Meet Your Mentors!
Non-profit
Seema Jethalal
Seema Jethalal has been dedicated to the arts since birth and is committed to cultivating Toronto's arts and culture scene and inspiring social change in the process. Seema recently embarked on a new career path at Artscape as the inaugural Managing Director of the Regent Park Arts & Cultural Centre (slated to open in 2012). She recently transitioned out of her role as Managing Director of Manifesto Community Projects – a non-profit arts organization that was recently awarded the Toronto Arts Foundation's "Arts for Youth" award and the Toronto Community Foundation's "Vital Ideas" Award. Seema is a member of Civic Action's Emerging Leaders Network, Artreach Toronto's Community Advisory Committee and the Neighbourhood Arts Network Advisory Committee. She holds a B.A. in Cultural Studies from McGill University, an M.A. in Media Production from Ryerson University and has worked for cultural institutions and organizations including ArtReach Toronto, Lord Cultural Resources, Ninja Tune Records and Iqra Music (Zaki Ibrahim). In her spare time, you'll likely catch Seema eating mangos, listening to vintage soul records, or planning her next road trip in a foreign country.
Sheldon Mahabir
Collaborative, Practical, Resourceful - Recruitment Coordinator @ Maytree Foundation
Sheldon Mahabir is the Recruitment Coordinator of Maytree's DiverseCity Program and a board member with The Toronto Centre for the Arts, Social Planning Toronto and volunteers with the United Way Toronto Speaker's Bureau during their Fall Campaign Session. He is also a member of the steering committee at Sports4Ontario, a provincial sport organization council dedicated to the promotion of sports and physical activity in Ontario.
Sheldon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Windsor, a business management certificate from Rotman School of Management and is a certified Human Resources Management professional. He has worked with a variety of non profit organizations, developing and managing relationships with diverse community groups and the corporate sector to implement and execute programs that accelerate the prosperity in the Toronto Region. His expertise includes Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Recruitment & Selection, Board Governance, Human Resources, Social Responsibility, Organizational Development, Training & Development, etc.
Sheldon's commitment to inclusion and social responsibility has lead to the placement of over 600 visible minorities to agencies, boards and commissions throughout the GTA and DiverseCity onBoard as recipient of the United Nations Intercultural Innovation Award.
Sheldon Mahabir is the Recruitment Coordinator of Maytree's DiverseCity Program and a board member with The Toronto Centre for the Arts, Social Planning Toronto and volunteers with the United Way Toronto Speaker's Bureau during their Fall Campaign Session. He is also a member of the steering committee at Sports4Ontario, a provincial sport organization council dedicated to the promotion of sports and physical activity in Ontario.
Sheldon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Windsor, a business management certificate from Rotman School of Management and is a certified Human Resources Management professional. He has worked with a variety of non profit organizations, developing and managing relationships with diverse community groups and the corporate sector to implement and execute programs that accelerate the prosperity in the Toronto Region. His expertise includes Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Recruitment & Selection, Board Governance, Human Resources, Social Responsibility, Organizational Development, Training & Development, etc.
Sheldon's commitment to inclusion and social responsibility has lead to the placement of over 600 visible minorities to agencies, boards and commissions throughout the GTA and DiverseCity onBoard as recipient of the United Nations Intercultural Innovation Award.
Kate Oostrom
Support, Engage, Innovate - Project Coordinator @ Youth Employment Services
A graduate from the B.Comm. program at the University of Guelph, Kate now spends her days as a Project Coordinator, overseeing government-funded programs that provide job search assistance to various groups of job seekers within the city of Toronto. In previous lives, she has worked within the fields of corporate real estate, human resources, and job development. An advocate of community service and mentorship, Kate has delivered many leadership seminars to University students, has served on an Alumnae Advisory Committee with her alma mater, and is currently the Philanthropy Chair for a local women's group. Her passion is to assist young people to realize their potential, recognize opportunity, and to pay it forward.
A graduate from the B.Comm. program at the University of Guelph, Kate now spends her days as a Project Coordinator, overseeing government-funded programs that provide job search assistance to various groups of job seekers within the city of Toronto. In previous lives, she has worked within the fields of corporate real estate, human resources, and job development. An advocate of community service and mentorship, Kate has delivered many leadership seminars to University students, has served on an Alumnae Advisory Committee with her alma mater, and is currently the Philanthropy Chair for a local women's group. Her passion is to assist young people to realize their potential, recognize opportunity, and to pay it forward.
Jeff Gruchy
Co-founder @ StreetSport, and Healthier Living Centre
With varying experiences across sectors here and overseas, Jeff has firmly re-planted his roots in Toronto and is actively pursuing ways to build a stronger, more sustainable GTA. Through two plus years leading the Healthier Living Centre at Downsview Services for Seniors; Jeff has been responsible for the consistent delivery of equitable/accessible programs to over 600 unique individuals. More recently, Jeff co-founded StreetSport-a non-profit that strives to open streets and public space for active recreation across the GTA region. In early 2011, Jeff was identified as an emerging city-building leader by CivicAction via his selection to the DiverseCity Fellows program. His active involvement with the United Way Speakers Bureau, Toronto 2015 Pan-Am/Pan-Para Games Legacy Committee and 2012 Ontario Summer Games keep Jeff engaged with the broader community and are excellent platforms to spread his passion for health and wellness. Earlier this year, Jeff was featured as a Human Book with the Toronto Public Library. He still enjoys playing competitive baseball, as well as other leisure pursuits, and is an avid Toronto Blue Jays supporter.
With varying experiences across sectors here and overseas, Jeff has firmly re-planted his roots in Toronto and is actively pursuing ways to build a stronger, more sustainable GTA. Through two plus years leading the Healthier Living Centre at Downsview Services for Seniors; Jeff has been responsible for the consistent delivery of equitable/accessible programs to over 600 unique individuals. More recently, Jeff co-founded StreetSport-a non-profit that strives to open streets and public space for active recreation across the GTA region. In early 2011, Jeff was identified as an emerging city-building leader by CivicAction via his selection to the DiverseCity Fellows program. His active involvement with the United Way Speakers Bureau, Toronto 2015 Pan-Am/Pan-Para Games Legacy Committee and 2012 Ontario Summer Games keep Jeff engaged with the broader community and are excellent platforms to spread his passion for health and wellness. Earlier this year, Jeff was featured as a Human Book with the Toronto Public Library. He still enjoys playing competitive baseball, as well as other leisure pursuits, and is an avid Toronto Blue Jays supporter.
Sarah McLaughlin
Development Coordinator, Major Gifts @ The National Ballet of Canada
After studying Economics at the University of Guelph I began a career in finance with a large consumer products company. And although I thoroughly enjoyed my studies and love working with numbers I realized that finance was not where I wanted to stay for the rest of my career.
When I left my job in finance I took a much needed break to travel and then relocated myself to Toronto. I still didn’t know exactly what it was that I wanted to do so I took a few part time jobs and became involved with a few non-profit organizations as a volunteer. I soon came to realize that I am constantly drawn to the non-profit sector and have been involved with many organizations throughout my adult life. Once it occurred that you can have a career working for a non-profit organization I decided that this is what I wanted to do.
To prepare myself for this new career I enrolled in the Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector program at Ryerson University. This gave me the educational background and sector specific knowledge that is so important in this growing field. To gain practical experience while I was in school I volunteered with an organization, working with someone in a similar position to what I wanted. It was hard work but I am happy to report that it has paid off.
Today I work for the National Ballet of Canada as a Fundraiser. It is the perfect job for me as it combines my love for the arts, people, and numbers. I feel very fortunate to have found the career path that I have. Fundraising in the non-profit sector is very challenging, rewarding, and there is lots of opportunities for growth.
For me a job is more than just a pay check. Someone once told me that if you love what you do you will never have to work a day on your life. I couldn’t agree more.
After studying Economics at the University of Guelph I began a career in finance with a large consumer products company. And although I thoroughly enjoyed my studies and love working with numbers I realized that finance was not where I wanted to stay for the rest of my career.
When I left my job in finance I took a much needed break to travel and then relocated myself to Toronto. I still didn’t know exactly what it was that I wanted to do so I took a few part time jobs and became involved with a few non-profit organizations as a volunteer. I soon came to realize that I am constantly drawn to the non-profit sector and have been involved with many organizations throughout my adult life. Once it occurred that you can have a career working for a non-profit organization I decided that this is what I wanted to do.
To prepare myself for this new career I enrolled in the Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector program at Ryerson University. This gave me the educational background and sector specific knowledge that is so important in this growing field. To gain practical experience while I was in school I volunteered with an organization, working with someone in a similar position to what I wanted. It was hard work but I am happy to report that it has paid off.
Today I work for the National Ballet of Canada as a Fundraiser. It is the perfect job for me as it combines my love for the arts, people, and numbers. I feel very fortunate to have found the career path that I have. Fundraising in the non-profit sector is very challenging, rewarding, and there is lots of opportunities for growth.
