The Toronto Urban Fellows program is a competitive opportunity for recent graduate of Masters, LLB, JD, and PhD programs to tackle strategic projects at the City of Toronto.
The Toronto Urban Fellows program provides talented new professionals with an intensive introduction to the governance, operations and administration of Canada’s largest city. This is accomplished through a combination of full-time work experience and a series of seminars, tours and workshops.
The Toronto Urban Fellows program has established a strong reputation as an innovative, ground-breaking initiative that has welcomed more than 90 highly skilled and talented professionals to the Toronto Public Service.
Urban Fellows make important contributions to the City of Toronto’s policy and research agenda, provide fresh perspectives on complex issues, and undertake essential program development and evaluation activities. While their academic and professional backgrounds vary, all Toronto Urban Fellows share a commitment to excellence, public service and the City of Toronto’s success.
The TUF program was recognized with a City Manager’s Award in 2013. Check out the video!
Toronto Urban Fellows complete two six-month project assignments in two different divisions at the City of Toronto. These full-time, project-based professional development opportunities are enhanced by monthly Learning Series events that connect Urban Fellows with leaders at the City of Toronto and in the broader community. The program consists of:
In the first week of the program, Urban Fellows learn about the host divisions and project assignments. Project matching – a mutual interview and selection process – is made to place Urban Fellows with a host division for a six-month assignment. Urban Fellows are matched based on their interest in the project, the skills and qualifications they bring to this particular assignment, and the professional development opportunity that the project offers. The project matching process is repeated half-way through the year to match Urban Fellows with their next six-month project rotation.
Program participants are not guaranteed a match with their top choice of assignment, and may be matched with any participating City division. Urban Fellows are often assigned to projects outside of their professional discipline. In this way, the Toronto Urban Fellows program allows for cross-pollination of professional expertise across the City of Toronto. It gives Urban Fellows an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones to gain new experiences, skills, and professional development opportunities.
The Toronto Urban Fellows program selects projects based on their strategic importance to the City, professional development value, and exposure opportunities for the Urban Fellow, among other criteria. Project assignments are overseen by experienced directors, managers or senior professionals within the Toronto Public Service.
Projects typically involve a combination of research, policy development, stakeholder consultation, project management, program delivery and evaluation, and/or business process review and re-engineering. To ensure project success, Urban Fellows must draw on their strong analytical, research, communication and interpersonal skills and be ready to ask and answer tough questions.
Urban Fellows participate in a year-long Learning Series that provides broader exposure to the City of Toronto’s governance system, administration and policy landscape. The Learning Series consists of seminars, workshops and tours. At these sessions, Urban Fellows meet with senior government officials, community champions, business leaders and academics who are passionate about Toronto and working hard to shape its future. Examples of Learning Series events held in recent cohorts included:
Urban Fellows earn a taxable salary of approximately $78,429 and are eligible for health care benefits after completing six months of employment.
Urban Fellows are not guaranteed employment with the City of Toronto upon completion of the program. However, through the experience gained in the program, participants will be well-positioned to apply for relevant vacancies and are eligible for health care benefits after completing six months of employment.
Cohort starts September 2025
Committed to employment equity, the City of Toronto encourages applications from Indigenous people and equity deserving groups.
Urban Fellows recruitment follows a three stage process:
Job offers for the 2025-2026 cohort will be made in Summer 2025. The program will begin in September 2025 and conclude in August 2026.
As an organization dedicated to research on municipal finance and governance, the development of good public policy, and the strengthening of municipal public administration, IMFG strongly supports the Toronto Urban Fellows (TUF) program. The applicant demand for the program and the cadre of dynamic, dedicated and diverse fellows the TUF has welcomed, are testament to both a burgeoning interest in urban affairs and the capacity of the City to attract future leaders. We commend the City of Toronto and the innovative developers of the TUF program for having the vision and courage to launch and nurture a program that will pay great dividends in the years ahead.
