UTSCAA Executive Team

Board of Directors

President – Melanie Ratnam (BSc 2007, PhD 2018)

Since 2019 Melanie has made significant contributions to the UTSCAA, most currently in the role of VP Governance where she was instrumental in developing processes and procedures to establish better board governance. Melanie studied neuroscience and biology followed by her PhD at UTSC. She is the Founder of Indaggo, a startup dedicated to easing pain points for lab researchers. She currently coaches other entrepreneurs through UTSC’s The Hub to help others launch their business successfully. She is also currently the Director of Policy and Impact with the Society of Canadian Women in Science in Technology, and was recently part of the National Council of Women of Canada Delegation at the United Nations’ annual Commission of the Status of Women session. 

 

Vice-President, Alumni & Student Engagement – Chevon Riley (BSc 2020)

Chevon Riley is a Jamaican Canadian who completed his BSc as a Chemistry Specialist at the University of Toronto Scarborough. He is a dedicated entrepreneur with companies in the cosmetic, entertainment and insurance industries. Chevon founded Natural Organic Matters (NORM), through the UTSC’s incubator “The Hub” and “The Black Founders Network” winning grants accumulating to $30,000. His goal is to pave the way for like minded individuals to grow and succeed in a conducive environment. Chevon’s aim is to use his knowledge, networking skills and resources to aid the UTSCAA Board in engaging alumni and students through meaningful and enriching experiences.

 

Treasurer – Edward Henley (BA 2003)

Edward studied political science and social sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough. He has served on the UTSCAA for many years. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA). He is currently the Director of Corporate Services and County Treasurer at Bruce County. He looks forward to continuing to serve on the UTSCAA. 

 

 

 

Director – Ali Aghayan (BBA 2022)

Ali graduated from UTSC in 2020 from the Management Co-op (BBA) program specializing in Finance. During his time at UTSC he was involved in a leadership capacity with DECA, UTSC Model United Nations, Management Student Executive Board, and UTSC Student Managed Fund. During his time at UTSC, Ali did co-ops at OTPP, Anson Funds, and Goldman Sachs. Upon graduation in 2020 he spent 1 year in Calgary as a Commodity Trading Analyst at Goldman Sachs before internally transferring to the New York based Commodities Principal Investments team where he currently focuses on deploying the firm’s capital in complex commodity-linked transactions.

 

Director – Dan Bowyer (BA 1979)

Dan is currently the Principal of Toronto eSchool, Visionary Academy, Toronto Art Academy and Toronto eLearning School. Dan served for 35 years with the Peel District School Board as a history and visual arts teacher, eventually becoming a School Administrator in Caledon, Brampton and Mississauga. Dan was a Provincial Executive Member of the Ontario History and Social Science Teachers’ Association for over twenty years. He is an International Baccalaureate History of the Americas teacher and even managed to find time to coach his schools’ men's and women's field lacrosse teams. A ten year plus executive member with the Brampton Excelsior Lacrosse Club, Dan also volunteers at the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Catharines, Ontario as a member of their Accession Committee and as their Lacrosse Historian. Dan also played on and coached the Scarborough College Men’s Lacrosse team while he was a student here in the ‘70s. He has served as a Director on the UTSCAA for the past two years and looks forward to continuing his contribution to the Board.

 

 

Director – Adnan Hoque (BSc 2006)

Adnan has been a member of the UTSC board of directors the last 2 years. Adnan studied computer science, environmental science and psychology during his time at UTSC. He's had a progressive career in the technology and data space overseeing digital transformation and modernization working at government, financial, and consulting firms. Currently, he's an Executive at TD Bank leading the bank's transition and change to Cloud platform. His hobbies include traveling with his family, gardening, and is an avid athlete playing soccer, golf, hockey, and badminton.

