Muhammad Abdulhafiz

Founder, Tutorizer  
BHRM ‘24, Human Resource Management

Muhammad Abdulhafiz is an educator, entrepreneur, and changemaker. Recognizing that mathematics is often the most challenging and frequently failed subject for students, he was inspired to rethink how it could be taught. This led him to developing Tutorizer, a tutoring program that supports math students through offering gamified practice and personalized learning paths, while helping them develop confidence and a genuine love for learning. As a secondary school teacher with the Toronto District School Board, He dedicates himself to creating classrooms where every student feels valued and supported. He also participates in extracurricular activities as a club supervisor, soccer coach, and student mentor. Beyond the classroom, he leads the Student Impact Alliance, a not-for-profit organization empowering marginalized and low-income youth through community care events and drives, grocery support programs, and structured mentorship initiatives that build belonging and expand access to opportunity. 

Wasi Syed Babar

Senior Program Manager, City of Toronto, Chief Operating Officer, Muslim Youth Revival 
BA ’20,  Interdisciplinary Social Science and Public Policy, Administration and Law

Wasi Syed Babar is a transformative leader in public service and nonprofit innovation, recognized for driving large scale modernization and building resilient teams. At the City of Toronto, he leads enterprise transformation initiatives focused on enhancing the performance and resilience of mission critical public service systems. Previously, Wasi led Doctors Without Borders Canada’s Project Management Office (PMO), standardizing delivery across various projects in IT, HR, finance, communications and donor engagement. He also advanced federal modernization initiatives for the Government of Canada, managing a multi-million-dollar portfolio and aligning transformation programs with national priorities. Beyond his professional roles, Wasi is Chief Operating Officer of Muslim Youth Revival, a non-profit he co-founded to empower youth through grassroots leadership, mentorship, and community programs. Under his leadership, the organization has tripled its reach, built a volunteer base of more than 50, and secured sustainable funding through strategic partnerships. 

Talha Aamer Chaudhry

Technology Consultant, Abacus
BA ’19, Economics

Talha Aamer Chaudhry is an entrepreneur and leadership coach. At Abacus, he spearheads enterprise cloud and integration projects helping organizations become more data driven. Through CodeStitch, his AI-powered apparel venture, he is bridging artificial intelligence with fashion, and sustainability by employing underprivileged communities and promoting ethical production. Talha leads several university chapters across Asia under his mentorship platform, EdSquare, supporting young entrepreneurs and students. He previously served as a coach for MBA students at Hitotsubashi University Business School in Tokyo, teaching Conflict Intervention & Transformation for Leaders. His newest venture, RiDscvr, embodies his mission to help individuals rediscover direction, resilience, and meaning in a rapidly evolving world.    

Adam  Garisto

Speechwriter, Office of the Prime Minister of Canada
BA ’20, Public Administration & Law

Adam Garisto has crafted the messaging for Canada’s top politicians, including two prime ministers and two ministers of national defence. He has communicated some of the government’s most high-profile policies and decisions. In 2025, Adam held the pen for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first federal budget. As a speechwriter for Prime Minister Carney, Adam has used the written word to move Canadians to reimagine what is possible when building our country. Previously, Adam served as speechwriter and communications advisor to defence ministers Bill Blair and David McGuinty, where he helped craft and launch Our North, Strong and Free. Adam got his start in politics in 2021 working for member of Parliament Michael Coteau before moving to Ottawa to write for prime minister Justin Trudeau. 

Esther Martinez

Educator and Founder, Raíces 
BA ’21, Children, Childhood & Youth

As the founder of Raíces, Esther Martinez leads an initiative that supports youth in their educational and career journeys through interactive workshops, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities that connect participants with professionals from diverse fields. Since its launch, Raíces has received strong engagement from parents, youth leaders, and the Latino community who recognize the need for dedicated support and greater representation across all sectors. Esther also represents 91��ɫ as a young alumni ambassador, supporting events and initiatives. She is also the vice-chair for the 91��ɫ Faculty of Education Alumni Network (YUEAN), where she strengthens alumni relations and fosters connection across the faculty community. 

