2024 NYU Alumni Changemakers

Vision. Perseverance. Belief.

These are the qualities that unite this class of NYU Alumni Changemakers—a selected group of NYU alumni whose accomplishments help build a better world.

Chosen by the NYU Alumni Association Board from crowdsourced nominations, these alumni are the best of the best: entrepreneurs and visionaries who save lives, reduce suffering, and bring hope to the marginalized.

Ambition for private gain is one thing. But ambition with the public good in mind?

That's how you make change.

Meet the Honorees

Alexia Akbay(she/her)

CAS ’17

CEO, Symbrosia

“My advice is to go where things aren't already being addressed. Figure out what you can own, where you can create extra value.”

A STEM enthusiast and entrepreneur; reducing livestock methane emissions using natural resources, significantly impacting sustainability.

Meet Alexia

Marjuan Canady(she/her)

TSOA ’10

Tony^® Nominated Broadway Producer, Writer, Arts Consultant, and Educator

“My professional journey began in a rich artistic and entrepreneurial community. I grew up surrounded by Black-owned businesses and Black theater companies, which gave me the framework and confidence to uplift my own community.”

Producer, writer, arts consultant, and educator; elevating Black artists and performers through groundbreaking children's media and visionary arts education initiatives.

Meet Marjuan

Alvin Irby(he/him)

WAG ’15

Founder and Executive Director, Barbershop Books, Inc.

“I think a lot of people walk around thinking that their ideas don't matter. But I had experiences that showed me they do, and that they can make things happen.”

Early childhood educator, social entrepreneur, TED speaker, comedian, and author; pioneering literacy programs for future generations in barbershops.

Meet Alvin

Peter Marks(he/him)

GSAS ’88, GSAS ’90, GSM ’91

Director, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)

“We really learned from Operation Warp Speed. These three levers: Guidance, Communication, Expediting—we're bringing this to our gene therapy programs, for instance… Shortening development time can save lives.”

Hematologist and oncologist—pivotal in COVID-19 vaccine development and expert in regulatory science and biologics.

Meet Peter

Joseph Pantaleo(he/him)

DEN ’11

Dentist, Founder and Chair, Tomorrow's Smile Today

“Giving back selflessly, without expectation, is what pushes us forward. We are all human and we are all in this together.”

Revered dentist and nonprofit founder; transforming lives by providing vital free dental care and pioneering the first dental unit in Kenyan wards—driven by an unwavering passion for service.

Meet Joseph

Shabnam Rezaei(she/her)

STERN ’01

Co-Founder and President, Big Bad Boo Studios and Oznoz

“I'm proudest whenever a kid tells me that they've seen themselves in one of my characters.”

Visionary social entrepreneur and children's television creator—transforming the industry with groundbreaking, award-winning shows that champion diverse characters, fostering a profound connection with viewers worldwide.

Meet Shabnam

Be The Light

With more than half-a-million NYU alumni around the globe, we need you to help us shine a light on NYU Alumni Changemakers and their impressive work.

It begins when you take a few moments to fill out a nomination form. Then, the NYU Alumni Association Board of Directors, along with a special committee made up of key members of the NYU community, will review all potential candidates based on the magnitude of the challenge, originality and innovation of the solution, and the results and impact achieved.

Their work sparked significant change. Your nomination illuminates their efforts and extends their impact.

Who inspires you today?