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 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 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 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 set a groundbreaking milestone for the School, raising $511,358 and surpassing the $400,000 goal by 128%. As part of Schulich’s 60th 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.
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 14th 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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Dennis Mitchell (MBA ’03) often attributes his success in business to a combination of the lessons he learned on the football field, where teamwork, strategy, and competition were essential, and his strong foundation in finance, management and leadership, which he honed through his education here at the Schulich School of Business.
As CEO and CIO of Starlight Capital, Dennis brings the same competitive drive and discipline that defined his athletic career to his leadership in the financial and asset management world. Much like football, where each player has a specialized role and the success of the team depends on everyone performing their part, Dennis believes that the key to thriving in business lies in consistent execution, collaboration, and adaptability.
Dennis Mitchell (MBA ’03), CEO & CIO Starlight Capital
“We never entered a week or a game without a clear game plan — knowing our strengths, understanding the opponent’s weaknesses, and figuring out exactly how to leverage both. That same mindset is crucial in business: strategy, preparation, and execution make all the difference.”
Under his leadership, Starlight has grown into a leading investment firm by adapting to market changes and maintaining a sharp focus on long-term goals.
Dennis Mitchell (MBA ’03), CEO & CIO Starlight Capital, on a recent visit to the Schulich School of Business. (Oct. 2024)
Dennis is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders, helping them navigate the complexities of business. He believes success comes from a clear vision, strong teamwork, and the ability to pivot in the face of challenges. Reflecting on his own journey, Dennis shares valuable lessons on the importance of long-term planning, fostering a growth mindset, and cultivating a collaborative culture—principles that resonate with both emerging and established leaders alike.
A Path of Professional Evolution and Change
Dennis began his journey with unwavering determination to play professional football. But after six knee surgeries, that dream was sidelined. In search of a new direction, he found unexpected inspiration in a professor whose lectures frequently referenced Warren Buffett. When Buffett revealed his investment in Coca-Cola, the name resonated—and so began Dennis’s deep dive into Buffetology, the book that sparked a new passion: becoming a portfolio manager. He spent three and a half years at a major Canadian bank, determined to transition into asset management from the personal banking side. When persistence wasn’t enough to break through, he made a calculated move—pursuing an MBA from the Schulich School of Business to tip the scales in his favor.
The experience of condensing his MBA into a single, high-pressure year while tackling the Level 3 CFA exam and navigating personal challenges proved to be a defining chapter in his life. It equipped him with not only the knowledge and credentials, but also the clarity, adaptability, and resilience to chart a new path forward. “If what you’re doing isn’t working, change it up,” he reflects—a mindset that has shaped his professional evolution ever since.
To Dennis, diversity is at the core of strong decision-making. “The more diverse your experience, the more likely you are to come up with optimal solutions,” he says. Schulich’s diverse student body gave him exposure to varied perspectives, and those interactions were fundamental to developing the tools that continue to shape his leadership.
Education as a Catalyst for Growth
Education has played a pivotal role in Dennis’s personal and professional development. “At Schulich, it’s partly what you bring to the table and partly what the school brings to the table,” he reflects. Professors like Larry Ginsburg, Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management; Ingrid McLeod-Dick, Instructor of Finance; and former Schulich instructor Anthony Scilipoti, President & CEO at Veritas Group of Companies; not only engaged him but challenged him to sharpen his critical thinking and problem-solving abilities—skills that remain at the heart of his work today.
Dennis launched Starlight Capital to offer a unique blend of public and private asset exposure that mimics institutional strategies for retail investors. “There had to be a compelling reason to start another firm,” he notes. With massive global shifts into private real estate, infrastructure, and equity, Starlight is positioned to bridge a crucial gap in the Canadian market.
While Starlight Capital reflects Dennis’s vision within the asset management space, his commitment to creating opportunity extends well beyond.
Championing Equity Through the Black Opportunity Fund
As a co-founder and board member of the Black Opportunity Fund (BOF), Dennis plays a pivotal role in dismantling systemic barriers and expanding access to capital within the Black community. “We’re not focused on ending racism—we’re focused on neutralizing its impact by restoring the opportunities that racism denies people,” he says. The Black Opportunity Fund was established to direct philanthropic, corporate, and government funding toward Black-led non-profits, charities and entrepreneurs. Since its inception, the fund has launched micro-lending programs, awarded education grants, and is preparing to introduce housing and investment initiatives to support Black families and entrepreneurs.
