Despite a host of limitations to their finances, jurisdiction and capacity, municipalities of all shapes and sizes regularly engage in innovative activity. Whether it is designing new internal processes, harnessing technology or introducing new programs or services, many municipalities are regular, albeit sometimes quiet, innovators. This conference will highlight the innovative work of over 20 Canadian municipalities, uncovering how, why and under what conditions municipalities innovate. The symposium is a great opportunity for municipal leaders to gather, learn and discuss how to get the most from their organizations.
Date: May 16th, 2023
Time: 2:30-6:00 pm EDT
Keynote
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Rob Adams, Municipal Consultant, Former Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
Rob Adams is a passionate and innovative leader who uses outside-the-box thinking to leverage success. He is a unique CAO having served as a both mayor and warden on the political side. Rob is also a proven business executive as he ran the Operations of Canada’s largest digital signage technology software company and achieved the Profit 100 Canada's Fastest Growing Companies rankings 2 years in a row. As CAO, Rob has lead some of Canada’s fastest growing communities. Rob can be reached at Town Hall Consulting Inc., robadams008@gmail.com.
Speakers:
Aja Peterson, Projects and Research Coordinator, District of Squamish
Aja Peterson has degrees from UBC and York University in social work and policy, and has worked for non-profits and local governments in both BC and Ontario. She moved back to her hometown of Squamish, BC (unceded traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)) in 2020 with her husband and daughter. She works for the District of Squamish doing strategic projects, research and supports work related to inclusion and Truth and Reconciliation.
Arnie Marsman, Director of Building Services and Chief Building Official, Municipality of Middlesex Centre
Arnie Marsman is the Director of Building Services and Chief Building Official for the Municipality of Middlesex Centre.
After working with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority inspecting septic systems for eight years, Arnie began his employment with Middlesex Centre as a Building Inspector in 2000 and Chief Building Official in 2010.
Arnie's proud of Middlesex Centre's building division's accomplishments in receiving the AMCTO EA Danby Award for Innovation in 2018 with the implementation of Middlesex Centre's Green Builder Recognition Program, and the OBOA/OHBA/TARION Partnership Award in 2015 which addressed illegal homebuilding in Ontario.
In August of 2019, Arnie’s team implemented an E-Permitting solution for Middlesex Centre’s building division and is excited to share his experiences. Middlesex Centre’s building division today leads a shared building service agreement for five municipalities in Middlesex County.
Aside from work, Arnie enjoys cooking and travelling with his family.
Barb Swartzentruber, Senior Fellow and Program Director, Agriculture and Food Systems, Smart Prosperity Institute/Natural Step Canada.
Barb Swartzentruber is Senior Fellow and Program Director Agriculture and Food Systems, Smart Prosperity Institute/Natural Step Canada. She works as a strategist, catalyst, and connector with government, businesses and communities to respond to urgent social, economic, and environmental challenges through civic innovation, regenerative practices, and circular economy strategies.
Cassandra Pacey, CPA, CGA, Manager of Asset Management, City of Waterloo
Cassandra Pacey is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified General Accountant, and the Manager of Asset Management at the City of Waterloo. Before joining the City in 2003, Cassandra worked for 10 years in a wide range of industries, including retail, distribution, and automotive. Prior to becoming the Manager of Asset Management, Cassandra was a Financial Analyst at the City of Waterloo and worked with all divisions within the City. A key accomplishment was the development and approval of the City of Waterloo’s first long-term financial plan. Her depth and breadth of experience have enabled Cassandra in her current role to successfully strengthen connections between City divisions as it relates to asset management with a strong focus on finance, engineering, and climate action. These connections have created the foundation to embed asset management as part of City operations and ultimately raise awareness of the importance of asset management for City staff, senior leadership, elected officials, and the public. Using strategic skills and experience developed during her time leading the City’s asset management team, Cassandra has raised the profile of infrastructure management at the City of Waterloo.
Chad Scott, Manager of Logistics and Site Operations, Solid Waste Resources, City of Guelph
Chad Scott is the Manager of Logistics and Site Operations in Solid Waste Resources at the City of Guelph. He has a BA in Economics from McMaster University and a Network Engineering Diploma.
