The CivicAction Leadership Foundation

Great Leaders Build Great Cities

Our DiverseCity Fellow Mentors

Mentorship is more than just mining insight from those in lofty positions. It’s an exchange of ideas, knowledge, and thought that aims to strengthen the abilities of both the mentor and the mentee. As part of the one-year program, DiverseCity Fellows are matched with a senior and experienced city-builder. The mentoring relationship helps the Fellows achieve their personal development goals, develop their aptitude for collective leadership and builds new relationships among civic leaders in our region.

From my own experience, I know the critical importance of mentoring; without it, as a young newcomer from far away, without any contact or patron, I would not have enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life or had the opportunity to develop the qualities of good citizenship that we so much need.

– Alok Mukherjee, Distinguished Visiting Professor, Ryerson University

Our mentors are some of the most inspiring leaders of the region, ranging from the public, private, and community sectors. Take some time to meet the outstanding groups of diverse leaders participating in the DiverseCity Fellows Mentorship program below.

  • I see the mentoring experience as a two-way street. I’m not only passing on advice and helping my mentees but I am at the very same time a student, listening and learning in the exchange. This makes me not only a better mentor but helps me in all aspects of my own work and life. - Shanin Lott, Managing Director, Talent and Professional Resources, Stikeman Elliott
  • I’ve benefited enormously from the generosity and insights of my mentors, so I want to give back. It’s important to help emerging leaders figure out how to navigate challenging systems, break down barriers and foster open dialogue wherever they are because we are all agents of change. - Shirley Phillips, Deputy Minister of International Trade, Government of Ontario
  • Throughout my career I have been lucky enough to have a series of fantastic bosses, who have remained in my life as mentors. I know I can call them to get great advice, the straight goods. Taking part as a DiverseCity Fellows mentor is my small way to pay it forward. - Sharon Avery, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Foundation
  • In a city that is still struggling with diversity in leadership, mentorship is key. Women, particularly racialized women, need to see and connect with other women in leadership positions. Toronto is filled with amazing young talent. I gain so much each time I have the opportunity to act as a mentor. - Kristyn Wong-Tam, Councillor, City of Toronto
  • Mentoring is a way of “giving back” as well as sharing and learning. Everyone who has had an opportunity to succeed in any area should be generous with time and energy helping others succeed. - Gil Penalosa, Founder & Chair, 8 80 Cities; and Chair, World Urban Parks
  • Mentoring DiverseCity Fellows has provided me with an opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise and to coach and guide leaders as they manage and chart their careers. I feel that I have received more than I have given and remain grateful for the opportunity. - Kim Bellissimo, Vice President, Human Resources and Organizational Development, CAMH
  • I know how important mentors have been for my own development. If I can share my learnings with someone who will benefit and also learn the value of mentoring, we’ll raise the overall level of leadership in our communities and in Canada, and ensure a great future. - Rahul Bhardwaj, President & CEO, Institute of Corporate Directors
  • Mentors have been critically important in my life and career, so I know the difference we can make. Plus, the learning involved is entirely reciprocal. - Terry Cooke, President & CEO, Hamilton Community Foundation
  • There’s a phrase I heard used by the late David Pecaut: “the strength of weak ties.” So many of us take for granted the people and ideas and networks to which we have access. A mentor accelerates your access to those resources, and helps build those “weak” but incredibly important ties. - Julia Hanigsberg, President & CEO, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Mentoring is important to me as it is something where both parties are learning something with each interaction. The mentee often provides as much value to the mentor as vice versa. Moreover, I benefited from mentors throughout my career and this is a small way to return that. - Saad Rafi, Partner & National Public Sector Leader, Deloitte LLP
  • Unlocking the potential of people is essential to building inclusive prosperity. That’s what I want to see in my Canada! Mentoring accelerates development of people – because it is personal – the human touch makes a huge difference. - Zabeen Hirji, Special Advisor, RBC; and Chair of CivicAction’s Escalator: Jobs for Youth Facing Barriers
  • None of us springs fully-formed into a career and sharing lessons learned is a way for others to form themselves. This mentoring opportunity is special given its diversity focus. We and our communities are all stronger the more diversity we have in community and business leadership roles. - Phil Moore, Former Sr. VP, Deputy General Counsel, & Corp. Secretary, TD Bank Group
  • Mentoring is important because it helps young leaders tap into the networks and experience of older peers, accelerating their development and expanding their impact. I'm excited to serve as a mentor because I find it so energizing and inspiring to connect with young leaders! - Elizabeth Mullholland, CEO, Prosper Canada
  • The mentorship model and process is important to me because it's a chance to share diversity information, knowledge and wisdom for both the mentor and mentee. We all have something valuable to teach and learn. - Zaib Shaikh, Film Commissioner & Director of Entertainment Industries, City of Toronto
  • I have been afforded the opportunity to have some unique experiences throughout my career, and would enjoy sharing the things I've learned. It is also an opportunity to learn from someone else's experiences. - Adrienne Batra, Editor, Toronto Sun
  • From my own experience, I know the critical importance of mentoring; without it, as a young newcomer from far away, without any contact or patron, I would not have enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life or had the opportunity to develop the qualities of good citizenship that we so much need. - Alok Mukherjee, Distinguished Visiting Professor, Ryerson University
  • Mentoring is a necessary tool and support in developing the leader in you at all levels. I have been blessed with mentorship in my professional life and consider it both a privilege and a duty for any leader. - Michelle DiEmanuele, President & CEO, Trillium Health Partners
  • Mentoring is an important way to build professional insight, skills and knowledge, it rewards both the mentor and the mentee – a mutually beneficial partnership. Plus, who wouldn’t want the opportunity to connect with and learn from an inspiring, energetic and innovative urban leader? - Shauna Brail, Presidential Advisor on Urban Engagement, Assoc. Professor, University of Toronto

