A public speaking champ at her high school in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Nneka Elliott (RTA '06) was drawn to speaking and performing early. She knew the RTA School of Media was the place for her the moment she spotted it in the Maclean's University Guide.
The program put Elliott in front of cameras and behind microphones from day one. "It really set the foundation for how I navigate the industry," she says. Elliott launched her career at Newstalk 1010 while still a student, then on to reporting and anchoring, most notably at CP24 news, covering major stories and becoming a trusted voice in Toronto media.
From there, Elliott entered a creative chapter, acting in projects like Shazam, The Boys and Designated Survivor, all while building a platform as a content creator. She is now vice-president of integrated media at Golin Canada, where she leads earned media strategy for major brands.
Alongside her accomplishments, Elliott takes pride in her openness to evolve. "I'm leaning into different seasons of life, including motherhood, without feeling like I had to stay in one lane."
Being uplifted and uplifting others
Aleem Punja (Disability Studies '16) is grateful for the people who helped him in his academic journey. He struggled throughout high school, but thanks to a guidance counsellor, he received a psychoeducational assessment and accommodations for a learning disability. He then graduated with honours.
Punja went on to obtain a diploma in child and youth care at Centennial College and later upgrade his diploma to a bachelor's degree through a two-year program at TMU's School of Disability Studies, where another person stepped up at a critical juncture.
"I had an opportunity to be appointed as the COO of York Region Children's Aid Society but the role required registration with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers," he says. Punja contacted his professor, Kathryn Church, who provided a letter and support materials to help Punja demonstrate that he met the College's criteria.
"It was a game changer," he says. "It became the trampoline to my next career move in executive leadership."
Now as executive director of the Aga Khan Council for Canada's Future Ready Initiative, Punja refuses to take sole credit for his achievements. "So many people have been there to help pave the way for me," he says. "I couldn't have done it alone."
Thoughts for TMU's class of '26
Having gone through several career pivots, Elliott and Punja have words of insight and encouragement for this year's graduates.
"I graduated right before a recession, so I understand what it's like to step into uncertainty," says Elliott. "Where we are now with AI and the future of work is a fundamental shift. My advice is to really know who you are. Be open to shifting because adaptability is going to be one of your greatest strengths."
"Being driven is really important, but it's also important to keep your values and your humility," says Punja. "I'm a strong believer that what you put out into the universe, you get back." He also reminds graduates to stay connected to TMU, citing the help he got from his professor. "You never know when these relationships can be so important."
