Dr. Elizabeth Attisano is the Policy and Research Lead at the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation (CCLF). She received her PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Waterloo, where her research explored how children learn in informal settings. She was also a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, examining the surveillance of children’s early language development in primary care. In her current role, Elizabeth leads CCLF’s research and policy agenda, translating evidence into actionable recommendations and advancing systems-level change across healthcare and early learning. She develops policy positions and collaborates with cross-sector partners to drive research-informed advocacy that strengthens literacy outcomes for children across Canada.

Tiyondah Fante Coleman is Manager, Research & Policy at Black Health Alliance. As a critical qualitative researcher, Tiyondah’s work focuses broadly on improving the health and well-being of Black communities across Canada through research projects that have direct implementation and policy implications. Tiyondah’s work spans broadly across various disciplines, with a focus on research related to access to primary care, nephrology care, and Black youth mental health, through the Pathways to Care project. Most recently, Tiyondah has focused on the digital determinants of health, Black data governance and the implications of AI on health research.

Daniela Giulietti has spent her career at the intersections of community, non-profits, and government, building justice-based solutions. She is currently the Director of Public Affairs at YWCA Hamilton, where she leads advocacy, public policy, and government relations that bridge lived realities with systems-level change. With a background as a political advisor and campaign strategist, Daniela brings expertise in advancing gender equity and amplifying underrepresented voices in public policy. She holds degrees in Labour Studies and Social Justice and is driven by the belief that effective policy must be rooted in lived experience and measured by its capacity to improve people’s material conditions. Daniela is committed to building a just society through collaborative, evidence-based, and people-centred policy.

Meg Herod is the Policy Director and Co-executive Director at City for All Women Initiative (CAWI). Meg leads CAWI’s policy advocacy to advance gender justice and a multi-year project to build a framework for Caring Cities, an approach to ground planning in care, equity and inclusivity. Meg is an urban planner with a deep commitment to community-led change. She has worked across sectors in non-profits, academia, and municipal policy development. Before joining CAWI, Meg worked on equitable access to housing, parks, and local food systems in northern Canada and on the west coast. She strives to advance planning that is citizen-led, grounded in lived experience, and rooted in empathy. Meg is a Registered Professional Planner and a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.

Michael Jacek is Senior Advisor on social policy and government relations to the non-profit Association of Municipalities of Ontario. He works with municipalities, sector partners, and the provincial and federal governments to contribute to generating social infrastructure solutions and systems change to reduce poverty. Michael’s particular passion is to end the homelessness crisis and to realize the right to housing for all. He brings perspective gained from his experience in front-line social services, program administration, policy development and advocacy. Michael volunteers with health and social service community agencies, including as a board member.

With nearly 18 years of experience in national and international non-profit organizations, Bhumika Jhamb has focused on fostering civic engagement, policy research, advocacy, communications, and fundraising. She has advanced campaigns at local, provincial, and national levels, achieving policy wins and strengthening organizational impact. Her expertise includes analyzing government policies, producing high-quality research and communications materials, managing media relations, building networks, and executing community-focused campaigns. Passionate about social change, she thrives in collaborative environments and is committed to empowering communities through organizing, evidence-based advocacy, and strategic communications to drive sustainable impact.

Sampada Kukade is the Vice President, External Relations and Development at Skills for Change, where she leads national strategies in government relations, policy, communications, partnerships, and fund development. With over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, she is recognized for her leadership in shaping policy dialogues, advancing inclusive workforce development, and driving innovative fundraising initiatives that strengthen the organization’s national impact. Sampada plays a pivotal role in positioning Skills for Change as a thought leader in AI upskilling, women in skilled trades, and community-based economic mobility. She also serves on the Board of Directors for OCASI.

