The Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) is a one-of-a-kind diverse global hub. With people representing over 200 distinct ethnicities calling the region home, we have the potential to lead the way in building effective, modern, and diverse communities that work. But we still have significant and growing challenges in our communities that need to be addressed. These challenges need leaders with vision, who aren’t afraid to think outside the box and reach across the aisle to find solutions that work. We need leaders who lead beyond. We need DiverseCity Fellows. DiverseCity Fellows program is an award-winning program for diverse rising leaders in the GTHA who are interested in creating change in their communities. With a focus on building the leadership capacity of our region, this free year-long program provides participants with opportunities for personal leadership development, while growing a strong network of civic-minded peers. Past participants have noted that the program has helped further their leadership journey and accelerate their careers, while also helping them contribute to their community in a meaningful way. The DiverseCity Fellows program now boasts 10 years of supporting diverse rising leaders, and participants will join a diverse network of over 200 Fellows alumni, mentors, and city-builders.
Our Impact
Program Overview
The CivicAction DiverseCity Fellows program convenes rising leaders from a diversity of worldviews, industries, identities and experiences who are passionate about shaping their community and provides them with the toolkit and network to make it happen. With a focus on building the leadership capacity of our region, this free year-long program provides 25 of our region’s top rising leaders with:
- Regular curated skill development workshops focused on focused on civic collaboration and building individual and group leadership skills (View the sample course outline);
- Access to one-on-one professional coaching support, in-depth self-assessments, and a personalized leadership development plan
- A facilitated mentoring relationship with a prominent senior-level civic leader;
- Opportunity to dive deep into a city-building issue by designing an experiential learning day for their peers; and
- An expanded personal and professional network.
The DiverseCity Fellows Program inspires deep recognition of one’s skills and talents. I have learnt the importance of building connections and networks catalyzing social change and have skilled-up my abilities to bring others along. The program compels diverse leaders to actualize change, taking on critical leadership roles, disrupting monotonous systems and shining a light on ways to advance inclusive agendas.”
Stefany Hanson, Manager of Youth Development, City of Toronto; 2017 CivicAction DiverseCity Fellow
Application and Recruitment Process
Who should apply?
- Talented and engaged individuals from all sectors with a track record of strong leadership and/or community engagement and who have a minimum of 5 years professional and/or volunteer experience.
- Creative problem-solvers who are ambitious, results-oriented, collaborative, empathetic and inclusive.
- Rising leaders in all industries/sectors with a desire to make our region a better place to live and work
- Diverse individuals of all ethno-cultural backgrounds, religions, genders, and abilities from communities across the GTHA
The CivicAction Leadership Foundation hosted DiverseCity Fellows Information Sessions for interested applicants in September of 2018. The sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the DiverseCity Fellowship program components and experiences of past DiverseCity Fellows. Watch the recording of the Sept. 6 information session or the Sept. 11 information session.
Applications for the 2019 DiverseCity Fellows program are now closed. Thank you to all those who applied.
Applications for the 2020 DiverseCity Fellows program will open in Fall 2019. The call for applications will be announced here, on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and in the Emerging Leaders Network Newsletter.
“The program has provided me with so much access to new networks and new knowledge, elevating my optimism for our region’s equitable future. Overall I am a more connected, self-aware, and empowered leader because of the program.”
Adil Dhalla, Executive Director, Centre for Social Innovation; 2018 DiverseCity Fellow
Program Components
The 2019 DiverseCity Fellows program runs from January to December 2019. The program is part-time and includes over 100 hours of programming, with sessions taking place on weekdays, evenings, and weekends. Fellows are required to attend all sessions throughout the year, in addition to working on a team project and maintaining a mentoring relationship.
Given the intensive nature of the program, as well as the scheduling of some events during work hours, candidates should obtain the support of their employers to participate in the program (if applicable). Candidates who are currently experiencing a personal or career transition are encouraged to consider their capacity to meet all the program requirements and expectations.
See more program components below.