For me a job is more than just a pay check. Someone once told me that if you love what you do you will never have to work a day on your life. I couldn’t agree more.
True Daley
Co-founder/Facilitator of D.I.V.A. (Diversity in Video, Audio & Arts) Program, Freelance Writer/Online Columnist, Actor, Singer, Community Worker
"Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art."- Konstantin Stanislavsky
True Daley is a Toronto-based journalist with 20 years of combined media experience in Canada, Jamaica, and Taiwan. Originally from Montreal, her most notable interviews have featured:
Bishop Desmond Tutu, Lauryn Hill, India Arie, Jill Scott, Malik Yoba, Jamie Foxx, and Mos Def. Her work has appeared in publications such as Peace!, Macleans,Toronto Star, Creamworld, Dojo, Vinyl and Sway.
As a music artist, she is the recipient of BravoFact, Factor, and Videofact awards. True is also a unionized actor with ACTRA, and pop culture critic, who has appeared on CBC Television, Much Music, HBO, the Life Network and BET. While living in Taiwan for 4 years, she worked as a television host on TVBS and became Asia's first black woman to star in a series. She has also worked as a morning news anchor on the island's only english radio station ICRT.
True Daley's work in the non-profit field includes supporting youth in conflict with the law to gain stable employment and develop life skills. She is also the co-founder and facilitator of D.I.V.A. Program - Canada's first media literacy and arts training program for women of colour in high-needs communities.
"Become the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
"Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art."- Konstantin Stanislavsky
True Daley is a Toronto-based journalist with 20 years of combined media experience in Canada, Jamaica, and Taiwan. Originally from Montreal, her most notable interviews have featured:
Bishop Desmond Tutu, Lauryn Hill, India Arie, Jill Scott, Malik Yoba, Jamie Foxx, and Mos Def. Her work has appeared in publications such as Peace!, Macleans,Toronto Star, Creamworld, Dojo, Vinyl and Sway.
As a music artist, she is the recipient of BravoFact, Factor, and Videofact awards. True is also a unionized actor with ACTRA, and pop culture critic, who has appeared on CBC Television, Much Music, HBO, the Life Network and BET. While living in Taiwan for 4 years, she worked as a television host on TVBS and became Asia's first black woman to star in a series. She has also worked as a morning news anchor on the island's only english radio station ICRT.
True Daley's work in the non-profit field includes supporting youth in conflict with the law to gain stable employment and develop life skills. She is also the co-founder and facilitator of D.I.V.A. Program - Canada's first media literacy and arts training program for women of colour in high-needs communities.
"Become the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Shannon Cummings
Passionate, Creative and Independent - Manager, Development and Communications @ Youth Employment Services
By day, she is the successful and professional Manager of Development and Communications at Youth Employment Services working to raise funds and support from generous individuals and companies to help youth secure and maintain employment. By night, she is a dedicated cyclist, a graphic design nut, a collector of all things digital and a lover of music in its many forms. In previous lives, she worked in events and fundraising for Junior Achievement of Central Ontario, Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, Canadian Opera Company and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. She holds a BA in Communications from Carleton University, a fundraising certificate from the University of Waterloo and a new media production certificate from Humber College. She lives in Cabbagetown with her family and collection of pets.
By day, she is the successful and professional Manager of Development and Communications at Youth Employment Services working to raise funds and support from generous individuals and companies to help youth secure and maintain employment. By night, she is a dedicated cyclist, a graphic design nut, a collector of all things digital and a lover of music in its many forms. In previous lives, she worked in events and fundraising for Junior Achievement of Central Ontario, Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, Canadian Opera Company and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. She holds a BA in Communications from Carleton University, a fundraising certificate from the University of Waterloo and a new media production certificate from Humber College. She lives in Cabbagetown with her family and collection of pets.
Dennis Hitchmough
Regional Project Manager (Ontario) @ Information and Communications Technology Council
Dennis Hitchmough has over 34 years of teaching experience; from elementary to secondary, as a teacher and board level Coordinator, in public education and University Additional Qualification Courses. Although his background is in Life Sciences, he spent most of his career helping students, teachers and adults focus on the benefits of computer technology. He retired as the Coordinator of eLearning for the Toronto District School Board and now, through his company Great Grey Consulting, works with the Information and Communications Technology Council to help students understand why a career in ICT could be a door to a powerful new experience.
Dennis Hitchmough has over 34 years of teaching experience; from elementary to secondary, as a teacher and board level Coordinator, in public education and University Additional Qualification Courses. Although his background is in Life Sciences, he spent most of his career helping students, teachers and adults focus on the benefits of computer technology. He retired as the Coordinator of eLearning for the Toronto District School Board and now, through his company Great Grey Consulting, works with the Information and Communications Technology Council to help students understand why a career in ICT could be a door to a powerful new experience.
Geena Lee
Co-Founder/Facilitator of D.I.V.A. (Diversity in Video, Audio & the Arts) / Outreach Specialist and Youth Leadership Advisor @ YMCA Rexdale Youth Resource Centre.
Geena Lee began her media career as a radio broadcaster at the age of 17 at CHRY105.5FM, York University's community radio station. From there her love of radio led her to obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Radio & Television Arts at Ryerson University. Best known for her show 'The Lovezone with Geena Lee' that premiered in 2001 on Toronto's first urban radio station FLOW93.5FM (and still lives on at www.geenalee.com), Geena has also worked in Asia and the Caribbean as a radio personality, DJ, educator and freelance magazine writer. Upon relocating to Toronto in 2009, Geena along with friend and media colleague True Daley, created the Diversity in Video, Audio & the Arts (D.I.V.A.) Program, a media literacy and arts training program for women and girls of colour in high needs communities (www.divaprogram.com). Geena also writes for Sway Magazine, a lifestyle magazine for African and Caribbean Canadians. Most recently Geena began working with the YMCA Rexdale Youth Resource Centre, where she facilitates leadership programs for youth aged 11-18.
Geena's life philosophy: "It's better to know where to go and not know how, than to know how to go, but not know where."
Geena Lee began her media career as a radio broadcaster at the age of 17 at CHRY105.5FM, York University's community radio station. From there her love of radio led her to obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Radio & Television Arts at Ryerson University. Best known for her show 'The Lovezone with Geena Lee' that premiered in 2001 on Toronto's first urban radio station FLOW93.5FM (and still lives on at www.geenalee.com), Geena has also worked in Asia and the Caribbean as a radio personality, DJ, educator and freelance magazine writer. Upon relocating to Toronto in 2009, Geena along with friend and media colleague True Daley, created the Diversity in Video, Audio & the Arts (D.I.V.A.) Program, a media literacy and arts training program for women and girls of colour in high needs communities (www.divaprogram.com). Geena also writes for Sway Magazine, a lifestyle magazine for African and Caribbean Canadians. Most recently Geena began working with the YMCA Rexdale Youth Resource Centre, where she facilitates leadership programs for youth aged 11-18.
Geena's life philosophy: "It's better to know where to go and not know how, than to know how to go, but not know where."
Carly Ainlay
collaborative, passionate, strategic - Manager, Resource Development at United Way of Greater Toronto
Carly has always been passionate about people, community and leadership. In high school, she became involved in performing arts and peer leadership roles such as student council. She pursued a degree in Psychology at Queen’s University, where she augmented her studies with numerous extra-curricular activities, such as work as a Residence Don and Campus Tour Guide. After graduating, she volunteered with a grassroots organization in Kingston called Camp Outlook, a charity that provides outdoor experiences for youth experiencing social, behavioural or economic challenges. She returned as Camp Director, which further developed her skills in community building, fundraising, volunteer management and experiential education, and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. Her leadership experience with a grassroots, volunteer organization prepared her for a number of progressive roles in the not-for-profit sector, working with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, The Wellesley Institute and currently as a Manager of Resource Development with United Way Toronto, where she works with Technology and Communications companies to engage their employees to raise funds and awareness. She is looking forward to speaking to youth who want to learn more about defining their interests and developing transferrable skills, especially those who may be interested in a career in the not-for-profit sector.
Carly has always been passionate about people, community and leadership. In high school, she became involved in performing arts and peer leadership roles such as student council. She pursued a degree in Psychology at Queen’s University, where she augmented her studies with numerous extra-curricular activities, such as work as a Residence Don and Campus Tour Guide. After graduating, she volunteered with a grassroots organization in Kingston called Camp Outlook, a charity that provides outdoor experiences for youth experiencing social, behavioural or economic challenges. She returned as Camp Director, which further developed her skills in community building, fundraising, volunteer management and experiential education, and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. Her leadership experience with a grassroots, volunteer organization prepared her for a number of progressive roles in the not-for-profit sector, working with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, The Wellesley Institute and currently as a Manager of Resource Development with United Way Toronto, where she works with Technology and Communications companies to engage their employees to raise funds and awareness. She is looking forward to speaking to youth who want to learn more about defining their interests and developing transferrable skills, especially those who may be interested in a career in the not-for-profit sector.