Chad has been with the City of Guelph, in Solid Waste Resources, for 15 years. He plays an extensive role in AI projects, oversaw the transition to automated cart collection, RFID system use, scale software transition and current unattended scale and security upgrade projects.
Craig Strumpf, Project Leader Special Projects, City of Mississauga
Craig Stumpf is a Project Leader Special Projects at the City of Mississauga. Over his 18 years with the City he has held worked for Network Services, Architecture and Integration, Cybersecurity, Traffic Signals and Streetlighting. Craig led the IT conversion of analog connections to fully IP based traffic intersections in the city as well as IT lead on Traffic Control System replacement.
Emily McIntosh, Climate Action Coordinator, Town of New Glasgow
Emily McIntosh (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Science from McGill University in biology and environmental field studies. Emily brings several years experience in the environmental policy, climate change and conservation sectors. As the Climate Action Coordinator for the Town of New Glasgow, Emily’s current work focuses on community mitigation, adaptation, and resilience planning, as well as community engagement. Emily was instrumental in the development of the Community Climate Action Plan for New Glasgow, a strategic document to drive community greenhouse gas reductions in New Glasgow. Through the implementation of this work Emily has developed cutting edge policies to support the integration of climate and sustainability into town operations. Most recently Emily’s work on electric vehicle infrastructure planning was presented at the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities Spring Conference.
Emma McGarry Ware, Manager of Innovation, Regional Municipality of Durham
Emma McGarry Ware is the Manager of Innovation at the Regional Municipality of Durham. A systems thinker and scientist at heart, Emma has a passion for supporting progress through innovation. At the Region, Emma and her team build innovation capacity across the organization by helping teams align innovation around a purpose, transform ideas into solutions, collaborate across corporate systems and sharpen their innovation skills.
With a PhD in Neuroscience, a Masters Certificate in Organization Development and Change, and a Project Management Professional certification, Emma’s career spans several sectors including academia, healthcare, non-profit and the public service. Emma is inspired to continue helping teams build innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of Durham Region.
Jennifer Khemai, Manager, Strategic Policy and Regulatory Compliance, Public Works Department, Regional Municipality of York
Jennifer Khemai is a Manager of Strategic Policy and Regulatory Compliance in the Public Works Department at the Regional Municipality of York in Ontario, Canada. She provides policy, research and compliance monitoring support to operational staff actively managing water and wastewater, waste management, forestry, roads, transit and energy services for the Region’s 1.2 million residents.
After a decade working in the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Jennifer took the opportunity to build policy and programs at the municipal level of government. Together with her small, but mighty team, Jennifer has implemented a consistent approach to policy development across all lines of business, modernized regulatory compliance reporting and developed a robust research and innovation program engaging with industry, academic partners and the regulator.
Jennifer holds a Hon. B.A in Environmental Resource Management and Political Science from the University of Toronto and a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Western University.
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Joseph Silva, Director of Strategies and Partnerships in the Community & Health Services Department, York Region
Joseph Silva currently works for York Region as Director of Strategies and Partnerships in the Community & Health Services Department, where he and his team are responsible for strategic policy, community development and engagement, and collaborative partnerships. Immediately prior, he was a Director and Deputy Treasurer in the Region’s Finance Department, where he oversaw financial and business services and organizational initiatives like the Triple A internship program. Joseph is an active member with the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) and serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for IPAC Toronto Region.
Keely Kidner, Research and Projects Co-ordinator, District of Squamish
After earning a PhD in sociolinguistics from the University of Wellington in Aotearoa/New Zealand, I began working in local government with a focus on communications and research. At the District of Squamish I work to improve diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility as well as contribute to truth and reconciliation and implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. I am honoured to live and work in the unceded traditional territory of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).
