George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Alumni in the News page highlights the remarkable achievements of George Brown Polytechnic graduates who are making an impact in their industries and communities. Explore stories that showcase the creativity, leadership, and innovation of our alumni as they continue to shape the world beyond the classroom. If you have been featured in an article and would like to be featured on the page, feel free to reach out to alumni@georgebrown.ca with your story.
Burak Korucu
Project Management, 2019
George Brown Polytechnic alumnus Burak Korucu is featured as the Start GBC July 2026 Entrepreneur Spotlight, showcasing the power of innovation and the entrepreneurial pivot. Initially approaching Start GBC with a concept for tiny homes, Burak used rigorous market research to determine the idea wasn't commercially viable, leading him to pivot and launch Visioom Inc.
Driven by his own family's search for flexible living space, the former CSA Group project manager used his engineering background to create the Oakville based venture, which designs and builds premium, Canadian made steel framed modular backyard homes and garden suites across Ontario. Since transitioning to the business full-time, Burak has successfully opened a physical Oakville showroom featuring a full walk through demo home.
Philip Diamond
Theatre Arts - Performance, 2026
From Class Project to Center Stage. Every great journey starts with a single step, Philip was tasked with creating a short, 10 min piece for the Distillery Winter Market while studying at George Brown Polytechnic. Philip pitched a story about an underdog penguin with an impossible dream.
Fast forward to the Toronto Fringe KidsFest, where Pedro the Penguin has expanded into a full 50min family performance at the Young People’s Theatre Studio. The play follows Pedro, a young penguin who accidentally winds up at the North Pole and seizes his chance to fulfill his dream of flying by stepping in for an injured reindeer.
This production earned a glowing 5-star review from Broadway Baby, which called it "one of the finest children's shows I've seen in years."
The spirit of George Brown runs deep through this production. Not only is the cast and crew comprised largely of recent George Brown graduates hitting the ground running in their first professional show, but they are also working under the guidance of a familiar face. Sue Miner, the program coordinator at the Theatre School, who serves as the director and mentor for this piece. For Philip, the transition from student to professional play writer has been a whirlwind.
"A year ago today, I would not have thought that I would be where I am right now... I never saw myself as a creator or a writer, really. But if you have an idea, just go for it."
Patchanon(Scott) Sanchon
Food and Beverage Management, 2023
Chef School alumnus Patchanon (Scott) Sanchon is making an impact in Canada’s hospitality industry while giving back to the George Brown community. As co-founder of Canada’s first ChaTraMue tea licensed location, Scott has transformed his entrepreneurial vision into a thriving business and recently established the ChaTraMue Scholarship to support future hospitality students. Reflecting on the role George Brown played in his journey, he credits the Polytechnic’s hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, and strong alumni network with helping him achieve his goals—and inspiring him to create opportunities for the next generation.
Jair Kale
Fashion Management, 2021
Since graduating from George Brown Polytechnic’s Fashion Management program in 2021, Jair Humphrey has rapidly translated his creative vision into a global reality as the Founder and Creative Director of JIVE INTL. Blending the technical business acumen gained at GBP with his Trinidadian heritage, Jair has successfully bridged the gap between Caribbean aesthetics, international skateboarding and streetwear culture.
His brand JIVE, an acronym for Justified Intuition, Vivid Expression, has expanded beyond apparel into a sophisticated footwear line, with a reach spanning from Adrift in Toronto and Arc’teryx in New York to a recent high-profile expansion into Osaka, Japan. By honoring his roots through footwear silhouettes like the JIVE La Foucade and contemporary art installations such as ORINOCO ODYSSEY while navigating complex global supply chains, Jair exemplifies the modern fashion entrepreneur.
Benjamin Abebe
Sport and Event Marketing, 2017
Benjamin Abebe is currently shaping student recruitment at George Brown. A dedicated mentor and community leader, he focuses on representation and building momentum for future learners.
