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2024 Winners

Learn more about the extraordinary winners of the 2024 International Alumni of Impact program! These remarkable alumni exemplify the transformative power of international education, showcasing how their experiences have empowered them to create lasting change around the world. ApplyBoard is proud to celebrate their achievements and share their stories, which serve as powerful sources of inspiration for current and future international students.  

Meet Our Winners

Click on the tiles below to learn more about each of our winners.

Kant Chong

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Kant Chong

From international student to global philanthropist 
Founded what is now the Asia Academic and Career Foundation, connecting Canadian graduates with opportunities in Asia, and helps bridge global communities

Home Country: Hong Kong
Graduated: Economics | Western University (2003)

Kant Chong, from Hong Kong, studied Economics at Western University and founded the Asian Club, now the Asia Academic and Career Foundation, to connect Canadian graduates with opportunities in Asia. He has also served as President of the St. John’s Ambulance Youth Command and Regional Chairperson of Lions Club International. Despite a severe injury in 2024, he maintained his volunteer and speaking engagements. Now in Hong Kong, Kant's work supports alumni and international students, bridging global communities.

Lefin Paruvaparampil Chacko

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Lefin Paruvaparampil Chacko

From international student to project engineer
Helped new international students with housing and played a key role in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Expansion project

Home Country: India
Graduated: Engineering Technology | Cape Breton University (2022)

Lefin was born in India, and came to Canada with his family in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing with personal and economic hardships, to study Engineering Technology at Cape Breton University. In that time, Lefin dedicated his time to helping new international students with housing, took the initiative to walk in support of Ukraine, and more. Upon graduating in 2022, he became a Project Engineer at Lindsay Construction, playing a key role in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Expansion project.

Hana Tran

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Hana Tran

From international student to academic support advisor
Led the successful Unibuddy launch at Douglas College and continues to support and guide international students in her day-to-day work

Home Country: Vietnam
Graduated: Psychology | Douglas College (2018)

Hana, originally from Vietnam, arrived in Canada and attended Douglas College in Vancouver, graduating with an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology. She overcame cultural and language challenges to become a key support for international students by leading the successful Unibuddy launch at the college. Now, as an Admissions Coordinator and International Marketing and Partnerships Coordinator, she continues to support and guide international students.

Rufina Ajalie

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Rufina Ajalie

From international student to community builder
Co-founded both United Colors of Fashion (UCOF) and the Black Business and Professional Network (BBPN) to support immigrants in Canada

Home Country: Nigeria
Graduated: Master of Business | University of New Brunswick (2020)

Rufina was born in Nigeria and came to Canada to further her education, receiving an MBA from the University of New Brunswick. She co-founded the Black Business and Professional Network (BBPN), leveraging her HR expertise to support new immigrants in contributing to the Canadian workforce. In 2021, alongside fellow winner Christine Eruokwu, Rufina co-founded the United Colors of Fashion (UCOF), a non-profit organization focused on empowering immigrant women through fashion.

Qasim Farasat

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Qasim Farasat

From international student to sustainable development leader

Co-founded DelayDollars to assist travelers with flight disruptions and co-founded the Institute for Sustainable Development & Cooperation, advancing the UN Agenda 2030

Home Country: Pakistan
Graduated: Actuarial Science and Statistics | University of Waterloo (2015)

Qasim Farasat, who came to Canada from Pakistan in 2010, graduated with a Bachelor’s in Actuarial Science and Statistics at the University of Waterloo and co-founded DelayDollars to assist travelers with flight disruptions. He also co-founded the Institute for Sustainable Development & Cooperation, advancing the UN Agenda 2030. His leadership highlights his significant impact on global youth policies and sustainable development.