2020 DiverseCity Fellows Mentors

Sashya DSouza

Sashya D’Souza

Senior Vice President, Talent InitiativesToronto Finance International

Notisha Massaquoi

Dr. Notisha Massaquoi

PrincipalNyanda Consulting

Headshot of Lesley Ackrill

Lesley Ackrill

Co-Executive DirectorInterval House

Headshot of Paula Aallen

Paula Allen

Senior Vice President, Research, Analytics and InnovationMorneau Shepell

Headshot of Upkar Arora

Upkar Arora

CEORally Assets

Headshot of Jennifer Barnard

Jennifer Barnard

President & CEOWomen’s College Hospital Foundation

Headshot of Julie Cookson

Julie Cookson

Executive DirectorAnishnawbe Health Foundation

Headshot of Paul Davis

Paul D. Davis

Partner, Capital Markets & Securities; Mergers & AcquisitionsMcMillan

Frank D’Onofrio

Distinguished Public Servant in Residence, Department of Politics and Public AdministrationRyerson University

Headshot of Chris Dulny

Chris Dulny

Chief Innovation Officer, PartnerPwC Canada

Headshot of Chandran Fernando

Chandran Fernando

Managing PartnerMatrix360

Headshot of Deborah Gillis

Deborah Gillis

President & CEOCAMH Foundation

Headshot of JP Gladu

JP Gladu

PresidentA2A Rail

Headshot of Neil Hetherington

Neil Heatherington

CEODaily Bread Food Bank

Headshot of Sheherazade Hirji

Sheherazade Hirji

Diplomatic RepresentativeAga Khan Development Network Afghanistan

Brett House

Brett House

Deputy Chief EconomistScotiabank

Sandra Levy

Chief People OfficerCanadian Olympic Committee

Bruce MacDonald

President & CEOImagine Canada

Mona Malone

Mona Malone

Chief Human Resources Officer and Head People & CultureBMO Financial Group

Farah Mohamed

Farah Mohamed

Board Member & Global AdvisorApolitical Foundation, G(irls)20, Music Canada, RefugePoint

Hazelle Palmer

Hazelle Palmer

President and CEOSherbourne Health

Headshot of Tim Penner.

