. She continuously leverages technology for the greater good, making tangible impacts in her communities by addressing pressing issues such as sustainability, ethical AI and social justice. Bintu is an active member of the Women in AI branch of the Toronto Machine Learning Society, Microsoft Azure Community, and the Old Girls Club. Her involvement in these organizations reflects her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the AI and broader technology ecosystem.

Khadeja Elsibai (BPA 鈥�20, MPPAL 鈥�22)

Khadeja Elsibai is a public servant, community builder, connector and people-oriented leader. Her passion for building community and creating spaces for learning and growth has mainly been unleashed within the public sector as member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada's Toronto Region Chapter (IPAC Toronto) and as co-chair of Future Leaders of Ontario (FLO), the inter-departmental network for new and young federal public servants based in Ontario. Through these leadership roles, Khadeja has co-led many initiatives including two mentorship programs, the organizing of IPAC Toronto鈥檚 flagship event, the Emerging Leaders Conference and launched IPAC Toronto鈥檚 Emerging New Professional Award, an award that recognizes emerging leaders in the GTHA鈥檚 public sector. Khadeja has also led many communications and outreach initiatives within the public sector, and co-organized many learning and networking events that aim to facilitate horizontal collaboration and the cross-pollination of knowledge to create opportunities for professional development. In addition, Khadeja assists with organizing community events and fundraising initiatives across North America for Molham Volunteering Team, a Syrian grassroots charity dedicated to supporting Syrians and Arabs in need across the Arab region.

Ketaki Gadre (MF 鈥�21)

Ketaki Gadre is a finance and accounting professional, educator and published author. Ketaki鈥檚 expertise spans financial due diligence, risk assessment, control environment development and auditing. As an instructor at Fleming College, she nurtures the next generation of professionals through advanced finance/accounting education, infusing fresh perspectives as one of the youngest instructors in her college. She encourages interactive learning methods and makes frequent use of case studies. Beyond the classroom, she has contributed articles to scholarly journals, that include "Farm Loan Waiver 鈥� A Real Solution to Agricultural Enigma?" and "Feasibility of Bitcoin in India 鈥� A Discussion.鈥� Ketaki also serves as a reviewer for prestigious journals such as the Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting and the Journal of Economics, Management, and Trade. By providing constructive feedback as a reviewer for academic journals, she actively contributes to elevating the quality of published research, reinforcing their commitment to enhance the capability of the academic community and the positive changes it can bring about in the knowledge pool.

_{This is a collage of our Grad Studies Top 30 under 30 winners of 2024}

John Lau (BA 鈥�17, MES 鈥�19)

John Lau is a senior advisor at the Ontario Energy Board's Energy Transition department. After graduating from 91亚色, John Lau helped combat climate change by working on energy and environment policy at Natural Resources Canada. John monitored and analyzed international and domestic clean energy policies and led cooperation between federal and provincial governments to report on the progress of clean energy policy implementation. John then joined the Natural Gas and Hydrogen team at Natural Resources Canada where he has led the federal government's policy and market analysis related to gaseous fuels. John also spearheaded projects focused on natural gas sector decarbonization and advancing progress toward net-zero emissions for Canada and its allies. John has been featured as a presenter at many conferences on climate change mitigation. These include conferences hosted by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Hydrogen Heating Network (HHN). John was also an independent expert reviewer for International Energy Agency (IEA) publications. John has been working to ensure that Canada鈥檚 clean-energy transition is successful and enlists participation and support from all Canadians and stakeholders. In 2020, John was recognized as one of Corporate Knight Magazine's Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders.

Sara Pishdadian (MA 鈥�18, PhD 鈥�23)

Sara Pishdadian works at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in the Geriatrics Mental Health, Neuropsychology Assessment and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis services providing clinical services and conducting research. Her dissertation research investigated memory and spatial navigation abilities in older adults and individuals with amnesia and was recognized with a 91亚色 Dissertation Prize. Sara held many leadership and advocacy roles at 91亚色 including co-founding the Psychology Undergraduate Mentorship Program (PUMP), co-chairing the Psychology Graduate Students鈥� Association (PGSA), and being an active member of the Psychology department鈥檚 Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) committee. She is an active member of Health Care Providers Against Poverty (HPAP) and has contributed to national initiatives focused on equity and inclusion regarding psychology residency salaries. Sara also mentors graduate students through the American Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African (AMENA) Psychological Association. Sara is a passionate clinician, researcher and advocate for providing high quality mental health care, particularly to underserved individuals such as older adults and individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.

