Co-op and Work-Integrated Learning Students of the Year
Co-op and work-integrated learning experiences provide a valuable opportunity for students to make industry connections, contribute meaningfully to real organizations, and to develop their skills and network.
The Co-op and Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year Award acknowledges and celebrates students who have created impact, demonstrated growth and development, and who have added outstanding value to their employer (whether through co-op, practicum, internship or other work-integrated learning opportunities).
It also acknowledges honourees' contributions to championing work-integrated learning on their campus, in their communities and within their industry.
Congratulations to the 2025 winners!
2025 Co-op Student of the Year:
Sadia Tasnim, Data Science
Data Administrator | Food Banks Mississauga
As a Data Administrator (co-op) with Food Banks Mississauga, Sadia exceeded the expectations of her supervisors and peers. She helped to coordinate major annual surveys across 65 agencies, led a team of volunteers, took on qualitative coding and reviewed hundreds of data entries to create a "first of its kind" report that will inform future resource decisions that impact a client network she cares so deeply abut.
Sadia’s talent extends far beyond numbers. She engages community members, recording their lived experiences and needs – then turns that data into powerful stories.
Through her leadership in shaping conversations about work‑integrated learning, organizing a data storytelling competition and founding a thriving 120‑member Data Science Club, Sadia has quickly become a recognized and award‑nominated advocate for women in technology.
2025 Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year:
Brianna Nguyen, Digital Technologies
Dev Degree Intern | Shopify
In just her second year, Brianna has shipped production code and advanced AI tools for Shopify, including contributing to the backend for its AI-powered voice assistant. Brianna has received provincial recognition as Experiential & Work-Integrated Learning Ontario (EWO)'s 2025 Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year, University Winner category.
She is passionate about shaping a culture of inclusion in the tech industry and creating space for others to thrive. As recent examples, Brianna hosted a Lightning Talks session for other interns to hear about her experience with imposter syndrome. She also helped to organize Canada’s largest hackathon for female and non-binary students at York. Her work as an advocate for inclusive work-integrated learning empowers others to see themselves reflected in industry.
Honourable Mentions: Co-operative Education
Raha Golsorkhi, Software Engineering
Junior Developer | Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
During her co‑op term, Raha learned how her organization's systems support the work of Ontario’s Family Responsibility Office. She played a key role in contributing to the clarity, reliability and maintenance of the Oracle Analytics Server and helped accelerate the release of important letters and forms.
Saransh Mahajan, Computer Science
Cybersecurity Analyst | MDA Space
By strengthening a Business‑Critical Risk Management program and supporting early AI‑driven risk detection, Saransh delivered major efficiency gains that transformed how the organization identifies and responds to threats.
Aryan Kansagara, Computer Science
Software Engineer Co-op | Ontario Public Service
During his 12 month software engineering co op, Aryan made major impact in testing automation to improve quality assurance and working hands-on to develop features for major web applications used by millions of Ontarians.
Aminah Anjum, Economics
Fundraising & Marketing Assistant | Sistema Academy Toronto
Aminah’s co‑op placed her at the intersection of survey analysis, storytelling, and community impact as she worked at a non-profit to fuel fundraising efforts that expanded access to free music education in underserved communities.
Honourable Mentions: Work-Integrated Learning
Prima Corindia, Sustainable Environmental Management
Communications Coordinator | Fashion Takes Action
Prima is working to advance sustainable fashion in Canada - most recently in her role as a coordinator with Fashion Takes Action. She helped to transform educational resources, strengthen research projects, and propose creative tools that empower more people to make responsible clothing choices.
Karl Furtado, Juris Doctor
Division Leader | Community and Legal Aid Services Program (CLASP)
In his role working in CLASP’s Immigration Division, Karl worked on complex legal cases like humanitarian applications, refugee claims and judicial reviews. He played a pivotal role in achieving life changing outcomes for vulnerable clients. He also led outreach initiatives in Toronto, supporting individuals facing systemic barriers in obtaining identification, accessing social services, and navigating legal processes.
Mia Soccio, History
Curatorial Placement | Hockey Hall of Fame
Over the course of her 12-week placement with the Hockey Hall of Fame, Mia stepped directly into the world of public history. Collaborating with both the curatorial and digital development teams, she helped develop a series of interactive digital experiences designed to deepen visitor engagement and shape a new mobile museum experience.
Ginny An, French Studies and History
Outdoor Program Specialist | Toronto French School
Ginny had the chance to work in a unique practicum placement role as an Outdoor Program Specialist at the Toronto French School (TFS), leading curriculum-aligned outdoor lessons on topics such as mapping, stream studies, and life cycles. She initiated a collaborative garden revitalization project between TFS and the Lunik Cooperative at Glendon College.
Stories from the Community:
Work/study roles prepare York students for co-op success
Computer science graduate Heet Narechania built his confidence and skills through work/study roles at York, gaining experience in data analytics and project management. Those opportunities helped him secure a 12‑month business analyst co‑op at Hydro One.
A practicum with purpose: Anjani's career journey in patient quality
As part of her HLST 4990 Health Policy & Management Practicum, Anjani gained hands-on experience working at Scarborough Health Network on the hospital's quality improvement team to analyze patient care metrics and work on enhancing safety.
York students find career inspiration through unexpected co-op paths
During his eight‑month co‑op, Sarthak helped maintain major roller coasters like Leviathan and Vortex - inspecting mechanical systems, making repairs, and even redesigning and installing new safety components.
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