 

 

Director – Janine Jivani (BA 2016)

Janine graduated from UTSC in 2016 with a double major in Human Geography and City Studies. While she was a student, she was the founding President of the Geography and City Studies Student Association (GCSA). She also worked at the UTSC bookstore and as a Research Assistant in the geography department. After graduating, Janine received a Master’s degree in Public Health and is currently working as a Policy Coordinator in health care regulation. The tight knit campus and sense of community Janine felt as a student at UTSC was one of the reasons why she was drawn to join UTSCAA, and she hopes to keep other UTSC Alumni connected to the campus during her term as a Director.

 

 

Director – Deborah Knight (BA 1988)

Deborah Knight is a seasoned marketing and public relations professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry.  As the President of dkpr public relations inc. in Toronto, a provider of full-service marketing and digital strategies, this agency has been one of Toronto’s top entertainment management and strategic marketing firms for the past 23 years. Deborah studies arts administration during her time at UTSC. She looks forward to making a meaningful impact as part of the UTSCAA.

 

 

Director - Shiyamali Paranirupasingam (BSc 2008)

Shiyamali is a seasoned professional in digital technology with extensive experience in Canada and the UK. Her love for technology and creativity led her to establish L'Amour Pearls, an award-winning fashion jewelry brand. As a champion for women in technology, Shiyamali prioritizes cognitive equity, diversity, and inclusion. In 2020, she spearheaded the launch of the first Women in Artificial Intelligence (WAI) Chapter in Toronto. Her contributions to the field of AI have been celebrated and recognized, being featured in Re. Work's Top 25 Women in AI - Canada Edition and Top 100 Women Advancing AI Worldwide 2023. Shiyamali studied neuroscience and biology during her time at UTSC.

 

 

 

Director - Fareena Rahim (BA 1997)

Fareena Rahim is a Director at TD Securities in Global Markets. She has over 20 years experience in financial services in senior roles and has worked in both Canada and the US. Fareena is an advocate of diversity and inclusion initiatives in both her professional and personal life. She has an undergraduate degree in economics, management and political science, from the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus and an MBA from Dalhousie University. She is also a working mom and volunteers for charitable organizations in her spare time.

 

 

Director - Barbara Ratnam (BA 2015)

Barbara Ratnam is a professional educator for the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB). She is a proud member of UTSC’s alumni community having completed her B.A. at UTSC and her Masters in Teaching at OISE. Over the past year, Barbara served as Secretary for UTSCAA working with the executive committee. Barbara is committed to the academic and social development of young students and has 6+ years of experience working with children who have special needs. Barbara developed a passion for science as an avid science fair competitor and a former national gold medalist of the Canada Wide Science Fair (CWSF). To support this type of experiential learning she began Ultimate Science – a volunteer initiative for elementary students from diverse backgrounds, through which UTSC alumni, graduate and undergraduate students provided one-on-one mentorship for over 300+ unique student-led STEAM projects. The program was awarded the Innovative Exemplary Award in 2019 by the TCDSB, featured on CBC’s Metro Morning, and was recognized by The Honourable Minister of Sports and Science, Dr. Kirsty Duncan and the beloved TSN Sports Analyst, Jack Armstrong. Barbara is a long-distance swimmer and has 15+ years of artistic expertise as a professional magician and entertainer, which she has used to fundraise for various charitable organizations in the GTA.

 

Past President - Dorinda So (BBA 2009)

Dorinda graduated from UTSC in 2009 with a double major in Management and Political Science. She has been an active alumni volunteer with UTSC in response to her overwhelmingly positive undergraduate experience. She serves as the President of the UTSCAA following her nearly 5 years of service with the Association. As an active alumna, she also serves on the Executive Committee of the College of Electors and the UTSC Campus Council. Dorinda is currently the Executive Director of pointA, a sustainable transportation organization, holds a Master of Arts in Socio-Legal Studies from York University as well as a certified PMP.

 

Advisory Group

 

Tom Anastasios (BSc1988)

Tom studied biology during his time at the University of Toronto Scarborough. He has been an active member of the UTSCAA Advisory Group for the past two years. He currently teaches part-time at the secondary school level and is very involved in many community events. He looks forward to continuing his involvement in the UTSCAA Advisory Group in the coming year and helping to plan and organize alumni events.

