The CivicAction Leadership Foundation

Great Leaders Build Great Cities

About the Emerging Leaders Network (ELN)

Are you a rising leader looking to grow your network, incubate new ideas, and build your leadership toolkit? Look no further – we’ve got the network for you!

CivicAction’s Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) was created to develop, connect, and activate the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area’s (GTHA) future leaders. By creating opportunity for thought-provoking dialogue,  skills training and networking opportunities, the ELN helps build-up, plug-in, and galvanize action-oriented leaders to create a more connected, collaborative GTHA.

Created in 2006, the ELN is 2000+ rising leaders strong (including more than 230 DiverseCity Fellows alumni) and represents a wide range of ethno-cultural backgrounds, communities, and sectors throughout the GTHA. In addition to monthly events focused on networking and skill-building, the ELN hosts an annual conference for rising leaders to explore and develop action-oriented solutions to the some of the region’s most pressing civic issues. The network also helps members advance civic-focused ideas through innovative events like ELNshowcase (a Dragons’ Den-style event) and has helped incubate nearly 20 city-building projects since 2006.

There is no fee to become a member and joining is easy – simply complete the membership form and watch your email!

Have questions about how the ELN operates within the CivicAction Leadership Foundation? We’ve got answers! Review our Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.

Our Impact

  • "The Emerging Leaders Network has been my conduit to the people, organizations and communities who drive change. It’s a network that attracts collaborators—energetic professionals who see the value in collective and inclusive solutions to our region’s most pressing challenges.” - Arjun Lombardi-Singh, 2016–17 ELN Events & Programming Lead
  • The ELN engages 2000+ diverse rising leaders through monthly events, networking and leadership development opportunities.
  • 2 out of 3 ELN members report having an increased commitment to improving their community since joining the ELN.
  • 77% of ELN members reported that their knowledge of city-building issues has increased since joining the ELN
  • 97% of members would recommend the network to their colleagues or peers
  • 77% of members reported that their professional and personal network has expanded, while 63% feel that their network has greatly diversified since joining the network.
  • Over 1 in 2 members reported that that their leadership skills have grown through their engagement with the ELN.
  • The ELN network is a community of diverse leaders from across the GTHA – 33% from the Not-for-profit sector, 32% from the Private sector, and 32% from the Public Sector. 61% of ELN members also identify as a visible minority.

Join the ELN See what we have coming up! Faces of ELN Check out ELNstudio 3D!

Updates

The Executive

The ELN Executive Committee is a team of volunteers who help shape the programming for the ELN. This includes launching campaigns and initiatives to increase member engagement, planning and executing exposure opportunities for members, and deepening the overall impact the network provides to its members.

“Great cities are the product of its 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 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; CivicAction Board Member

Meryam Al-waadh

2018-2019 ELN Events and Programming Lead; ConsultantDeloitte

Marchael Cunanan

2018-2019 ELN Events and Programming Lead; Financial AnalystPivotal

Jesse Darling

2018-2019 ELN Co-Chair; Manager, Policy Innovation PlatformBrookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship

Alyssa Lai

2018-2019 ELN Communications Lead; Project & Communications Coordinator - Socrates ProjectMcMaster University

Sean MacKay

2018-2019 ELN Communications Lead; Managing DirectorLivabl

Mrinalini Menon

2018-2019 ELN Co-Chair; 2015-2016 DiverseCity Fellow; Director, Intrapreneurship & Early TalentRBC

Gerri Nakirigya Lutaaya

2018-2019 ELN Events and Programming Lead; Youth Fundraising SpecialistCanadian Cancer Society

Mark Sam

2018-2019 ELN Co-Chair; 2014-2015 DiverseCity Fellow; Project LeaderBoston Consulting Group

Sarah Wardrope

2018-2019 ELN Events and Programming Lead; Project ManagerHamilton Health Sciences

Past ELN Executive

  • Noah Aiken-Klar

    2014 ELN Executive Member; Director of Youth Social ImpactRBC

  • Avninder Buttar

    2014-2015 ELN Executive Member; Director, Strategic Insights & AnalyticsCSA Group

  • Tania Carnegie

    ELN Founding Member; Chief Impact OfficerKPMG

  • James Chan

    2012 ELN Executive Member; Programming LeadImpact Hub Ottawa

  • Daneal Charney

    2014 ELN Executive Member; Director of Talent Venture ServicesMaRS Discovery District

  • Rob Drynan

    2011-2013 ELN Co-Chair; PrincipalBeachHead Strategic Consulting Services

  • Dorothy Eng

    2014 ELN Executive Member; Project ManagerArchitech

  • Elizabeth Fletcher

    2014 ELN Executive Member; Senior Manager, Citizens Services IndustryAccenture

  • Ryan Freeman

    2016 Membership Lead, ELN; Associate DirectorYelp WiFi

  • Nina Godard

    2012 ELN Executive Member; Account Director, Financial CommunicationsEdelman Canada

  • Andrew Graham

    2011-2013 ELN Co-Chair; CEOBorrowell

  • Robbie Grewal

    2014 ELN Executive Member; Manager, Strategic Planning & Policy, Office of the Chief Corporate OfficerCity of Toronto

  • Lianne Hannaway

    2012 ELN Executive Member; Managing Director, Business Finance & ControllerTMX Group

  • Kate Heron

    2014 ELN Executive Member; Director, Business Development & PartnershipsUGO Mobile Solutions LP

  • Mitzie Hunter

    ELN Founding Member; MPP (Scarborough-Guildwood), Minister of Advanced Education and Skills DevelopmentLegislative Assembly of Ontario

