News – Schulich School of Business

Schulich Receives Transformational $10 Million Gift from the Krembil Foundation

From left to right: Susana Gajic-Bruyea (Vice-President, Advancement, York University), Curtis Schultz, Jake Krembil (MMgt ’18), Rhonda Lenton (President and Vice Chancellor, York University), Detlev Zwick (Dean, Schulich School of Business), Linda Krembil, Robert Krembil, CM (MBA ’71, Hon. LLD ’00), Colleen Johnston (BBA ’82, Hon. LLD ’18), Joe Mapa (Director of the Krembil Centre), Stacey Krembil, Mark Krembil (President & CEO, Krembil Foundation), Lisa Philipps (Provost & Vice-President Academic, York University), and Christina Niederwanger (Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Schulich School of Business).

Landmark donation to empower future leaders and advance healthcare innovation

The Schulich School of Business has received one of the largest donations in its history — a transformational $10 million gift from the Krembil Foundation that will empower students, strengthen health management education, and advance Schulich’s leadership in shaping the future of healthcare.

“This extraordinary gift will have a transformational impact on our students and on the future of healthcare leadership in Canada and beyond,” said Detlev Zwick, Dean of the Schulich School of Business. “We’re deeply grateful to the Krembil Foundation for its vision and generosity. Their support will help us attract the world’s most talented students and ensure that Robert Krembil’s legacy as a champion of education and healthcare continues to thrive.”

The Krembil Foundation’s investment will create lasting impact across several areas of the School. The gift will endow the Robert Krembil Scholarship of Merit in perpetuity and launch the Robert Krembil Scholars of Excellence Program, an ambitious initiative combining financial aid, mentorship, and global learning to cultivate future leaders.

It will also expand the Krembil Centre for Health Management & Leadership, renew the Krembil Chair in Health Management & Leadership, and grow the Krembil Public Healthcare Internship Program, giving more students hands-on experience alongside senior healthcare leaders in Canada and abroad.

“The challenges facing healthcare today demand innovative and value-driven leadership,” said Robert Krembil. “Through this commitment, our hope is that talented students will be given the opportunity to learn, to lead, and to make a meaningful difference in Canada and around the world.”

This landmark gift — the second-largest single donation in Schulich’s history — brings the Krembil Foundation’s total giving to more than $21 million and serves as the lead gift for the Schulich Student Access Fund, launched during the School’s 60th anniversary year and marking the 25th anniversary of the partnership between Schulich and the Krembil Foundation.

Learn more: https://schulich.yorku.ca/robert-krembil-scholars-of-excellence-program/

Matching values: BMO Diversity in Finance Award recipient Zakiya Koya is empowered by the bank’s commitment to creating equal opportunities for all

When Zakiya Koya (BBA’27 candidate) received an email last fall telling her she had been awarded the BMO Diversity in Finance Award as one of its inaugural recipients, her first reaction was disbelief.

Then she decided that it was meant to be.

“Receiving this award told me that BMO recognizes the importance of inclusion in finance and is prepared to do something meaningful about it,” she says, adding, “Their core values match mine.”

Koya was “ecstatic” to align herself with a company that cares about representation, inclusion and “helping women feel seen and heard.”

The bank established the BMO Diversity in Finance Award as part of a $1.5 million gift, the largest BMO contribution in Schulich’s history, which also established the BMO Future Leaders Finance Lab. Valued at $5,000, the award is designed to support access to finance‑related careers and broaden participation in the Canadian finance sector by helping remove barriers for high‑achieving students who face systemic challenges. The four annual BMO Diversity in Finance Awards are distributed equally between third-year BBA and Master of Finance students with consideration given to candidates from communities historically underrepresented in the field.

“We know that cost, access to networks and representation continue to shape who sees a future for themselves in the industry,” says Helen Seibel, BMO’s Head, Employee and Community Giving. “By providing direct financial support at critical stages of students’ academic journeys, this award allows recipients to focus on their studies, skill development and career aspirations. More importantly, it signals that they belong in finance, and that their perspectives and lived experiences are valued.”

Koya set a finance career goal while still a student in high school but admits to finding the journey a struggle. “I often find myself in spaces where the voices of women and people of colour are not fully represented,” she says.

Receiving the BMO Diversity in Finance Award assured her she was on the right track.

