Our Board

Leila is a leader in the nonprofit and charitable sector, with a range of experiences working with boards and a demonstrable commitment to the values of social justice, equity, and inclusion.

With nearly 25 years in the field, she’s considered a subject matter expert on issues related to gender equity, anti-poverty, equity, and inclusion. Her work is grounded in the lived realities of people and communities marginalized by systemic barriers. She’s a senior leader at Family Service Toronto, responsible for the organization’s non-partisan public policy, social action, and government relations work, and she serves as the National Director of Campaign 2000: End Child and Family Poverty. She leads the organization’s equity and inclusion work at both the operational and governance levels. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Child Care Now, Canada’s national childcare advocacy coalition. Although she specializes in governance and equity as a board member, she has a diverse skill set. She’s familiar with all aspects of board functions including financial oversight, risk assessments, auditing processes, strategic planning, fundraising, and funder and donor relations.

Michelle is currently the Executive Director of the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre. Previously, Michelle held positions as the Canada Director for Ashoka’s Youth Venture, Executive Director of Youth Action Network, and was in private practice with one of Canada’s leading labour and human rights law firms.

Michelle holds a Masters of Arts in Political Science, and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Osgoode Hall Law School. Michelle is a Loran Scholar, a recipient of YWCA Toronto's Young Woman of Distinction award, and was named by The Globe and Mail and the Women’s Executive Network as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. She is a frequent commentator in the media on matters related to engagement of Millennials and workforce development strategies.

Magdalena Acuña is an accomplished leader with nearly 20 years of experience in public policy, social services, and stakeholder management across both government and nonprofit sectors. Currently serving as Director of Services & Refugee Programs at ACCES Employment, Magdalena has consistently demonstrated her commitment to fostering equity and inclusion in diverse communities. Her career has spanned key roles such as Deputy Minister of Innovation and Consumer Services for the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Chief Communications Officer for the City of Quilmes.

Amin is a Public Policy & Sociology undergraduate student at the University of Toronto. Amin’s lived experiences have motivated him to become a social policy professional, and he will contribute lived equity perspectives to Social Planning Toronto’s core social research and policy analysis areas. Amin's governance experience applicable to the nonprofit world includes service on the Board of Trustees of the Toronto District School Board and the Federal Council of the New Democratic Party, approving budgets and leveraging governance processes to advocate for change.

Julia has worked in public policy for over nine years, and currently leads patient engagement in oncology for Merck Canada under the public policy team. Most recently, Julia has worked in public affairs and government relations for organizations in the health and life sciences sector, and previously held a number of roles within the Government of Ontario, including at a regulatory registry authority. Born and raised in Scarborough, Julia is eager to find ways to support and amplify the voice of communities often left behind in the City's conversations. Julia currently sits on Tarion's Consumer Advocacy Council and is a Board Director of Ontario's chapter of the Women's Health Coalition. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies and a Master in Public Administration, both from Queen's University.

For 25 years, Simon has worked in the non-profit social services sector and labour movement. Currently, working in the CUPE national research department on Toronto issues he is also a former City of Toronto worker in the Streets To Homes program. In addition to advocating for policies to advance a more equitable approach to social and economic justice in the city, Simon recently concluded six years as a director of the Toronto Environmental Alliance.

Vanessa is the Director of Legal Services and a staff lawyer at West Scarborough Community Legal Services. She has over 15 years of experience providing legal services to marginalized communities in Toronto and Vancouver. Vanessa’s legal practice is focused on representing clients with respect to the Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Programs and she has represented hundreds of clients before the Social Benefits Tribunal. She brings a client-centered approach to her work developed through the joint JD/MSW program at the University of Toronto. She is a practicum supervisor with the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Vanessa has a passion for policy work in income maintenance, disability rights and inclusion, and access to justice fostered through participation in Maytree Policy School. She Co Chairs the legal clinic system’s Steering Committee on Social Assistance and works alongside lived experts and allies on social assistance advocacy work. Vanessa has completed a Non-Profit Management Certificate through Simon Fraser University and served for five years on the board of South Riverdale Community Health Centre.

Curran Stikuts is an experienced leader in the community service sector and a dedicated 2SLGBTQ+ activist with 15 years of experience in community-based organizations, advocacy, stakeholder relations, communications, and program development. Beginning his career in cooperative housing and community health, he remains committed to improving outcomes for marginalized communities through centering community voices and power. Since joining The 519 in 2016, Curran has held several leadership roles and now serves as Director of Advocacy & Strategic Communications. He oversees organizational communications, stakeholder and government relations, a number of programming initiatives, and has helped raise millions for The 519 and Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Curran has led various political advocacy campaigns and is active on issues affecting 2SLGBTQ+ communities and Toronto’s Downtown East and sits on the Community One Foundation board. He holds a BSW from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Master’s in Labour Studies from McMaster University.

Andrew Townsend (he/him) has worked and volunteered in community health education and advocacy for over 15 years. Currently a Health Promotion Officer with Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights, he also has been involved with Planned Parenthood Toronto, Jessie's: The June Callwood Centre for Young Women, Shelter Movers Canada, the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, and East York Basketball. Coming to the SPT Board, Andrew brings experience in nonprofit leadership, board organization, strategic planning, union relations, policy development, and equity & diversity initiatives.

Shannon Wiens is CEO at South Riverdale Community Health Centre. She has worked in the community health sector for over 30 years in a variety of roles, including working for three of the social planning councils in Toronto early in her career. She believes that the determinants of health are critical to achieving health equity for all.

A change agent, perpetual learner, and natural leader, Shannon has a demonstrated ability for creative and strategic thinking, planning, inspiring, and critical decision-making. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto Planning Program (MscPl) and the Rotman School of Business Community Health Leaders Program.