Ritika Saraswat

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Ritika Saraswat

From international student to 2x TedX speaker
Founded “Re-Defined,” supporting over 50,000 international students and immigrants across four Canadian cities

Home Country: India
Graduated: Kinesiology | University of British Columbia (2023)

Ritika Saraswat moved to Canada from India, working multiple jobs while studying Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. Upon graduating, she built her career by networking and secured a role at a Big 4 consulting firm. Ritika founded “Re-Defined,” supporting over 50,000 international students and immigrants across four Canadian cities. Her initiatives, like the Newcomers Summit at Deloitte, and her recognition as a Top Voice on LinkedIn, showcase her dedication to empowering others.

Fsahat Ul-Hassan

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Fsahat Ul-Hassan

From international student to social justice champion
Founded the Youth Advocacy Network in Pakistan and co-founded the Institute for Sustainable Development and Cooperation in Canada, focusing on youth empowerment and advocacy

Home Country: Pakistan
Graduated: International Development | Humber College (2021)

Fsahat Ul-Hassan, born in Pakistan, earned degrees in Political Science and Sociology before moving to Canada for a Post-Graduate Certificate in International Development. In 2021, he founded the Youth Advocacy Network in Pakistan and co-founded the Institute for Sustainable Development and Cooperation in Canada, focusing on youth empowerment and advocacy. His work includes leading the Global Youth Action to Counter Islamophobia in Canada.

Puneet Kaur Johal

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Puneet Kaur Johal

From international student to student welfare advocate
Established Sheridan College’s First Food and Basic Needs Support Program, which has gone on to help over 4,000 students

Home Country: India
Graduated: Chemical Engineering Technology | Sheridan College (2021)

Puneet Kaur Johal came to Canada from India to study Chemical Engineering Technology. During the pandemic, she worked as a COVID-19 Monitor at Sheridan College, advocating for international students on housing and food security. She championed international student issues as a panelist at key conferences and summits. Puneet also created Sheridan’s First Food and Basic Needs Support Program, helping over 4,000 students, and contributed to developing the Off-Campus Housing department.

Urvish Patel

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Urvish Patel

From international student to chief technology officer
Created Orbit 5, an AI platform that enhances resumes and boosts job prospects, and helps prepare students for a career in tech

Home Country: India
Graduated: Computer Programming and Analysis | George Brown College (2021)

Urvish moved from India to Canada and studied Computer Programming and Analysis at George Brown College, where he was student body president. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Urvish co-created Orbit 5, an AI platform that enhances resumes and boosts job prospects for international students. Through Orbit 5 he organized transformative events like FutureMakers 2023, aimed at empowering the next generation of tech professionals. Formerly Urvish was also a software engineer professor at Centennial College, where he taught students to prepare for tech careers.

Christine Eruokwu

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Christine Eruokwu

From international student to community builder
Co-founded United Colors of Fashion (UCOF), to empower immigrant women in Canada, and established Kaima Design to support education in Africa

Home Country: Nigeria
Graduated: Master of Business | University of New Brunswick (2015)

Christine was born in Nigeria and moved to Canada to pursue her studies at the University of New Brunswick, where she earned her Master of Business degree. After graduating, she founded Kaima Design, using her passion for sewing to support women’s and children’s education in Africa and uplift women in Saint John, New Brunswick. In 2021, she co-founded the United Colors of Fashion (UCOF) with co-winner Rufina Ajalie, a non-profit organization empowering immigrant women through fashion.

Nominations Open Until May 31

Do you know a former international student who has gone on to make a tremendous impact within their community or profession? Nominate them for IAOI!

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2024 International Alumni of Impact Scholarships​

To celebrate our winners’ exceptional contributions, ApplyBoard is creating one-time C$1,000 scholarships in each winner’s name, at the institution they graduated from. 

In November, these scholarships will be awarded to deserving incoming international students who secured their acceptance to one of these institutions through ApplyBoard. These scholarships aim to support the next generation of international leaders, allowing them to pursue their dreams and positively impact their communities.

Vancouver Community College
University of Waterloo
University of Ottawa
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Mount Saint Vincent University
Justice Institute of British Columbia
George Brown College
Coast Mountain College
Cape Breton University
Cambrian College
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