Tim Penner

Vice Chair, SickKids Board of Trustees; Chair of Human Resources and Compensation Committee, Intact Financial Corp; Chair of the Governance, Compensation and Nominating CommitteeJamieson Wellness

Dale Ponder

Dale Ponder

Co-ChairOsler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Salima Rawji

Vice President of Development, CreateTO; 2011-2013 ELN Co-Chair; 2010 DiverseCity Fellow

Omar Sachedina

Omar Sachedina

National Affairs Correspondent

Paul M Taylor

Paul M. Taylor

Executive DirectorFood Share

Past DiverseCity Fellows Mentors

  • Rod Phillips

    Chair - Postmedia Canada Corp; Global Head of Client ServicesAfiniti

  • Sashya D’Souza

    Senior Vice President, Talent InitiativesToronto Finance International

  • Dr. Notisha Massaquoi

    PrincipalNyanda Consulting

  • Lesley Ackrill

    Co-Executive DirectorInterval House

  • David Agnew

    PresidentSeneca College

  • Siri Agrell

    Executive DirectorOneEleven

  • Jehad Aliweiwi

    Executive DirectorLaidlaw Foundation

  • Jane Allen

    Partner, Chief Diversity OfficerDeloitte Inc.

  • Paula Allen

    Senior Vice President, Research, Analytics and InnovationMorneau Shepell

  • Mary Anne Chambers

    Corporate Director, Former Ontario Cabinet Minister and Retired Bank Executive

  • Upkar Arora

    CEORally Assets

  • Dany Assaf

    PartnerTorys LLP

  • Sharon Avery

    Chief Executive OfficerToronto Foundation

  • Derek Ballantyne

    CEOCommunity Forward Fund

  • Lesya Balych-Cooper

    Interim PresidentCoffee Association of Canada

  • Jennifer Barnard

    President & CEOWomen’s College Hospital Foundation

  • Adrienne Batra

    EditorToronto Sun

  • Charles Beer

    PrincipalCounsel Public Affairs

  • Kim Bellissimo

    VP People and Organizational DevelopmentWilliam Osler Health System

  • Alexander Bezzina

    Deputy MinisterOntario Ministry of Children and Youth Services, Government of Ontario

  • Rahul Bhardwaj

    President & CEOInstitute of Corporate Directors

  • Julia Blackburn

    CEONPower Canada

  • Carrie Blair

    Executive Vice President, Chief HR & Communications OfficerSun Life Financial

  • Shauna Brail

    Presidential Advisor on Urban Engagement, Assoc. ProfessorUniversity of Toronto

  • John Brodhead

    Executive DirectorEvergreen CityWorks

  • Deborah Brown

    Vice President, Administration and OperationsRyerson University

  • Lesley Brown

    Executive DirectorOntario Public Service Quarter Century Club

  • Helen Burstyn

    Chair, Board of DirectorsEvergreen

  • Rob Burton

    MayorCity of Oakville

  • Celina Caesar-Chevannes

    Member of ParliamentWhitby

  • John Capobianco

    Senior Vice-President and National Practice Lead for Public AffairsFleishman-Hillard

  • Robin Cardozo

    Chief Operating OfficerSickKids Foundation

  • Sarah Chapman

    Director, Sustainability & Social ImpactDeloitte Canada

  • Olivia Chow

    Distinguished Visiting ProfessorInstitute for Change Leaders

  • Andrea Cohen Barrack

    Chief Executive OfficerOntario Trillium Foundation

  • Angela Coke

    Associate Deputy Minister, Ontario Shared Services,Government of Ontario

  • Terry Cooke

    President & CEOHamilton Community Foundation

  • Julie Cookson

    Executive DirectorAnishnawbe Health Foundation

  • Paul D. Davis

    Partner, Capital Markets & Securities; Mergers & AcquisitionsMcMillan

  • Frank D’Onofrio

    Distinguished Public Servant in Residence, Department of Politics and Public AdministrationRyerson University

  • Eileen de Villa

    Medical Officer of HealthCity of Toronto

  • Lisa De Wilde

    CEOTVO

  • Bindu Dhaliwal

    OmbudsmanBMO Financial Group

  • Sara Diamond

    PresidentOCAD University

  • Michelle DiEmanuele

    President & CEOTrillium Health Partners

  • Dan Doctoroff

    Chief Executive OfficerSidewalk Labs

  • Han Dong

    MPP (Trinity-Spadina), Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Training, Colleges and UniversitiesGovernment of Ontario

  • Dwight Drummond

    HostCanadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)

  • Chris Dulny

    Chief Innovation Officer, PartnerPwC Canada

  • Diane Dyson

    Director Research and Public PolicyWoodGreen Community Services

  • Jeff Evenson

    Vice President, Urban SolutionsCanadian Urban Institute

  • Karli Farrow

    Vice-PresidentTrillium Health Partners

  • Chandran Fernando

    Managing PartnerMatrix360

  • Gayle Fisher

    Chief Administrative OfficerOntario Pension Board

  • Cam Fowler

    CivicAction Board of Directors, Chief Strategy and Operations OfficerBMO Financial Group

  • Deborah Gillis

    President & CEOCAMH Foundation

  • JP Gladu

    PresidentA2A Rail

  • Jacques Goulet

    PresidentSun Life Financial

  • Ken Greenberg

    PrincipalGreenberg Consultants, Inc.

