News & Stories: Alumni Portraits

February 20, 2026

Rewriting the record: OISE alum Afua Cooper on Black history in Canada

Dr. Afua Cooper is leading a national research and education project dedicated to making Black history accessible to the public. Here's why she says understanding Black history in Canada has never been more urgent.

February 4, 2026

Trust in next generation fuels family tutoring firm’s growth in the digital age

OISE friend Joanne Sallay left the banking industry to realize she had the same entrepreneurial spirit as her mother, who credits much of their family's tutoring business expansion to Joanne. That – and a willingness to make early bets on technology.

January 30, 2026

The Opportunity that Changed Everything: Jennifer Sylvester

Almost 15 years ago, Jennifer Sylvester was a single mother working in social services when she was accepted into U of T’s Transitional Year Programme – a bridge to university for students who left school early. Now, the MEd graduate, who is of Anishinaabe descent, has returned to pursue her PhD in social justice education and teach university students who remind her of her younger self.

November 3, 2025

OISE alum Dr. JJ Wright named Edmonton's Top 40 Under 40

'Combating hate and celebrating queer joy as resistance': OISE alumna Dr. JJ Wright has been named one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40. Dr. Wright, a scholar, advocate and graduate of the Department of Social Justice Education, is currently a professor at MacEwan University, teaching and researching in the areas of sociology and gender studies.

October 27, 2025

New OISE grad Dr. Tanitiã Munroe is entering a new era of leadership and service

Dr. Tanitiã Munroe, who completed her PhD in the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education (LHAE), focuses on Black youth in education.

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April 23, 2021

A friend-torship: How the power of friendship (and mutual names) created a lifelong connection

PART 4: A OISE Mentorship Program feature series from the 2020-2021 academic year. Christina Caleca and Kristina Leis.

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February 25, 2021

'Emotionally involved': International student Dr. Salma Siddiqui reflects on deep bond with mentor Dr. Cindy Sinclair

PART 3: A OISE Mentorship Program feature series from the 2020-2021 academic year. Dr. Cindy Sinclair and Dr. Salma Siddiqui.

November 13, 2020

‘Lost in the beginning’: Billy Elliot production sparks connection OISE pair could have never expected

PART 2: A OISE Mentorship Program feature series from the 2020-2021 academic year. Wei Li and Dr. Barbara Soren.

October 14, 2020

'A friend we can always go to': OISE mentorship program brings lasting alumni, student trio together

PART 1: This series explores the strengths of the OISE Mentorship Program and how it has fostered relationships between many in the community.

October 18, 2019

Arbor Awards celebrate OISE’s outstanding volunteers

OISE's Mentorship Program pairs hundreds of students with an experienced alumni mentor who provides them guidance and support in finding success in their field.

October 6, 2025

OISE alumna, doctoral candidate team up to helm peer reviewed journal

Sarah Jones and Rebecca Schmor, longtime collaborators, have been appointed co-editors of J-BILD – a semi-annual open access, collaborative peer-review journal.

September 29, 2025

Things said on the bus: OISE alumna Mama Nii-Owoo’s research into the language of cities

OISE Alumna Mama Adobea Nii-Owoo's academic work focuses on Comparative and International Development Education.