Share your news! We invite all Waterloo Arts alumni to submit a class note with any personal or professional updates (in about 75 words), which we will be happy to include in a future issue of Arts & Letters.
1970s
Jerrold Lee Shapiro (PhD '70, Clinical Psychology) is celebrating 55 years since earning his PhD. Throughout his distinguished career in academia and practice, Jerrold has authored 18 books, including Finding Meaning, Facing Fears, Living Fully: Twixt Midlife and Retirement, as well as over 200 articles, book chapters, and professional presentations. With extensive experience as a clinical psychologist in Hawaii and California, he now shares his expertise by teaching graduate students in counseling and clinical psychology. Jerrold considers his greatest accomplishment to be his marriage and family.
2000s
Sue Brubacher (BA '04, Psychology)has launched her new life coaching business, Live Your Best Life, dedicated to helping people navigate personal and professional journeys. As a certified Life Coach, Inspirational Speaker, and Workshop and Retreat Facilitator, she brings a unique blend of experience and passion to her new venture. With a distinguished career in leadership roles in higher education, Brubacher channels her wealth of experience into guiding individuals through life's pivotal transitions—with resilience, clarity, and grace.
Joanna Woo (BA '09, Psychology and Human Resources) has started a new position at Jobscan as the Head of People in January of 2025. Her experience as an HR Manager has prepared her succeed in her new role and responsibilities. She is working closely with team leaders to enable them to do their best work. Transitioning into her new position has changed her into a business leader with a specialized knowledge and understanding of people and culture.
2010s
Luiza Cornea (BA ’11, French) is a manager at the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. She started her journey with the Ontario Public Service in 2010 as a co-op student. Over the years, she has progressed through a variety of roles within the public service and for the past 9 years, Luiza has played a key leadership role in contributing to strengthening Ontario’s economy.
Robin Jones (BA’ 12, Social Development Studies) has joined NVision Insight Group, a majority Indigenous-owned consulting firm, as an Intermediate Reconciliation Consultant. After dedicating over 16 years to the University of Waterloo, most recently in the Office of Indigenous Relations, she remains committed to helping organizations develop and implement Indigenization strategies. Robin is Ojibway and Potawatomi, Otter Clan, and a proud member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
Tyron Telang (BA ’13, Political Science) joined a preeminent, Western Canadian, full-service, business law firm as its Manager of Legal Talent. In this role, Tyron focuses on enriching legal talent programs by advancing recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and performance management initiatives for law students and legal professionals across the firm's four offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Kelowna, and Yellowknife.
2020s
Jeena Mistry (BA'20, Speech Communications and Human Resources) has began a new role earlier this year as Director, People and Operations at Humani HR. She has background in consulting and a passion for fostering inclusive workplaces. She has gained expertise in strategic HR and operational excellence and using these skills she has succeed in progressing her career whilst positively inspiring others. Jeena is excited to lead initiatives that support both employees and business growth, while collaborating with key partners to drive impactful change in the people space.
Dr. Hasan Ahmet Gokce (BA’ 21, Rhetoric and Communication Design) a trailblazer in inclusive children's media, drawing on his University of Waterloo education in Rhetoric and Communication Design. He founded Atlasia Kids, a multilingual magazine helping immigrant children embrace their identities. Under his leadership, it has expanded across multiple languages and earned global recognition, including the Best of Stories award. As Editor-in-Chief of Nevbahar and Filozof at Paramus Publishing, he continues to champion cross-cultural understanding. A passionate advocate for diverse storytelling, he credits Waterloo for shaping his vision for innovative publishing.
Jasmin Lazarus (BA ’22, Communication Arts) was recently promoted to Assistant Manager, Client Success at WatSPEED, the University of Waterloo's continuing education department. She plays a critical role in realizing the department's mission to extend the educational impact of the university. By reaching learners throughout their careers and providing unique education at the intersection of business and technology, she leverages her expertise as a Communications professional to meet and exceed the needs of her team and clients alike.