 

 

 

Jason Glover (BA 2003)

Jason has been involved in the UTSCAA for many years, having served in the roles of Secretary, Vice-President, President, and most recently, Past President. In addition to all of his impact with the UTSCAA, he has also remained a strong supporter of UTSC through serving as a member of Campus Council, and through mentorship programs at UTSC such as the Partners in Leadership Mentorship Program and through mentoring and coaching startups in The Hub. Jason studied history and political science during his time at UTSC.

 

 

Bruce Geddes (BA 1968)

Bruce has been involved with the UTSCAA for many years and has served as a Director, President, Past President and for the past few years as a member of the Advisory Group. His continued connection with the University of Toronto Scarborough has spanned 55 years. Bruce was part of the first graduating class of UTSC in 1968.

 

 

 

Stephanie Geddes (BA 1968)

 

 

 

 

Vitoora Haran (BSc 2018, MEnvSci 2020)

 

 

Mobeen Lalani (BSc 2019)  

Mobeen Lalani is an Account Executive at a health tech start-up, working towards un"locke"ing health and making care accessible through direct-to-patient solutions. He recently completed his Master of Health Informatics from the University of Toronto, Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, and an AI in Health Law certificate from Ottawa University. These followed his undergraduate studies in chemistry, community health, and anthropology at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Mobeen has been selected as one of six AI for Public Health trainees awarded by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and is currently working with the AI for Good Foundation in reviewing AI use cases in healthcare. Over the last couple of years, through his experiences working in the public and private sectors, Mobeen has engaged in various digital health discussions through thought leadership seminars, virtual and in-person speaking engagements, and article and blog writing. Mobeen was recently recognized on The Peak's 2023 Emerging Leaders list in the healthcare category, celebrating accomplished Canadians making a notable impact in their field. Over his career, Mobeen has sought to be in positions that have encouraged collaboration, are driven by social impact and are motivated to improve patients' quality of life.

 

Husnain Mansoor (BSc 2017)

Husnain is a proud graduate of the University of Toronto Scarborough where he studied psychology, community health, and is deeply committed to the institution's mission and values. He is passionate about engaging alumni and fostering a sense of community among graduates and he believes that his experience in event planning and community outreach will be invaluable in achieving this goal. He is committed to working collaboratively with the board and other stakeholders to address these challenges and ensure the continued success of the University of Toronto Scarborough. He is excited about the opportunity to serve on the Advisory Group member role and to contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the University of Toronto Scarborough and its alumni community.

 

Rhea Peart (BA 2019)

Rhea studied history and philosophy at the University of Toronto Scarborough. She has been an active member of the UTSCAA Advisory Group for the past few years and has assisted with some of the UTSCAA events. She looks forward to continuing to serve on the Advisory Group for another year. 

 

 

 

 

 

Rebecca Roach (BA 2015)

In addition to her degree in geography and city studies from the University of Toronto Scarborough, Rebecca holds a MScPl from the University of Toronto. She is currently an urban planner at the City of Vaughan. Previously she has worked in the private sector, the Town of Whitby and the United Way of Toronto/York Region. She also currently volunteers her time as VP of Communications for the Geography and City Studies Alumni Network at UTSC.

 

 

 

Shagufta Sadique (BSc 2013)

As a lifelong resident of Scarborough, Shagufta’s interest in joining the UTSCAA Advisory Group comes from her commitment to engaging diverse alumni in programming that fosters a community of belonging and growth for Scarborough and UTSC.

Shagufta is a passionate gender-based violence advocate and equity, diversity and inclusion practicing communications professional working in Ontario’s postsecondary sector. After graduating from mental health and community health studies at the University of Toronto Scarborough, she built her skills in feminist counselling, program development, and public legal education to support women and children experiencing violence. Her expertise in group facilitation, outreach, stakeholder engagement, and human rights law led her to facilitate public education workshops and presentations to educate Scarborough youth and Ontario workers about their legal rights against workplace sexual harassment.  

