Catholic board announces Alumni Award winners
Nathan Gaba, a Markham high school graduate who’s an advocate for the Black community and an ableism disruptor born with cerebral palsy, is among the York Catholic District School Board’s (YCDSB) 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award winners.
In his previous role at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Foundation, the public speaker and consultant played a pivotal role in advancing the National Disability Inclusion Agreement, the board reports. Gaba, a Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy (CA) graduate, is currently a Specialist (Accessibility), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Global Inclusion at Scotiabank.
Distinguished Alumni are recognized for their significant contributions to their fields of work and communities. The YCDSB announced this year’s award winners as part of Catholic Education Week, which runs from May 4 to 9. The photos and biographies of the new winners are featured on posters that will be displayed throughout York Region.
Other award recipients include David Coletto, CEO and founding partner of Abacus Data, a leading market research and strategy firm, and host of the InFocus podcast, which explores public opinion, politics and consumer behaviour. He attended St. Charles Garnier Catholic Elementary School (CES) in Richmond Hill.
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. He attended St. Francis of Assisi CES, St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School (CHS) and graduated from Father Bressani CHS in Vaughan.
Stephen Pastore is a research fellow in the Department of Genetics at SickKids Hospital and an adjunct professor at York University and Humber Polytechnic. He currently aims to develop molecular and pharmacological approaches to treat genetic disorders that impair neurodevelopment. Pastore is a graduate of Our Lady of Peace CES and St. Joan of Arc CHS in Maple.
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. Uddenberg 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.
Photo: Nathan Gaba, a Markham high school graduate who’s an advocate for the Black community and an ableism disruptor born with cerebral palsy, is among the York Catholic District School Board’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award winners. (Photo courtesy of YCDSB)