They’re bold. They’re driven. They’re talented. And they’re relentless. This Black History Month, meet 9 inspiring leaders from the ELN network who are driving real change in their communities and in our region as a whole.
Brandon Hay
Brandon Hay is the founder of the Black Daddies Club, where since 2007 he has engaged over 6,500 Black fathers and children. Learn more about how Brandon brings a transformative and equity based approach to issues of marginalization, health and well-being to his work.
Duaa Mohamed
Duaa Mohamed, a former CivicAction staff member, is a strong social and youth advocate who empowers youth to breaking new barriers by creating opportunities. She currently works with the Youth Livelihoods Team at the MasterCard Foundation as a Program Analyst. Learn more about her work to empower disadvantaged youth.
Emily Mills
Emily Mills is the founder of How She Hustles, a network of 5,000 diverse women that continues to grow by word of mouth, social media and sold-out events. Learn more about Emily’s work ensuring the stories of racialized communities and diverse women are always at the forefront.
Alicia Rose
Alicia Rose is Manager of Corporate Citizenship at TD and a DiverseCity Fellows Alumnus. Learn more about her leadership accomplishments, what she feels are pressing issues in our region, and what she believes an inclusive GTHA looks like!
Hibaq Gelle
Hibaq Gelle is a community connector, youth advocate and civic rockstar! Hibaq is currently a Policy and Program Analyst at the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, is a former member of the Premiers Council on Youth Opportunities, the Toronto Youth Equity Strategy Expert Panel and the recipient of CivicAction’s 2017 Emerging Leader Award for Civic Leadership.
Rudayna Bahubeshi
Rudayna Bahubeshi is Communications manager at Inspirit Foundation and former DiverseCity Fellow! Learn more about her leadership accomplishments, what she feels are pressing issues in our region, and why she loves her city so much!
Adaoma Patterson
Adaoma Chinyere Patterson is President of the Jamaican Canadian Association, Manager of Poverty Reduction Initiatives at the Region of Peel, and former DiverseCity Fellow. Learn more about her leadership accomplishments, what she feels are pressing issues in our region, and why inclusive leadership matters.
Stefany Hanson
Stefany Hanson is a former CivicAction Diversity Fellow and Manager of Youth Development at the City of Toronto. In addition to her day job, Stefany is also a community champion with a passion for supporting and building up youth across our region. She also serves as Board Chair of PEACH (Promoting Education and Community Health), a youth based organization in the Jane & Finch community!
Idil Burale
Idil Burale is Community Strategy Lead for the Service Systems Transformation branch in the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Learn more about her leadership accomplishments, what she feels are pressing issues in our region, and what she believes an inclusive GTHA looks like!