Cameron Bennett-Stewart
Dance Performance Preparation, 2020
Commercial Dance, 2021
Freelance choreographer Cameron Bennett-Stewart is a testament to the power of continuous growth, turning every challenge into a rhythmic step forward. By embracing the learning curve and "owning" his artistic evolution, he has transitioned from a passionate student into a purposeful professional.
Duygu Tasdan
Strategic Relationship Marketing, 2021
Alumna Duygu Tasdan recently inspired 200 students at İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi with a masterclass on Personal Branding and LinkedIn Networking. By sharing her international expertise, Duygu is a perfect example of how our graduates continue to "own their tomorrow" while empowering the next generation of global leaders.
Erica Aversa
Fashion Techniques and Design, 2025
Erica Aversa is the creative force behind the 2026 International Women’s Day scarf. Produced with the Fashion Exchange using sustainable methods, Erica’s "Give to Gain" design celebrates collaboration and growth.
Diana Coatsworth
Fashion Design and Techniques, 2015
Diana Coatsworth founded Diana Coatsworth Design. She is dedicated to slow, ethical fashion by transforming upcycled and vintage materials into beautifully crafted pieces.
Hubert Bao
Arts and Design Foundation, 2015
Jewellery Arts, 2018
Hubert co-founded Temino Jewellery and launched Bao Jwlry. He blends craftsmanship with mentorship, leading customer communication and sketching for his international brand.
Georgia Zimbel
Culinary Management, 2017
Chef Georgia Zimbel celebrates International Women’s Day by reimagining the classic Mars Bar with professional finesse. Her spotlight features essential wisdom for aspiring chefs, highlighting commitment to creative innovation and her influential role in mentoring the next generation of women in the culinary industry.
Marvin Palomo
Culinary Management, 2013
Culinary Arts – Italian (Postgraduate), 2014
Chef School alumnus Marvin Palomo is the visionary behind Liliana, a celebrated Italian-Asian fusion restaurant on Queen West. Following his success at Vela, Marvin’s resilience and innovative culinary perspective—blending Filipino heritage with Italian techniques—have made him a leader in Toronto’s food scene and an inspiring example of alumni excellence.
Nicole Pisarenko
Culinary Management, 2015
Culinary Arts – Italian (Postgraduate), 2016
Alumna Nicole Pisarenko is the co-founder of Revé, an intimate Niagara-on-the-Lake restaurant already making waves as a potential Michelin contender. Featuring a live wood-fire kitchen and French-Sicilian influences, Nicole’s venture exemplifies the entrepreneurial drive and culinary excellence fostered within the George Brown community.
Khdrea Jones
Community Worker, 2025
Khdrea Jones is a standout 2025 graduate of George Brown Polytechnic Community Worker program, where she completed the intensive, accelerated stream designed for experienced social service professionals.
This landmark program, which recently celebrated 50 years of driving progressive social change, equips students with critical frameworks to tackle complex challenges like housing, food justice, and community advocacy.
Drawing on her education, Khdrea now serves as a Job Developer at Interval House, where she leverages her communications background to remove systemic barriers and secure meaningful employment for women. Khdrea support's women who are survivors of intimate partner violence. Her journey exemplifies the program’s commitment to building strong community ties and fostering the skills necessary to advocate for underrepresented populations.
Madina Amanzai
Graphic Design, 2026
George Brown Polytechnic School of Design graduate Madina Amanzai is making headlines as the creative force behind this year's bold and vibrant convocation mural, Shaping Tomorrow. Inspired by her experiences in the Graphic Design program and GBP's "Own Your Tomorrow" campaign, Madina designed the dynamic, playful piece to capture the energy, ambition, and transition from classroom learning to real world impact. Though initially nervous about tackling the high profile challenge for the June 2026 ceremonies, she embraced it as an opportunity to grow, ultimately creating a powerful visual call to action that invites her fellow alumni to shape their futures with purpose. Having now crossed the graduation stage alongside her peers, Madina hopes her artwork serves as a lasting inspiration for the graduating class, reminding them that their professional stories are just beginning.
