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Introducing ELN’s new Co-Chairs

eln — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:00:54 +0000

We are thrilled to welcome Rob Drynan, Andrew Graham, and Salima Rawji, three passionate and collaborative city-builders, as Co-Chairs of ELN.

Bringing a range of experiences and skills, they’re ready and committed to lead the ELN through the next phase of city-building.

Read the press release: Wave of new leaders herald new era of city-building for Toronto region.

Rob Drynan

President
MacLaren kiindrid

On video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr1QSOO05mM

“I am looking forward to working with the network of willing and passionate city-builders to provide innovative solutions to some of the region’s most pressing – and complex issues. We continue to grow in size and influence, and I’m sure our recognition in the community will only be overshadowed by our impact on the lives of the residents across the region.”

About Rob:

Rob Drynan is the President of MacLaren kiindrid, the newest division of MacLaren McCann – focused on cause-marketing and social benefit. Previously, Rob was Executive Director at Camp Oochigeas, a charitable organization that provides an active, outdoor experience for children with cancer.

During his seven years at Camp Oochigeas, Rob helped to harness the power of community to grow the camp from a summer-only, single site program, to a year-round service – delivering programs in Muskoka, at SickKids Hospital, and in their first-of-its-kind facility in downtown Toronto.

Rob was born in Thornhill and spent several years in Oakville prior to moving to downtown Toronto. After attending Carleton University in Ottawa, Rob spent seven years in Whistler/Pemberton where he launched his own marketing consulting and fulfillment business.

He is the Chair of the Board at Planned Parenthood Toronto, and is a committee member for the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Massive Party. He is an avid skier and cyclist, a reluctant runner and a beginner triathlete. Rob and his wife Melissa have two children, Emma (age 7) and Carter (age 5). They live in Riverdale.

Andrew Graham

Senior Director, Corporate Development
George Weston Limited

On video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXPTzjz465w

“Through Toronto Homecoming and ELNstudio, I’ve experienced the power and potential of the ELN. Put simply, there’s no organization in the region that takes on such a wide range of issues with such a diverse and large network of up-and-coming leaders.“

About Andrew:

Andrew Graham is Senior Director of Corporate Development with George Weston Limited, one of North America’s largest food and retailing companies. In his role, he leads strategic initiatives related to various parts of the business, with a particular focus on international opportunities. Prior, he worked in corporate development with Nortel, leading the divestitures of a number of business units during restructuring.

Andrew holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a MA in Economics from The University of Edinburgh. Before completing his MBA, he worked as a strategy consultant with the Tata Group in Mumbai, India, and as a senior political aide to a number of federal cabinet ministers in Ottawa.

He is a founder and volunteer co-chair of Toronto Homecoming, an ELN initiative helping high-talent Torontonian expats return to the city. He also serves on the boards of Evergreen and the Banff Forum. Andrew and his wife enjoy the city’s many recreational opportunities, such as running along the lakefront. Any calories burned are then more-than-replaced through their exploration of Toronto’s ever-evolving restaurant scene.

Salima Rawji

Land Development Manager
SmartCentres

Follow me on Twitter: @salimarawji
On video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gjq-41RH8hU

“I believe in the collaborative leadership model as a tool for sustainable change. Being involved in Project ELN, I have come to appreciate the strength and potential of the ELN network.

Over the next two years I hope to see the network grow its active member base. I also hope to see the ELN test and refine a process for launching new civic actions that address challenges otherwise being overlooked – a process that enables both the coming together of diverse minds, but also one that fosters actionable solutions.”

About Salima:

Salima is a Land Development Manager for SmartCentres, Canada’s most active commercial real estate developer. Her previous professional experience ranges from structuring venture capital deals for Care Enterprise Partners, to producing some of Toronto’s most successful cultural arts festivals notably the Hot and Spicy Food Festival and Masala! Mehndi! Masti!

Outside of work Salima is engaged in community. In addition to her work with the ELN she is an executive member of the Sauder Business Club of Toronto. She sits on the investment committee and acts as a Mentor for RISE Asset Development, a micro fund dedicated to financing entrepreneurs living with mental illness and addictions. Salima was instrumental to the establishment of TORONTO+acumen in 2010, where she continues as an executive member.

Salima is an avid consumer of culture and Raptors basketball. She loves travel, loves challenges, and loves discovering the unknown. She especially loves expanding her musical library and practicing various forms of hot yoga. Salima holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at U of T, as well as a BCom from the Sauder Business School at UBC, where she was elected Valedictorian of her graduating class.

About the Co-Chair Selection:

The call for applications for ELN Co-Chair was announced at ELNstudio in December 2011, followed by communications through the network. The open call generated a terrific response. Many very impressive candidates came forward.

Thank you to everyone who put their name forward. We look forward to continuing to work with you in this next phase.

ELN seeks new Co-Chairs

eln — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:16:51 +0000

The Emerging Leaders Network (ELN), a diverse network of 450+ rising civic leaders committed to advancing the Toronto region’s economic and social prosperity, has kick-started a process to find its next Co-Chairs.

