News & Stories: Alumni Portraits

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January 30, 2026

The Opportunity that Changed Everything: Jennifer Sylvester

Almost 15 years ago, Jennifer Sylvester was a single mother working in social services when she was accepted into U of T’s Transitional Year Programme – a bridge to university for students who left school early. Now, the MEd graduate, who is of Anishinaabe descent, has returned to pursue her PhD in social justice education and teach university students who remind her of her younger self.
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November 3, 2025

OISE alum Dr. JJ Wright named Edmonton's Top 40 Under 40

'Combating hate and celebrating queer joy as resistance': OISE alumna Dr. JJ Wright has been named one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40. Dr. Wright, a scholar, advocate and graduate of the Department of Social Justice Education, is currently a professor at MacEwan University, teaching and researching in the areas of sociology and gender studies.