People

Wen-Do expert Arij Elmi stands in a playground

Wen-Do Warrior

Arij Elmi gained the courage to speak up against racist comments after studying self-defense. Now she teaches other women to do the same

Off Script

Ayisha Lineo Gariba doesn’t play by the rules – while making films or while running her business

Photo of Aida Edemariam

The Wife’s Tale

In her new book, Aida Edemariam shares stories of her grandmother, who survived violence at home – and civil war

Headshot of Kerry Sakamoto taken outdoors

Hope Floats

U of T alumna Kerri Sakamoto’s new novel explores racism, architecture – and how to “dream and dare”

Photo of Kyla Fox

A Prisoner No More

My eating disorder felt like a life sentence. Now recovered, I help other people overcome theirs

Love Yourself First

How do you foster greater self-worth and, in turn, help others? Nurture your inner foundation, says author and U of T alum Renu Persaud

Black and white photo of Edna Staebler at her desk, a typewriter in front of her.

Finding Comfort in Food

Edna Staebler was 55 when her marriage ended. She thought she would grow old alone, impoverished and unhappy. Then she wrote a cookbook

Photo of Rabbi Rena Arshinoff

A New Life After Loss

Over more than two decades, Rena Arshinoff built a successful career in medical science. Then she felt a spiritual call

Photo of 100 female U of T students in front of a building on Parliament Hill.

Women Are in the House!

A unique U of T program that takes 100 female students to Parliament Hill aims to encourage more women to enter politics

Photo of Gord Dorrett

The Art of Design

Gord Dorrett is behind support for a “critique room” at U of T’s new Daniels Building

Photo of dragon breathing fire surrounded by a crowd of onlookers.

Enter the Dragon

Why did this U of T alum build a fire-breathing dragon bus? To go to Burning Man, of course!

Guitar Hero

Liona Boyd talks about her new memoir and album, her 5 million YouTube hits, and her pen pal, Prince Philip

Deborah Solomon, wearing a flower-patterned dress, standing with tree leaves out of focus in the background

On a Mission of Compassion

The recipient of a Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, Deborah Emilia Solomon wants to devote her engineering career “to the service of others”

Muhaddisah Batool sitting in a seat in an empty theatre

Taking Centre Stage

As the theatre world grapples with change, U of T Mississauga student Muhaddisah Batool prepares for the spotlight

Headshot of Geoff Taber.

A Legacy of Mentorship

U of T creates memorial scholarship and chair in honour of alumnus Geoff Taber, who died tragically in a fire in 2016

Headshot of Lucy Cullen taken outdoors.

Taking Waste off the Menu

U of T grad Lucy Cullen has been named one of Canada’s top environmentalists for helping restaurants earn more – by throwing away less

Photo of Ishita Aggarwal giving a speech.

From Shy to Shining

A YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Award winner reflects on a pivotal first-year program at U of T

Photo of Neha Singh and Jade Ryan teaching a dance move to two young dancers.

Happy Feet

Mallory and Jade Ryan are helping children – including those with special needs – experience the joy of dance

Actor Lee MacDougall.

A Play’s Hopeful Message

Since joining the cast of Come From Away, Lee MacDougall has never seen so many audience members overcome with emotion. "This story reminds us of who we are"

Close up of Anita Kranjc in a blue T-shirt with a cow illustration, looking through a wire fence

The Trial of Anita Krajnc

In 2015, this U of T alum was charged after giving water to a pig. It only pushed her animal-rights activism to a new level

The Spy Among Us

In Kerry Clare’s first novel, Mitzi Bytes, a blogger has a secret online presence – but someone is threatening to expose her

Photo of Ursula Franklin in a lab surrounded by equipment

Warrior for Peace

U of T physicist Ursula Franklin staunchly opposed weapons of mass destruction. As Cold War tensions rise, her work remains as relevant as ever