Public Sector
Diljot Chhina
ambitious, enthusiastic, dreamer - Project Management Coordinator @ Ministry of Health & Long Term Care
Human Practices & Entrepreneurial Division Project Manager - International Genetically Engineered Machines Competition (iGEM)
I’m the type of woman who likes to inspire and be inspired. The type of woman who likes to think outside of the box and turn an extraordinary idea into a reality. I am currently a fourth year student at the University of Waterloo studying Biotechnology and Economics. I chose this program for two reasons. The first reason is because in high school, I didn’t have a clear cut direction towards what career path I wanted to follow. In addition, I knew the co-op program would add great value to my undergraduate studies.
I have had the fortunate opportunity to participate in several extracurricular endeavours, work with various companies, network with an array of unique personalities, but most importantly; discover what I am passionate about. From attending a World Championship genetic engineering competition at MIT to contributing value-added and sustainable methodologies for my employers, I have been able to make the connections from what I study to what I do at work and know what I aspire to be in the future.
My interests in terms of a career are within Project Management, Corporate Strategy and Marketing within the Pharmaceutical or Biotechnological industry. So far, I’ve worked at Research in Motion, Loblaw Companies Limited & currently at the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care. When I’m
done school, I hope to pursue an MBA in the US, but prior to that I really want to go to culinary school and travel the world to do some humanitarian work!
If I could give the best career advice it would be this: Never pursue a career for its salary, but pursue something you’re passionate about. Don’t let a grade ever doubt your intellect but search for experiences and opportunities that define your individuality.
Human Practices & Entrepreneurial Division Project Manager - International Genetically Engineered Machines Competition (iGEM)
I’m the type of woman who likes to inspire and be inspired. The type of woman who likes to think outside of the box and turn an extraordinary idea into a reality. I am currently a fourth year student at the University of Waterloo studying Biotechnology and Economics. I chose this program for two reasons. The first reason is because in high school, I didn’t have a clear cut direction towards what career path I wanted to follow. In addition, I knew the co-op program would add great value to my undergraduate studies.
I have had the fortunate opportunity to participate in several extracurricular endeavours, work with various companies, network with an array of unique personalities, but most importantly; discover what I am passionate about. From attending a World Championship genetic engineering competition at MIT to contributing value-added and sustainable methodologies for my employers, I have been able to make the connections from what I study to what I do at work and know what I aspire to be in the future.
My interests in terms of a career are within Project Management, Corporate Strategy and Marketing within the Pharmaceutical or Biotechnological industry. So far, I’ve worked at Research in Motion, Loblaw Companies Limited & currently at the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care. When I’m
done school, I hope to pursue an MBA in the US, but prior to that I really want to go to culinary school and travel the world to do some humanitarian work!
If I could give the best career advice it would be this: Never pursue a career for its salary, but pursue something you’re passionate about. Don’t let a grade ever doubt your intellect but search for experiences and opportunities that define your individuality.
David DeForest
Open to Possibilities - Multilingual Services Coordinator @ City of Brampton
David DeForest coordinates diversity and inclusion initiatives for the City of Brampton. Recent achievements include the development and implementation of the City’s Multilingual Service and Inclusive Customer Service Programs. These programs seek to create an equitable and inclusive environment where Brampton’s diverse communities are not only valued, but seen as strengths.
With an educational background in philosophy and development studies, David has more than a decade of international and cross-cultural work experience spanning the not-for-profit, educational, corporate and entrepreneurial sectors in both Africa and Asia. In addition to public service, David has worked as a university lecturer, communications consultant and business owner.
David is a 2011 DiverseCity Fellow and is currently Chair of the Regional Diversity Roundtable. Other current community involvement includes serving as a director of Punjabi Community Health Services, as a member of the Brampton Board of Trade Multicultural Committee and as a member of the Positive Space Coalition of Peel. David is also involved in promoting StreetSport, an initiative that leverages the power of sport to build community.
David DeForest coordinates diversity and inclusion initiatives for the City of Brampton. Recent achievements include the development and implementation of the City’s Multilingual Service and Inclusive Customer Service Programs. These programs seek to create an equitable and inclusive environment where Brampton’s diverse communities are not only valued, but seen as strengths.
With an educational background in philosophy and development studies, David has more than a decade of international and cross-cultural work experience spanning the not-for-profit, educational, corporate and entrepreneurial sectors in both Africa and Asia. In addition to public service, David has worked as a university lecturer, communications consultant and business owner.
David is a 2011 DiverseCity Fellow and is currently Chair of the Regional Diversity Roundtable. Other current community involvement includes serving as a director of Punjabi Community Health Services, as a member of the Brampton Board of Trade Multicultural Committee and as a member of the Positive Space Coalition of Peel. David is also involved in promoting StreetSport, an initiative that leverages the power of sport to build community.
Michael Went
Dedicated, innovative, caring - Senior Municipal Financial Advisor @ Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Michael Went is a senior municipal financial advisor for the provincial government. Special workplace projects include co-founder of the Ontario Public Service Pride Network, and member of the Environmentally Sustainable Office Practices group. In the community, his volunteer board work includes the Black Coalition for Aids Prevention, the Out on Bay Street LGBT business conference and The 519 Community Centre. He is an avid cyclist, a member of the Toronto Cyclists Union and a participant in the Friends for Life Bike Rally to Montreal. Michael is fluent in Spanish and has worked in Latin America. He has an undergraduate degree in Urban & Regional Planning and a Masters of Business Administration.
Michael Went is a senior municipal financial advisor for the provincial government. Special workplace projects include co-founder of the Ontario Public Service Pride Network, and member of the Environmentally Sustainable Office Practices group. In the community, his volunteer board work includes the Black Coalition for Aids Prevention, the Out on Bay Street LGBT business conference and The 519 Community Centre. He is an avid cyclist, a member of the Toronto Cyclists Union and a participant in the Friends for Life Bike Rally to Montreal. Michael is fluent in Spanish and has worked in Latin America. He has an undergraduate degree in Urban & Regional Planning and a Masters of Business Administration.
Michael Sutherland
determined, engaging, excited - Manager, Investment Strategy and Project Evaluation @ Metrolinx
Mike grew up in Etobicoke, in the west end of Toronto, with two other brothers. Mike went to Martingrove Collegiate, likes hockey, golf, biking, and many other sports. Mike was previously a swimming instructor and lifeguard, and a sailing coach. He was also a camp counselor.
Mike is now the Manager for the Investment Strategy and Project Evaluation team at Metrolinx, tasked with evaluating and recommending transit projects for funding, and recommending how Metrolinx should be funded in the long-term. Metrolinx is the regional transportation authority for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, operating and expanding GO transit, and building the Eglinton subway.
Mike helped developed the cost-benefit approach used to advance projects and is helping develop the Metrolinx Investment Strategy - a plan to pay for the future transportation system for our region.
Mike was previously a policy advisor at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University, and a Master’s degree in City Design & Social Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is apast committee member of the Young Leaders Group in Urban Land Institute’s Toronto Chapter, and volunteers with Camp Oochigaes, a camp for children with cancer in Toronto and Muskoka.
Mike likes reading, the outdoors, travel, and meeting others who share ideas and an enthusiasm for making the world better.
Mike grew up in Etobicoke, in the west end of Toronto, with two other brothers. Mike went to Martingrove Collegiate, likes hockey, golf, biking, and many other sports. Mike was previously a swimming instructor and lifeguard, and a sailing coach. He was also a camp counselor.
Mike is now the Manager for the Investment Strategy and Project Evaluation team at Metrolinx, tasked with evaluating and recommending transit projects for funding, and recommending how Metrolinx should be funded in the long-term. Metrolinx is the regional transportation authority for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, operating and expanding GO transit, and building the Eglinton subway.
Mike helped developed the cost-benefit approach used to advance projects and is helping develop the Metrolinx Investment Strategy - a plan to pay for the future transportation system for our region.
Mike was previously a policy advisor at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University, and a Master’s degree in City Design & Social Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is apast committee member of the Young Leaders Group in Urban Land Institute’s Toronto Chapter, and volunteers with Camp Oochigaes, a camp for children with cancer in Toronto and Muskoka.
Mike likes reading, the outdoors, travel, and meeting others who share ideas and an enthusiasm for making the world better.
Jason Lem
Passionate, inquisitive, fun(ny) - Project Lead @ Ministry of Community & Social Services
Jason Lem is currently Project Lead, Ministry of Community and Social Services and Ministry of Children and Youth Services in the Ontario Government. Since 2007, he has regularly led social policy and program development projects and stakeholder engagement activities, while providing strategic advice and recommendations to senior management and Ministers. As a 2011 DiverseCity Fellow, he was named one of 25 emerging leaders in Toronto and co-founded Social innovation Partnerships (SiP) - partnering with MaRS on social innovation capacity building in the private sector.