Krystle Skeete, PhD candidate, York University
Krystle Skeete, is an PhD candidate with the school of social work at York University. Her research interests include community development, youth engagement, policy and blackness. Krystle also spends her time advancing system-level change by developing and influencing policy change in an academic and professional capacity. She is an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT), with a specialization in teaching from an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion lens. Krystle is a founding member of The Spot Youth Centre, and has spent most of her career working with youth and residents in the Jane and Finch area in various capacities, including informing the development of tenant engagement refresh and violence reduction program with Toronto Community Housing
Laura Delle Palme, Senior GIS Applications Analyst, Town of Ajax
Laura Delle Palme is an experienced GIS professional, who currently works for the Town of Ajax as a Senior GIS Applications Analyst. Her project portfolio covers a wide range of municipal areas including open data, emergency management, planning and development, public events, and public works. Laura specializes in developing innovative and engaging web applications to visualize complex datasets and solve spatial problems in a clear, simple, and accessible way. In addition to working for the Town of Ajax, she also works as a GIS Specialist for Mission Blue, an internationally renowned nonprofit organization focusing on the health of our oceans. Laura gained her BSc in Biology and Geography from Trent University and obtained her GIS Applications Specialist graduate certificate from Fleming College. When she’s not working on GIS projects, you’ll find Laura in the kitchen baking sweet treats or outdoors exploring nature with her pup.
Following 15 years in the Alberta energy industry and graduate studies work with the UN’s Ecosystem Services Platform, Sheri Young accepted a position as the first Climate and Energy Specialist in Okotoks in 2019. Over the last 4 years, Sheri’s focus has been primarily on Climate mitigation and energy management, leading projects including Corporate and Community GHG Reporting and the design and ongoing implementation of Resilient Okotoks: Climate Action Plan (2021), the Okotoks Clean Energy Improvement Program (in progress), and the award-winning Natural and Naturalized Asset Inventory (2020).
Luana Felato, RD, COVID Specialist (COVID-19 response), Communicable Disease Division, CD Essential Functions: Outbreaks; Public Health Dietitian (base position), Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention Division, Healthy Eating Team, Peel Public Health
Luana Felato has been with Peel Region for almost 14 years, focusing on healthy eating for children and youth in education and recreation settings. Prior to the pandemic, Luana specialized in workplace and recreation initiatives to improve the food environment where residents work and play! Before joining Peel, Luana worked as a Registered Dietitian in community health and nutrition communications positions for various organizations.
In March 2020, Luana was redeployed to Peel’s COVID-19 pandemic response to help support the community. She remains seconded in the Communicable Diseases Division providing training and support for outbreak management in highest risk settings with expertise in digital solutions for public health. Luana has worked collaboratively with the Content Intelligence Team on some high-profile projects that have improved processes and reporting for external partners. These projects enhanced COVID-19 case and outbreak management in schools, student transportation, long-term care homes, retirement homes, congregate living settings, workplace COVID-19 testing, and COVID Voluntary Isolation & Recovery.
Maimuna (Muna) Gaye, Community Development Officer, Toronto Newcomer Office, City of Toronto
Maimuna (Muna) is a Community Development Officer with the City of Toronto’s Newcomer Office and since 2017 has supported the implementation of the Toronto Newcomer Strategy, which ensures Newcomers living in Toronto have a sense of belonging, well-being, and connectedness. They feel safe, supported, welcomed, engaged and have equitable access to municipal programs and services. Muna co-lead’s the Newcomer Office’s work on strengthening Indigenous-Newcomer relations an initiative that responds to Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action 93 and 94 titled. Prior to joining the City of Toronto, Muna worked for Historica Canada as a Program Coordinator from 2015 - 2017 leading the Passages to Canada program. From 2012 to 2015, she worked as a Knowledge Manager for UNICEF’s Early Childhood Development unit in New York City. Muna has a diverse professional and educational background that spans the financial sector, international development and humanitarian sector, and the newcomer and refugee serving sector.
Maurice Battistuzzi, Project Manager, Operational Planning, Analytics and Innovation Group, Public Works, City of Vaughan
Maurice Battistuzzi is a project manager in the Operational Planning, Analytics and Innovation group within Public Works at the City of Vaughan. A lifelong believer in the power of continuous improvement, he has led a number of projects that utilize the latest in Artificial Intelligence and IoT technologies to optimize processes and deliver services to improve the lives of Vaughan residents. Maurice started out as a computer engineer and added an MBA and a CPA designation along the way to help focus a practical lens on his innovation efforts.