Currently, she is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Program Advisor at Durham College, handling student complaints of harassment and discrimination. She also provides transition supports to students from equity-deserving backgrounds experiencing barriers to integrating into college life.

 

Nada Shephard (BSc 1999)

Nada Shepherd is an accomplished creative and business professional. She spent 9 formative years studying the performing and visual arts, achieving a BSc double major in neuroscience and psychology from the University of Toronto Scarborough and an MBA from the Ivey School of Business, where she graduated as an Ivey Scholar with Distinction. She has also achieved a Women in Leadership certification from Yale School of Management graduating at the top of her class along with a Diploma in Fashion Design from The International Academy of Design and Technology and has spent 18 years in the fashion industry; 10 of those years she was running her own fashion line. Nada’s career is as varied as her experiences, and she has founded and run a number of businesses including her eponymous fashion wholesale and retail label, White Space Shepherds Inc., a boutique consulting firm that provides creative and technology-driven solutions for clients throughout the North American market (pharma, OTC, cannabis, tech) and most recently ReSuit, an online fit-based clothing sharing app designed to address the myriad impacts of fast fashion.

 

Prashanthi Suganthan (BSc 1996)

Prashanthi has more than 20 years of Biopharmaceutical industry experience and currently is at the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. She is active in policy advocacy, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), and actively focuses on fostering leadership to instill kindness, compassion, and inclusivity. Currently, she lives in Pennsylvania, USA, and in her spare time enjoys painting.  By participating in the UTSCAA Board/Advisory group, she would like to engage with the UTSC community (faculty, staff, students, and alumni) to provide enriching experiences, increase collaboration, provide career connections, and contribute innovative ideas for expanding programs to have a larger impact in the community. Prashanthi studied biology at the University of Toronto Scarborough. 

 

Andrew Sudano (BA 2008)

Andrew studied English at the University of Toronto Scarborough. He has been part of the UTSCAA for several years. He has served as both part of the Board of Directors and the Advisory Group. Professionally, he is an Associate Lawyer at Baker and Baker Family Lawyers where he practices all areas of family law. He looks forward to continuing to serve on the UTSCAA. 

 

 

 

Arani Thavarasa (BA 2021)

Arani is a young public service professional, with considerable experience in public policy, consulting, communications, DEI and strategic planning. She credits much of her academic and career success to her time at the University of Toronto Scarborough. She hopes to use her personal and professional experiences to support the UTSCAA and foster meaningful experiences among the alumni community. Arani studied french, community studies and psychology at the University of Toronto Scarborough. 

 

 

Jibran Vahidy (BA 2011)

Jibran is currently the Director of Admissions and Partnerships in Canada for St. George's University. He is passionate about advising pre-med/health students and building strategic academic and clinical partnerships in Canada. He’s had the pleasure of working with hundreds of U of T alumni over the last 10 years and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the UTSC community. He completed his undergraduate in international development studies, community health and recently completed a master's degree in Education and Digital Technologies.

 

 

Branko Vojnovic (BA 2000)

Branko has strong international leadership and strategic development experience through a nearly 2 decades-long career at KPMG in Central Eastern Europe, Canada and USA holding positions of Partner in Audit, Advisory, Risk Management and Executive Director. Currently, he is the Director of Compliance and Ethics for CAPREIT (Canadian Apartments Properties REIT), the largest Canadian residential rental real estate REIT. He is passionate about giving back to the community, and in 2001 (not long after he graduated) he established at U of T Scarborough the Branko Vojnovic Accessibility Award. This annual award continues today and it’s helped many students over more than two decades. He looks forward to deepening his involvement with UTSC by serving as an Advisory Group member to the UTSCAA. Branko studied management and biology at the University of Toronto Scarborough.