Jason has nearly a decade of extensive public-sector experience in a range of areas, including developmental disabilities, youth engagement, child poverty, HIV/AIDS, anti-racism, international development, mental health, immigration/refugee and LGBTQ issues. He co-founded Queer Asian Youth (QAY) at the Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS); battled child poverty as Campaign 2000's Youth Engagement Facilitator; and worked at Canadian Crossroads International - a CIDA-funded international development organization.
Born and raised across the GTA, he holds Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Toronto and McMaster University (International Relations/Cultural Studies/Critical Theory) and has worked in publishing, while studying Journalism at the University of Hong Kong. Jason loves making people laugh, singing in the shower (occasionally in public); amateur photography; travelling the world; and dragon boat racing.
Jason Lem is currently Project Lead, Ministry of Community and Social Services and Ministry of Children and Youth Services in the Ontario Government. Since 2007, he has regularly led social policy and program development projects and stakeholder engagement activities, while providing strategic advice and recommendations to senior management and Ministers. As a 2011 DiverseCity Fellow, he was named one of 25 emerging leaders in Toronto and co-founded Social innovation Partnerships (SiP) - partnering with MaRS on social innovation capacity building in the private sector.
Jason has nearly a decade of extensive public-sector experience in a range of areas, including developmental disabilities, youth engagement, child poverty, HIV/AIDS, anti-racism, international development, mental health, immigration/refugee and LGBTQ issues. He co-founded Queer Asian Youth (QAY) at the Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS); battled child poverty as Campaign 2000's Youth Engagement Facilitator; and worked at Canadian Crossroads International - a CIDA-funded international development organization.
Born and raised across the GTA, he holds Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Toronto and McMaster University (International Relations/Cultural Studies/Critical Theory) and has worked in publishing, while studying Journalism at the University of Hong Kong. Jason loves making people laugh, singing in the shower (occasionally in public); amateur photography; travelling the world; and dragon boat racing.
Deborah Osborne
self-starter, award-winning, professional - Physical Production Executive, Commissioned & Scripted Programming @ Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
30+ year career in film, video and television production began in theatre and opera stage management. Her arts production experience has spanned from institutions such as the St. Lawrence Centre, the Canadian Opera Company, the Stratford and Shaw Festivals to theatrical films, TV series and movies, documentaries and live-to-air-programming. Deborah’s film and television experience has covered a wide range of creative, administrative and production positions (co-ordinator, continuity, assistant director, post production, producer). Past clients include most of the major networks and distributors in Canada, the United States and Europe on a variety of award-winning programming including re-purposing “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones” for IMAX.
Deborah has written articles for publications such as Playback, Post and Protocol Magazines, and enjoyed creating and conducting seminars and workshops for clients such as: The Banff World Television Festival; the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television; Alberta Motion Pictures Industries Association; Telefilm Canada; FTX West; The Guild of Canadian Film Composers; Film Training Manitoba; The Banff Executive Leadership Program; Sheridan College; SAIT & NAIT (Southern & Northern Alberta Institutes for Technology); Red Deer College; SaskFilm, The Banff New Media Institute, APTN (Aboriginal People’s Television Network), Canadian Women In Communications and the Directors Guild of Ontario. Deborah designed and taught graduate courses on Post Production Supervision, and Business Skills for Humber College, High Definition Training Labs for APTN and a 4-day seminar for the province of Alberta covering all aspects of High Definition Television. She also worked as Training and Education Facilitator of Professional Development for the Directors Guild of Ontario, and spent 4 years as Post Production Risk Manager for the Motion Picture Bond Company (a completion guarantor). One of her most recent accomplishments has been as co-producer of the Award Winning production “The Fiddle And The Drum” with Joni Mitchell and the Alberta Ballet.
30+ year career in film, video and television production began in theatre and opera stage management. Her arts production experience has spanned from institutions such as the St. Lawrence Centre, the Canadian Opera Company, the Stratford and Shaw Festivals to theatrical films, TV series and movies, documentaries and live-to-air-programming. Deborah’s film and television experience has covered a wide range of creative, administrative and production positions (co-ordinator, continuity, assistant director, post production, producer). Past clients include most of the major networks and distributors in Canada, the United States and Europe on a variety of award-winning programming including re-purposing “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones” for IMAX.
Deborah has written articles for publications such as Playback, Post and Protocol Magazines, and enjoyed creating and conducting seminars and workshops for clients such as: The Banff World Television Festival; the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television; Alberta Motion Pictures Industries Association; Telefilm Canada; FTX West; The Guild of Canadian Film Composers; Film Training Manitoba; The Banff Executive Leadership Program; Sheridan College; SAIT & NAIT (Southern & Northern Alberta Institutes for Technology); Red Deer College; SaskFilm, The Banff New Media Institute, APTN (Aboriginal People’s Television Network), Canadian Women In Communications and the Directors Guild of Ontario. Deborah designed and taught graduate courses on Post Production Supervision, and Business Skills for Humber College, High Definition Training Labs for APTN and a 4-day seminar for the province of Alberta covering all aspects of High Definition Television. She also worked as Training and Education Facilitator of Professional Development for the Directors Guild of Ontario, and spent 4 years as Post Production Risk Manager for the Motion Picture Bond Company (a completion guarantor). One of her most recent accomplishments has been as co-producer of the Award Winning production “The Fiddle And The Drum” with Joni Mitchell and the Alberta Ballet.
Gladys Okine
passionate, direct, fun - Manager of Community Economic Development for Toronto Community Housing
Gladys is the Manager, Community Economic Development for Toronto Community Housing. She holds an advanced degree in Community Economic Development from Simon Fraser University, a diploma in Counselling for Immigrants & Refugees from George Brown College,and a B.A from the University of Toronto. Gladys has a passion for community building and is currently involved in a range of initiatives which, at their core, serve community and increase the generation, investment and circulation of wealth at a local level. Over the past 10 years she has he has managed Employment and Community Development programs and initiatives for the YMCA of Greater Toronto, WoodGreen Community Services, George Brown College and Toronto Community Housing. As a member of the City of Toronto Senior Employment Services Steering committee and Youth Employment Toronto Advisory Board, Gladys plays a key role in shaping employment and community services for City of Toronto residents.
Gladys is the Manager, Community Economic Development for Toronto Community Housing. She holds an advanced degree in Community Economic Development from Simon Fraser University, a diploma in Counselling for Immigrants & Refugees from George Brown College,and a B.A from the University of Toronto. Gladys has a passion for community building and is currently involved in a range of initiatives which, at their core, serve community and increase the generation, investment and circulation of wealth at a local level. Over the past 10 years she has he has managed Employment and Community Development programs and initiatives for the YMCA of Greater Toronto, WoodGreen Community Services, George Brown College and Toronto Community Housing. As a member of the City of Toronto Senior Employment Services Steering committee and Youth Employment Toronto Advisory Board, Gladys plays a key role in shaping employment and community services for City of Toronto residents.
Private Sector
Emanuella Enenajor
Tenacious, Knowledge-seeking, Fun~! - Economist @ CIBC
Emanuella is a global citizen, having lived in Europe, Canada, Africa and Asia before the age of 20. Seeing the contrasting economic realities across the globe sparked in her a curiosity to understand more about the drivers of global growth—a curiosity that has taken her to her present role as an economist at CIBC World Markets. She is passionate about conducting high-quality and insightful analysis of domestic and global economic conditions to determine where the risks and opportunities lie. Emanuella was previously a financial markets policy analyst at the Bank of Canada. She holds a Masters Degree in Financial Economics (SSHRC Scholarship recipient) and an Honours B.Sc. in Statistics from the University of Toronto. In the spirit of adventure which she embraces, Emanuella lived inTokyo, Japan in her third year of university. She is conversational in Japanese. On her spare time, Emanuella volunteers at For Youth Initiative, an innovative organization committed to positive change in the lives of Toronto’s youth. As well, Emanuella regularly trains to improve her skills in Tae Kwon Do, and is working towards attaining her black belt this year.
Emanuella is a global citizen, having lived in Europe, Canada, Africa and Asia before the age of 20. Seeing the contrasting economic realities across the globe sparked in her a curiosity to understand more about the drivers of global growth—a curiosity that has taken her to her present role as an economist at CIBC World Markets. She is passionate about conducting high-quality and insightful analysis of domestic and global economic conditions to determine where the risks and opportunities lie. Emanuella was previously a financial markets policy analyst at the Bank of Canada. She holds a Masters Degree in Financial Economics (SSHRC Scholarship recipient) and an Honours B.Sc. in Statistics from the University of Toronto. In the spirit of adventure which she embraces, Emanuella lived inTokyo, Japan in her third year of university. She is conversational in Japanese. On her spare time, Emanuella volunteers at For Youth Initiative, an innovative organization committed to positive change in the lives of Toronto’s youth. As well, Emanuella regularly trains to improve her skills in Tae Kwon Do, and is working towards attaining her black belt this year.
