Mulgrave Alumni

From tutoring math as a UBC engineering student to scaling a real estate portfolio from $5M to $60M, Jesse Peng (Class of 2011) has built his career at the intersection of technology, strategy, and bold decision-making.In this episode, Jesse opens up about the failed startups that shaped him, the pressure to live up to expectations, and the mindset shifts that helped him move across industries. His journey spans digital marketing, real estate investing and now collectible technology. As a pioneer in the trading card and collectibles space, he’s focused on disrupting a multi-billion-dollar industry through transparency, passion, and community impact.We talk about risk, resilience, “winner’s tilt,” and why poker might be the ultimate training ground for entrepreneurship. Most of all, Jesse shares why building something meaningful — not just profitable — is the real measure of success.

In this episode, we sit down with Kelcy Timmons Chan, Class of 2015, a queer artist whose work spans murals, public art, and community-driven projects across Toronto and beyond. Kelcy shares how their experiences as a biracial, gender-fluid artist shaped their creative practice, from exploring identity and belonging to using food, colour, and public space as tools for connection and advocacy.We talk about finding language for queerness, building chosen family, founding the Queer Art Crawl, and why art is never apolitical. Through personal stories and playful insights, Kelcy reflects on the power of accessibility, representation, and showing up fully — both in art and in community.

In this episode of the Mulgrave Alumni Podcast, host Ava Thompson speaks with Mac Walsh, a resilient and inspiring alum from the Class of 2019, who navigates life as an autistic, trans masculine young adult. Mac shares his journey with health challenges and the importance of advocacy and representation for marginalized communities. He discusses his experiences with mobility aids, adaptive sports, and the impact of personal loss on mental health. The conversation highlights the significance of finding one's voice and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, we speak with Farah Virani – a cherished member of the Mulgrave community, long-time volunteer, and part of our admissions team – as she opens up about her powerful journey through chronic illness, motherhood, and the life-changing gift of organ donation. Diagnosed with a rare genetic kidney disease in her early twenties, Farah spent years quietly carrying the weight of a future she knew would involve kidney failure. Her story takes us through the realities of living on dialysis, the emotional complexity of seeking a donor, and the immense strength it took to balance her health while raising young children. In an extraordinary act of love, Farah’s husband became her donor – a decision that brought fear, hope, and overwhelming gratitude. With honesty and grace, Farah reflects on the resilience that kept her going, the guilt and vulnerability often felt by transplant recipients, and how her children learned to process compassion, strength, and fragility at an early age. Released in honor of National Blood Donor Week, this episode is not just about survival – it’s about family, love, and what it truly means to give life. Whether you’ve been touched by organ donation or not, Farah’s story will stay with you long after the episode ends.

In this episode, Fiona Humbert-Droz (Class of 2007), a passionate Speech-Language Pathologist, takes us through the many facets of her work. She clears up common misconceptions about speech and language disorders and shares her approach to supporting patients with challenges like speech delays, stuttering, and social communication needs in autistic individuals. Fiona also delves into the emotional side of her work, explaining how she helps clients build confidence and resilience when it comes to communication. She discusses the importance of creating a trusting, supportive environment for meaningful progress and shares strategies to help patients overcome barriers to effective communication. This episode highlights the impact of speech-language pathology and the invaluable role these professionals play in fostering self-expression and connection.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with the insightful and multi-talented David Cross (Class of 2014) on the Mulgrave Alumni Podcast. Hosted by our favourite host, Ava Thompson (Class of 2018), this episode dives into David's transformative journey with yoga—a practice that has become a cornerstone of strength, fulfillment, and self-discovery in his life. From personal anecdotes to reflections on balance and growth, David offers a candid look at how yoga has shaped his perspective. He also shares a few lighthearted tales from the yoga world, proving that even in self-discovery, there’s room for fun. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast or just curious about the practice, this down-to-earth episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Tune in for a conversation that’s as refreshing as it is thought-provoking!

In this empowering episode, we’re thrilled to feature Tirajeh Mazaheri, Class of 2011, who has made a remarkable shift from mechanical engineering to dominating the real estate market as BC’s #1 realtor for four consecutive years. Tirajeh shares her inspiring journey from starting at the bottom to conquering challenges and dedicating herself to a completely new career path. Get an insider’s look at the reality behind the cameras, learn her secrets to success, and discover how she has transformed her career in real estate and marketing. Tune in to hear Tirajeh’s incredible story and gain insights into her impactful achievements!

In this episode, we sit down with Meghan Robinson (Class of 2010) for an inspiring conversation. Meghan shares her journey of pursuing a PhD while working with the Māori indigenous community, her background as a high-demand athlete, and her experiences as a mother. She discusses the importance of not comparing ourselves to others and the communal approach to raising children. Meghan also talks about running an ultramarathon just 11 months postpartum and her ventures into entrepreneurship. Tune in for a deep dive into resilience, community, and personal growth.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Durrans (Class of 2016) as he shares his incredible journey of becoming a professional soccer player in Europe from a young age. Matt opens up about the challenges he faced, the sacrifices he made, and the reality of living his dream. Join us as we delve into his inspiring story of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of passion.

In this episode, we sit down with Angie Travlos (Class of 2012), to discuss her professional journey as a physiotherapist and the co-owner of Bloom, a specialized physiotherapy and pelvic health clinic she runs with her sister. Angie shares valuable insights into the critical importance of seeking professional help for pelvic and back pain, debunking common myths such as the misconception that pain during intercourse is normal. She also delves into the consequences of ignoring such issues, including the effects of prolapse, and emphasizes the need for regular check-ups to maintain overall health and well-being. Tune in to learn more about Angie's path to success, her passion for helping others, and essential advice on pelvic health.

Join us in this episode as we dive into the journey of Sebastian Marin (Class of 2018), a young Director of Photography. Discover his experiences, insights on the evolution of film in recent years, the impact of AI, and much more.

On this episode, our host Ava Thompson (Class of 2018) engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Ashleigh Kearns (Class of 2014), exploring Ashleigh's path in dance and how she became a plus-size dance instructor. Ashleigh also discusses opening space and advocating for the plus-size community, addressing limitations often overlooked, fatphobia, and more. Tune in to gain new perspectives and share your thoughts with us!

In today's episode, we delve into the captivating musical journey of Saba Taghiakbari (Class of 2016). Saba takes us on a compelling narrative, recounting her courageous decision to leave dentistry behind in pursuit of her dream to study opera. With determination, she shares her inspiring story of overcoming obstacles and staying focused on her passion for music, ultimately leading to the realization of her dream: opening her own music studio.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sayeed Mavani (Class of 2019) as we delve into his journey in professional squash, career insights, and the impact of his time at McGill. Discover his unique philosophy on success, redefining losses, cherished memories from Mulgrave, and the profound value of service.