Liz McGuire (PMP) is a policy and project management professional with over a decade of experience leading complex, high-impact initiatives. Skilled in cross-sector research and stakeholder engagement, she ensures her work is evidence-based, collaborative, and meaningfully advances social good. Before joining the National Institute on Ageing, Liz served as Manager of Operations and Projects at BGM Strategy Group where she led national innovation initiatives and provided strategic and policy support to government, non-profit, and private-sector clients. She also worked as a Policy Advisor at the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association, focusing on social assistance and homelessness prevention, and as a Research and Policy Advisor at the Social Housing Services Corporation. Known for her leadership and problem-solving strengths, Liz is committed to data-driven solutions that improve people’s lives.

Jennifer McPhee is Red River Métis and has worked with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) for four years. She recently transitioned from her role as Senior Policy Advisor to Senior Communications Advisor and is on the organization’s community of action building the OFIFC’s policy and government relations strategy. Prior to joining OFIFC, Jennifer developed content for large conferences focused on social services, workplace human rights/labour law, and worked as a journalist.

Dani Mills is the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Youth Advocacy at Our Place Peel, where they lead collaborative initiatives with program directors and stakeholders to address youth homelessness, sexual exploitation, and community violence. Dani brings over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector, with expertise in clinical mental health and youth justice, and is committed to developing equitable, evidence-informed approaches that center the voices of young people and their communities. Dani holds a Master’s degree and has a strong background in program development and policy advocacy. Outside of work, they enjoy spending time with family, reading, and sports.

Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah is the Co-Director of Policy and Advocacy at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. Before joining Action Canada, she was the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) and has been instrumental in advancing the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ youth and communities. Debbie has spoken at Parliamentary and Senate standing committees and has appeared in numerous media outlets. She has held several advocacy and policy-oriented positions in government and non-profit organizations, including Oxfam Canada and Global Affairs Canada. Debbie is an accomplished community educator, feminist activist, and social justice advocate driven by the mission of creating a more inclusive, equitable, and safe world. She has continued to dedicate her time to local progressive organizing, including, most recently, as a commissioner for the Ottawa People’s Commission on the Convoy Occupation.

Julieta Perucca is co-founder and Deputy Director of The Shift, an international human rights organization working at the intersection of housing and climate policy. A human rights advocate with expertise in housing and climate policy, she collaborates with national, municipal, and regional governments, industry, and those impacted by the housing crisis, strategies to advance the realization of the right to housing, and the right to a healthy environment. Previously, Julieta served as Senior Aide to the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to housing, supporting country missions and drafting reports for the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council. She is a founding member of the Global Observatory on Short-Term Rentals and adviser to the World Habitat Awards. Her current work focuses on “Hidden Housing”—converting vacant and underutilized properties as alternatives to new construction. Published in the Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy and major Canadian outlets, she advocates for housing policy that addresses financialization, climate impacts, and the right to housing.

Andrew Pulsifer is the Executive Director of TTCriders, a membership-based transit advocacy group in Toronto. With over a decade of experience as a political organizer, fundraiser, and activist, he works to advance affordable, reliable, and accessible public transit. TTCriders has won key victories for riders—including fare freezes, discount fare programs, and dedicated transit lanes—through grassroots organizing. Andrew is committed to building a stronger movement for transit justice across Toronto.

Gurmat Randhawa is a Staff Lawyer at the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALCO), a not-for-profit legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario. Previously licensed in India, she was called to the Ontario bar in 2022. At SALCO, Gurmat  provides legal services in several areas of clinic law including immigration, social assistance, housing, employment and human rights. Over her three years at the clinic, she has also deepened her involvement in SALCO’s policy and law reform work, contributing to research, drafting submissions, and participating in collaborative advocacy efforts designed to advance access to justice and improve outcomes for the marginalized communities that SALCO serves. Gurmat graduated with degrees in journalism and law from the University of Delhi and holds a Master of Laws from Georgetown University where she focused on international law and human rights.