Trevor Byrne
Voracious. Inspired. Risk-taker - Account director @ TAXI
Started working as a farm hand at a very young age, not really knowing where a professional career fit into life. Post secondary took me into the Canadian Automotive Institute, where I studied Business Administration - Automotive Marketing. I found my passion in the auto industry.
From there I have worked at corporate head offices of both Volkswagen Canada, and Nissan Canada in positions ranging from public relations, to marketing operations analysis. The corporate world opened my eyes to the pace of business and the priorities such companies keep - from there I was headhunted by an advertising agency to help run the Nissan account from the agency side of things, which is where I spent the next few years ( at TBWA\Toronto). I then moved on to GRAND Creative, a small digital start-up and ran both the account side of their business as well as business development. We won some great awards (FWA Site of the day, ADCC's, etc), had our space featured on EYE Weekly and thisaintnodisco.com, and grew into a thriving business.
Once I felt comfortable with where GRAND was at, I made move back to TBWA as the lead and Account Director on the Nissan Canada brand business. Again, we won some great awards for combining amazing creative, while delivering strong business results (Cassies Gold, Effies shortlist, and a Disruption Award). During my stay at TBWA I also took the Hyper Island Master Course, which is frequently touted as "The Harvard of digital schools", to up my game in the digital world. Finally, and to current day, I made a move over to TAXI (Strategy Magazine's agency of the decade) to head up the Canadian Tire Automotive business as Account Director.
Melding the beauty of creative work, with the strategic business objectives of our clients is what I do. Oh, and did I mention that I love cars?
Started working as a farm hand at a very young age, not really knowing where a professional career fit into life. Post secondary took me into the Canadian Automotive Institute, where I studied Business Administration - Automotive Marketing. I found my passion in the auto industry.
From there I have worked at corporate head offices of both Volkswagen Canada, and Nissan Canada in positions ranging from public relations, to marketing operations analysis. The corporate world opened my eyes to the pace of business and the priorities such companies keep - from there I was headhunted by an advertising agency to help run the Nissan account from the agency side of things, which is where I spent the next few years ( at TBWA\Toronto). I then moved on to GRAND Creative, a small digital start-up and ran both the account side of their business as well as business development. We won some great awards (FWA Site of the day, ADCC's, etc), had our space featured on EYE Weekly and thisaintnodisco.com, and grew into a thriving business.
Once I felt comfortable with where GRAND was at, I made move back to TBWA as the lead and Account Director on the Nissan Canada brand business. Again, we won some great awards for combining amazing creative, while delivering strong business results (Cassies Gold, Effies shortlist, and a Disruption Award). During my stay at TBWA I also took the Hyper Island Master Course, which is frequently touted as "The Harvard of digital schools", to up my game in the digital world. Finally, and to current day, I made a move over to TAXI (Strategy Magazine's agency of the decade) to head up the Canadian Tire Automotive business as Account Director.
Melding the beauty of creative work, with the strategic business objectives of our clients is what I do. Oh, and did I mention that I love cars?
Asma Nur Moten
Dedicated, enthusiastic, genuine - Talent Specialist, Performance Management & Succession Planning - Loblaw Companies Limited
Early on in university, Asma realized that she had a passion for Human Resources - it offered the perfect combination of her academic background in business with her interest in psychology and human nature. After completing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Schulich (York University), Asma did a one year post-graduate certificate program in HR at Sheridan College, and is now a Certified Human Resources Professional.
After completing her education, Asma started her career at Loblaw Companies Limited, working on the Grad Program (a training program for recent university and college graduates), getting involved in everything from branding and marketing the program, recruitment, orientation, training, and performance management. Following this, she was an Engagement Specialist, helping to deliver and improve initiatives such as the employee (or colleague as they are called at Loblaw) recognition program, the student co-op program, and the colleague survey. Very recently, Asma started a new role where she supports the succession planning and performance management processes, and is looking forward to a new challenge!
At Loblaw, not only does Asma get to work on exciting programs in a dynamic organization, she also has the opportunity to give back while at work, by getting involved in the PC Children's Charity campaigns and events. Outside of work, Asma is also a mentor with Wired Woman Toronto and is a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. She is an avid biker and amateur photographer, and loves a good practical joke.
Early on in university, Asma realized that she had a passion for Human Resources - it offered the perfect combination of her academic background in business with her interest in psychology and human nature. After completing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Schulich (York University), Asma did a one year post-graduate certificate program in HR at Sheridan College, and is now a Certified Human Resources Professional.
After completing her education, Asma started her career at Loblaw Companies Limited, working on the Grad Program (a training program for recent university and college graduates), getting involved in everything from branding and marketing the program, recruitment, orientation, training, and performance management. Following this, she was an Engagement Specialist, helping to deliver and improve initiatives such as the employee (or colleague as they are called at Loblaw) recognition program, the student co-op program, and the colleague survey. Very recently, Asma started a new role where she supports the succession planning and performance management processes, and is looking forward to a new challenge!
At Loblaw, not only does Asma get to work on exciting programs in a dynamic organization, she also has the opportunity to give back while at work, by getting involved in the PC Children's Charity campaigns and events. Outside of work, Asma is also a mentor with Wired Woman Toronto and is a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. She is an avid biker and amateur photographer, and loves a good practical joke.
Cassandra Jowett
Passionate, Driven, Hardworking - Content Manager @ TalentEgg.ca
Cassandra Jowett is Content Manager at TalentEgg.ca, Canada's most popular job site and online career resource for students and recent graduates. Her job is all about striking a balance between executing employers' recruitment advertising campaigns and creating authentic, valuable career information through articles, videos, social media and other online resources for students and grads.
Cassandra originally joined TalentEgg as a Sales and Marketing Intern in the summer of 2008, and graduated from Ryerson University's School of Journalism in 2009, where she earned a Bachelor of Journalism with a focus in writing and editing for newspapers. She has also written and edited for The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Metro, t.o.night newspaper and other publications.
Cassandra Jowett is Content Manager at TalentEgg.ca, Canada's most popular job site and online career resource for students and recent graduates. Her job is all about striking a balance between executing employers' recruitment advertising campaigns and creating authentic, valuable career information through articles, videos, social media and other online resources for students and grads.
Cassandra originally joined TalentEgg as a Sales and Marketing Intern in the summer of 2008, and graduated from Ryerson University's School of Journalism in 2009, where she earned a Bachelor of Journalism with a focus in writing and editing for newspapers. She has also written and edited for The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Metro, t.o.night newspaper and other publications.
Chris Ouellette
Energetic, enthusiastic, intense - Senior Manager, Sustainable Business, LEED AP @ RBC Royal Bank of Canada
Chris Ouellette is the senior manager of Sustainable Business in RBC’s Corporate Environmental Affairs group and a LEED Accredited Professional. Corporate Environmental Affairs is an in-house team of environmental specialists that are responsible for implementing the RBC Environmental Blueprint, the bank’s plan for reducing its environmental footprint, lending responsibly, offering environmental products and services, and promoting environmental sustainability. One of Chris’ areas of focus is green buildings and design, and he loves learning about making buildings smarter and cities more liveable places. He is currently a board member of the Toronto chapter of the Canada Green Building Council and has past experience in the real estate industry and working in the UK public sector.
Chris Ouellette is the senior manager of Sustainable Business in RBC’s Corporate Environmental Affairs group and a LEED Accredited Professional. Corporate Environmental Affairs is an in-house team of environmental specialists that are responsible for implementing the RBC Environmental Blueprint, the bank’s plan for reducing its environmental footprint, lending responsibly, offering environmental products and services, and promoting environmental sustainability. One of Chris’ areas of focus is green buildings and design, and he loves learning about making buildings smarter and cities more liveable places. He is currently a board member of the Toronto chapter of the Canada Green Building Council and has past experience in the real estate industry and working in the UK public sector.
Elizabeth Karanja
passionate, driven, kooky - merchant @ Joe Fresh
Elizabeth Karanja is an assistant buyer for Joe Fresh. She's responsible for the planning and execution of promotions, reporting, analysis, and buying select product lines. Her passion for fashion started early but it is the crossroads of fashion and business that she is most excited by. After a degree in Business and Society at York University and a career in the I.T. Sales industry, her love of fashion was reignited and she bravely switched careers to start over. Prior to Joe Fresh, she worked at Winners where she developed her retail industry foundation. They say if you love your job, it will won't be work and they're right! Who else can say that shopping is part of their job?
Elizabeth Karanja is an assistant buyer for Joe Fresh. She's responsible for the planning and execution of promotions, reporting, analysis, and buying select product lines. Her passion for fashion started early but it is the crossroads of fashion and business that she is most excited by. After a degree in Business and Society at York University and a career in the I.T. Sales industry, her love of fashion was reignited and she bravely switched careers to start over. Prior to Joe Fresh, she worked at Winners where she developed her retail industry foundation. They say if you love your job, it will won't be work and they're right! Who else can say that shopping is part of their job?