Hunain Amir

Cybersecurity leader and mentor
BA ’19, School of Information Technology

Hunain is a strategic cybersecurity leader with over nine years of experience enhancing security operations at Herjavec Group, RBC, Geotab, Rogers, Binance.US and Flashfood. Specializing in both offensive and defensive security, he implements proactive measures to stay ahead of emerging threats while ensuring operational resilience and compliance. As the founder of Syfera—a groundbreaking cybersecurity consulting firm—Hunain delivers bespoke, cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses to strengthen their digital defenses and navigate the complexities of today’s cyber threats. Hunain’s impact also extends beyond his corporate roles. Through his mentorship program Cyber Sensei, he is cultivating the next generation of cybersecurity leaders by offering free, one-on-one mentorship and resources.   

Patricia Dada

Women's health advocate
BA ’18, Department of Sociology

Patricia is the founder of the Black Fertility Agency (BFA), a social enterprise dedicated to connecting Black individuals and couples with trusted fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy and egg or sperm freezing. BFA aims to transform Black fertility care and access, creating lasting change for families in Canada and beyond. Through advocacy, education and community-building, the agency works to close equity gaps in fertility care and supports clients with services that acknowledge their cultural values and lived experiences. In addition, Patricia plays a vital role as the project manager at Egg Bank Canada, Canada’s first egg bank recognized by Health Canada and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Patricia has contributed her voice to national conversations on fertility care, advocating for human-centred, inclusive, and culturally informed approaches to family building. This landmark achievement enhances third-party reproductive options, helping to bridge the gap in available pathways for all Canadians to build their families. In 2024, Patricia was honoured as one of Canada's Top 100 Black Women to Watch by Canada International Black Women Excellence. She was also named Global Impact Advocate by the LeadHERship Gala Advisory Board in the United States. Patricia earned her Master’s degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2021 and plans to further her impact by pursuing a PhD to contribute to the scholarly understanding of Black experiences in reproductive health.

Samir Janmohamed

Public policy leader and community volunteer
BA ’18, Department of Economics, Department of Social Science

Samir is a community volunteer and leader who aims to shape public policy, particularly in development across the Global South. For the past three years, Samir has worked at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce supporting policy initiatives on files including infrastructure, housing and workforce development and developing the organization's federal and provincial election campaigns. After graduating, he volunteered with the Ontario Council for International Cooperation before taking on a leadership role in a federal election campaign, focusing on communications and marketing. This experience led him to work in his MP’s office, where he managed casework and communications. During the pandemic, Samir played a key role in informing constituents about government benefits, vaccine availability, and business support programs. In September 2024, he began a Double Master’s in Public Administration and Global Affairs at the London School of Economics and the University of Toronto. A recipient of 91��ɫ’s Global Leader of Tomorrow Award.

Jasrin Kaur

Women in STEM mentor and EDI advocate
BCom��’23,��School of Information Technology

Jasrin is a senior IT project coordinator at CIBC, specializing in technology project management. With CSM and PMP certifications and three years of experience, she leads cross-functional teams to deliver results. Jasrin started as an intern at CIBC and grew into her role through hard work, tenacity and skill. As a South Asian woman and the first in her family to enter the corporate world, Jasrin is passionate about mentorship and diversity in tech. She has mentored women in STEM through LOTUS STEMM and serves as a WomenTech Network Ambassador, advocating for inclusivity and career growth. With 9,000+ LinkedIn followers, Jasrin shares insights on career development, storytelling and personal branding. She also hosts coffee chats and speaks at events to support early-career professionals. Beyond work, Jasrin is dedicated to community impact. She volunteers as Young Alumni Ambassador at 91��ɫ and major industry events like Elevate Festival and Collision Conference. Jasrin is committed to helping others grow in their careers and making a positive impact in the tech industry.