“The support of BMO, an organization committed to breaking down these barriers and advancing women in leadership, is both empowering and motivating. This award not only affirms my own journey but also gives me the confidence to continue pushing for more inclusive leadership in finance,” Koya says.

Since receiving the award, she has joined Junior Achievement Canada as a volunteer, helping to teach high school students about finance and encouraging them to consider careers in the field.

As a mentor, she hopes to do for the next generation what BMO is doing for her.

“I’m excited to be part of a community that is actively working to break down barriers and create equal opportunities for all, she says. “I look forward to the impact we can all make together.”

The Schulich School of Business turns 60 in 2026 and we are celebrating with the Schulich Student Access Fund. To help more high-potential students experience all Schulich has to offer, contact Anthony Tomizza, Acting Director, Advancement at advancement@schulich.yorku.ca.

Schulich Alumni Earn Canadian Screen Award Nominations Across Film and Television

Schulich alumni are once again being recognized for their impact on Canada’s entertainment industry, earning nominations at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards across film, animation and reality television.

Vince Commisso (MBA ’92, BAS ’88, BA ’86) earned nominations in two children’s programming categories. Wild Kratts was nominated for Best Animated Program or Series, while Let’s Go, Bananas! received a nomination for Best Pre-School Program or Series. Commisso has long been a driving force in Canadian animation and children’s entertainment, helping to create educational and engaging content enjoyed by audiences around the world.

Luc Déry (MBA ’92) received a nomination for Lovely Day | Mille secrets mille dangers in the Best Motion Picture category. A celebrated producer in Canadian cinema, Déry is known for supporting compelling and critically acclaimed storytelling that has helped elevate Canadian film on the international stage.

Laura Michalchyshyn (MBA ’93) was also recognized through a nomination for Canada’s Drag Race in the Best Reality/Competition Program or Series category. Throughout her career, Michalchyshyn has helped shape innovative and internationally successful television programming, with a focus on original content and diverse storytelling.

Presented annually by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, the Canadian Screen Awards celebrate excellence in Canadian film, television and digital media production. This year’s nominations underscore the breadth of talent within the Schulich alumni community and the influential role graduates continue to play in shaping Canada’s creative and cultural industries.

Schulich Alumni Making an Impact Named to York’s Top 30 Under 30

York University has announced its 2026 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 — and five outstanding graduates from the Schulich School of Business are among this year’s honourees. These accomplished young alumni are making a meaningful impact across industries and communities, both locally and globally. Through their work, they are applying the knowledge, skills, and values gained at Schulich to drive innovation and positive change. Their achievements highlight Schulich’s ongoing commitment to developing principled leaders who make a difference. Meet the five Schulich alumni who are helping to shape a better future:

Sammie Dhillon (MMgt ’22, MBA ’24)	Sammie Dhillon is a manager at KPMG and a part-time instructor at the Schulich School of Business. She has extensive experience in public sector strategy and has led high-impact process improvement engagements that enhanced the efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness of public services across Ontario. Sammie brings a strong foundation in business, policy, and continuous improvement to consistently deliver results that balance operational excellence with meaningful community outcomes. Sammie is a strong advocate for advancing equity and inclusion and works with community organizations to expand access and create pathways for underrepresented groups. She is also a dedicated mentor who actively supports students and early-career professionals in navigating careers in the public sector and consulting. Sammie is passionate about preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate complex challenges with confidence, resilience, and practical skills to lead with impact.
Adam Garisto (BA ’20, MMgt ’21)	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.
Aveen Ghahremani (BHS ’24, MHIA ’25)	Aveen Ghahremani is an emerging leader in healthcare performance improvement and a dedicated advocate for the Iranian-Canadian community. She has been involved in organizing several of the largest socio-political and fundraising events in Canadian history, including welcoming Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi in 2024 and 2025, raising awareness for human rights in Iran and advocating for the fall of the Islamic Republic. Professionally, her career focuses on quality improvement, bridging evidence-based decision-making and analytics in Canada’s not-for-profit healthcare system. Before earning her Master of Health Industry Administration from the Schulich School of Business, Aveen published research in IEEE proceedings exploring the application of artificial intelligence in diagnosing and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Through her leadership and advocacy, Aveen continues to amplify the voices of Iranian Canadians while advancing performance and equity in Canada’s healthcare landscape.
Heather Hills (BBA ’19)	Heather Hills is currently a pilot at Air Canada and previously flew as a captain on the Q400 with Porter Airlines. She has built a career defined by operational excellence and mentorship in a field where women represent less than ten percent of pilots globally. Alongside her flying career, she contributes to aviation education and workforce development as the commercial flight operations program coordinator at Conestoga College. She is passionate about improving access to aviation training and supporting the next generation of pilots through innovative, human-centered learning. Heather also serves as vice president of Canadian Women in Aviation (CWIA), leading national initiatives to support women entering and advancing within the industry.
Eric Schiabel (BBA ’21)	Eric Schiabel is the founder of FORM, a technology company building the memory infrastructure for luxury resale who previously worked at YSL Beauty. He brings a background in luxury brand strategy to FORM, which connects curated boutique inventory to provenance, historical context, and lifecycle data, enabling garments to move through the market without losing identity or value. Under his leadership, the company has onboarded millions of dollars in archival inventory, built a global community around fashion and resale, and secured venture backing as it develops new infrastructure for how luxury is discovered, understood, and recirculated.

