Five 91亚色 alumni who are shaping a better future in their communities will be celebrated at the 91亚色 2026 Alumni Awards on Nov. 10.
For more than 25 years, the 91亚色 U Alumni Awards have celebrated alumni who embody the principles of 91亚色, have achieved the extraordinary and are fostering innovation and growth in their respective fields.
This year鈥檚 outstanding recipients are Amanda Coombs (BA 鈥19), Laurie Fox (MBA 鈥12), Keith Loo (MBA 鈥12), Shayla S. Dube (BSW 鈥09, MSW 鈥10) and Randy Williamson (JD 鈥88).
鈥淪ince 2000, the Alumni Awards have celebrated alumni who have created positive change in their communities and the world around us,鈥 says Heather Auden, director, alumni engagement. 鈥淭his November, we are so excited to honour this year鈥檚 recipients of the 91亚色 U Alumni Awards who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their communities while creating a legacy for future alumni to aspire to.鈥
One to Watch:鈥 Amanda Coombs (BA 鈥19), executive director, Back 2 Basickz Youth Support Services
This award recognizes an alum who has made a significant impact in their field and/or community within 15 years of a bachelor鈥檚 degree or 10 years of a professional/graduate degree.
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亚色 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.
Tentanda Via:鈥 Laurie Fox (MBA 鈥12), campaign director, Will Power
This award goes to an alum who has demonstrated innovative, unconventional and daring leadership and success, reflecting the University鈥檚 motto 鈥淭he way must be tried.鈥
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 communities and across the country rise. She is on a mission to show 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.
Excellence in Entrepreneurship: Keith Loo (MBA 鈥12), co-founder and CEO, Skinopathy
This award goes to an alum who has excelled in entrepreneurship that has led to positive change in their field or the community.
Loo is the CEO and co-founder of Skinopathy, an AI health care company helping to transform how patients access dermatology and wound care. Loo has spent his career at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship and health care innovation.
After leadership roles with Microsoft and other global technology companies, he co-founded Skinopathy to make health care more accessible, inclusive and equitable through responsible AI. Today, Skinopathy technologies assist patients, clinicians, long-term care providers and industry partners across Canada and beyond.
Loo is also an educator, mentor and community leader who remains deeply connected to 91亚色, supporting students, entrepreneurs and emerging innovators.
Outstanding Achievement:鈥 Shayla S. Dube (BSW 鈥09, MSW 鈥10), sessional instructor, private practice owner and mental health consultant
This award goes to an alum who has achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students.
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, Dube has provided psychotherapy, mentored practitioners and led 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.
Outstanding Contribution:鈥 Randy Williamson (JD 鈥88), lawyer and partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
This award goes to an alum鈥痺ho has made a significant contribution to the advancement of 91亚色 and its students through exceptional service, commitment and/or philanthropic contributions.
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亚色 Development Corporation, and participated in two Chancellor Search Committees and a Presidential Search Committee. He also supported innovation at 91亚色 as the first private sponsor of YSpace鈥檚 Tech Accelerator.
About the awards
The 91亚色 U Alumni Awards were inspired by鈥Bruce Bryden, an exceptionally committed and influential leader at 91亚色 for many years. He was a member of 91亚色鈥檚 first undergraduate class, was the founding president of the 91亚色 Alumni Association (now the鈥91亚色 Alumni Board/YUAB) and was a member of the 91亚色 Board of Governors. The 91亚色 U Alumni Awards recognize and honour his vision, exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievements.
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