TMU’s inaugural Rising Stars 2025
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) alumni continue to be recognized for their professional excellence, innovation and community impact. TMU’s Rising Stars celebrates alumni who have graduated within the last decade and are making early and meaningful strides in their sectors — from media, business and technology, to hospitality, social justice and public service. Whether delivering award-winning journalism that shapes national conversations, leading groundbreaking initiatives or driving change behind the scenes, these alumni are forging careers defined by purpose, transformation and creative vision.
Congratulations to TMU’s 2025 Rising Stars — you inspire us all!
Innovators
From left to right: Narjes Allahrabbi, Joe Fida, Wintta Ghebreiyesus, Bolis Ibrahim, Jay Tailor.
The alumni in this category are breaking new ground through bold new ideas to transform their industries.
- Narjes Allahrabbi, Biomedical Engineering (MEng) ’24, CEO and Founder, Fertilead Inc.
- Joe Fida, Chemical Engineering (MASc) ’22, Founder and CEO, PathX Solutions
- Wintta Ghebreiyesus, Aerospace Engineering (PhD) ’25, Founder and CEO, Moon Trades Technologies
- Bolis Ibrahim, Electrical and Computer Engineering ’19, President, Cence Power
- Jay Tailor, Biomedical Engineering ’21, Product Manager, InteleHealth and MedTech Innovation Fellow, Johns Hopkins University
Changemakers and Community Builders
Top row, from left to right: Adebola Adefioye, Graham Beer, Nella Brodett, Megan Lewis, Hanen Nanaa. Bottom row, from left to right: Taylor Lindsay-Noel, Marissa Papaconstantinou, Aleem Punja, Fatima Syed, Dakota Whyte.
The alumni in this category are advancing social good by driving systemic change and strengthening communities through advocacy and inclusion.
- Adebola Adefioye, Child and Youth Care ’23, Professor, Early Childhood Education, Seneca Polytechnic
- Graham Beer, Media Production and Business Administration (MA-MBA) ’24, Founder and Executive Producer, Cobourg Media
- Nella Brodett, Law and Business ’15, Head of Integrated Markets, Company Support and Partnerships, CAN Health Network
- Megan Lewis, Public Policy and Administration ’18, Director, Centre for Indigenous Policy and Research, Indigenous Youth Roots
- Hanen Nanaa, Politics and Governance ’23, Senior Advisor, TTC
- Taylor Lindsay-Noel, Radio and Television Arts ’17, CEO, Cup of Té
- Marissa Papaconstantinou, Sport Media ’22, Paralympian, Keynote Speaker
- Aleem Punja, Disability Studies ’16, Executive Director, Future Ready Initiative, Aga Khan Council for Canada
- Fatima Syed, Journalism (MJ) ’16, Reporter, The Narwhal
- Dakota Whyte, Business Administration (MBA) ’22, Executive Director, PS43 Foundation
Emerging Leaders
Top row, from left to right: Belinda Bonsu, Anthony Brum, Mikael Melo, Karim Mohammadi. Bottom row, from left to right: Deepa Prashad, Shima Radfar, Danny Su, Bahar Zaeem.
The alumni in this category have demonstrated rapid career growth and early leadership, showing exceptional promise in their fields.
- Belinda Bonsu, Human Resources Management ’15, VP, Human Resources Business Partner, Dentsu
- Anthony Brum, Law ’23, Associate Counsel, Mistplay
- Mikael Melo, Radio and Television Arts ’18, Producer, Host, Content Creator and Social Media Manager
- Karim Mohammadi, Hospitality and Tourism Management ’17, Operating Partner, Evergreen Hospitality Group
- Deepa Prashad, Radio and Television Arts ’18, Host, Daryn & Deepa Mornings on 99.9 Virgin Radio, Bell Media
- Shima Radfar, Interior Design ’18, Partner, RZ Interiors
- Danny Su, Real Estate Management ’18, Vice President, Value and Risk Advisory, JLL
- Bahar Zaeem, Interior Design ’15, Partner, RZ Interiors