Craig Hudson
Career driven, compassionate, wry sense of humour - Director of Performance Analytics at Indigo
Craig Hudson leads the Performance Analytics and Business Intelligence teams for Indigo Books…which, in English, means that he makes sense of data; finding insights, trends and opportunities that will help the business. He plays the role of the “What-if” guy – exploring a great swath of ideas and strategies to determine whether they are economically sound.
But how did this West Coast native get here? After gaining his CA (Accounting) designation in Vancouver, it’s been an exciting journey that includes 3 years in London (and its pubs), a few more years in Mergers and Acquisitions on Bay Street (and its pubs), a lead role in Indigo’s Online division, and various not-for-profit Board positions to round it out.
Craig Hudson leads the Performance Analytics and Business Intelligence teams for Indigo Books…which, in English, means that he makes sense of data; finding insights, trends and opportunities that will help the business. He plays the role of the “What-if” guy – exploring a great swath of ideas and strategies to determine whether they are economically sound.
But how did this West Coast native get here? After gaining his CA (Accounting) designation in Vancouver, it’s been an exciting journey that includes 3 years in London (and its pubs), a few more years in Mergers and Acquisitions on Bay Street (and its pubs), a lead role in Indigo’s Online division, and various not-for-profit Board positions to round it out.
Lal Wanniappa
Talk a lot - Director of Project Finance @ HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions North America
Lal Wanniappa is a Director of Project Finance for HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions North America Inc. where he is responsible for structuring financing, raising debt and placing equity for infrastructure projects in North America. He also assists in the management of HOCHTIEF’s project companies. These projects have included raising short and long term bank financing, bond financing and hybrid financings. Lal has also advised public sector clients for both social and transportation projects. Prior to joining HOCHTIEF in 2008, al was a Manager of Project Finance at Bilfinger Berger Project Investments (2007-2008) and Senior Associate/Manager Project Finance & PPP at PricewaterhouseCoopers (2005-2007). Lal has a BBA from York University (Schulich) and a MBA from the University of Toronto (Rotman). Prior to completing his MBA, he worked at Celestica as a materials planner. While in high school, Lal was a big Toronto Blue Jays fan because he worked at McDonald’s at the Skydome (Rogers Centre) selling expensive burgers to over 4 million fans!
Lal Wanniappa is a Director of Project Finance for HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions North America Inc. where he is responsible for structuring financing, raising debt and placing equity for infrastructure projects in North America. He also assists in the management of HOCHTIEF’s project companies. These projects have included raising short and long term bank financing, bond financing and hybrid financings. Lal has also advised public sector clients for both social and transportation projects. Prior to joining HOCHTIEF in 2008, al was a Manager of Project Finance at Bilfinger Berger Project Investments (2007-2008) and Senior Associate/Manager Project Finance & PPP at PricewaterhouseCoopers (2005-2007). Lal has a BBA from York University (Schulich) and a MBA from the University of Toronto (Rotman). Prior to completing his MBA, he worked at Celestica as a materials planner. While in high school, Lal was a big Toronto Blue Jays fan because he worked at McDonald’s at the Skydome (Rogers Centre) selling expensive burgers to over 4 million fans!
Andy Gibbons
Diligent, level-headed, ambitious - Senior Associate @ Torys LLP
Andy is a corporate lawyer dealing predominately in the area of M&A transactions, commercial real estate, energy-related projects and secured financing.
Andy has also assisted with various public-private partnership transactions acting on behalf of sponsors, lenders and government, including acting for Infrastructure Ontario with respect to the $1.4 billion Windsor-Essex Parkway project.
Prior to moving to Toronto, Andy worked as a solicitor in England and undertook an extended secondment working in the legal department at the largest privately owned retailer in the UK. Andy is also involved with various national and international real estate organizations and committees and is a director of St. Michael’s Homes, a charitable organization providing support to vulnerable persons by way of a number of residential units and detoxification centres in Toronto.
Andy is a corporate lawyer dealing predominately in the area of M&A transactions, commercial real estate, energy-related projects and secured financing.
Andy has also assisted with various public-private partnership transactions acting on behalf of sponsors, lenders and government, including acting for Infrastructure Ontario with respect to the $1.4 billion Windsor-Essex Parkway project.
Prior to moving to Toronto, Andy worked as a solicitor in England and undertook an extended secondment working in the legal department at the largest privately owned retailer in the UK. Andy is also involved with various national and international real estate organizations and committees and is a director of St. Michael’s Homes, a charitable organization providing support to vulnerable persons by way of a number of residential units and detoxification centres in Toronto.
Tej Sandhu
architect of shared experiences - Music Agent @ Paquin Entertainment
Born in Toronto, raised in Chicago, Tej now finds himself back home working with some of the country’s most talented artists and bands. While attending McMaster University, Tej established an artist management firm representing a team of 11 producers from Canada and Europe, placing them with some of the biggest names in music.
At McMaster, Tej focused his studies on marketing, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
After completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree, Tej switched his focus to the live side of the music industry. Currently, Tej works as an Agent with Paquin Entertainment, whose clients include K’Naan, Tegan & Sara, The Sheepdogs, Randy Bachman, Serena Ryder, and over 150 others.
Born in Toronto, raised in Chicago, Tej now finds himself back home working with some of the country’s most talented artists and bands. While attending McMaster University, Tej established an artist management firm representing a team of 11 producers from Canada and Europe, placing them with some of the biggest names in music.
At McMaster, Tej focused his studies on marketing, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
After completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree, Tej switched his focus to the live side of the music industry. Currently, Tej works as an Agent with Paquin Entertainment, whose clients include K’Naan, Tegan & Sara, The Sheepdogs, Randy Bachman, Serena Ryder, and over 150 others.
James Gen Meers
Producer @ Camden Media Productions
James is the Director of Programming for Salon Camden Centre for Urban Dialogue, an interactive talk series promoting diverse thinking on urban and socio-political issues. Over the last five years James has also worked in Toronto’s private and public sectors in research, consulting and policy, as an Advisor for the Ontario Government and as an International Business Development Consultant. Currently, James also runs Camden Media Productions, a film company focused on producing social documentaries and other new media. His most recent project is a documentary film on the subculture of graffiti art in Toronto.
James is the Director of Programming for Salon Camden Centre for Urban Dialogue, an interactive talk series promoting diverse thinking on urban and socio-political issues. Over the last five years James has also worked in Toronto’s private and public sectors in research, consulting and policy, as an Advisor for the Ontario Government and as an International Business Development Consultant. Currently, James also runs Camden Media Productions, a film company focused on producing social documentaries and other new media. His most recent project is a documentary film on the subculture of graffiti art in Toronto.
Philman George aka The Rhyming Chef
Creative, Positive, Magnetic - Chef and Emcee
Philman George aka The Rhyming Chef takes the elements of Hip Hop Culture and fuses them with Culinary Arts. This veteran Emcee and professional Chef has several internationally broadcasted cooking & lifestyle shows including The Rhyming Chef Barbuda and Food & Drink TV. He also holds a diploma in Culinary Management and has a Red Seal, which certifies him to cook anywhere in the world. His skills have taken him overseas to Australia and the Caribbean where he usually resides during the cold winter months. When he’s not traveling the world or performing his craft live on stage, he can be found cooking up a storm at the prestigious Mississauga Golf & Country Club. For more info visit his website www.therhymingchef.com or check out his YouTube channel.
Philman George aka The Rhyming Chef takes the elements of Hip Hop Culture and fuses them with Culinary Arts. This veteran Emcee and professional Chef has several internationally broadcasted cooking & lifestyle shows including The Rhyming Chef Barbuda and Food & Drink TV. He also holds a diploma in Culinary Management and has a Red Seal, which certifies him to cook anywhere in the world. His skills have taken him overseas to Australia and the Caribbean where he usually resides during the cold winter months. When he’s not traveling the world or performing his craft live on stage, he can be found cooking up a storm at the prestigious Mississauga Golf & Country Club. For more info visit his website www.therhymingchef.com or check out his YouTube channel.
Suzanne Peters
Creative, enthusiastic, "a planner" - Senior Manager of Strategic Programs, Corporate Communications and Marketing @ TMX Group
Working within the Communications & Marketing team at TMX Group, Suzanne Peters is responsible for programs spanning social media, marketing and strategic communications for TMX Group and with a specific effort supporting Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange. Suzanne Peters has taken a very unconventional career path. Early in her career and with a BA and some business courses in-hand, she led marketing and communications for a small East Coast retailer. Unsure of the right path, she returned to school to study Finance and Economics... and then switched tracks to complete a post-grad program in Corporate Communications. Her career from that point crossed into the non-profit and cause related marketing sectors, followed by hospitality and then back to non-profit, before settling firmly into the corporate sector. A key member of the communications team during Nortel's supposed turn-around and then bankruptcy, Suzanne cemented her experience and credentials as a skilled communications professional. Moving from Nortel to TMX, she has continued to work on strategic communications while also broadening her scope to run key marketing initiatives for the exchange group.
