Our people

Elizabeth is leading Maytree in shaping the discussion around poverty and human rights in Canada. She is a dedicated builder and champion for the non-profit sector, with extensive experience in research, teaching and direct service provision. Elizabeth has a deep history with Maytree; she previously served as the Director of Policy and was the executive director of one of Maytree’s signature ideas: the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC). Most recently, Elizabeth established and led Mowat NFP (Not-for-Profit Policy) at the Mowat Centre, where she conducted and directed research analyzing the challenges facing the non-profit sector today. Elizabeth holds an MA in Sociology in Education from the University of Toronto – Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

Yukon supports all aspects of Maytree’s communications operations, including writing newsletter and landing page copy, editing reports, and managing social media. Most recently, he was a freelance content writer. Previously, he worked in communications for a non-profit in Germany, wrote a community newsletter for a Toronto housing co-op, and edited a university newspaper. He holds an M.A. (European and Russian Affairs) and a B.A. Hons. (English Literature, History) from the University of Toronto.

Sam contributes to Maytree’s policy and research strategy. Before joining Maytree, Sam held progressively senior positions in the public and financial services sectors where she developed and analyzed social policies and programs. Sam’s work has focused on the social safety net, health policy, labour market dynamics, data analysis, human rights reporting, and stakeholder engagement. Sam holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Toronto and an honours bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Western Ontario.

Tina leads the Maytree Policy School. Her previous work has focused on ideas, networks and communications for issue-driven organizations such as the United Way Toronto & York Region and the Coalition for Gun Control. Tina holds an MA in communications from Concordia University and serves on the national board of Word on the Street. She has published her own poetry in several anthologies, including TOK: Writing the New Toronto and Generations: A Journal of Ideas and Images.

Sarah implements Maytree’s visual identity across all print and online products. She worked for Roots of Empathy and Ideas that Matter before taking on her current role at Maytree. She is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design and holds a BFA from York University. Sarah’s private illustration work has been published in Spacing and Reader’s Digest Canada.

Violeta provides administrative support to the president and management team. Before joining Maytree, she worked and volunteered with many community organizations, including Skills for Change and the Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples. Violeta trained as an executive assistant at Escuela Superior de Educación Profesional Maria Rosario Araoz Pinto in Lima, Peru.

Bonnie leads Maytree’s work to change the narrative of human rights and poverty in Canada. Her previous research, policy, communications, and service work at Maytree, OCASI, University of Toronto Scarborough, and Ryerson University focused on immigrants and international students. Bonnie holds an MA in immigration and settlement studies from Ryerson University.

Aretha is the first point of contact for public inquiries and provides communications support for the Maytree communications team. She has previously worked at TRIEC, CitiFinancial and emergency call centres. She holds a BA in anthropology and health studies from the University of Toronto and a graduate certificate in digital media marketing at George Brown College. Aretha is a Maytree Scholarship program alumna.

Markus oversees all aspects of Maytree’s communications strategy, including media relations. He has led communications teams in a wide variety organizations, including a German community newspaper, Variety Village and Lavalife, one of Toronto’s largest online dating services. Markus holds a licentiate degree from the University of Zurich and an MA in English literature from the University of Toronto. Please direct media inquiries to Markus at 416-944-2627 x284 or mselder[at]maytree.com.

Mohy contributes to Maytree’s policy and research strategy, with a focus on data analysis. Before joining Maytree, he was a Researcher at the Institute for Research on Public Policy. Mohy’s research work has focused on the Canadian social safety net, labour policy, criminal justice reform, and institution building. He holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Toronto and a bachelor’s degree in political science (honours) from McGill University.

Garima leads Maytree’s policy and research strategy. Prior to joining Maytree, Garima spent several years with the Ontario Public Service in various roles. She focused on understanding how changes in the labour market and economy impact population health and our social fabric, and helped develop policy initiatives that could help strengthen the income security system. Garima is driven by a passion to understand how civil society organizations, governments and private industry can work together to strengthen communities. Garima holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management from Carleton University.

Effie (she/her) leads Maytree’s grants program and engagement work to build participation in, and the development of, civic processes that include the voices of people with lived experience of poverty. Effie has spent over 15 years working with resident and tenant leaders, and communities across Toronto’s inner suburbs in systems change work that has resulted in progressive changes in affordable housing, public transit and community economic development. She holds a BA and a BSW from York University.

A long-time staff member at Maytree working on a broad range of programs, Katarina enjoys connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. In her current role she manages the programming, logistics, and communications for Five Good Ideas, Maytree’s long-standing capacity-building program for non-profits, and coordinates the Maytree McMillan Pro-Bono Program. She also works on expanding the Maytree network’s capacity by ensuring its access to learning opportunities. Before joining Maytree, she worked as a translator/interpreter and taught English language and literature. Katarina holds a MA in teaching English language and literature from the University of Belgrade.