Introduced in 2021, York’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program recognizes the diverse achievements of its young alumni community and aims to motivate the next generation to drive positive change both locally and globally.

Schulich Giving Day 2025 — A Record-Breaking Celebration

Schulich Giving Day 2025 set a groundbreaking milestone for the School, raising $511,358 and surpassing the $400,000 goal by 128%. As part of Schulich’s 60^th Anniversary celebrations, the Giving Day campaign focused on enhancing career readiness, supporting transformative global learning, and enriching the student experience.

“This year’s Giving Day reflects the energy, passion, and commitment of the Schulich community,” said Giving Day Co-Chairs Tristan Cammaert (MBA ’03), Global Client Partner, EY & Ambassador, Schulich EY Alumni Chapter, and Wissam Ayoub (MBA ’05), Senior Vice President – MENA, EllisDon & President, Schulich UAE Alumni Chapter. “Alumni, faculty, staff, and partners came together to make a lasting impact for the next generation of leaders.”

Impact in Action:

Students Le Nguyen (BBA ’27) and Peter Hong (MBA ’26) represented Schulich in international competitions under Professor Joe Fayt, gaining leadership, mentorship, and teamwork experience.
Mikayla Wronko (Tech MBA ’24) gained hands-on venture capital experience through an internship with alumna Eva Lau (MBA ’05) at Two Small Fish Ventures.
Ronak Singhvee (MBA ’25) participated in global learning programs in Costa Rica and Greece, building entrepreneurial and cross-cultural skills.

Special thanks to generous matching donors Marti Morfitt (MBA ’86), Peter MacKenzie (MBA ’86) and Kate Zeidler, Dennis Starritt (MBA ’73), Vince Commisso (MBA ’92), Eric Rawlinson (MBA ’84), North Horizon, EllisDon, TD Insurance, and the Svec Estate, whose support doubled the impact of every gift.

2025 Giving Day Highlights:

$511,358 raised, exceeding this year’s goal by 128%
433 donors, including 122 new donors and 311 returning donors
124+ donors enrolled in Schulich’s Dean’s Society
Donors from across Canada, the U.S., U.K., Germany, India, Hong Kong, UAE, and more
41% of gifts designated to Student Experience Funds (SEFs)
Alumni participation across all decades, with the highest engagement from 2000–2009 and 2010–2019
Strong employer matching participation, with almost 350 donors identifying matching programs

“Thank you to every member of the Schulich community who made Giving Day 2025 our most memorable yet,” said Dean Detlev Zwick. “Since launching in 2020, Schulich Giving Day has now raised over $1.5 million to support student success.” Watch the Dean’s full message by clicking here.

If you missed Giving Day, it’s not too late – make your year-end donation by clicking here.

Schulich and North Horizon Partner to Advance Innovation and Student Success

The Schulich School of Business is proud to announce a generous $250,000 gift from North Horizon Foundation, a five-year gift focused on supporting innovation, mentorship and entrepreneurial leadership in Canada.

North Horizon, a Canadian investment firm with a focus on responsible investing, innovation, and community impact, shared the commitment on October 14^th at Schulich’s Desjardins VIP Series. This was a fitting partnership announcement as the event featured keynote Wattpad co-founder Allen Lau on why Canada must urgently rethink how we support, scale and retain world-class companies if we want to compete globally. The donation supports the Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship also known as Schulich Startups and its Innovation & Entrepreneurship Experience Fund – enabling startup events, competitions, venture panels, and student work placements with Venture Capital firms and startups.