Merona A Estiphanos, Community Development Officer, Toronto Newcomer Office, City of Toronto
Merona A Estiphanos is currently a Community Development Officer with the Toronto Newcomer Office. Merona has over ten years experience working on newcomer issues in different capacities along with community engagement/community development experience. She has worked with Pathways to Education, Barbara Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, Catholic Children's Aid, YMCA of Greater Toronto, and Toronto Employment and Social Services. As part of her work with TESS, Merona spearheaded and implemented workshops for refugee claimants to support their settlement and integration process and to connect them to community resources, including legal and housing services. Merona holds a Master of Social Work from York University.
Michael Haughey, Content Quality Specialist, Information Management, Content Intelligence, Peel Region
Michael Haughey has been with Peel Region for over 27 years supporting various areas of the organization with a focus on records and information management. In his current role, Michael provides quality management support for content intelligence services and project requests and works collaboratively with many departments throughout the organization. Michael holds several certifications and professional memberships in information and quality management, including the IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt™ (ICBB™).
Throughout the pandemic, Michael and the Content Intelligence leads worked quickly to leverage tools to develop and implement digital solutions to meet the evolving needs of the public health response. The Content Intelligence Team members worked closely with Peel Public Health to design solutions to securely capture critical data to support case and contact management to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in the Peel community.
The Content Intelligence Team has developed some pivotal projects that have improved case and outbreak processes and reporting in education, childcare, highest risk settings, COVID-19 testing, mass vaccination, and much more.
Michelle Adlam, Manager, Corporate Continuous Improvement, Office of the CAO, York Region
Michelle Adlam has been with York Region for 12 years, spending much of her career leading organizational communications, digital, customer experience and improvement initiatives. Prior to joining the Region, Michelle worked for one of the country’s leading Public Relations Agencies, representing some of Canada’s most recognizable brands.
Throughout the pandemic, Michelle was redeployed to lead the Region’s Covid-19 Recovery Planning Unit, supporting the CAO and Senior Management Team with the overall management, coordination and prioritization of post-pandemic workplace planning efforts in collaboration with a team of key stakeholders across the organization.
Michelle is a recently Certified Leader in Mental Health and volunteers serving as a Board Member for Community Living Central York.
Married with twin daughters, Michelle loves to get outside to hike, swim, boat, snowmobile and enjoy a campfire with family and friends.
Naveid Dar, Innovation Designer, City of Calgary
Naveid Dar (BA) is a highly skilled Innovation Designer with extensive experience in project & change management, data analysis, and human-centered design. He has worked with both private and public organizations, including the City of Calgary, Shaw Communications, ATB Financial, and the University of Calgary. One of his most notable projects was starting, designing, and implementing the first ever Harm Reduction Program for the University of Calgary. His strong business judgment and commitment to serving humans earned him recognition as a Provost' Star Award Winner in 2017 for his outstanding contribution to the Provost's Team at the University of Calgary. In his current role as an Innovation Designer at the City of Calgary, he utilizes human-centered design thinking to collaborate on complex challenges, build relationships through empathy work, and pave the way for organizational change.
Nicole Cooper, Director of Legislative & Information Services, Town of Ajax
Nicole Cooper is currently the Director of Legislative & Information Services for the Town of Ajax, overseeing a range of portfolios and service areas including Technology and Innovation, Clerks and Legal, By-law Enforcement & Animal Control, and Customer Service. Nicole and her teams are known for innovations in service delivery through technology, particularly in the areas of municipal election delivery, data dashboarding and mapping, and technological enablement for employees working in the field (e.g. parking enforcement, operations, etc). Nicole holds a Master of Public Administration and an Honours B.A. from Western University. Outside of work, Nicole spends her time running, golfing, skiing and chasing around her two toddlers.
