In celebration of Catholic Education Week, the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) is proud to announce its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award winners. Distinguished Alumni are recognized for their significant contributions to their fields of work and communities
Announced each year at the beginning of Catholic Education Week (May 4 to May 9, 2025), the photos and biographies of the new Distinguished Alumni Award winners are featured on posters that will be displayed throughout York Region. Catholic Education Week is a time to celebrate how publicly-funded Catholic education benefits the lives of students and our communities as a whole. This is exemplified through the stories of the YCDSB’s Distinguished Alumni. The YCDSB is pleased to announce the following 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award winners:
David Coletto is the CEO and founding partner of Abacus Data, a leading market research and strategy firm, and he is the host of the InFocus podcast, which explores public opinion, politics and consumer behaviour. He holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Calgary and is an adjunct professor at Carleton University. David attended St. Charles Garnier CES in Richmond Hill, Ont.
Sgt. Julian Alexander Doria is a section commander, parachute company, in The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Airborne Infantry, Canadian Armed Forces. He is a lead instructor for the 32 Brigade battle school. Sgt. Doria received the Airborne Rifleman of the Year Award in 2022 and multiple Commander’s Commendation Awards. He attended St. Francis of Assisi CES, St. Joan of Arc CHS and graduated from Father Bressani CHS in Vaughan, Ont.
Nathan Gaba is an advocate for the Black community, a public speaker, a consultant and an ableism disruptor who was born with cerebral palsy. In his previous role at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Foundation, he played a pivotal role in advancing the National Disability Inclusion Agreement. Currently, Nathan is a Specialist (Accessibility), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Global Inclusion at Scotiabank. He is a graduate of Father Michael McGivney CA in Markham, Ont.
Stephen Pastore is a research fellow in the Department of Genetics at SickKids Hospital and an adjunct professor at York University and Humber Polytechnic. His Ph.D. research at the University of Toronto and CAMH studied the genetic and molecular causes of autism and intellectual disability in boys. Currently, he aims to develop molecular and pharmacological approaches to treat genetic disorders that impair neurodevelopment.
Stephen is a graduate of Our Lady of Peace CES and St. Joan of Arc CHS in Maple, Ont.
Cloey Uddenberg is a professional soccer player for AFC Toronto in the Northern Super League and the owner of 84 Soccer Training, where she mentors young athletes on and off the field. She played soccer for the University of Guelph, the University of South Alabama and Purdue University. Cloey was a USports National Rookie of the Year and an All-Canadian. She is a graduate of Our Lady Queen of the World CA in Richmond Hill, Ont.
Congratulations to the new Distinguished Alumni. Students will see the new Distinguished Alumni poster in their schools shortly.