Enid Slack, Director, Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
“Toronto Urban Fellows bring energy and innovative ways of thinking to the projects they tackle at the City of Toronto. They are enthusiastic, talented, and highly motivated professionals with skills that are transferable throughout our corporation. To date, Solid Waste Management Services has hosted seven Urban Fellows, many of whom went on to accept permanent, full-time roles at the City. The Toronto Urban Fellows program has been a strategic opportunity for our division to build its people-power by generating meaningful professional development opportunities on a range of innovative research, policy, and project management initiatives. If you’re ready to tackle unexpected challenges and contribute to projects with a real impact to the City, I strongly encourage you to apply to the Toronto Urban Fellows program.”
Carlyle Khan, Director, Infrastructure Development & Asset Management, Solid Waste Management Services
After finishing my PhD in Information Studies, I was looking for an opportunity to use my data analysis and research skills in new ways. I wanted to change careers, and was delighted to find exactly what I had been looking for in the TUF program. The program’s structure – rotating fellows through two divisions – helped me to learn about the various careers and projects at the City, while also making a contribution in my own work. I discovered a passion for both information management and operational data analysis, and have been able to develop and hone my skills in both areas. The TUF program provided me with great mentors, a broad and rich network of colleagues, and has given me immense pride in the contributions public servants make to programs and policies at the City of Toronto.
Lisa Quirke, QA Consultant, Toronto Water
Adwoa is a result-oriented professional with an interdisciplinary background spanning international public policy, research, communication, media, and journalism. Before joining the Toronto Urban Fellows program, she worked with UNDP-Rwanda as an International Individual Consultant where she conducted research, coordinated multiple stakeholder discussions, documented Rwanda’s 30 Years of Media Development Journey, and developed a Media Development Offer for UNDP-Rwanda. Additionally, she provided research analysis and strategic support for UNDP’s Transformational Governance Unit to implement governance projects including, Access to Justice (A2J), Deepening Democracy through Strengthening Citizen Participation and Accountable Governance (DDAG), Strengthening Civil Society Organizations for Responsive and Accountable Governance, Gender equality, and Disability Inclusion. Adwoa holds a master’s degree in international public policy from the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA) and has contributed to the ‘Women Feeding Cities’ Project of the MiFOOD Network and Hungry Cities Partnership. She co-authored a policy brief for Global Affairs Canada, entitled “Women Feeding Cities: Supporting Women in the Informal Food Sector in the Global South Beyond COVID-19” during her graduate studies. Adwoa’s new role as a Toronto Urban Fellow Research Associate is an incredible opportunity to contribute to evidence-based research and policy development, ensuring equity, inclusivity and diversity in Toronto City.
Amal Absiye is a policy professional with a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University. She has broad experience with Toronto-based and international non-profit organizations, where she has led the design and delivery of over 100 workshops for educators and community groups, impacting thousands of participants. Amal specializes in stakeholder engagement, intersectional and inclusive program development, and program evaluation, focusing on meeting communities where they are. Her work is centered on advancing equitable policies that address systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities. She has also contributed to research and advocacy initiatives focused on anti-Black racism and Islamophobia. As a Toronto Urban Fellow, Amal is eager to directly impact communities by driving innovative and responsive policy solutions. She remains actively involved in several non-profit and community initiatives, supporting governance, program development, and capacity building.
Angel earned her Master of Public Policy degree from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto in 2023. In 2021, she graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, double majoring in Economics and Statistics, with a minor in Sociology. Prior to joining the Urban Fellowship Program, Angel worked as a junior policy analyst at Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, where she honed her policy analysis and research skills to help shape infrastructure and housing policies. Her professional background also includes experience as a research analyst with the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure, where she conducted extensive data analysis to derive meaningful trends and insights from Canada’s public infrastructure data. Angel has gained valuable policy insights and perspectives by engaging with different levels of government. As a Toronto Urban Fellow, she is passionate about delivering public value and leveraging analytical insights to drive inclusive and equitable policy decisions.