  • Timothy Jason

    2014-2015 ELN Executive Member; OwnerLiving Research

  • Noreen Javed

    2014-2016 ELN Co-Chair; University of Toronto Mississauga

  • Ainka Jess

    2014 ELN Executive Member; Manager Corporate CommunicationsPwC

  • Sumeeta Kapur

    2016 - 2017 ELN Executive Advisor; Vice-President, Corporate StrategyInfrastructure Ontario

  • Imanzi Kayitare

    2016 - 2017 Events and Programming Lead, ELN; AnalystESDC

  • Bilal Khan

    2012 ELN Executive Member and 2010 DiverseCity Fellow; CEOoneeleven 111

  • Sampada Kukade

    2014-2015 ELN Executive Member; Manager, Outreach, Events and Program MarketingSkills For Change

  • Matthew Lee

    2014 ELN Executive Member; Managing ConsultantIBM Canada

  • Donna Lindell

    ELN Founding Member; Program Coordinator, Public Relations and Corporate CommunicationsCentennial College

  • Arjun Lombardi-Singh

    2016 - 2017 Events and Programming Lead, ELN; Manager Corporate CommunicationsRBC

  • Nathaniel Lowbeer-Lewis

    2014 ELN Executive Member; Managing Director, Development, CPCS VenturesCPCS - Solutions for Growing Economies

  • Tinashe Mafukidze

    2014-2015 ELN Executive Member; 2010 DiverseCity Fellows; Chief CuratorNectable

  • Jason Maghanoy

    2016 Membership Lead, ELN; Director of Business Development & Strategic PartnershipNOW Magazine

  • Lana Majid

    2016 - 2017 Events and Programming Lead, ELN; Senior AssociateBoston Consulting Group (BCG)

  • Matt McNama

    2016 - 2017 Events and Programming Lead, ELN; Corporate Communications ManagerTourism Toronto

  • Saad Minhas

    2014 ELN Executive Member; Corporate Real Estate CounselRBC

  • David Morley

    2012 ELN Executive Member; Senior Vice President, Business Strategy and CommunicationsInfrastructure Ontario

  • Elisha Muskat

    2016 - 2017 ELN Co-Chair, Executive DirectorPeacebuilders International (Canada)

  • Dilya Niezova

    2018-2019 ELN Events and Programming Lead; Project LeadCity of Toronto

  • Mathew Bertin

    2012 ELN Executive Member; Director of CommunicationsGeneral Motors of Canada Ltd

  • Nicole Pereira

    2014-2015 ELN Executive Member; Manager, Government Contracts & Training ServicesSeneca College

  • Judy Pfeifer

    ELN Founding Member; Chief Communications & Public Affairs OfficerMetrolinx

  • Anowa (Irene) Quarcoo

    2015 ELNstudio Co-Chair; Co-founder; Candidate for MBACivic Tech Toronto; University of Toronto

  • Nima Ranawana

    2017 Communications Lead; Senior Public Affairs SpecialistOntario Securities Commission

  • Rahim Rawji

    2014 ELN Executive Member; Project ManagerCapstone Infrastructure Corporation

  • Salima Rawji

    CivicAction Board Member, 2011-2013 ELN Co-Chair, and 2010 DiverseCity Fellow; VP, Development Create TO

  • Abhishek Sarathy

    Director, Total Benefits & Savings; 2018 ELN Executive member;Sun Life Financial Canada

  • Carley Smith DeBenedictis

    2016 - 2017 Events and Programming Lead, ELN; Senior Communications Advisor, MediaCity of Mississauga

  • Alexandra Snelgrove

    2014 ELN Executive Member; Senior Director, Social ImpactLIFT Philanthropy Partners

  • Alexandra Stewart

    2014-2016 ELN Co-Chair; Executive DirectorWeston Brain Institute

  • Richard Wiltshire

    2011 CivicAction DiverseCity Fellow and 2016 - 2017 ELN Co-Chair; Regional Sales Manager, Enterprise Relationship ManagementLinkedIn Canada

  • Leslie Woo

    ELN Founding Member; Chief Planning and Development OfficerMetrolinx

Join the ELN!

Are you an emerging leader within the GTHA with a passion for city-building and a desire to drive action? Want to connect with 2000+ like-minded individuals from across all sectors, communities, and backgrounds in the GTHA?

If you answered ‘yes’, then the Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) is the place for you!

ELN members get access to exclusive events with high-profile city-builders, networking opportunities with fellow city-builders (including some of the top senior leaders and visionaries in the region), leadership development and collaboration opportunities, and much more!

Here’s how the process works:

1. Complete the short online application (Please Note: Personal information collected in this form is strictly confidential and will not be distributed or shared.

2. Once your application has been processed, you will receive a welcome email from CivicAction and you will also begin to receive the ELN monthly newsletter (which contains invites to upcoming events and volunteer opportunities) and you will also receive an invitation to join the members-only ELN LinkedIn group.

3. From there, it’s up to you! Register for events, attend sessions, and participate in the thought-provoking programming provided throughout the year!

Please provide us with the following information:

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