Nicole Watson, Acting Manager, Toronto Newcomer Office, City of Toronto
Nicole Watson is Acting Manager of the Toronto Newcomer Office at the City of Toronto. She is a passionate, results-oriented management professional committed to the implementation of innovative, equity-based programs and initiatives. Nicole began her career with the City of Toronto in 2014. Her areas of specializations include refugee resettlement, undocumented Torontonians, newcomer settlement issues, policing reform, community-based mental health supports and food security. She approaches her work with a firm grounding in anti-Black racism and an unwavering commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
Paolo Staffieri, Manager Community and Labour Market, City of Toronto
Paolo Staffieri holds the role of Manager Community and Labour Market at Toronto Employment and Social Services at the City of Toronto. Paolo is currently supporting the Strategic Program Management portfolio and has led a number of innovative and collaborative Poverty Reduction and Workforce Development initiatives with community partners and other levels of government. Paolo has led a number of projects that includes the development and evaluation of pilots and review of existing approaches and programs. Recently he has led work in the Financial Empowerment area as a lead in his organization and has also successfully applied Behavioural Insights to improve customer service for residents, achieve administrative efficiencies and improve outcomes. Paolo acquired the Professional Management Professional (PMP) certification. In 2021 Paolo completed the Graduate in Public Administration (GDPA) from Western University and is currently a candidate for the Masters of Public Administration (MPA) in Local Government program at Western.
Peter Russell, Director, Sustainability & District Energy, City of Richmond
Peter is the Director, Sustainability & District Energy at the City of Richmond since 2013. He oversees a diverse group who provide district energy services; carbon and environmental performance reviews of new developments; corporate and community building and transportation decarbonisation projects and policies; and, circular economy initiatives. Peter has over 20 years in the sustainability sector and is a trained environmental engineer and urban planner.
Email: peter.russell@richmond.ca
Rachel Mitchell, Climate Change and Sustainability Manager, Town of New Glasgow
Rachel Mitchell is the Climate Change and Sustainability Manager with the Town of New Glasgow. In this capacity Rachel oversees the Town’s sustainability initiatives, climate mitigation work, community resilience planning, and asset management. Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from StFX University, and completed her Master’s in Environmental Studies in the Environment, Resources and Sustainability program from the University of Waterloo. In 2022, Rachel completed the Asset Management Professional Program through Northern Lakes College and PEMAC, funded by FCM. Rachel has been leading New Glasgow’s climate change work since 2019, and in that time the Town has approved and begun implementing Corporate and Community Climate Change Action Plans, and initiated an Asset Management Program inclusive of natural assets and climate considerations. The Town of New Glasgow’s Climate work has been recognized by the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities as one of their 2022 Climate Change Leaders Award winners.
Rebecca Cotter, Manager, Communications and Community Engagement, City of Quinte West
Rebecca Cotter is an experienced municipal festival and event professional, arts and culture project manager, communications manager, and post-secondary educator. Currently, Rebecca is the Manager of Communications and Community Engagement with the City of Quinte West where she leads a number of teams focused on delivering a wide variety of communications, marketing, community events, cultural development, and civic engagement initiatives.
Rebecca's experience includes the production and delivery of large-scale concerts, parades, cultural festivals and community events in both the public and private sectors. Through her 10 years of municipal experience, Rebecca has led the development of municipal event strategy and related process enhancement work, including developing frameworks and systems for streamlining community access to civic spaces and developing operational and administrative supports for community-led festivals and cultural events.
Rebecca holds a Masters of Tourism Management degree from Royal Roads University (BC), a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and graduate certificates in Emergency Management and Event Management. Rebecca is an Executive Member with Ontario's Network of Municipal Event Planners (NMEP), where she authored the provincial publication Ontario Municipal Return to Events Guide – Strategies and considerations for COVID-era community events, and contributes to developing curriculum and teaching for a number of post-secondary education institutions.
Safia Hirsi, Policy, Planning and Coaching Consultant, Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People, Toronto Community Housing Corporation
Safia Hirsi currently is a Policy, Planning and Coaching Consultant at the Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People at Toronto Community Housing Corporation and was a lead developer of TCHC’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Strategy.
Her professional history includes working in provincial and municipal government, the non-profit sector and the private sector in the areas of social policy, community development and digital media.
Safia is a Masters of Public Policy, Administration and Law graduate from York University and her professional accolades include being recognized for her work in digital media through the Poynter Fellowship for Journalism at Yale University and Hart House at the University of Toronto. She is currently nominated for a Shorty Award, which honors the best people and organizations on social and digital media.