Anna is a policy analyst and researcher with experience in the non-profit and public sectors. Prior to joining the City, Anna worked at the Financial Accountability Office as a financial analyst, where she analyzed trends in program spending and service levels in social services, transit, and postsecondary education. Anna is dedicated to helping progress social justice, climate action, and economic equity in the City through centering civil society and community care. As a Toronto Urban Fellow, she is passionate about getting involved in energy policy and gaining a deeper understanding of the City’s revenue generating challenges. Anna has a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Toronto’s Munk School and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Mount Allison University. In her spare time, she enjoys writing and spending time in nature.
Ibtesaam Moosa is a public policy professional with a strong background in communications, honed through her academic and professional experiences. She holds a Master of Global Affairs from the University of Toronto’s Munk School, where she specialized in innovation policy and global security. During her studies, she also interned with the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, focusing on research and strategies to address security challenges in the Middle East. Prior to her graduate studies, Ibtesaam served as a Communications Manager in Doha, leading initiatives to enhance brand visibility globally. Most recently, she worked as a Policy Analyst at the Ontario Ministry of Finance, where she contributed to shaping income security and pension policies. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Northwestern University. Ibtesaam is passionate about bridging the gap between communication and policy, leveraging her expertise to create solutions for global issues
Alicia is a public policy and research professional with a rich interdisciplinary background. Before joining the Toronto Urban Fellows program, she made significant contributions at a leading non-profit. There, Alicia engaged in collaborative research, policy, program development and evaluation, social innovation, and public and stakeholder engagement, notably investigating the well-being of youth and the social determinants of health, homelessness, unemployment, and criminal justice involvement. Alicia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and a Master’s in Socio-Legal Studies from York University. Through her previous role as a Research and Policy Fellow at the John Howard Society of Ontario, active participation in Black Lives Matter, and co-creation of the podcast Black Girls Chatter, Alicia has consistently demonstrated her commitment to equity and diversity through the prioritization and amplification of Black, Indigenous and equity-deserving communities’ voices.
Kit Wong-Southey is an interdisciplinary public policy and research professional with interests in urban forestry, health equity, urban planning, community engagement, and resilience. She holds a MSc in Urban Forestry from the University of British Columbia (2022), where they researched how heat-vulnerable residents used street trees to cope with heat. They completed their honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto (2020) in Evolutionary/Medical Anthropology and Forest Conservation. Prior to joining the City of Toronto, she worked for the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture as a Policy Coordinator, focusing on program development and evaluation, and policy research.
Kwasi Adu-Poku is an award-winning policy professional with a passion for collaboration. Before becoming an Urban Fellow, he made significant contributions to the Ontario Public Service, playing a role in service delivery, process improvement, intergovernmental relations, and program analysis of the province’s homelessness response. He also engaged in consultation, strategic planning, and evidence-based research to improve Ontario’s regulatory environment. Kwasi holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from McMaster University, a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Prompt Engineering Specialization. Raised in Toronto Community Housing, Kwasi is motivated to be an agent of change, a commitment recognized by numerous leadership awards. His extensive volunteer work spans public, educational, and non-profit sectors. In his free time, Kwasi enjoys connecting his hobbies and wellness with public speaking and global impact. As an Urban Fellow, he hopes to spur transformative socioeconomic change in the city.
Laura Smith holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MPL) from Queen’s University, specializing in health and social planning. Her master’s research focused on children’s active school travel, road safety, and evaluating street pedestrianization projects, including School Streets and Play Streets. In addition to her MPL, Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences. This interdisciplinary background enables her to integrate a health lens into city-building and planning. Before joining the City of Toronto, Laura worked in the non-profit sector focused on placemaking, active transportation, and greenspace planning. Most recently, Laura worked at the non-profit organization Park People where she led research exploring the trends and challenges facing municipal parks departments across Canada. Laura is passionate about improving equitable access to parks, nature, and public space. Her work is driven by a strong belief in the importance of designing inclusive and healthy built environments that foster community well-being.