Vijai Kumar Singh is a seasoned public policy professional with experience at the international, national, and local levels. He currently serves as Manager of Policy and Government Relations at the Brampton Board of Trade, where he focuses on local economic development, community wealth building, and advancing progressive outcomes such as affordable housing, livable communities, and reliable public transit. Previously, Vijai led the MP Exit Interview project at the Samara Centre for Democracy and contributed to the award-winning podcast Humans of the House, offering rare, behind-the-scenes insight into political life in Canada’s House of Commons. He also co-hosts Never Bored of Trade, a podcast featuring thoughtful analysis on Brampton-focused issues. Vijai has provided special election coverage for Y Media and has been featured on national platforms including CBC’s The National. Beyond policy, he is the co-founder of Third Space, a music collective that celebrates Indian classical music through intimate, community-driven concerts.

Michelle Squires is a leader with a deep passion for addictions policy and social justice, leveraging over a decade of experience in law, public policy, and project management. As Director of Public Policy at Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Ontario, she has championed innovative strategies to address mental health and addiction challenges across the province. Her academic foundation includes a Juris Doctor from Dalhousie University (admission to the Bar in 2013), a Bachelor of Commerce from Ryerson University and PMP certification. Michelle’s previous roles include directing workplace sexual harassment initiatives at the Canadian Women’s Foundation and leading the development of Legal Aid Ontario’s provincial Domestic Violence Strategy. Michelle is also passionate about animal welfare and has been a volunteer with the Toronto Humane Society since 2022.

Aaron Stauch has spent over 15 years working to make public services more responsive, equitable, and effective, especially for people facing the greatest barriers. His work has spanned employment, mental health, housing, and income assistance, always rooted in the belief that systems should work better for the people they are meant to serve. Aaron led the project management office for Ontario’s Social Assistance Renewal project, helped launch the province’s first municipal Employment Service System Manager, and built one of the first government relations teams at the county level. Now as Executive Director of Ontario Municipal Social Services Associaton (OMSSA), Aaron brings together policy, practice, and partnerships to help human services across Ontario deliver real outcomes for communities.

Amber Straker is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and the new Executive Director at the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario (AECEO), Ontario’s professional association supporting Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) since 1950. At the end of her diploma in Early Childhood Education at George Brown College, Amber connected with the AECEO and wanted to be part of a strong collective voice of educators who participated in creating positive change. As an ECE working in the field, Amber got involved through connecting with others, sharing and hearing stories related to her work, and participating in community actions. For the last four years, Amber has worked as the AECEO’s Project Coordinator, immersed in values of leading with care, collaborating with community, and ensuring the voices and experiences of ECEs are both included and centered. She looks forward to working with ECEs in her new role to continue the fight for decent work and professional pay.

Alykhan Suleman is a non-profit executive and sector specialist with over 25 years of experience in leadership roles within social services, community development, and humanitarian work. Trained as a social worker in Community Development and Social Planning at Wilfrid Laurier University, he has contributed to initiatives in 21 countries, building systems that strengthen communities and advance social equity. As Chief Executive Officer of Social Services Network, he leads strategic growth, governance, fundraising, and program innovation that supports seniors in aging with dignity, combating social isolation, and challenging ageism. Previously, as Executive Director of New Circles Community Services and in senior roles with the Aga Khan Development Network, Alykhan managed complex partnerships, volunteers, and programs for refugees, newcomers, and communities facing generational poverty. A recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award, he serves on boards and advisory groups and champions people as the most vital asset in achieving a shared vision.

Capryce Taylor holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto in Psychology and Sociology and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Policy from the University of Ottawa. She has also completed training in Project Management. During her graduate studies, she was engaged in policy work at the City of Ottawa and worked on projects geared toward poverty reduction, housing advocacy, and financial security. Through policy, Capryce hopes to create solutions for marginalized communities to improve outcomes for those intersecting the justice system and public health. She is dedicated to advancing equitable policy change that has a measurable impact, reduces structural barriers, and creates pathways towards more healthy and inclusive communities. At John Howard Society of Ontario, Capryce supports the organization’s policy activities, including the creation of positions and recommendations on key issues to improve the criminal legal system and the lives of Ontarians. Her work spans a range of issues, including the impact of police records on employment, homelessness, and bail reform.