Rebekah Jaberifard
Community Worker, 2025
Rebekah Jaberifard is empowering communities through inclusive outreach, advocacy, and senior-focused programming as a Program and Outreach Facilitator at TNO-The Neighbourhood Organization.
Rossana Cheng
Personal Support Worker to Practical Nursing Pathway, 2024
Rossana Cheng is a recent graduate of our Practical Nursing program, she exemplifies the power to transform health through her dedication to patient centered care.
She successfully transitioned through the PSW to the Practical Nursing pathway, demonstrating a profound commitment to lifelong learning. By blending rigorous clinical skills with a heart for advocacy, she has already made a meaningful impact on the families and patients she serves. Rossana credits much of her growth to the empowering mentorship she received from the faculty here at George Brown. We are honored to celebrate her success as she continues to lead the way in shaping the future of nursing.
Sehun (Eric) Choi
Architectural Technology 2023
Eric Choi was named to the 2026 Forbes Korea 30 Under 30 in the Art/Style category. As a visionary artist exploring the intersection of AI and creativity, Eric continues to "own his tomorrow" by pushing the boundaries of modern art.
Saretta Khan
Graphic Design, 2021
Saretta Khan is a talented multidisciplinary graphic designer and proud George Brown Polytechnic graduate whose work is deeply rooted in storytelling, community, and visual exploration. As a Regent Park resident, she has played a key role in transforming local construction hoarding into vibrant public art that reflects the voices and lived experiences of neighbourhood youth. Saretta’s artistic approach is shaped by her passion for culture, colour, and representation, and her contributions highlight both her creative skill and her commitment to uplifting her community.
Sophie Kaftal
Culinary Skills-Chef Training, 2010
Sophie Kaftal turned her Culinary Skills training into sweet success, founding Toronto’s beloved Kitten and the Bear. From professional foundations to a thriving local business, Sophie is truly "owning her tomorrow" as a standout GBP entrepreneur.
Sydney Bergevin
Culinary Management, 2025
Alumna Sydney Bergevin is the entrepreneur behind Sydney Bergevin Catering, a luxury in-home private chef service. Featured as a startGBC #WhyNotMe spotlight for International Women’s Day, Sydney combines her professional kitchen expertise with lifelong entrepreneurial passion, reminding the George Brown community that having fun is vital for success.
Taylor Mai
General Arts and Science, 2018
General Arts and Science alumnus Taylor Mai returns to St. James Campus as the entrepreneur behind Banh Oui. Located in the Student Association space, Taylor’s Vietnamese coffee and banh mi shop showcases the successful, diverse paths George Brown graduates take.
Wendy Mah
Culinary Skills-Chef Training, 2010
Culinary Arts – Italian (Postgraduate), 2011
Chef Wendy Mah of The Chef School celebrates International Women’s Day by sharing her signature Sancocho Raviolo and poignant career advice. Her spotlight emphasizes the power of culinary storytelling and the importance of mentorship for the next generation of women leaders.
Zhaofeng Huang
Baking and Pastry Arts Management, 2024
Zhaofeng founded Tangssant Viennoiserie. He moved from physics to pastry, blending French tradition with Chinese flavors to create unique, community-focused baked goods.
Vivian Zhang
Jewellery Arts, 2018
Vivian transitioned from interior design to master intricate enamel work. As a co-founder of Temino Jewellery, she focuses on refining technical, balanced designs.
Yoyo Wong
Digital Media, 2024
Yoyo is a digital creator and entrepreneur behind the YouTube channel “Yoyo the Witch,” a fast-growing social media brand known for its zodiac-inspired comedy and relatable short-form content. With more than 500k subscribers and millions of views across platforms, Yoyo creates positive and engaging content for young audiences while collaborating with lifestyle and family-friendly brands.