The George Brown College (GBC) Centre for Business (CfB) officially launched its alumni chapter this March, bringing together alumni, faculty, and staff to celebrate connection and community. The new chapter aims to create a dynamic network fostering professional growth, mentorship, and lasting relationships among GBC's alumni business community.
Distinguished alumna shares journey
The event featured keynote speaker Marin Hickox, a 2023 alumna and 5 to Watch Alumni Achievement winner currently serving as Vice President of Women's and Girls' Hockey at Hockey Canada.
"I'm honoured to share the meaningful and impactful way George Brown College has played such a pivotal role in my career," Hickox reflected. "At the start of my journey as a student in the Sport and Event Marketing program, I like a lot of 20-something-year-olds wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my career. But I've always loved how sports can bring people together, and I hoped that my passion could play a part in my work moving forward. Lucky for me, George Brown was calling."
Growing together
The CfB alumni chapter has been designed to connect alumni, faculty, and current students through professional, social, academic, and philanthropic initiatives. This comprehensive approach is helping to create a community focused on exchanging skills and ideas while driving meaningful opportunities.
"GBC's Centre for Business provides emerging talent with the tools to thrive, and the alumni chapter offers the perfect opportunity to tap into that growing, dynamic network," shared Erol Özberk, co-chair of the alumni chapter advisory board. "It's an honour and a privilege to play a small role in supporting the evolution of this uniquely Canadian success story!"
Chapter advisory board co-chair Tony Rizzuto added, "The chapter is an important platform for connecting, sharing experiences, and building lifelong connections. Fostering community building among alumni allows members to learn, grow their careers, and mentor and shape the next generation of business professionals. I'm excited to participate in its launch and to contribute to its growth."
For Shayana Gayle, the chapter's inaugural President, the initiative was deeply significant: "This chapter is personal for me; it's about creating the kind of community I wish existed when I graduated. I want alumni to feel connected, empowered, and reminded that they're not alone in the journey."
Community with impact
GBC's Alumni Relations team expressed their delight in welcoming back old and new friends to campus to celebrate the launch of the newly formed chapter, which a committee of volunteers, alumni representatives, and advisory board members leads.
"I am thrilled to witness the launch of our Centre for Business alumni chapter," shared Ana Rita Morais, Interim Dean of the Centre for Business. "It represents a pivotal moment in our commitment to lifelong engagement with our graduates. This chapter creates a powerful bridge between our current students, faculty, and the exceptional professionals who began their careers at George Brown College."
Expand your network and stay connected: Join the Centre for Business alumni group on LinkedIn