Sandra Austin, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Region of Durham
Sandra Austin is the Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives for the Region of Durham. Under Sandra’s leadership, her team is responsible for the Regional Strategic Plan and organizational performance, climate action, key policy files, special initiatives requiring strong government and community relations, and innovation. Her speaking engagements have included environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion, leading high performing hybrid teams, and public sector innovation.
An award-winning communicator and change champion, Sandra previously held roles in partnership development and relationship management within the federal and provincial governments. She spent nearly a decade at the Province of Ontario, including Cabinet Office – Intergovernmental Affairs and the Ministry of Finance where she provided policy and communications expertise on a variety of complex interjurisdictional projects. Prior to her work in government, Sandra was the Associate Vice President of a Canadian public opinion research firm.
She and her husband Jamie are proud Durham residents raising three strong-willed children. In her spare time, Sandra is an avid photographer and outdoor adventure enthusiast.
Shaquille Morgan, Policy, Planning and Coaching Consultant, Toronto Community Housing
Shaquille Morgan is a Master of Global Affairs graduate from the University of Toronto and is passionate about developing policies in the economic and social development landscapes that create system-wide change, while also contributing to upward mobility for racialized communities, and vulnerable populations.
He currently works for Toronto Community Housing’s anti-Black racism unit, developing and analyzing organizational policies while also leading community conversations with Black community housing tenants in Toronto
Sherry Fahim, Director Digital Technology and Creation, Hamilton Public Library
Sherry Fahim is the Director Digital Technology and Creation at Hamilton Public Library. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Sherry oversees the Digital Technology and Communications Departments of the Library. She has more than 35 years experience in the private and public sector with a focus on innovation, digital literacy, marketing and process improvements. Sherry developed HPL’s digital strategy that led digital innovations in systems and services to advance the library’s brand and improve digital literacy skills in the community and create positive economic and social impact.
Simona Dinu, Director Public Service, Hamilton Public Library
Simona Dinu is the Director Public Service at Hamilton Public Library. In her role, she oversees service delivery in all 22 library branches across the City of Hamilton. A strategic thinker with over two decades of experience in the public sector, Simona is deeply committed to service excellence, lifelong learning and authenticity in all aspects of her life. In her mission to connect people and ideas, she is also an instructor at Mohawk College and an Executive Coach currently working towards accreditation.
Stephanie Nemcsok, Team Lead, Innovation Practice & Projects, City of Calgary
Stephanie Nemcsok (BA, MMst) is an innovation and practice leader with over 10 years of experience in human-centered design, leading teams to co-create and deliver impactful programs and services with contributors. She is an award-winning innovator whose practice in government and cultural institutions sits at the intersection of social, civic, and business innovation - ranging from countering the failed American “War on Drugs” policies at an NGO in Bolivia, working for Nelson Mandela in South Africa, and co-designed/co-led an innovation plan to transform the Calgary Public Library system. Currently, she has the privilege of leading the innovation practice at The City of Calgary where she leads an incredible team serving the corporation to foster a more resilient and inclusive city. Stephanie is a changemaker with a passion for leading and re-energizing innovation practices through inclusion, infectious enthusiasm, and building capacity.
Vivian De Giovanni, Circular Economy Specialist, Solid Waste Resources, City of Guelph
Vivian De Giovanni is the Circular Economy Specialist in Solid Waste Resources at the City of Guelph. She has worked in the waste management field for over 33 years in both the municipal and non-profit sectors, with experience in both program and policy development.
She has been involved in collaborative projects with government, organizations, and academic institutions on food/loss waste, reuse, construction/renovation/demolition diversion and textile audits/recycling. Vivian’s current role includes developing a circular economy policy & framework and working with innovators and start-ups on civic accelerator challenges.
Zakaria Abdulle, Policy Consultant, Toronto Community Housing
Zakaria Abdulle is a community impact policy professional dedicated to finding collaborative solutions to complex policy problems.
Zak has provided impactful policy advice to senior decision-makers at the City of Toronto, the Ontario Government, and the Federal Government of Canada.
Zak holds a Master of Public Administration degree in Local Governance from the University of Western Ontario. Zak is a past World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Shaper, Action Canada Fellow, and attendee of the New Canada Conference recognizing the Top 100 Youth Leaders in Canada.