  • Andrew Greenlaw

    VP, Community Investments and SponsorshipBMO Financial Group

  • Barbara Hall

    Chief CommissionerOntario Human Rights Commission

  • Julia Hanigsberg

    President & CEOHolland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

  • Melanie Hare

    PartnerUrban Strategies

  • Neil Heatherington

    CEODaily Bread Food Bank

  • Zabeen Hirji

    Chair of CivicAction and Executive Advisor, Future of Work at Deloitte

  • Sheherazade Hirji

    Diplomatic RepresentativeAga Khan Development Network Afghanistan

  • Tim Hockey

    Past-President and CEO, TD Ameritrade; CivicAction Board MemberBoard Chair, CivicAction Leadership Foundation

  • Brett House

    Deputy Chief EconomistScotiabank

  • Sandy Houston

    President and CEOMetcalf Foundation

  • John Howe

    Vice President, Strategic ConsultingParsons Brinckerhoff Halsall

  • Tim Hudak

    Chief Executive OfficerOntario Real Estate Association (OREA)

  • Goldy Hyder

    President and Chief Executive OfficerBusiness Council of Canada

  • Drex Jancar

    Co-founder & CFOThe Remix Project

  • Pamela Jeffrey

    FounderCanadian Board Diversity Council

  • Bilal Khan

    2012 ELN Executive Member and 2010 DiverseCity Fellow; Managing Partner & Head of Deloitte DataDeloitte

  • Rami Lama

    Group Director, Business DevelopmentFjord

  • Sandra Levy

    Chief People OfficerCanadian Olympic Committee

  • Shanin Lott

    Chief People OfficerNorton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

  • Mary Lowe

    Vice-PresidentSt. Michael’s Hospital

  • Jennifer Lynn

    President and Chief Executive OfficerDiversity Advantage International

  • Tracy MacCharles

    Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, MPP (Pickering–Scarborough East)Minister of Children and Youth Services

  • Bruce MacDonald

    President & CEOImagine Canada

  • Rob MacIsaac

    President and CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences; Chair, CivicAction

  • Andrew MacLeod

    President and CEOPostmedia Network

  • Paul Macmillan

    DTTL Global Public Sector Industry LeaderDeloitte

  • Mona Malone

    Chief Human Resources Officer and Head People & CultureBMO Financial Group

  • Ron McKerlie

    PresidentMohawk College and Mohawk College Foundation

  • Sean Meagher

    Executive DirectorSocial Planning Toronto

  • Weyni Mengesha

    Artistic DirectorSoulpepper Theatre Company

  • Dave Meslin

    Political Entrepreneur & Engagement Specialist

  • Lisa Milburn

    Chief Operating Officer, BMO InsuranceBMO Financial Group

  • Earl Miller

    Director, Strategic PartnershipsMaRS Discovery District

  • Conor Mlacak

    VP of ITLoblaw Companies Limited

  • Farah Mohamed

    Board Member & Global AdvisorApolitical Foundation, G(irls)20, Music Canada, RefugePoint

  • Susan Monteith

    Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Client Strategy & People DevelopmentNational Bank Financial

  • Phil Moore

    Former Sr. VP, Deputy General Counsel, & Corp. SecretaryTD Bank Group

  • Rosalyn Morrison

    Vice PresidentToronto Community Foundation

  • Judith Moses

    Senior AssociateInstitute on Governance

  • Alok Mukherjee

    Distinguished Visiting ProfessorRyerson University

  • Elizabeth Mullholland

    CEOProsper Canada

  • Colette Murphy

    Executive DirectorAtkinson Foundation

  • Farah Nasser

    AnchorGlobal News

  • Marissa Nelson

    Senior Director, Digital MediaCBC

  • Leanne Nicolle

    President & CEOBig Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto

  • Jake Norman

    Head of Agency DevelopmentFacebook

  • Allan O’Dette

    President and CEOOntario Chamber of Commerce

  • Naki Osutei

    Associate Vice President, Partnerships and Engagement, Global Corporate CitizenshipTD Bank

