A new batch of diverse leaders gets ready to make a difference in the Toronto
region

TORONTO, Feb. 18 /CNW/ - This evening, DiverseCity Fellows will announce the 27 rising leaders selected to participate in the 2010 DiverseCity Fellows program. These rising city-builders will take part in a one-year leadership program that aims to harness the potential of diverse promising leaders so that they can address the challenges that lie ahead for the greater Toronto region.

    
    What: Meet the DiverseCity Fellows

    Highlights:
    - Remarks by DiverseCity Co-Chairs, Ratna Omidvar, President,
      Maytree & John Tory, Chair, Toronto City Summit Alliance
    - Announcement of the 2010 DiverseCity Fellows
    - Presentations of the 2009 DiverseCity Fellows action projects

    When:
    - Thursday, February 18, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
    - Remarks will begin at 7:25 p.m.

    Where: 918 Bathurst St., Toronto (north of Bloor St.)
    

Representing the public, private, and non-profit sectors, this year's Fellows were selected for their broad range of contributions to their communities and their potential to become the next wave of civic leaders.

"I want to use my private sector experience, personal passion, and concern for the community to make real change that benefits those less fortunate," explains Jasmine Tehara, Associate Vice-President, Wealth Management, TD Bank Financial Group and 2010 DiverseCity Fellow.

By providing Fellows from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds with opportunities to build new networks and develop leadership skills, the program will equip them with a stronger voice in making the region a better place to live, work, and play.

"My vision for the Toronto region is one where citizens are aware that we share responsibility for the social and economic growth of our community. And therefore just voting is not enough," says another 2010 DiverseCity Fellow, Fabio Crespin, who moved with his family to Canada from Brazil three years ago and currently works at Woodgreen Community Services.

The 27 Fellows work in a wide range of fields, including environment, arts, human resources, law, and health. They speak 18 languages and have experience living and working in over 20 countries.

John Tory, Co-Chair of DiverseCity and Chair of the Toronto City Summit Alliance, says, "I believe firmly that when we can broaden the horizons of our leadership landscape, our city will benefit from the knowledge, culture, ideas, and expertise of our diverse population."

For the full list of the 27 Fellows, please visit www.diversecitytoronto.ca/diversecity-fellow/.

About DiverseCity Fellows:

DiverseCity Fellows is part of DiverseCity: The Greater Toronto Leadership Project and is one of eight initiatives designed to diversify the Toronto region's leadership landscape. DiverseCity is a joint initiative of the Toronto City Summit Alliance and Maytree. To learn more, visit www.diversecitytoronto.ca.

For further information: Media Contact: Cindy Tan, Project Officer, Toronto City Summit Alliance, T: [phone]x501, C: [phone], email: [email protected]