Twelve alumni have been selected to serve two year terms of the newly created Alumni Advisory Council.
Last year we launched The Merit Award Alumni Advisory Council to increase the representation of the communities we serve in our governance while also increasing our volunteer resources and creating a meaningful professional development opportunity for our alumni.
In addition to providing insight into the challenges facing them and their peers that will help guide our programming, each Council member will be paired with an existing committee to provide hands-on support.
Meet the Alumni!
Anika Munir
East York Collegiate Institute, 2019
Anika is a student at the University of Toronto doing a double major in Public Policy and Urban Studies with a minor in Public Law. She's worked to advocate and educate others on series issues she's passionate about relating to education, transportation, and public safety. When she's not volunteering, she'll be found studying, reading or dancing!
"I'm thrilled to be part of the Alumni Advisory Council because I have a deep connection with the program. It's given me a lot and I'm excited to give back to it."
Harni Ganesarasa
L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute, 2019, 2020
Harni Ganesarasa is currently a 2nd year student in the Health Sciences (Honours) program at McMaster University. Harni endeavours to pursue a career in healthcare wherein she can combine her dual interests in community service and health sciences.
Shon Williams
Downsview Secondary School, 2018
Shon Williams is a member of the Merit Bursary Award Advisory Council who outside of the board works as a Community Research Assistant for the Jane Finch Community Research Partnership and a Host for The Safe Room Podcast.
Julien Cristante
Weston Collegiate Institute, 2016
Julien achieved a Bachelor of Design at OCAD University in Advertising and works as a Junior Creative Director for a brand management firm, specializing in strategy, human centred processes, and design. Implementing design thinking and using a creative approach in all aspects of work to tackle diverse situations is how he finds solutions.
Michael Davac
James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School, 2016
Michael is a staff accountant at KPMG, where he helps perform financial statement audits and reviews of companies in the consumer and industrial products industry. He is a graduate of York University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. During his spare time, he enjoys playing volleyball and tennis.
Jarred Laganas
Saint Oscar Romero Catholic Secondary School, 2018
Jarred studies Biomedical Science at York University where he's the recipient of the York Science Scholar’s award, and is a research practicum student in the field of climate molecular biology. Jarred is also actively involved with the Canadian Association for Research in Regenerative Medicine, Canadian Cancer Society and Conversation Club with Big Brother/Big Sisters of Peel.
"Being selected as a recipient of the Merit award prior to my senior year really gave the confidence boost I needed to take on the obstacles I would face. I'm joining The Council because I know that recognizing hardworking students can have a profound effect in their lives."
Tina Tran
York Memorial Collegiate Institute, 2019
Tina is a Marketing Management student at Ryerson University who also works as a YouTube creator in her spare time. She enjoys pop culture and artists such as Ariana Grande and BTS, and she aspires to continue with her travels, to Seoul, Tokyo, and Osaka!
Clara Ricci
2007
Clara Ricci has long-standing experience as a board director for not-profit organizations. She is a first-generation Canadian who is passionate about socioeconomic issues in the community. She understands how to bring people together having spent time overseas building cross-cultural relationships. Overall, she is passionate about giving back to the community and mostly giving a voice to others. She holds an honours degree with a specialization in international economics and development, and a graduate diploma in civil law. She recently joined the Canadian Red Cross as an advisor to assist with the COVID-19 crisis in Montreal. Prior to joining the Canadian Red Cross, Clara spent time working for the federal government as an analyst and deputy head of program where she chaired high-profiled meetings and gained overseas work experience. She has delivered workshops and trainings, and has been a guest speaker for forums and made recommendations to various stakeholders. Clara’s hobbies include traveling, fashion, writing, running, gardening, and spending time with his family and friends.
Megan Quach
York Memorial Collegiate Institute, 2019
Harmela Celestin
Senator O’Connor College School, 2021
Isabel Blackstock
Runnymede Collegiate Institute, 2021
Qaim Ali Ramazan
Weston Collegiate Institute, 2012