“North Horizon’s support will supercharge our innovation programming,” said Chris Carder, Executive Director of Schulich’s Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and The Jay Smith and Laura Rapp Chair in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. “Their investment will accelerate our ability to empower founders, investors, and changemakers who will strengthen Canada’s business ecosystem.”

Schulich also announced the creation of the ‘North Horizon Entrepreneur in Residence’, a position that will be held by Schulich EIR, Instructor and Co-Creator of the Schulich Venture Academy, Cherry Rose Tan. The North Horizon Entrepreneur in Residence will play a key role in mentoring Schulich students and alumni as they continue to transform bold ideas into thriving ventures.

The partnership will launch the North Horizon Mentorship Match Award, creating internships for students eager to gain real-world experience working with Schulich Startups companies and Venture Capital firms.

The partnership will also establish the North Horizon Roots & Impact Award, supporting a total of 10 exceptional incoming BBA and MBA or Tech MBA students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a desire to take root in Canada and create positive, lasting change in their careers, communities, and the nation they call home.

“At North Horizon, we see education and innovation as the foundation for Canada’s future,” said Xiaobo Wang (MBA ’08), Executive Vice President of Corporate Development. “Our partnership with Schulich reflects our belief in empowering entrepreneurs and supporting institutions that prepare the next generation of business leaders.” This gift marks part of North Horizon Foundation’s commitment to building Canada’s next generation of innovators and community leaders.

“We are deeply grateful to North Horizon Foundation for their generosity and vision, and to our alumni leaders whose advocacy made this partnership possible,” said Detlev Zwick, Dean of the Schulich School of Business. “Together, we are empowering the next generation of Canadian business leaders and fostering innovation that will have a lasting impact on our students, our community, and the country.”

As part of its continued commitment to student success and innovation, North Horizon will join as a matching donor for Schulich Giving Day on November 13, 2025. This initiative will double the impact of contributions made on Giving Day, encouraging the Schulich community to come together in support of entrepreneurship, mentorship, and student opportunity.

Celebrating Changemakers: Nick Corradino’s Legacy of 2SLGBTQI+ Visibility and Community

“I graduated from the iBBA program in 2015, and I only wish the Nick back then could meet the Nick today. Finding authenticity took time—coming out in 2017 at the age of 24—and even after that, it took me a while to find my chosen family and mentors. Now, ten years after graduation, and years into my career, I’m comfortable being my authentic self, 100% of the time,” shares Schulich alumnus and former UBS President Nick Corradino (iBBA ’15), reflecting on his journey of self-acceptance.

Jemin and Nick. Photo by: Josh Merifield from 7O7 Studios

For Corradino, visibility matters. Being someone Schulich students can see thriving motivates him to give back through philanthropy and community-building. “I aim to be the person I needed when I was in their shoes, in the hope to accelerate their own path to confidence.” In 2021, Corradino established the Nick Corradino Changemaker Award—the first and only award of its kind at Schulich—to recognize undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to the 2SLGBTQI+ community. To date, it has honoured four outstanding students. This year’s recipient sees the award as more than financial support and recognition of their achievements. “It’s a spotlight on representation within a field I struggle to see myself in. It shows that people like me can succeed.”

Huy and Nick. Photo by: Josh Merifield from 7O7 Studios

Despite growing awareness and visibility, many 2SLGBTQI+ individuals still don’t feel safe being open about their identities. The recipient adds, “My hope is to continue to build Schulich into a space where students from our community can succeed both as individuals and leaders for accessibility and inclusion. Championing these initiatives benefit us all.” Corradino encourages them to embrace the challenge: “Community is paramount—find people in your corner to celebrate successes and support you through the tough times. Through community, you have a unique opportunity to not only use your own voice but to amplify it with others to be heard, and to make positive impact.” As Schulich celebrates Pride Month, Dean Detlev Zwick reaffirms the School’s commitment to inclusion: “Nick’s story is just one example of the leadership our community members are showing in advancing 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion—not just during Pride Month, but throughout the year.”