Working within the Communications & Marketing team at TMX Group, Suzanne Peters is responsible for programs spanning social media, marketing and strategic communications for TMX Group and with a specific effort supporting Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange. Suzanne Peters has taken a very unconventional career path. Early in her career and with a BA and some business courses in-hand, she led marketing and communications for a small East Coast retailer. Unsure of the right path, she returned to school to study Finance and Economics... and then switched tracks to complete a post-grad program in Corporate Communications. Her career from that point crossed into the non-profit and cause related marketing sectors, followed by hospitality and then back to non-profit, before settling firmly into the corporate sector. A key member of the communications team during Nortel's supposed turn-around and then bankruptcy, Suzanne cemented her experience and credentials as a skilled communications professional. Moving from Nortel to TMX, she has continued to work on strategic communications while also broadening her scope to run key marketing initiatives for the exchange group.
Rani Pooran
Warm, committed, and accelerator - Senior Manager, Consulting & Deals Operations, Knowledge Management @ PwC
Rani is passionate about leading teams and individuals to realize their fullest potential in the workplace and community by aligning their strengths with their commitments .She believes workplace and community engagement provide rich informal learning opportunities and is particularly interested in strategies which lead to change by creating cultures which are more inclusive, participatory, and egalitarian. Having worked in the professional services internationally, Rani has focused on developing and operationalizing programs whose objective is to increase the knowledge sharing, learning and collaboration capabilities of organizations. She uses a Solution-Focus method in her work with both teams and individuals and to develop change management approaches. Rani loves reading The Economist, fiction by immigrant authors, public speaking, exercising,and traveling. She has facilitated and presented at sessions for the Conference Board of Canada, Canadian Diabetes Association, SLA Toronto, and University of Toronto. Born in London (UK), she grew up in Trinidad, and studied at the University of Toronto and Edinburgh. She has a BA in Politics, Spanish, & History, MSc. in International Politics, and Masters in Information Studies. She is a volunteer with CAMH, Dress for Success, and the Yonge Street Mission and member of the Maytree Diversecity onBoard program, Strategic Leadership Forum, SFCT, and Rotman Women in Business Initiative.
Rani is passionate about leading teams and individuals to realize their fullest potential in the workplace and community by aligning their strengths with their commitments .She believes workplace and community engagement provide rich informal learning opportunities and is particularly interested in strategies which lead to change by creating cultures which are more inclusive, participatory, and egalitarian. Having worked in the professional services internationally, Rani has focused on developing and operationalizing programs whose objective is to increase the knowledge sharing, learning and collaboration capabilities of organizations. She uses a Solution-Focus method in her work with both teams and individuals and to develop change management approaches. Rani loves reading The Economist, fiction by immigrant authors, public speaking, exercising,and traveling. She has facilitated and presented at sessions for the Conference Board of Canada, Canadian Diabetes Association, SLA Toronto, and University of Toronto. Born in London (UK), she grew up in Trinidad, and studied at the University of Toronto and Edinburgh. She has a BA in Politics, Spanish, & History, MSc. in International Politics, and Masters in Information Studies. She is a volunteer with CAMH, Dress for Success, and the Yonge Street Mission and member of the Maytree Diversecity onBoard program, Strategic Leadership Forum, SFCT, and Rotman Women in Business Initiative.
Erin Wiley
Passion meets Compassion! - Co-Founder and Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine @ Integrative Health InstituteDr. Erin Wiley is the Co-Founder and a Clinic Director of the Integrative Health Institute. Erin is passionate about health promotion and integrative medicine and has always believed in leading by example to inspire and educate others to live active and healthy lives. Erin is compassionate, ready to listen, and motivated to offer patients the support they need to achieve their health goals. Erin has a special interest in digestive health, endocrinology and hormone balance with a clinical focus on fertility, menopause, anxiety, depression, healthy weight loss, detoxification and environmental medicine. Erin is certified in FirstLine Therapy, a personalized lifestyle medicine program centered on therapeutic lifestyle changes, such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Erin is also certified in cosmetic acupuncture, a holistic alternative to modern cosmetic procedures. Erin’s clinical background also includes experience working with HIV positive patients at the Sherbourne clinic in Toronto and providing primary healthcare at rural health clinics in South Africa. Erin is a Naturopathic Doctor and graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Erin is a former President of CCNM’s Naturopathic Students Association and upon graduation received CCNM’s Naturopathic Honour Award. Erin also graduated with distinction from the Honours Health Science program at the University of Western Ontario. At Western, Erin empowered undergraduate students to pursue healthy lives as Program Coordinator of the ATTAC Life Health Promotion Program. Erin is a member of the Association of Perinatal Naturopathic Doctors, the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors. In addition to her work at the Integrative Health Institute, Erin is also actively involved in educating the public about health and naturopathic medicine through speaking engagements and media appearances.
Dima Zreik
Dima is a manager at HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions North America Inc. in the project finance area with prior 4 years of experience at KPMG in their Infrastructure Practice. Dima Started her career in Canada in 2006 before which she was a senior financial analyst at a boutique investment bank in the middle east working on various mixed real estate, hospitality and manufacturing deals. She also volunteered with Skills for Change when she moved to Canada working with different skilled professional new immigrants to guide them in finding a vocation in Toronto. In her spare time, she lives life away from computers and doesn’t check Facebook.
Other
Marcela Crowe
Consultant @ Young Social Enterprise Consultants (YSEC)
Marcela Crowe specializes in project and development management services for non-profits and has recently entered into the environmental and sustainable business sector as a consultant. She has managed vocational training programs for youth with barriers to employment, and has been a job coach and developer.
Marcela has sat on the board of directors at Cawthra Mansions Cooperative, engaged in broad research and fund development projects totaling $950,000, and has taken part in the strategic planning of social enterprise initiatives from
their initial incubation, including start-up and implementation phases.
Marcela is currently pursuing a Master's degree of Environmental Studies at York University as well as a Business in the Environment post graduate diploma in collaboration with the Schulich School of Business. Marcela's current research interests are: growing food in outer space, sustainable controlled environmental agriculture, sustainability, green business, wikinomics, and open source agriculture.
Marcela Crowe specializes in project and development management services for non-profits and has recently entered into the environmental and sustainable business sector as a consultant. She has managed vocational training programs for youth with barriers to employment, and has been a job coach and developer.
Marcela has sat on the board of directors at Cawthra Mansions Cooperative, engaged in broad research and fund development projects totaling $950,000, and has taken part in the strategic planning of social enterprise initiatives from
their initial incubation, including start-up and implementation phases.
Marcela is currently pursuing a Master's degree of Environmental Studies at York University as well as a Business in the Environment post graduate diploma in collaboration with the Schulich School of Business. Marcela's current research interests are: growing food in outer space, sustainable controlled environmental agriculture, sustainability, green business, wikinomics, and open source agriculture.
Michelle Garbacz
diverse, ambitious, trend-setter - Gap Year Specialist/Student/Teacher/Teacher Trainer/etc. @ various organizations
Michelle loves to keep her Doors Wide Open! She has a passion for teaching and leadership and being involved in start-up projects. She has worked in various industries including Education, Travel, Tech Training, Project Management and is working with a growing Canadian Gap Year Company (mygapyear.ca). She currently works as an outdoor educator(YMCA Pine Crest), a college supervisor (Georgian College), a gap year adviser and leadership specialist (mygapyear) and an independent SMART Board trainer all while working towards her masters. Her message is to follow your heart and your passions - the beauty of being a Millennial you don't have to choose one career path! Come chat with her about finding ways to live your passions.
Michelle loves to keep her Doors Wide Open! She has a passion for teaching and leadership and being involved in start-up projects. She has worked in various industries including Education, Travel, Tech Training, Project Management and is working with a growing Canadian Gap Year Company (mygapyear.ca). She currently works as an outdoor educator(YMCA Pine Crest), a college supervisor (Georgian College), a gap year adviser and leadership specialist (mygapyear) and an independent SMART Board trainer all while working towards her masters. Her message is to follow your heart and your passions - the beauty of being a Millennial you don't have to choose one career path! Come chat with her about finding ways to live your passions.
Self Employed
Christine Mangosing
expressive. intrepid. epicurean - Creative Director/Founder of CMANGO Design
Raised in Los Angeles, Manila and Vancouver, Christine Mangosing moved to Toronto at age 22 and founded the boutique firm, CMANGO DESIGN. Since then she’s amassed a loyal clientele in a broad spectrum of creative industries (music, film, fashion, health & beauty, magazine publishing, theatre, art exhibition and the non-profit sector) and taken on the role of Art Director at Exclaim! Magazine, Canada’s only nationally distributed print music publication. In her limited downtime, Mangosing makes a point of working across disciplines, applying her creative expertise to collaborations with musicians, writers, techies and theatre artists.
