TORONTO, March 23, 2018 /CNW/ – Last night at MetroNext leaders from all stripes and sectors punched their ticket to the best civic party in town at Union Station to recognize two exceptional leaders shaping our city-region. As movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp continue to grab headlines, CivicAction’s MetroNext celebrated two outstanding women who are making positive change in our communities. Karen Restoule, a convener and rising Indigenous champion, was given the 2018 Emerging Leader Award, while Pat Capponi, author and poverty advocate, was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Civic Leadership.
“There are many strengths our region has worth noting and celebrating,” said Sevaun Palvetzian, CEO, CivicAction. “But tonight is about toasting to the incredible civic bench strength we have here. There isn’t a jurisdiction on earth that comes close to this.”
MetroNext was hosted this year by CBC’s Matt Galloway and speakers included Mayor of Toronto John Tory who spoke about the need for inclusive leadership in order to get our region on the right track.
“As a proud Torontonian living abroad, I know the world has a lot to learn from the leadership that exists within our borders. Both Pat and Karen are outstanding examples of the dynamic leadership that exists here,” said Tim Hockey, Chair, CivicAction Leadership Foundation Board and President and CEO, TD Ameritrade.
For over 30 years, Pat Capponi has been known for her tireless work as an advocate for improved mental health care as well as poverty issues. During this time, Pat has brought the experiences of those struggling with mental illness and poverty, including her own, to the offices of politicians, corporate leaders and fellow community activists. She currently serves as co-chair of the Toronto Police Board sub-committee on mental health, and is a recipient of the Order of Canada.
“Every day people across our region struggle to get out of bed, or put a meal on the table. Change can’t happen unless these stories are told and heard and I hope that me being recognized by this award means that the message is getting through,” said Capponi.
Karen Restoule, an Anishinaabe kwe from Dokis First Nation, is a leading proponent for creating meaningful and rich conversations. She has been described as ahead of her time in sparking discussion and action on truth and reconciliation. Karen has worked to humanize missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, encouraging citizens to see the role they can play in solving this growing Canada-wide issue and activating leaders to take action. She has spent much of her professional life building bridges between industry and Indigenous peoples, turning relationships that were fraught with controversy and challenge into positive ones that foster better futures for all.
“The strength of a collective relies on the diverse perspectives and contributions from within it. In my experience, good leadership involves being able to engage in open, honest, and respectful dialogue, and arriving at solutions together,” said Restoule. “I’m honoured to be recognized by an organization that promotes this model of leadership.”
MetroNext is brought to you through support from TELUS, Stikeman Elliot LLP, Union, Bespoke Events, Steam Whistle, and media partner Toronto Life.
Our thanks to Cision Group for sponsoring this announcement.
About CivicAction: CivicAction is a premier civic engagement organization that brings together senior executives and rising leaders from all sectors to tackle challenges facing the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. CivicAction builds partnerships and takes action through campaigns, programs and organizations that transform our region. For more information, visit www.civicaction.ca or follow CivicAction on Twitter @CivicActionGTHA.
SOURCE CivicAction
CONTACT: Jeff Junke, Communications Manager, jeff.junke@civicaction.ca, (416) 309-4480 ext. 533
RELATED LINKS
www.civicaction.ca
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