Toronto Metropolitan University Alumni Blog – Advice for alumni, by alumni

The Ripple Effect: How small changes can make a big difference

Dana Winograd, Hospitality and Tourism Management ’92, has lived in Hong Kong for more than 31 years, having moved from Toronto a few years after graduating from Toronto Metropolitan University. She is executive director of the Hong Kong educational charity Plastic Free Seas, which she co-founded in 2013 — quite a change from the job of hotel inspector which brought her to Hong Kong all those years ago!

Globally, scientists estimate that eight million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans each year. It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of plastic pollution. Yet the story of environmental change is rarely one of sudden, dramatic transformation. More often, it begins with a small action which creates a second action, which influences another person, then a family, a classroom, a workplace and eventually a community.

From concept to connection: Designing around a story

Bahar Zaeem and Shima Radfar — Bahar Zaeem, Interior Design ’15, and Shima Radfar, Interior Design ’18, are the co-founders of RZ Interiors, a Toronto-based design firm known for creating refined, functional spaces that balance luxury with livability. With over a decade of experience, Bahar specializes in tailored interiors rooted in clean aesthetics and timeless appeal, drawing inspiration from global travel and her early foundation in project coordination and space planning. Shima, who studied visual arts in Iran before completing interior design at TMU, brings a sharp eye for colour, materials and efficient layouts that enhance architectural character. Together, they lead residential and hospitality projects across the city, earning a reputation for design that feels both personal and enduring. Their work is guided by dialogue, trust and a deep understanding of how people live — resulting in spaces that are meant to be lived in and loved.

In this month’s Alumni Blog, Bahar and Shima share how a client’s story becomes the starting point for a design concept that responds to the architecture of the home and the functional needs of the family. One project that captures this creative process is a residence they designed for a client whose family has a deep connection to music. With a Steinway Artist in the family, the piano became more than an instrument within the home. It became an inspiration for the design itself.

5 things I wish I knew when starting my career

Julianna D’Urzo, Radio and Television Arts ’19, is a creative producer at NewsNation, where she leads digital strategy for special projects, editorial campaigns and network-wide initiatives. In addition to her professional work, she mentors within the media community and has been recognized by Toronto Metropolitan University as a 2026 Alumni Rising Star and recipient of the G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Volunteer Award.

When I graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University, I was eager to begin my career in media. But, like many graduates, I wasn’t entirely sure what the path ahead would look like.

Is sustainable travel an oxymoron? 5 factors to consider for carbon-conscious travel

Alia and Shawn of Roaming in the Know — Alia Youssef, Documentary Media (MFA) ’20 and Shawn Hymers, Aerospace Engineering ’19, are the travel writers, photographers, and content creators behind Roaming In The Know. After four years of exploring over 50 countries and hundreds of destinations around the globe, they’ve turned their passion for exploration into a trusted resource for travelers. Through their Instagram and blog, they share first hand knowledge, stunning visuals, and practical guides and itineraries to help you plan unforgettable trips.

My wife has always had a mission to travel the world, and I mean the whole thing. Two degrees and a global pandemic slowed her down, but by 2022, I was the last thing in her way.

Untangling yourself from burnout: Tips for recovery and renewal

Amma Gyamfowa, Social Work (MSW) ’18, is a mental health therapist, registered social worker, community researcher, writer and speaker. With over ten years in social work and counselling, she supports diverse communities across Canada. As an expert in Black mental health and founder of Womanist Healing Counselling Services, Amma creates culturally affirming resources that help individuals, organizations and communities heal, thrive and connect.

As the year winds down and the holiday season approaches, you may feel a quiet urge to pause, to stop everything and just have a moment to yourself. After a full year of nonstop demands, we’re often hesitant to name what we feel most deeply: burnout.

Take control of your legacy: Three reasons to prioritize your will

Kira Domratchev, Law and Business ’12, is a Toronto-based litigation lawyer and partner in Gowling WLG’s global Private Client Services Group. An accredited Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) with STEP Canada, she focuses on estate, trust and capacity disputes. Her work blends legal precision with empathy, helping clients navigate will challenges, capacity disputes and related litigation with clarity and care. Kira also contributes to the legal community through the Ontario Bar Association, the Toronto Lawyers’ Association and Pro Bono Ontario.

Getting your estate plan in order rarely feels urgent, especially when life is busy and other priorities seem more pressing. But delaying this task can have significant (and sometimes unexpected) consequences for you and your loved ones. Preparing a will isn’t just about dividing assets; it’s about ensuring your wishes are respected, reducing potential conflicts, and giving peace of mind to those you care about. Here are three key reasons to make your will a priority.

Self-Help Strategies for 4 of Life’s Toughest Emotions

Dena Jackson (Public Relations ’12) is a keynote speaker, comedian and founder of Self Help Me, which offers personal and workplace wellbeing programs. She’s a certified yoga teacher, mindfulness instructor and Reiki Master who hosts the Self Help Me podcast on Apple and Spotify. Her new book, also called, Self Help Me, shares realistic wellness tools to help manage stress and anxiety, and can be found at www.selfhelpme.ca.

We all know the sting of jealousy, doubt, anger or rejection. These emotions may be some of life’s toughest to navigate, but with the right practices you can shift them into opportunities for self-awareness and growth. I’ve learned there’s no one-size-fits-all fix — just explore what works for you. Here are a few self-help practices I turn to, which you can also explore on your own using YouTube, music or a notebook.

From runway to room: What I’m coveting for fall in home decor

This fall, bring your wardrobe-inspired style into your home with cozy denim, warm browns and preppy touches.

Sandra Rojas-Chinni, Fashion Marketing ’00, is a Toronto-based creative director and interior stylist whose work explores trend forecasting and storytelling across interiors, design and object-based narratives. She is the founder of the experiential brands Fique + Clay and La Merceria, and most recently served as creative director at Gry Mattr. Her styling and direction have appeared in House & Home Magazine, and she has collaborated with brands including Goop, Club Monaco and Holt Renfrew.

Every fall, I notice a pattern: what I’m drawn to in my wardrobe almost always inspires how I want my home to feel. The colours, textures and layering I love to wear end up influencing the way I decorate. This season, I’m leaning into denim blues, warm browns and a mix of handcrafted and vintage-inspired details that make a space feel cozy, stylish and personal.

May is Vision Health Month

Nirojini Sivachandran — Dr. Niro Sivachandran, Applied Chemistry and Biology ’05, obtained her PhD and her medical degree at the University of Toronto, and completed her residency training at McMaster University. She is an adjunct professor in TMU’s Department of Chemistry and Biology, and a clinician scientist at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST).

We know vision is so fundamentally important for everything that we do, but we underestimate its importance, often waiting until something isn’t working. As a retina surgeon and ophthalmologist, I often meet with patients when they’ve been told something is wrong with their eyes.

Ontario escapes: Where to taste, relax and explore

Deepi Harish, Publishing ’12, is a Toronto-based writer specializing in food and travel, who also covers unique experiences locally and globally. Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit, The Huffington Post, The Food Network, China Daily, Post City Magazines, Taste Toronto, Foodism, Escapism, Destination Toronto, Toronto Life and many more.

With economic shifts and tariff concerns affecting travel plans, more Canadians are choosing local adventures over trips to the U.S. If you’re looking to stay closer to home, why not make the most of it and explore some of Ontario’s hidden gems?