Alumni Spotlight
Influential Alumni
The digital age has given rise to a new kind of influence — one built on authenticity, creativity and connection. For these University of Windsor alumni, social platforms have become powerful stages for inspiring change, sharing knowledge and building communities. From mental health advocacy and neuroscience education to fitness, literature and sport, they’ve turned their passions into platforms with global reach. Together, they show how Lancers are not only leading in their fields but also shaping conversations online — one post, one video and one story at a time.
Corey Bellemore
Corey Bellemore (BA ’17) is a former Lancer track and field captain, holds the Beer Mile world record set in Portugal in 2025 and has more than 20,000 Instagram followers on @coreybellemore. This milestone year saw him earn his professional triathlon card, win the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon and enter the UWindsor Alumni Sports Hall of Fame. He now coaches cross country at St. Clair College.
Zachery Dereniowski
Zachery Dereniowski (BHK ‘16), known as @mdmotivator, is a Canadian influencer and motivational speaker with a focus on mental health and kindness. With millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram, his videos highlight random acts of kindness and support for those in need. His platform encourages positive change, emphasizing the power of empathy and spreading love.
Paige Johnston
Paige Johnston (BHK ‘18, MHK ‘20) is a fitness trainer, founder of Push Collective and brand ambassador for Gymshark. With more than 172,000 followers on the handle @paigemjohnston_ she offers online training to clients worldwide. Paige shares her fitness journey, empowering others to embrace a balanced, healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically.
Hailey LeBlanc
Hailey LeBlanc (BA ‘17) is a creative reader and writer. With nearly 90,000 followers on Instagram, she motivates others through her Instagram posts via her handle @haileyinbookland. LeBlanc currently works as a project coordinator in marketing design at Penguin Random House Canada. In addition to books, she is also obsessed with making adorable crochet plushies.
Dr. Nawal Mustafa
Dr. Nawal Mustafa (BSc ‘15, MA ‘18), a clinical neuropsychologist and cognitive neuroscientist, is dedicated to improving psychological and cognitive health. Through her platform @thebraincoach, Nawal shares tools for brain health, emotional regulation and productivity. As an educator, she empowers her followers to enhance their well-being through cognitive restructuring and the development of healthy habits and mindsets.
Alumni in Tech
The University of Windsor has always been a place where bold ideas take shape and future leaders find their footing. For these alumni, the spirit of innovation is the foundation of careers driving operational excellence, shaping global marketing and communications and leading the future of mobility and technology. Their journeys show that a UWindsor education equips graduates to transform industries, inspire communities and lead with vision.
Agostino Di Pietro
Agostino Di Pietro (BASc ’05, BEd ’10, MEM ’23) currently serves as the senior director at Rocket Innovation Studio, a full-service incubator offering a full range of custom IT solutions. With more than a decade of experience fostering innovation in dynamic environments, Di Pietro leads cross-functional teams, streamlines processes and implements operational strategies to ensure efficiency and scalability with the goal of enabling businesses to achieve operational excellence and meet their long-term objectives.
Jordan Goure
Jordan Goure (BA ’14) is the founder and CEO of Picsume, an online platform that reimagines traditional resumes by creating live, dynamic work profiles. Goure has successfully launched more than 10 startups across various industries. He is also a winery owner, real estate developer and a champion of ethical AI innovation in recruitment.
Raed Kadri
Raed Kadri (BASc ’09) is an industrial engineering alumnus, he is a champion of Ontario’s automotive, mobility and tech sectors. He leads the province’s flagship automotive and mobility initiative, the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and also serves as vice-president strategic initiatives and business development at the Ontario Centre of Innovation. Through Kadri’s provincial and global impact, he continues to champion his hometown of Windsor, its automotive manufacturing legacy and its role in the industry’s future.
Alyssa Whited
Alyssa Whited (BA '12) is YouTube Canada’s marketing lead with 12+ years of experience in marketing, creator management and integrated communications. She has worked with brands such as ALDO, Maybelline and Mackage and since 2021 has led initiatives including YouTube Shorts and NBA/WNBA partnerships. Most recently, she launched Google’s Gemini in Canada. She holds a BA in Psychology and Communication Studies, with a minor in Sociology.
Healthcare Heroes
From hospitals to hospices to community mental health, University of Windsor alumni are shaping the future of healthcare with compassion, innovation and vision. Their leadership reflects a commitment not only to advancing clinical excellence but also to creating systems of care that put people first. Whether guiding major institutions, leading nonprofit organizations or building new services from the ground up, these graduates embody what it means to turn knowledge into impact — improving lives across Windsor-Essex and beyond.
Augustine Aigbekaen
Augustine Aigbekaen (BSW ‘19) is the founder, CEO and senior clinical director of Prime Mental Health Services, based in Thorold, Ont. In his leadership role, he oversees clinical operations, policy development and client care initiatives, driving innovation and excellence in mental health services. He holds a Master of Social Work from Toronto’s York University. With extensive frontline experience, his career reflects a strong commitment to advancing mental health care and supporting underserved populations across Ontario.
Katharen Bortolin
Katharen Bortolin (BA ’13, MBA ’16) is executive director at The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, which has provided compassionate, clinical, end-of-life care across Windsor-Essex since 1979. A two-time graduate, she also holds a Certified Fundraising Professional designation. Bortolin was named to the Top 40 Under 40 by Leadership Windsor-Essex, received the 2021 University of Windsor Alumni Association Odyssey Award and was honoured as the 2025 Young Professional of the Year by the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
Conrad Lauko
Conrad Lauko (BScN ’12, MN ’15, NP-PHC ’19) is a primary health care nurse practitioner at the Essex County Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, providing care across all ages with a focus on cardiology, 2SLGBTQIA+ health, men’s health, mental health and gender-affirming care. Lauko previously worked in critical care and cardiology at Windsor Regional Hospital and has returned to the University of Windsor as a sessional instructor in the Faculty of Nursing.
Karen Riddell
Karen Riddell (BScN ’89) is president and CEO at Windsor Regional Hospital. A registered nurse for 35 years, Riddell has worked across the U.S., Northern Ontario and British Columbia before joining WRH in 1999. Since 2017, she has served as VP overseeing critical care, cardiology, imaging, patient relations, quality, safety and education. Her career reflects a strong commitment to system improvements that advance patient safety and quality care.