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.
Students, alumni, employees and members of the local community gathered at George Brown Polytechnic's Waterfront Campus on August 12 and 13 for the third annual Summer Sounds at George Brown, a vibrant celebration of community spirit on Toronto's waterfront.
Held over two days at the Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences, Summer Sounds welcomed attendees to enjoy live music, food, family-friendly activities and opportunities to connect with the George Brown Polytechnic (GBP) community. The event transformed George Brown’s East Laneway into a lively gathering space, bringing together neighbours, visitors and community members in a festive summer atmosphere.
A highlight of the event was the Alumni Entrepreneur Marketplace, which featured 40 alumni vendors showcasing their businesses and products. The marketplace offered attendees the opportunity to support alumni entrepreneurs, discover unique local offerings and celebrate the innovation and creativity of George Brown graduates.
Alumni reunion highlights lifelong connections
Summer Sounds also served as the backdrop for a special Alumni & Friends Reunion, which welcomed more than 70 alumni. The reunion featured a range of engaging programming designed to support graduates personally and professionally while strengthening their connections to their alma mater.
Alumni participated in an Indigenous Fusion Cooking Demonstration led by Chefs David Wolfman and Peter Armstrong, exploring Indigenous ingredients, culinary traditions, and contemporary cooking techniques.
Career development was also a key focus, featuring a Career Readiness Workshop led by alum David Mendoza of HIKEE and an alumni panel hosted by Melonie De Guzman from the Career Strategy Lab. Panellists Rachel Ott, founder of Varga Girl Design, and Sam Hibbert, Construction Site Logistics Planner at EllisDon, shared insights on career growth, entrepreneurship and life after graduation.
Alumni also had the chance to get new professional LinkedIn headshots on-site, provided by alum Halley Requena-Silva, founder of Bellissima Photo Booths, and to network with affinity partners and representatives from George Brown's alumni chapters.
Celebrating the power of community
The reunion also featured keynote speaker Simi Olatunji, a Sport and Event Marketing graduate and Team Services Co-ordinator for FIFA World Cup 2026, who reflected on the value of staying connected through the alumni network.
"The power of community is so important, and I am very grateful for the GBP Alumni community for creating a space for me and fellow graduates to connect. Coming back for this event has reminded me how important it is to value being in environments with people who share similar passions as you."
From live music and local entrepreneurship to career inspiration and alumni connections, Summer Sounds was a celebration of the people who make George Brown Polytechnic thrive. The two-day event highlighted the strength of a community that continues to support students and graduates as they build their futures and own their tomorrow.
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Stay connected with George Brown Alumni Relations. Update your contact information at our Alumni Relations Profile Centre to receive notifications about future events, initiatives, and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit our Lifelong Learning page and follow us on LinkedIn.
