Numerous studies have found that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students experience countless obstacles, often feeling unwelcomed, misunderstood, stereotyped, and micro-aggressed when launching their careers.

Join us in conversation with various U of T Alumni, as they share their unique experiences and challenges faced as young professionals who identify with various equity deserving communities. Learn about their lived experiences in overcoming the obstacles and challenges in navigating the first few steps of their career journeys. Discover how these alum had established their careers and have ultimately found success in their respective industries.

Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions for the panelists prior to the event, as well as ask questions during the event's live Q&A period. Please submit your questions here!

Please note that although this session is intended for alumni who identify as BIPOC, any alumni is welcome to attend and join in on the conversation. 

Moderator:

Matthew Brown (BA 2015) is a passionate community developer with 10+ years of experience devoted to serving the community & not-for-profit ecosystem. He dedicates time to connecting, supporting, and volunteering with racialized and newcomer youth and families across the GTA. Matthew is a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Equity Studies & Sociology program and is hoping to further his education in community development through the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Currently, Matthew is the Manager of the Provincial Youth Outreach Worker Program with Strides Toronto. The program aims to connect youth living with risk factors to situational/identity-specific & culturally responsive services and pro-social opportunities, deploying 120+ Youth Outreach Workers in 16 priority communities across Ontario

Panelists:

Stephanie Duff (MEd 2019) is the author of “Me and My Hair” and “My Big Dream”, the first two books in The Rayne Project series. She is a passionate teacher in Toronto, Canada who has been teaching children for over 10 years.  She received her Bachelor of Education from York University and her Master of Education from the University of Toronto. Stephanie is committed to four things: maximizing learning in any space, promoting a healthy sense of self, inspiring leadership, and fostering critical thinking. She has dedicated her career to each of these pursuits. 

Colin Asuncion (BA 2011) is a marketer, performer, and culinary influencer. A graduate of the University of Toronto, St. Michael’s College (English and Political Science), and the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (Public Relations and Publicity), Colin currently works as the Marketing Manager for the Retail Council of Canada, the largest retail trade association in Canada. Colin was also a finalist on Season 3 of The Great Canadian Baking Show and the 2021 Great Canadian Holiday Baking Show. Colin is also a seasoned stage performer and musician, with music on all streaming platforms as well as various stage credits.

Riley Yesno (BA 2021) [she/her] is a queer Anishinaabe writer, researcher, and public speaker from Eabametoong First Nation. She has experience working at all levels of change-making, has travelled the world public speaking, has been published in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Maclean’s, and many others. She is currently a Fellow with 3 different institutions across Canada and is beginning her Ph.D. at the University of Toronto while writing her first book.

Unable to attend this webinar live? All registrants will receive a copy of the recording which can be viewed on demand! 

Please contact Alumni Relations if you require any more information.