Three AMPD alumni have been recognized in York University's 2026 Top 30 Alumni Under 30.
York’s Top 30 under 30 program celebrates alumni who are making a meaningful impact, both locally and around the world. This year’s AMPD honourees reflect a range of creative practices, with work spanning film, data journalism and dance, grounded in a commitment to shaping culture and driving meaningful change.
Bhabna Banerjee (BFA ’20)
Graphics Editor, The New York Times
Bhabna Banerjee translates policy, economic, and scientific arguments from prominent researchers and experts into visual stories at The New York Times. She began her career as a visual artist and filmmaker, later specializing in data storytelling for outlets including Forbes, Inside Climate News, and the World Economic Forum. Her reporting focuses on making complex data and scientific concepts accessible, particularly on the climate crisis and its impact on public health. Bhabna holds a graduate degree from Stanford University and has partnered with the Stanford School of Medicine, the Center for Innovation in Global Health, and the Center for Human and Planetary Health to visualize research on global health and equity.
Alexander DeSouza (BFA ’18)
Film director, writer and editor
Alexander DeSouza started his career as an Assistant Editor assisting on numerous features and series for companies such as CBC, ABC Disney, Crave, Paramount and Tubi. In 2025, the Canadian Cinema Editors Association awarded Alexander the Assistant Editor Recognition Award for his work on the CSA nominated documentary Disco's Revenge. In 2018, his graduation short Mother’s Day was nominated for a Golden Sheaf at North America’s longest running film festival, dubbed in foreign languages and later distributed by ShortsTV.
An advocate for training the next generation, Alexander has given guest talks to emerging talent at the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC), Reel Canada, Editcon and the Alumnae Theatre. He has mentored trainees through the DGC’s apprentice program and has sat on various awards juries, including the BAFTA Yugo Student Awards. As co-founder of The Wonderlight Company, in 2024 Alexander formed the Student Shadow Program to provide high school students with the rare opportunity of gaining experience on union film sets.
Emily Duckett (BFA ’22)
Multidisciplinary artist and choreographer
Emily Duckett’s practice spans grant writing, performance creation, artistic direction, and community engagement. With a track record of securing over $10,000 in arts funding from organizations such as the Ontario Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the City of Guelph, Emily combines strong narrative-building with rigorous project planning. Their choreographic work—recognized for its emotional depth and interdisciplinary integration—has been developed and presented through esteemed platforms including Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Toronto Dance Theatre, Moulin Belle Artist Residency, and the National Ballet of Canada’s Open Space program. Beyond the studio, Emily is a committed arts advocate and public speaker, having led talks on topics ranging from disordered eating in dance to racial justice in Canada.
About York U's Top 30 Alumni Under 30
Launched in 2021, York’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University’s young alumni community, while inspiring the next generation of young alumni leaders to make a positive difference locally and globally.
See the full list of York University’s 2026 Top 30 Alumni Under 30.