In this section, you find profiles of diverse leaders who have participated in the DiverseCity project.
Ray Cao is very aware of how others have shaped and supported him along the way. He counts his parents as well as other key individuals as major influencers in his life and career. As a member of DiverseCity’s Steering Committee he now has a platform to give back himself.
Brandon Hay took advantage of the media training offered through DiverseCity Voices. Today, he is a go-to media source on issues related to male identity and crime in the black community.
As a talent management professional Glem Dias understands the value of networking. “DiverseCity has opened up huge opportunities and has helped me reinvent myself and raise my profile in Toronto.
Rather than reject her past in order to assimilate, Jessica Farias recognized early on that “background does matter.”
Christopher got his first taste of activism when he supported his dad’s efforts to stop the fixed link to the Toronto Island airport.
Gelek, like many young men arriving in a new country, settled in Canada not sure about his place in this new home.
“I wasn’t born into privilege. I didn’t inherit any networks,” Bilal explains. “DiverseCity Fellows fast-tracked that for me.”
When Louroz started the DiverseCity School4Civics program, he found a network of knowledgeable and engaged city-builders he could tap into.
Patsy arrived in Toronto equipped with a great résumé. Unfortunately, hers was the classic immigrant story.
Despite being naturally quiet, Sonia assumed the challenge of speaking on behalf of diversity in the environmental NGO where she worked.