Sam Rockbrune (MA 鈥�19)

Samantha (Sam) Rockbrune (she/her) is a leader in the non-profit sector with nearly ten years of experience in social and climate justice locally and nationally. She is a graduate of 91亚色's Master of Arts in Socio-Legal Studies in which her research took a critical stance on law and policy. She is a co-founder and former board director of Students for Consent Culture Canada, a national non-profit working to end campus sexual violence and promote cultures of consent. Currently, Sam is the executive director for the Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC), an award-winning charity focused on connecting global issues to local initiatives in the Nogojiwanong area of Peterborough, Ontario. Under her leadership, KWIC has undertaken impactful community projects to advance and amplify gender equality locally and support youth climate justice projects. In 2023, Sam was also the interim executive director for. The Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledges and Sciences (TRACKS) youth program, facilitating dynamic, land-based youth programming that braids multiple scientific approaches by centring Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Congratulations to this year鈥檚 crop of dedicated, ambitioous, innovative and creative young minds who are creating meaningful change and working to right the future in significant ways. These motivated leaders highlight the many life paths made possible with a 91亚色 degree.

Located in the heart of the vibrant City of Markham, 91亚色鈥檚 new campus is an ideal home for a community of positive changemakers. Students will be presented with opportunities to collaborate directly with employers, start-ups and community partners to obtain hands-on experience and learn to drive innovation across all areas of knowledge and society.  

The new campus will develop 91亚色鈥檚 already strong academic presence in the City of Markham and 91亚色 Region that is currently home to鈥�痑nd the鈥�, a hub for more than 40 tech companies. 

_{Exterior view of Markham Campus}

Welcoming the community in Spring 2024, the Markham Campus will accommodate up to 4,200 students. Ten floors of teaching and learning spaces are clustered around the dynamic, multi-story Bratty Family Atrium. Enhanced accessibility features, an Indigenous learning circle, a multi-faith space and unique common areas for meetings are just some of the facilities offered by the state-of-the-art campus.  

Students will benefit from flexible learning formats, small class sizes and the opportunity to round out classroom learning with workplace experiential education. Five new graduate programs will offer innovative course design centred on the core themes of technology and entrepreneurship.  

Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL 鈥� Municipal Government) 

In this unique program, students will learn how municipal and regional governments, related boards and agencies as well as non-profit organizations deliver services and respond to calls for accountability.鈥疓raduates can create positive change in the community by working in positions, which address the challenges confronted by municipalities.  

Master of Science in Management Practice (MScMP) 

As future business leaders, MScMP students get ahead of the competition by putting data to a better use through the most up-to-date research and analytical methods taught in this innovative program. Graduates develop a robust understanding of management practices rooted in applied research and analysis that inform evidence-based decision-making to efficiently run an organization.  

_{Interior view of Markham Campus}

Graduate Diploma in Management (GDM) 

Don鈥檛 have a business background? The GDM program will help develop key skills required in managing an organization.鈥疌ourses focus on developing an understanding of organizational theory, marketing, accounting, finance, management information systems, operations management, organizational behaviour and law. Students will hone their newfound skills and knowledge in a capstone course addressing real-life organizational problems. 

Master鈥檚 in Biotechnology Management (MBM) 

This one-of-a-kind program in Canada provides training in practical biotechnology theories, skills and practices; a graduate education in management; and a paid work-placement(s). Studies culminate in an interdisciplinary capstone course integrating biotechnology and management skills and knowledge. Graduates of the program position themselves to make immediate contributions to the growing Canadian biotechnology industry. 

If you are unsure of your eligibility and would like to verify your graduation status prior to applying, make an appointment with your GPA to find out if you have met the requirements to graduate.

Once you apply to graduate, ensure your is up to date.

Table Footnotes

¹ To apply for convocation, you must have completed your key milestones (ex: oral exams, and upload the final dissertation/thesis on the ETD website) before the beginning of the term that the convocation date takes place. For example, if convocation takes place in October (during the fall term), courses must be completed by the end of the summer term.

² Check with your GPA to confirm that you have met all requirements needed to graduate in your degree program. This includes ensuring that all academic issues are resolved by the deadline, including any missing grades, deferrals (alternate dates for final exams or coursework), pending petitions, pending waivers, or missing program requirements, etc.

Go back to deadline table

Once you apply to graduate, your eligibility to graduate will be confirmed following an audit of your final grades by your program and the Registrar's Office. Your status will be reflected on your grade report and transcript and your name will appear on as having graduated.

