Joseph Pazzano named to London Inc.’s Top 20 Under 40

Congratulations to Joseph Pazzano, executive director of student well-being, accessibility and belonging, who was named to London Inc.’s Top 20 Under 40 class of 2026! 

The Top 20 Under 40 award recognizes people who have achieved success in their chosen career, have climbed the ranks in their industry and have made significant contributions to their community, before turning 40 years of age. Joseph was nominated for his achievements in equity, diversity and inclusion, and his commitment to creating social change.

Joseph joined Fanshawe as the College’s first director of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in 2021, bringing lived experience in the 2SLGBTQIA+ and disability communities. Prior to that, he served in the Office of Diversity and Human Rights at the University of Guelph. Joseph pursued a career in EDI after a successful legal career where he practiced in California, including at San Francisco’s largest corporate law firm.

Since taking on his role at Fanshawe, he has engaged the College community in creating and launching a formal EDI framework and action plan. Under his leadership, Fanshawe became a signatory of Canada’s 50 – 30 Challenge, aimed at diversifying our Board of Governors and senior leadership team; joined the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism in Post-Secondary Education; and was listed in Forbes’ list of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity in 2024.

"Joseph is most deserving of this award," said Fanshawe President Peter Devlin. "I've been impressed with his strong commitment to social justice, his strength of conviction and his unwavering service to students and staff.”

"It comes as absolutely no surprise to me that Joseph is being recognized as one of the Top 20 Under 40," said Tania Caza, vice-president of students, employees and culture. "In his role as director of the Centre for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CEDI) and now executive director of student well-being, accessibility and belonging, he leads with both strategic insight and deep humanity. He’s a natural bridge-builder, a thoughtful and balanced decision-maker, and simply an all-around good human who makes a meaningful difference in our College and across the London community every day."

Joseph says his work in EDI is what motivates him. He feels confidence in our ability to change and transform when he sees the goals of an EDI strategy achieved, equity-deserving community members thrive, and leaders confident in their ability to embed an EDI lens to decision-making. 

"My biggest achievement is simply being in equity work, as the human being that I am, in the moment we are in as a world, where equity work is sometimes contested and falling by the wayside," said Joseph. "That we are still doing this work speaks to our belief that every student and every staff member deserves to feel like they belong. Representation matters. I hope my presence as an openly queer and openly neurodivergent leader is one small reminder for our students that they can be their full authentic selves here at Fanshawe. Our enduring commitment to that idea — that any student can be themselves here — is something I’m really proud of."

Read Joseph's profile on the London Inc. website.

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Joseph celebrated with family and friends at the Top 20 Under 40 Gala on March 12, 2026. 
Pictured above: 
(left) Joseph with his husband 
(right) Joseph with his father.