NYU Alumni Changemakers

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.

Nominate Learn more below

Current Honorees

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  • Headshot of Alexia Akbay

    Changemaker

    Alexia Akbay [she/her]

    LS, CAS ’17

    CEO, Symbrosia

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

    Meet Alexia

  • Headshot of Marjuan Canady

    Changemaker

    Marjuan Canady [she/her]

    TSOA ’10

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

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

    Meet Marjuan

  • Headshot of Alvin Irby

    Changemaker

    Alvin Irby [he/him]

    WAG ’15

    Founder and Executive Director, Barbershop Books, Inc.

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

    Meet Alvin

  • Headshot of Peter Marks

    Changemaker

    Peter Marks [he/him]

    GSAS ’88, ’90, GSM ’91

    Director, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)

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

    Meet Peter

  • Headshot of Joseph Pantaleo

    Changemaker

    Joseph Pantaleo [he/him]

    DEN ’11

    Dentist, Founder and Chair, Tomorrow's Smile Today

    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

  • Headshot of Shabnam Rezaei

    Changemaker

    Shabnam Rezaei [she/her]

    STERN ’01

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

    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?

675,000+ NYU Alumni in 189 Countries
28% of Alumni Work in Education, Entrepreneurship, or Community and Social Services

Past Honorees

Meet our extraordinary honorees from previous years whose work is focused on making a better world. To reset filters, scroll back to the default title (i.e., if using the Industry filter, navigate back to the word Industry at the top of the filter.)

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Nominations

Submit a nomination for an Alumni now.
Please check the nomination form for details about the current submission deadlines. Learn how to compile a nomination by reviewing this sample nomination.

Submit a Nomination