Are you an emerging leader looking to grow your network, build your leadership toolkit, and collaborate on solving our region’s most pressing civic issues?
The CivicAction Leadership Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) connects, develops, and activates rising leaders from across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Created in 2006, the ELN is now 3000+ rising leaders strong, including DiverseCity Fellows alumni, and represents a wide range of ethno-cultural backgrounds, communities, and sectors throughout the GTHA.
Anyone who identifies as an emerging or aspiring leader in their career and/or community, whether through their day job , volunteerism or other involvement, and is passionate about building a better region is invited to join the ELN.
As an ELN member, you get access to:
- Invites to free and accessible monthly events on leadership development and city-building.
- Opportunities for thought-provoking dialogue and valuable skills training.
- A network of rising leaders who are passionate about making an impact on our region.
- An exclusive invitation to ELNstudio, our bi-annual conference that takes leadership development and city-building to the next level.
There is no fee to become a member and joining is easy – simply complete the membership form and watch your email!
“Great cities are the product of their people, the diversity of their individual perspectives, and strong, collaborative leadership. Early in my career as a city-builder, the ELN gave me access to the tools and people that allowed me to see myself as a leader. I am proud that the network continues to connect and activate the leaders of tomorrow today.”
Salima Rawji, Vice President, Development, CreateTO; 2011–13 ELN Co-Chair; 2010 DiverseCity Fellow, CivicAction Leadership Foundation Board Member
Our Impact
ELN Members Want You to Join Us!
Almost 90% of ELN members would recommend the network to their peers and colleagues.
A Diverse Membership:
Our diverse membership hails from Toronto, York, Halton, Peel, Durham and Hamilton, represents the non-profit, public, and private sectors, and 60% of members identify as racialized.
Turning Ideas into Action:
More than half of ELN members report having taken action to improve their communities since joining the ELN.
Join the ELN!
By filling out this short registration form, you’ll be added to our monthly newsletter and will get first access to sign-up for programming. Sign up here.
The Executive
The ELN Executive Committee is a team of dedicated volunteers who help shape, develop, and deliver ELN programming. This includes planning programming, creating exposure opportunities for members, and deepening the overall impact the network provides to its members.
The current ELN Executive Committee is serving a 2022-2023 term.
Meet the former members of the ELN Executive Committeee.
Meryam Al-waadh
2022-2023 ELN Co-Chair; Senior Analytical Lead - Telecom, Tech & Public SectorGoogle
Wes Iqbal
2022-2023 Co-Chair; Senior Manager, Executive Advisor to the Deputy Solicitor General of OntarioOntario Public Service (OPS)
Umema Sharafali
2022-2023 ELN Programming Lead; Coordinator for Learning OpportunitiesCentre for Connected Communities
Rosshane Vignaraja
2022-2023 ELN Programming Lead; Manager, Community ReintegrationOntario Public Service (OPS)
ELN Programming
The ELN hosts monthly programming for members to connect with other leaders, engage in topical city-building discussions, and collaborate on building solutions for our region’s toughest civic challenges.
#ELNonline
As of 2020, we have continued to connect our membership through #ELNonline, virtual programming to keep you digitally connected while physically remote.
#ELNonline: Mentorship
In addition to our monthly events, we are also currently offering digital mentorship opportunities available through the ELN Facebook group.
CivicMatch
A new program that connects Indigenous, Black and racialized rising leaders to established leaders.