Jessica and Nick. Photo by: Josh Merifield from 7O7 Studios

The Schulich Pride Alliance is a student-led group that fosters a supportive network for 2SLGBTQI+ students and allies. On June 7, the Alliance hosted its flagship SPECTRUM Conference, spotlighting Corradino’s new campaign to raise $25,000 to endow the Nick Corradino Changemaker Award in perpetuity—with the first $10,000 matched dollar-for-dollar. On June 13, Corradino hosted all award recipients at the Miles S. Nadal Management Centre. Two current students and two alumni recipients reflected on the support this award gave them and how it sparked further inspiration to create increased change in their communities. A bona fide changemaker who leads by example, Corradino leaves future changemakers with advice passed down from his mother: “Be kind to yourself and love yourself. Then be the light or voice that others need.” To learn more about supporting the next generation of business leaders through establishing an award, contact Catherine Hardman, Director of Philanthropic Engagement, at chardman@schulich.yorku.ca.

Fueling the Future: Celebrating the Dean’s Society Impact

On May 9, Schulich hosted a special event to recognize the generosity and impact of Dean’s Society donors, who invest in the School’s future, with a reception, panel discussion, and unveiling of the newly installed Schulich Alumni Donor Wall.

With over 100 current alumni donors, the Dean’s Society is a distinguished community of global leaders and philanthropists, spanning supporters from the Class of 1967 to 2024. “What makes this community truly inspiring is its diversity and reach—generations of graduates making a lasting impact on the School and our students,” says Christina Niederwanger, Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement.

Pam Laycock (MBA ‘89), President of the Schulich Global Alumni Network and a Dean’s Society donor since 2016, moderated a panel discussion on philanthropy, underscoring the community’s strong culture of giving back through time, talent, and treasure. The panel featured three compelling voices: Dean’s Society donors Roshni Wijayasinha (MBA ’09) and Marco Renda (BBA ’23) who shared their personal journeys and why they give; and BBA student Polina Povorozniuk who shared her perspective as a current student and a Second Year Representative of the Undergraduate Business Society at Schulich.

For Wijayasinha, receiving a bursary as a student was empowering. Now CEO and Lead Strategist of her own company, Prosh Marketing, she gives back by hiring Schulich alumni and supporting the Schulich Startup Community. “I’m grateful for the support I received and want to pay it forward in any way I can,” she says. And for young alumni donor Renda, he hopes to inspire peers to give back as he does. “I had a unique and transformative Schulich experience, and I want the same for future students.”

Povorozniuk, graduating in two years, expresses gratitude for having a truly enriching student experience at Schulich: “Thanks to donor support, I benefit from advanced classroom technology and special programming that help me grow and stay competitive.” Why does the Dean’s Society matter? “It matters because demand for a Schulich education is growing,” shares Dean Zwick. “Students choose our School for its innovative programs and world-class learning experience—made possible by donor support.” Dean’s Society funding supports Schulich’s Annual Fund, expanding access to education and providing innovative, experiential learning opportunities for the next generation of business leaders. To join this growing community, contact Anthony Tomizza, Advancement Officer, Alumni Giving at atomizza@schulich.yorku.ca.

Eight Schulich Alumni Recognized in York’s Top 30 Under 30

York University has unveiled its 2025 “Top 30 Alumni Under 30” list – and eight exceptional graduates from the Schulich School of Business have earned a place of distinction. These dynamic young alumni are making a significant impact across industries and communities, applying the education, skills, and values they developed here at Schulich to drive meaningful change. Their achievements reflect Schulich’s deep-rooted commitment to leadership, innovation, and service. Meet the eight Schulich alumni who are helping to shape a better future:

Lul Ali (iBBA ’22) Sustainability leader	Lul Ali is a dynamic sustainability professional with a diverse range of experiences driving impactful climate action and social initiatives across both public and private domains. With a career that includes roles such as Manager of Enterprise Sustainable Finance at TD, consultant at Deloitte’s Sustainability and Climate Change practice and Climate Impact Fellow at MaRS, Lul has consistently worked on impactful sustainability initiatives that drive positive change across diverse sectors and communities. While studying at York University, she served as Canada’s Ambassador to the World Bank’s Global Youth Climate Network, representing youth climate action on a global stage. She was also an inaugural member of the Board of Directors for Impact Zero, where she supported the development of a circular economy in Toronto through community-driven and business-led solutions. Lul is currently pursuing an MSc in Environment and Sustainable Development at UCL’s Bartlett School of the Built Environment. As part of a research fellowship with Listen, Learn, and Leap, she is examining how nature-based solutions can support more just, sustainable urban development in East African informal settlements. Through her work, Lul continues to champion inclusive, innovative, and justice-oriented approaches to sustainability that benefit both communities and the environment.
Jordan Crocker (MBA/JD ’22) Lawyer and community builder	Jordan is a lawyer, mentor, community builder and governance specialist. After working at mid-sized and national law firms, he joined the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan as Associate Legal Counsel, supporting governance and administration for over 475,000 healthcare workers and ensuring they have a secure pension in retirement. He also serves as Secretary and Board Member for Theatre Passe Muraille, a Canadian theatre company dedicated to supporting and showcasing marginalized voices and emerging artists. As a former student leader, Jordan honed his advocacy skills through academic governance and extracurriculars. As a student senator, Jordan, his co-senator and others, successfully lobbied for a crosswalk between Passy Apartments and Osgoode Hall Law School. At Osgoode, he drafted updated constitutional documents as a member of both student government bodies and was responsible for upholding Osgoode’s academic standards and governance for several years as a faculty council member. Beyond law school, Jordan worked with Rainbow Railroad, a multinational non-profit aiding 2SLGBTQIA+ asylum seekers facing persecution. He helped secure safe resettlement for multiple individuals in Canada and abroad. Jordan remains dedicated to mentorship and community service, offering guidance to aspiring and current legal professionals.
Daniyal Dehleh (BBA ’21) Entrepreneur	At the age of 17, Daniyal sold his first startup to fund his dream of migrating to Canada to study at York University’s Schulich School of Business. During university, he taught himself how to code to build BeTimeful, an app that makes social media less addictive, which spiraled around the world with people using it every day from corner to corner. He was then named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Schulich School of Business. Next, Daniyal built Email Warmup, to ensure emails by businesses land in their customers’ inboxes instead of their spam folder. Today, the tool is used by businesses around the world from small startups to Fortune 500 companies. His story epitomizes resilience, vision and the relentless pursuit of redefining what’s possible on a global stage.
Jaskaran Grewal (MMGT ’18) Lawyer and social entrepreneur	Jaskaran is a corporate lawyer at a global law firm where he advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, securities transactions and corporate governance matters. With strong foundations in business, law and technology, Jaskaran is also passionate about the venture ecosystem and regularly provides strategic, forward-thinking counsel to emerging companies as they navigate the complexities of digital innovation, growth and regulatory challenges. Jaskaran is committed to giving back through community service. He actively volunteers with various organizations and has provided advisory support to prominent non-profits, helping them strengthen their operations and enhance effectiveness.
Alexander Grynszpan (iBBA ’17, MBA/JD ’21) Lawyer and social justice advocate	Alexander is a corporate lawyer at DLA Piper in New York, where he maintains a broad cross-border capital markets practice. In his pursuit of an expanding global perspective, Alexander’s academic and early professional career has spanned multiple continents, including roles with leading law firms in the United States and Canada, an internship with the United Nations’ International Labour Organization in Argentina and a study abroad period in Austria. A dedicated advocate, he combines his legal and business expertise to act for corporate clients and sovereign entities in complex transactions, while also actively engaging with preeminent international NGOs to assist unaccompanied children and asylum seekers in pursuing legal status in the United States. His ongoing commitment is evident in the various leadership and mentorship roles he has taken on within the legal community.
Svetlana Mamaeva (BBA ’18, MBA ’24) Financial literacy advocate and author	Financial literacy advocate and former Miss Canada, Svetlana is a first-generation Canadian and the founder of FinPowered, a charitable initiative dedicated to empowering women through financial education. Through this initiative, she has led over 100 free financial education workshops across Canada and her native Moldova, equipping women with the knowledge to achieve financial independence and security. Recognized for her impact, Svetlana was appointed Financial Education Ambassador for the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment, a national organization supporting survivors of domestic violence and financial abuse. Pursuing a childhood dream, she represented Canada at Miss World, where she raised awareness for her charitable work and secured one of the country’s top placements in nearly a decade. Most recently, she published her first book, Money On Her Terms, expanding her mission to educate and uplift women financially.
Tinotenda Mutsvangwa (MMGT ’21) Financial literacy and community development advocate	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 York University’s Black Excellence program (BE YU) and mentorship through the Career Ready Conference and mentor circles with York’s Alumni Engagement team.
Anjelica Ramsewack (MMGT ’22) Social entrepreneur and community leader	Anjelica is a social entrepreneur and marketing strategist dedicated to breaking down systemic barriers and empowering marginalized communities. As Co-Founder and Director of Marketing at Engage, an award-winning non-profit, she has led initiatives that have impacted thousands of young people through civic education and community-driven programs. She has also spearheaded creative initiatives, including publishing accessible policy magazines that translate complex policies into engaging, easy-to-understand narratives. Beyond advocacy, Anjelica is a Marketing Manager supporting 30+ small businesses in underserved communities. She develops strategic marketing plans, creates compelling content and leverages data-driven storytelling to increase brand awareness and drive business growth. Anjelica’s unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion, ensures individuals and businesses alike have the resources, visibility and opportunities to thrive.