  • Hazelle Palmer

    President and CEOSherbourne Health

  • Gil Penalosa

    Founder & Chair,8 80 Cities; and Chair, World Urban Parks

  • Tim Penner

    Vice Chair, SickKids Board of Trustees; Chair of Human Resources and Compensation Committee, Intact Financial Corp; Chair of the Governance, Compensation and Nominating CommitteeJamieson Wellness

  • Christopher Penrose

    Former Executive DirectorSuccess Beyond Limits Education Program

  • Tom Perlmutter

    Strategic Advisor National Film Board of Canada

  • Judy Pfeifer

    ELN Founding Member; Chief Communications & Public Affairs OfficerMetrolinx

  • Shirley Phillips

    Deputy Minister of International TradeGovernment of Ontario

  • Jay Pitter

    Director, Communications and Stakeholder EngagementInspirit Foundation

  • Dale Ponder

    Co-ChairOsler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

  • Saad Rafi

    Partner & National Public Sector Leader Deloitte LLP

  • Salima Rawji

    Vice President of Development, CreateTO; 2011-2013 ELN Co-Chair; 2010 DiverseCity Fellow

  • Euan Roberstons

    President and COOMaRS Discovery District

  • David Robitaille

    Director, Corporate Citizenship & Corporate AffairsIBM Canada

  • Mary Rowe

    CEOCanadian Urban Institute

  • Omar Sachedina

    National Affairs Correspondent

  • Anne Sado

    President and CEOGeorge Brown College

  • David Sculthorpe

    Former CEOHeart and Stroke Foundation Canada

  • Paulette Senior

    President & CEOCanadian Women's Foundation

  • Zaib Shaikh

    Film Commissioner & Director of Entertainment IndustriesCity of Toronto

  • Tim Shortill

    VP, Strategy, Communications and Public AffairsOPTrust

  • Godyne N.L. Sibay

    Managing Partner, Ontario Region, McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Chair Governance, Nominating & HR Committee

  • Jennifer Sloan

    Vice President, Sr Business Leader, Public Policy - CanadaMasterCard Canada

  • Abdullah Snobar

    Executive DirectorRyerson's Digital Media Zone

  • David Soknacki

    Former CouncillorCity of Toronto

  • John Stackhouse

    Senior Vice-President in the Office of the CEORBC

  • Anita Stellinga

    Interim CEO & VP, Community InvestmentUnited Way of Peel

  • Hari Subramaniam

    CEOeCAMION

  • Ken Tanenbaum

    Vice ChairmanKilmer Group

  • Heather Taylor

    Chief Financial Officer and TreasurerCity of Toronto

  • Paul M. Taylor

    Executive DirectorFood Share

  • James Temple

    Chief Corporate Responsibility OfficerPwC

  • Dori Tunstall

    Dean, Faculty of DesignOCAD University

  • Anna Ventresca

    Vice President, Legal Services and General CounselHamilton Health Sciences

  • Lisa Watson

    Principal ConsultantStrategies for Social Impact

  • Christopher Wein

    COO, Lanterra Management Ltd. / President, Lanterra Construction Management Ltd.Lanterra

  • Paul Whitehead

    Senior Vice President, TD Bank Group Enterprise Real Estate & Canadian Network PlanningTD Bank Group

  • Deborah Wilson

    VP, Communications & Public AffairsToronto Port Authority

  • Tatum Wilson

    2009 CivicAction DiverseCity Fellow; Director, Poverty Reduction Strategy BranchOntario Ministry of Community and Social Services

  • Geoffrey Wilson

    President & CEOToronto Port Authority

  • Eva Wong Scanlan

    Chief Operating OfficerBorrowell

  • Kristyn Wong-Tam

    CouncillorCity of Toronto

  • Leslie Woo

    ELN Founding Member; Chief Planning and Development OfficerMetrolinx

  • Janet Yale

    President and CEOThe Arthritis Society

  • Daniele Zanotti

    President and CEOUnited Way Toronto & York Region
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