The three incoming ELN Co-Chairs will succeed Mitzie Hunter and Donna Lindell, who have led the network for five years. Mitzie and Donna announced the transition at ELNstudio in December 2011.

“ELN is a powerful network of city-builders. Through ELN, I met leaders with whom I am now working to create complete communities and a more connected region.” – Mitzie Hunter, inaugural ELN Co-Chair, CivicAction Steering Committee (2011-2015), CivicAction’s incoming CEO

The ELN Co-Chairs are volunteers who work closely with members of the broader ELN network and a small staff team at CivicAction.

The key activities of the Co-chairs will include:

Helping shape and execute ELN’s agenda and work plan for 2012-2014;
Convening a Stewardship Team (10-15 people) which is made up of leaders of ELN’s range of activities (e.g. projects, membership development, business planning, etc.);
Engaging leaders, working in business, governments and non-profit organizations, to participate actively in city-building efforts;
Helping secure resources and engage partners to collaborate on ELN’s city-building mission;
Getting ELN’s message out through media and other communications.

A call for applications was circulated to the ELN membership in mid-December.

About the ELN
The Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) is a diverse network of rising civic leaders committed to advancing the Toronto region’s economic and social prosperity. ELN plays the role of an “action incubator” by convening leaders, helping inform and facilitate dialogue, and offering mentorship and organizational support to groups working collaboratively on challenges facing the region. ELN is an initiative of the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance (“CivicAction”).

Bold, collaborative action on tough regional issues tackled at ELNstudio 2011

eln — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:26:56 +0000

Credit: Colleen Nicholson, www.dropthefish.com

On December 1^st, the Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) hosted 150+ rising leaders who work in Toronto region governments, businesses and non-profits at its third annual ELNstudio event, held at the Corus Quay. The day-long ELNstudio saw civic-minded leaders working collaboratively to identify and commit to new strategic actions on tough issues and big opportunities.

Seven breakout groups committed to pursuing new civic actions to:

Better connect the region by launching an effort to build public awareness and support for investment in transit and developing a charter to enhance mobility;
Enable starting employees and newcomers to get and retain good jobs through mentorships and investments in their development;
Bring innovative, international ideas to the region through an ideas competition;
Find new ways to engage a broad and diverse group of residents in an ambitious effort to transition neighbourhoods to carbon neutrality;
Leverage the opportunity of the 2015 Pan/Para Pan Am Games to achieve social legacies for the region;
Make municipal elections more relevant, fairer and participatory by creating opportunities for citizens to experiment with new voting systems through the media and on campuses; and
Develop a neighbourhood strategy to inspire cohesion and share information to build healthier neighbourhoods in the region and beyond.

Questions from the floor during the presentation of new civic actions. Credit: Colleen Nicholson, www.dropthefish.com

John Tory, Chair of CivicAction, welcomed the group “to one of the most important events on the CivicAction calendar.” Tory said, “I am excited by the diversity, expertise and passion represented in this room. It fills me with hope, as in past years, that the outcomes will be bold, different, and immensely helpful.”

The group was thrilled with the announcement of CivicAction’s new CEO, Mitzie Hunter, who first became active in the innovative regional civic leadership organization in 2002, and is currently Co-Chair of ELN.

“It’s terrific to see one of our own take on this important role,” said Andrew Graham, Senior Director, Corporate Development at George Weston Limited and Co-Chair of ELN’s Toronto Homecoming initiative. “It’s inspiring to see leaders from ELN be selected for key leadership positions and sends a clear message that collaborative leadership isn’t just valuable – it’s essential to address the region’s challenges.”

Highlights of the day included ELN members pitching city-building projects to an audience of 150+ emerging and senior leaders, and Dave Meslin’s keynote igniting a sense of optimism and mobilizing people to create change.

Outgoing ELN Co-Chairs Donna Lindell (left) and Mitzie Hunter (right). Credit: Colleen Nicholson, www.dropthefish.com

ELN’s ambitious 2012 agenda reflects the momentum of a thriving group. ELN Co-Chairs Mitzie Hunter and Donna Lindell will step down from their roles with the ELN in January after five years leading the initiative. Three new co-chairs will be announced in January 2012.

“Today’s ELNstudio reinforces this diverse network’s commitment to raise awareness, contribute new perspectives and ideas, and take action that accelerates the region’s economic and social prosperity.” – Donna Lindell, Co-Chair, ELN

Congratulations to the ELNstudio 2011 team, whose hard work made the event possible:

Jennifer Haskett (co-chair), Art Director & Contributing Editor, St. Joseph Media
Nick Yeo (co-chair), Project Manager, CharityVillage.com
Brad Lepp, Associate Director, Corporate Communications & Government Relations, Luminato
Bruce Logan, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs & Operations, Build Toronto
Michelle Pearlman, Director, Strategic Planning & Business Communications (Mortgage, Lending & Insurance), CIBC
Trista Chapple
Maggie Fairs, Communications Manager, Stikeman Elliott
Kendra Court, President, Gatherings Event Planning