Suzanna Alsayed (MDEM '20)

In 2019, Suzanna Alsayed founded Hilt International Security, her first venture, a holistic security firm with the goal to protect people and assets worldwide. Moreover, in mid-2020, she established Evolutz Inc., an independent global brand, design, copy and website development agency. She received numerous accolades from experts and professionals in the field, which demonstrate her high level of engagement in the industry. In addition to her professional success, Suzanna strives to promote positive change in her community. Since 2020, she is a member of Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) which focuses on advancing the careers of women in defence and security fields.

Sayjon Ariyarathnam (JD/MBA '20)

Sayjon Ariyarathnam is a banking and finance lawyer at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. He is also a board member with the Community Legal Clinic of 91亚色 Region, a not-for-profit organization that promotes universal access to justice and poverty elimination. Additionally, Sayjon is dedicated to creating a positive difference by passionately promoting access to resources and opportunities outside of his profession. He is actively involved with Law in Action Within Schools as a mentor to students who face personal and systemic barriers to success. Through his engagement in sessions aimed at exposing students to law and justice through workshops, mentorship and employment, he is helping many vulnerable students reach their goals.

Elijah Bawuah (MES '21)

Jc Elijah (Eli) M. Bawuah is a practicing urban planner and public consultant with multi-disciplinary experience gained by working in a spectrum of city and community-building roles. He is the co-founder of the Mentoring Initiative for Indigenous and Planners of Colour (MIIPOC) which focuses on establishing a national network between experienced and emerging planners from marginalized communities. Eli is also a committee member of the City of Toronto鈥檚 2SLGBTQ+ Council Advisory Body, strategizing policies aimed at removing barriers faced by the queer community. Eli exemplifies a true leader by advocating and prioritizing goals that will help foster diversity and inclusion in urban planning.

Jonathan Clodman (MEd '20)

Jonathan Clodman is an elementary teacher with the Toronto District School Board who is always looking for new opportunities to help others. His work extends through a variety of classroom, camp and community experiences, including the boards of two community-based children鈥檚 non-profits. Jonathan was previously a co-director of Vaccine Hunters Canada, where he developed onboarding resources, supported volunteer responders and collaborated with a variety of educational stakeholders. As a teacher, Jonathan passes along his drive for meaningful change to the younger generation by encouraging his students to get involved with their community.

Bri Darboh (MA '19)

Bri Darboh is a senior doctoral student in clinical psychology and neuropsychology at 91亚色, as well as a part-time MBA student specializing in health industry management and organization studies at the Schulich School of Business. She is dedicated to creating progressive changes to healthcare by addressing pipeline issues resulting in BIPOC underrepresentation through contributing to several professional and community initiatives. She is an inaugural student representative of the Society for Black Neuropsychology as well as the co-president of 91亚色鈥檚 Black Students in Psychology (BSIP) organization. Bri has spearheaded BSIP鈥檚 recent efforts to expand the organization to the entire faculty of Health at 91亚色 in order to ensure that all BIPOC students with a proclivity for healthcare are being effectively reached.

Osman Naqvi (MSTM '17)

Osman Naqvi works as an advisor, investor services at Invest in Canada鈥攁 global investment attraction and promotion agency that facilitates global investment into Canada. Osman鈥檚 work outside his profession focuses on serving many causes including youth, women, refugees and more, which has directly impacted thousands of families across Canada. Osman鈥檚 philanthropic journey began at 13 when he founded the Bayshore Youth Council. He continued serving his community and fostering positive change through numerous boards and charities before co-founding YOUth Heroes, a non-profit organization that provides mentorship and entrepreneurship education to marginalized youth. Osman has received accolades from all levels of government and various charitable organizations, such as Canada鈥檚 150 award and United Way鈥檚 Community Builder award.

Jason Robinson (MES '19)

Jason鈥檚 current roles include data analyst for the Rural Ontario Institute and policy specialist for the Community Climate Council. As a leader of his community dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, he co-founded Gradient Spaces, a place for BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ people passionate about making tech more equitable. Specifically, he works on collecting data to address the issues racialized and queer people face in the tech ecosystem. Moreover, Jason is a Youth Program Facilitator at Ecosource where he is recognized for bringing an environmental justice perspective to the monthly virtual workshops aimed at youth and adults to increase intergenerational conservation related to climate change.

Congratulations to this year鈥檚 group of dedicated young minds who are creating meaningful change and working to right the future in significant ways. These motivated leaders highlight the many life paths made possible with a 91亚色 degree.