“There’s an old saying: you spend the first third of your life learning as much as you can, the second third earning as much as you can, and the final third making as much of an impact as you can. For me, the Black Opportunity Fund is that impact—it’s my legacy.”
Dennis firmly believes that opportunity is not a zero-sum game. “When we deny opportunities to marginalized groups, we all become poorer,” he says. Through the Black Opportunity Fund, his goal is to foster intergenerational wealth and build lasting economic momentum in communities across Canada.
“People often ask how I’ll know if I’ve been successful,” he said. “For me, there are two answers. First, I’ll know I’ve succeeded if my grandchildren take the Black Opportunity Fund for granted—because it’s always been there, and they’ve always known they could turn to it for support. Second, and more importantly, it’s my hope that their grandchildren will have never even heard of the Fund—because it will have fulfilled its mission so completely that it no longer needs to exist.”
Diversity as a Strategic Advantage
At Starlight Capital, Dennis has intentionally built a team that breaks away from Bay Street’s traditional tendency to recruit from a narrow pool of top-tier schools and homogenous social networks. Instead, he has championed concrete, inclusive hiring practices that open doors to candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Dennis is critical of rigid hiring filters that overlook non-traditional candidates. “When everyone comes from the same academic or social background, you’re just creating surface-level diversity,” he cautions. By valuing entrepreneurial spirit, community engagement, and lived experience alongside conventional credentials, Dennis has proven that diversity—when done right—is not only the right thing to do, but a powerful driver of innovation, collaboration, and long-term success.
This belief in inclusive opportunity also shapes how Dennis mentors the next generation of leaders, offering candid, practical advice rooted in experience.
Advice to Future Leaders
To aspiring professionals, Dennis offers a clear message: network across.
“Don’t look up and ask the CEO to pull you forward—look beside you. The person next to you in school or at work might be your future business partner.”
While he’s inundated with coffee chat requests, he encourages younger talent to seek guidance from peers just a few years ahead of them. Their paths into the industry are far more relevant—and replicable.
Dennis Mitchell (MBA ’03) with Michael Webber (BBA ’02, MBA ‘06), Director of Marketing, Schulich School of Business.Reconnecting with Schulich
Today, Dennis remains actively engaged with the Schulich Alumni Network. His return isn’t just nostalgic—it’s strategic and purposeful. “I came to Schulich originally with a purpose. I left with skills I still use today,” he says. His time at Schulich coincided with major life milestones—starting a family and building his career—making the experience all the more meaningful. Staying involved allows him to give back, share hard-earned wisdom, and, in his words, “satisfy 800+ LinkedIn coffee requests in one go.” For Dennis, it’s about investing in the next generation the same way others once invested in him—ensuring that access, opportunity, and inspiration continue to flow forward.
Dennis, recipient of the 2023 Alumni Recognition Award for “Outstanding Executive Leadership” with his brother Mike Mitchell and Dean Detlev Zwick.
Join the Schulich Global Alumni Network
Alumni of the Schulich School of Business are part of a dynamic and diverse community of business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Our Schulich Global Alumni Network connects over 35,000 alumni across 90 countries, offering valuable opportunities for networking, professional development, and collaboration.
Explore the scope of our global community and connect with our Chapter Ambassadors to stay engaged with the latest events, initiatives, and engagement opportunities in your region. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, reconnect with fellow Schulich alumni or pay it forward to your alma mater, the Schulich Global Alumni Network is here to support your continued success.
As the world celebrated International Women’s Day earlier this month, themed “Accelerate Action”, BGO answered the call by empowering the next generation of women in real estate.
Zeel Shah, MREI ‘25 has been named this year’s recipient of the Gary Whitelaw Strength in Diversity Award. “As someone deeply passionate about real estate—a field that has traditionally been male-dominated—I’m inspired by and thankful for BGO’s commitment to fostering diversity within the industry and creating opportunities for underrepresented individuals through this scholarship.”