Tinotenda Mutsvangwa

Financial literacy and community development advocate
BA ’20 , Department of Politics
MMgt ’21, Schulich School of Business

Tinotenda Mutsvangwa is a CIBC Imperial Service Financial Advisor with a passion for financial literacy, wealth management and economic empowerment. He specializes in investment strategies, lending and personalized financial planning, helping clients achieve long-term financial success. Beyond his professional career, Tinotenda is an active advocate for Black excellence and community development. He is a member of The Black Wealth Club, where he collaborates with like-minded professionals to build generational wealth and a participant in The Black Diplomats Academy where he hones his leadership and advocacy skills. As co-founder of Incorporate Zim, a non-profit empowering young Zimbabwean entrepreneurs, Tinotenda helped foster networks for innovation and collaboration. Tinotenda has also led impactful initiatives, including wealth-building workshops at 91��ɫ’s Black Excellence program (BE YU) and mentorship through the Career Ready Conference and mentor circles with 91��ɫ’s Alumni Engagement team.

Blessing Owusu

Educator and children's book author
BA ’17 , Department of Social Science
BEd ’19, Faculty of Education
MEd ’24, Faculty of Education

Blessing is a dedicated educator, author and advocate for equity and inclusivity ineducation. As a proud three-time 91��ɫ alumna, she holds multiple degrees, including a master of education with a research focus on intersectionality within schools. Her master’s research project focused on the experiences of Black students in schools, exploring themes of identity, belonging and representation. This research led to the creation of Abena’s Adventures: A Taste of Home, a children’s book inspired by her childhood as a Ghanaian-Canadian growing up in Vaughan, Ontario. The book is now used in classrooms and school boards as a teaching tool, celebrating cultural representation and belonging. She also extends her impact through Lessons With Blessing, a social media platform that provides educators with resources to create equitable and affirming learning spaces. Through her teaching, research and advocacy, Blessing remains committed to bringing inclusivity and equity to the forefront in education, inspiring both educators and readers alike.

Nilufer Walimohamed

Lawyer and community advocate
BA ’17, Department of Social Science
JD ’21, Osgoode Hall Law School

Nilufer is an employment lawyer and workplace investigator dedicated to advocacy and community engagement. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Community Legal Clinic of 91��ɫ Region and volunteers with the Aga Khan Council for Canada on legal matters. She is also the co-founder of Empower Speaks, a platform fostering community-building, knowledge-sharing and authenticity. Previously, she served as in-house legal counsel for a national company advising on consumer protection, contracts, privacy and employment law. Nilufer has contributed to several pro-bono initiatives, including serving on the Aga Khan Education Board for Ontario and conducting research for the “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the Justice System” website refresh. She has supported individuals at the Toronto Small Claims Court Pro Bono Ontario Help Centre, fought for workers’ rights at the Toronto Workers’ Action Centre and assisted low-income populations with employment and administrative law matters at Parkdale Community Legal Services and the Community Legal Aid Services Programme.

Nathan Yiu

Disaster management expert and community leader
BA ’19, Department of Social Science
MDEM ’21, School of Administrative Studies

Nathan is a passionate, community-focused leader dedicated to humanitarian action and disaster management. As the Emergency Planning Advisor for the City of Vaughan, he has developed local preparedness efforts while contributing globally through his volunteer work with the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). Nathan has worked on various initiatives, including ensuring the safety of over 40,000 participants at the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea. He has helped WOSM navigate challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the European Region’s response to the invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, Nathan has assisted countries in the Inter-American Region as they laid the groundwork for their humanitarian action programs. As a strong advocate for grassroots emergency preparedness, Nathan firmly believes in empowering communities to build resilience in the face of disasters. His passion extends to inspiring young people through his roles as a scout leader and advocate for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, where he encourages them to realize their potential. Nathan emphasizes individual responsibility and service, promoting the idea of leaving the world better than we found it. 

Sylvia Beth Bashevkin (PhD ’81), alumna, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Bashevkin is a Canadian academic recognized for her research in gender and politics. As one of the first to study the obstacles faced by women, her work examines the consequences of women’s political participation. She’s also strived to increase opportunities for diverse people to engage in politics.

The announcement was made on Dec. 18 by the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.

For information about the Order of Canada program and to view the full list of appointments, visit�� website.