Launched in 2021, York’s “Top 30 Alumni Under 30” program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University’s young alumni community, while inspiring the next generation of young alumni leaders to make a positive difference locally and globally.

Schulich Alumni Reach New Horizons at CONNECT ‘25

The Schulich community united for a day of insight and connection at CONNECT 2025: New Horizons, an inspiring alumni forum. This half-day event featured dynamic panel discussions, thought-provoking workshops, and valuable networking opportunities, empowering alumni to explore new possibilities and navigate the future with confidence. “CONNECT ’25 is one of the biggest events on our school calendar,” said Dean Detlev Zwick. “Our theme this year, New Horizons, couldn’t have been timelier. We’re living through a period of massive global transformation – from disruptive technologies and AI to geopolitical tensions and shifting economic alliances. It’s a time of volatility – but also one that opens the door to immense possibility and opportunity.” “CONNECT 2025 was a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and innovation. Alumni walked away not just with insights, but with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose, ready to embrace the future and turn challenges into opportunities,” said Christina Niederwanger Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement. The event launched with a compelling fireside chat featuring Dean Detlev Zwick, Daniel Tisch Echevarria, President & CEO of Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and Rob Cerjanec, Ajax Member of Parliament. Echevarria is a business, public policy, and community leader known globally as an expert in corporate communications, public policy, community engagement, crisis and reputation management. Cerjanec is a small business owner and advocate for publicly funded education, is a MPP for Ajax and serves as the Ontario Liberal critic for Economic Development, Innovation, and Tourism. Throughout the day, attendees had the chance to participate in Coach’s Corner where six coaches offered 1:1 professional coaching sessions. Networking sessions were also held in the CIBC Marketplace for attendees to meet with like-minded individuals to discuss Consulting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Real Estate, and Finance as well as a general networking session. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in one of four breakout sessions including: Not So Tarr-iffic, The ROI in AI: Case Studies of Business Transformation and Success, Pitch Perfect: Mastering the Art and Science of Persuasion, and The Future of Real Estate & Infrastructure: Navigating Disruption and Opportunity. Four moderators and 11 speakers discussed key insights, strategies, and industry trends, leaving attendees with valuable takeaways and fresh perspectives to apply in their fields.

From left to right: Christina Niederwanger, Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Chris Carder, Connie Bonello (MBA ’98), Daniel Tisch Echevarria, and Dean Detlev Zwick.

To close off the event, the Missing Headlines panel was moderated by Dean Zwick discussing transformative trends that will have a lasting impact on business and society: The Evolution of AI, Geopolitical Shifts Beyond Tariffs, The Power of Startups in Driving Innovation. The expert panelists Connie Bonello, Insights and Data Financial Services Leader, Capgemini, Chris Carder, Executive Director of the Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Co-Director of Entrepreneurial Studies; and Adjunct Professor, and Matthias Kipping, Professor of Strategic Management; Richard E. Waugh Chair in Business History, and Associate Dean; Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA, all shared thought-provoking insights, leaving attendees with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the future and actionable strategies to navigate them. “There’s nothing quite like the energy of coming together in person, CONNECT 2025 reminded us of the power of face-to-face connection. From insightful discussions to meaningful networking, the day was a celebration of collaboration, inspiration, and the collective drive to shape the future,” said Christina Niederwanger. “CONNECT ‘25 showed us what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose and momentum. We all left more inspired, informed and connected than ever,” said Dean Detlev Zwick. “This event reinforced the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared knowledge, leaving attendees energized and equipped to embrace the future with confidence.” CONNECT 2025 was generously sponsored by TD Insurance and CAA Club Group of Companies.