Christina Iacoucci
Christina Iacoucci, Managing Partner, Head of Canada, a prominent female voice in real estate with over three decades of leadership in the industry, shares her advice to Shah:
“As our third female scholarship recipient, take advantage of the mentoring and networking you can access to learn about the many facets of commercial real estate BGO excels in. BGO is filled with passionate, knowledgeable, and generous leaders who are invested in the next generation of talent particularly when it comes to amplifying diverse talent. Real Estate at its core is about building community, consider BGO a part of your community!”
Since 2021, the award has been creating pathways for Schulich’s Black, Indigenous, and female students looking to further their career in commercial real estate. “Our continued support for Schulich through the ‘Strength in Diversity’ scholarship reaffirms our commitment to expanding access to education, mentorship, and professional development—helping to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders,” says Natasha Soobramanie, Principal, EDI & Talent Development. “We hope that recipients gain confidence in their potential, and a sense of belonging in our industry where they can build meaningful connections.”
A sentiment echoed by Iacoucci: “Building those connections will serve you in countless ways: opening doors to unknown opportunities, presenting alternative perspectives, and access to experience and insight. Lean into those learning opportunities and relationships with individuals across the business.” She encourages the next generation of female business leaders “to freely share ideas and question the status quo, which will ultimately inspire your peers and colleagues at all levels to embrace problem-solving with creativity and courage.”
Schulich is also driving meaningful change in gender equity. In celebration of International Women’s Day, the school launched two flagship initiatives dedicated to elevating women and advancing equity: Accelerate Action Conference, an event powerhouse that provided participants with opportunities to expand their business toolkit, networks, and pathways for growth; and Schulich Women Network, a community that aims to empower female students and alumni at every stage of their careers.
Schulich’s student population has seen a positive shift in gender parity over the last five years: 51% of our BBA’s and 44% of our graduate students are female. But there’s still a wide gap in gender parity in programs like MREI where 75% of the cohort is male. “I’m proud of Schulich’s sustained efforts in creating an inclusive environment for our students to belong and thrive in,” says Dean Detlev Zwick. “Together with our dedicated supporters, like BGO, we are moving the needle in gender parity among our student population. While that’s good progress, we can do better.”
Help us create a brighter future for underrepresented students through scholarships. Connect with Catherine Hardman, Director, Philanthropic Engagement at chardman@schulich.yorku.ca to learn more.
Onkar Mishra (MBA 13) has been honoured in the prestigious Business Elite’s “40 Under 40” award program. This esteemed accolade recognizes outstanding young executives and entrepreneurs in the global business arena, celebrating their remarkable achievements and creating invaluable networking opportunities for aspiring business leaders and industry disruptors.
Renowned as one of the world’s most popular and prestigious awards for young business leaders, the “40 Under 40” program is a testament to the exceptional talent and drive of its recipients. It is almost certain that these awardees will continue to build remarkable track records of achievement post-award.
Mishra is Owner of Aruba Designs & Construction. Since its inception in October 2020, Aruba Designs has completed over 250 projects, primarily accessory apartments, significantly contributing to the housing availability and affordability crisis in Ontario. The company has also created numerous job opportunities for low-income residents, including students, new immigrants, and unskilled workers. Committed to providing affordable housing solutions, Aruba Designs offers their services on a non-profit basis to at least one customer each quarter, including new immigrants, the elderly, single parents, and people with disabilities. Despite their affordability, they have maintained high standards of quality and safety, earning them the Best Businesses in Canada award in 2022 by CBRB and the Best of HomeStars Renovators award in 2024.
“Winning this award is a meaningful recognition of our efforts—not just in building a sustainable business, but also in contributing to the ongoing housing affordability and availability crisis in Canada,” said Mishra. “This acknowledgment further motivates us to continue delivering quality work and making a positive impact on society.”
Reflecting on his journey, Mishra credited his time at Schulich for playing a crucial role in his development as a business owner. “Coming from an accounting background, I had limited knowledge of business operations, team management, sales, and marketing. The Schulich program helped me develop a well-rounded understanding of these areas and gave me the confidence to transition into entrepreneurship. It also played a key role in shaping my leadership and decision-making skills.”
Nominees for Business Elite’s “40 Under 40” award are evaluated based on their career progress, business accomplishments, and the geographical reach of their company. Other factors include the nominee’s management level, awards and recognitions, personal story, innovation and creativity in business practices, reputation within the business community, and involvement in CSR activities.