Mangosing’s work is deeply informed by her sense of personal and cultural history. As a founding member of the Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts + Culture, her roles have included establishing the organization's visual brand, curating gallery exhibits, and providing arts-based career mentorship. Christine is also a performer/playwright with the Carlos Bulosan Theatre (CBT) Collective and has written and performed in various productions/theatre festivals in both Toronto and Montreal. Her work has been exhibited at the Toronto Arts Council’s Get Lit! exhibition, the Us and Them show presented by Manifesto Festival, Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts + Culture's annual summer arts festival Kultura and at the renegade Nuit Blanche installation, Intimate Terrorist.
Raised in Los Angeles, Manila and Vancouver, Christine Mangosing moved to Toronto at age 22 and founded the boutique firm, CMANGO DESIGN. Since then she’s amassed a loyal clientele in a broad spectrum of creative industries (music, film, fashion, health & beauty, magazine publishing, theatre, art exhibition and the non-profit sector) and taken on the role of Art Director at Exclaim! Magazine, Canada’s only nationally distributed print music publication. In her limited downtime, Mangosing makes a point of working across disciplines, applying her creative expertise to collaborations with musicians, writers, techies and theatre artists.
Mangosing’s work is deeply informed by her sense of personal and cultural history. As a founding member of the Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts + Culture, her roles have included establishing the organization's visual brand, curating gallery exhibits, and providing arts-based career mentorship. Christine is also a performer/playwright with the Carlos Bulosan Theatre (CBT) Collective and has written and performed in various productions/theatre festivals in both Toronto and Montreal. Her work has been exhibited at the Toronto Arts Council’s Get Lit! exhibition, the Us and Them show presented by Manifesto Festival, Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts + Culture's annual summer arts festival Kultura and at the renegade Nuit Blanche installation, Intimate Terrorist.
Rhowena Adolfo
Authentic, Powerful, and Dedicated - Division Director @ Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
Rhowena is passionate about educating individuals, families, professionals and business owners about true, unbiased financial planning. To provide the above based on quality, professional and ethical service platform.
She started her own Financial Planning practice with Investors Group (IG) in fall of 2006. She has been recognized 2 years in a row (2007 & 2008) for the Investors Group Pillar Award Winner. She was promoted to Investors Group Division Director, December 2010. She is also very active in her community. She has been a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce since August 2007. She is a Financial Columnist for the following Newspapers: Manila Media Monitor, Filipino Bulletin, Taliba, and Likha. She is a recurring Financial Expert on Tinig-Himig Pinoy Radio and Talakayan Radio 1430AM. She regularly hosts Financial Literacy Seminars/Workshops around the city for the public as well as Small to Large Businesses.
In addition, Rhowena has earned several financial service industry designations, including the Canadian Investment Funds Course (IFIC) and Life License Qualification Program (LLQP). Currently, she is committed to further advancing her career by working towards her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, to be completed by December 2012.
Rhowena strives to provide her clients with a level of service, quality of products and a level of responsiveness unmatched in the Financial Planning Industry.
Rhowena is passionate about educating individuals, families, professionals and business owners about true, unbiased financial planning. To provide the above based on quality, professional and ethical service platform.
She started her own Financial Planning practice with Investors Group (IG) in fall of 2006. She has been recognized 2 years in a row (2007 & 2008) for the Investors Group Pillar Award Winner. She was promoted to Investors Group Division Director, December 2010. She is also very active in her community. She has been a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce since August 2007. She is a Financial Columnist for the following Newspapers: Manila Media Monitor, Filipino Bulletin, Taliba, and Likha. She is a recurring Financial Expert on Tinig-Himig Pinoy Radio and Talakayan Radio 1430AM. She regularly hosts Financial Literacy Seminars/Workshops around the city for the public as well as Small to Large Businesses.
In addition, Rhowena has earned several financial service industry designations, including the Canadian Investment Funds Course (IFIC) and Life License Qualification Program (LLQP). Currently, she is committed to further advancing her career by working towards her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, to be completed by December 2012.
Rhowena strives to provide her clients with a level of service, quality of products and a level of responsiveness unmatched in the Financial Planning Industry.
Mark 'Kurupt' Stoddard
Educate, Empower, Unite - CEO @ Live It Wear It
LIWI68 stands for Live It Wear IT 1968. 1968 was a significant year that has an endless amount of historical context attached to it. While growing up, one of my favorite pastimes was collecting and designing t-shirts. Although it was a childhood hobby, in my young entrepreneurial mind I was laying the groundwork for future aspirations. A plain white t-shirt just wasn’t enough for me to work with. I planned to, one day, be in a position where I could design t-shirts inspired by worthy concepts or products. I understood even then that people like to identify with popular trademarks. Whether it is a sports team, restaurant or musical artist, many people identify with a brand on their chest and, essentially, the symbol becomes a representation of their persona. To me, it is a very powerful idea.
LIWI68 stands for Live It Wear IT 1968. 1968 was a significant year that has an endless amount of historical context attached to it. While growing up, one of my favorite pastimes was collecting and designing t-shirts. Although it was a childhood hobby, in my young entrepreneurial mind I was laying the groundwork for future aspirations. A plain white t-shirt just wasn’t enough for me to work with. I planned to, one day, be in a position where I could design t-shirts inspired by worthy concepts or products. I understood even then that people like to identify with popular trademarks. Whether it is a sports team, restaurant or musical artist, many people identify with a brand on their chest and, essentially, the symbol becomes a representation of their persona. To me, it is a very powerful idea.
Jodi Lastman
Determined, Curious, Authentic - General Manager @ Hypenotic
Jodi Lastman has spent a lifetime avoiding selling stuff that no one needs. Instead she's been focused on using her powers to serve the greater good, mostly in the area of communications and marketing.
Following a rapid-fire range of seemingly unrelated focuses (academia, arts, community, etc) Jodi landed a job at Manifest Communications and earned chops in positioning non-profits as leaders, and creating corporate philanthropy strategies for businesses.
Turns out what she learned in academia and non profits came in handy afterall.
Then, after a hiatus to make two lovely daughters, Jodi moved on to become General Manager of Hypenotic, a business she owns with her husband Barry, a talented and smart designer and strategist.
At Hypenotic Jodi spends her time helping values-based clients (in the for profit and non-profit sectors) break through the clutter with marketing that is both useful and relevant--a little approach we call meaningful marketing. Jodi is General Manager and wears several hats including research, strategy and business development.
Hypenotic has done work for a range of awesome organizations including The Gladstone Hotel, Fiesta Farms, Toronto Food Policy Council, and MaRS.
Now, Jodi's begun part time studies in Career Counseling so that she can help people who want values based careers find them--with a few less hiccups then she had along the way.
Jodi Lastman has spent a lifetime avoiding selling stuff that no one needs. Instead she's been focused on using her powers to serve the greater good, mostly in the area of communications and marketing.
Following a rapid-fire range of seemingly unrelated focuses (academia, arts, community, etc) Jodi landed a job at Manifest Communications and earned chops in positioning non-profits as leaders, and creating corporate philanthropy strategies for businesses.
Turns out what she learned in academia and non profits came in handy afterall.
Then, after a hiatus to make two lovely daughters, Jodi moved on to become General Manager of Hypenotic, a business she owns with her husband Barry, a talented and smart designer and strategist.
At Hypenotic Jodi spends her time helping values-based clients (in the for profit and non-profit sectors) break through the clutter with marketing that is both useful and relevant--a little approach we call meaningful marketing. Jodi is General Manager and wears several hats including research, strategy and business development.
Hypenotic has done work for a range of awesome organizations including The Gladstone Hotel, Fiesta Farms, Toronto Food Policy Council, and MaRS.
Now, Jodi's begun part time studies in Career Counseling so that she can help people who want values based careers find them--with a few less hiccups then she had along the way.
Tiffany Nyklickova
unwilling to settle - Executive Director @ Services in Action
Tiffany is the Executive Director of Services in Action, a resource centre for charities. She builds partnerships between organizations so they can exchange information, services and tools. Tiffany’s work experience has gone from for profit corporations to charities, non-profit, grassroots initiatives and social enterprises. In the end, it’s taking a project from an idea to a fully development system that she enjoys
most. Outside of work Tiffany’s real passion is seeing new places and experiencing different cultures, her heart is in world travel. The next destination is always being planned.
Tiffany is the Executive Director of Services in Action, a resource centre for charities. She builds partnerships between organizations so they can exchange information, services and tools. Tiffany’s work experience has gone from for profit corporations to charities, non-profit, grassroots initiatives and social enterprises. In the end, it’s taking a project from an idea to a fully development system that she enjoys
most. Outside of work Tiffany’s real passion is seeing new places and experiencing different cultures, her heart is in world travel. The next destination is always being planned.