Maheen (she/her) is a public policy professional with over six years of policy leadership, research, data analysis and project management experience in the US and Pakistan. She holds a Master of Public Policy from Rutgers University and a Masters in Gender & Social Justice from McMaster University. Prior to joining the City of Toronto, Maheen worked with the United Nations managing a portfolio of over 20 projects centered on sustainability, climate change, gender equity and socioeconomic development of vulnerable communities. Particularly passionate about developing inclusive policies that benefit all groups, this summer Maheen worked with the City of Hamilton on a human-rights based approach to addressing homelessness in Hamilton. She also founded the Women-on-Wheels (WoW) program that provides free motorcycle training to women in Pakistan improving their mobility and agency. As a Toronto Urban Fellow, Maheen is excited to bring her social justice lens and contribute meaningfully to an inclusive, sustainable city.
Rexella is a recognized social changemaker. As a consultant and researcher, she received awards for developing and implementing social inclusion through community engagement, utilizing evidence-based decision-making to increase equitable approaches to service delivery, and leading sensitive conversations to advance research, policy, and practice supporting historically marginalized communities. Rexella holds a Bachelor of Community Health Sciences and a Master of Applied Disability Studies specializing in Leadership, Diversity, Community, and Culture. With over seven years of client-facing service to children and youth with disabilities and their families at Ontario’s largest children’s treatment centre and collaboration with community service providers (e.g. school boards, hospitals, and first responders) to create intersectoral models of care, Rexella understands that systemic inequalities act as barriers to access. As a Toronto Urban Fellow, Rexella hopes to address complex issues in service environments, program delivery, and policy design to create equitable and sustainable access to community services.
Samira Karsiem is a public health professional with experience in community engagement and equity-centered health research. To date, her work has focused on understanding health disparities experienced by immigrant and 2S/LGBTQ+ community members. Prior to joining the Toronto Urban Fellows Program, Samira served as the Community Engagement Specialist for the IRIS Project at CGSHE, and the MindMapBC Project at the REAFFIRM Collaborative, both based in Vancouver. She has also consulted for non-profits which support community well-being. Samira has shared her work at Simon Fraser University, the University of Toronto, and is also a published author in the BMJ Open. She is excited to take an innovative, interdisciplinary, and equity-centered approach to working on strategic projects at the City of Toronto. Samira holds a Master of Public Health from Simon Fraser University, and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Health Studies from the University of Toronto.
Megan recently completed her PhD in neuroscience, focused on the long-term consequences of prenatal cannabis exposure in a preclinical model. This socially and politically relevant research topic led her to develop an interest in the intersection between science and policy. Throughout her graduate studies, she generated, analyzed, and synthesized quantitative data which she presented to a variety of scientific and non-scientific audiences. Megan also gained experience writing grant proposals and scientific articles. She has served as a production manager and editor-in-chief for the non-profit organization Toronto Notes Inc., which produces a textbook designed for medical students preparing for their licensing exams. In these roles, Megan was leading the financial, logistical, partnership, and editorial processes of the organization. In addition, she has co-led a science mentorship program for high school youth for several years. This involved designing and coordinating programming and leading groups through independent science communication projects.
Asha is an experienced interdisciplinary public policy and research professional with a background working with diverse equity- deserving, communities in Toronto. She holds a Master of International Public Policy from Balsillie School of International Affairs at Wilfred Laurier University, a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, and a Certificate in Public History from York University. Asha employs creative, innovative thinking and critical methodologies to support research and public policies that are just and that confront intersectional systemic oppressions. She is a multifaceted individual who has co-founded a farm-to-table business operating at farmer’s markets in Toronto, developed and facilitated diverse children and youth programming in local shelters, community programs, and TDSB schools. Asha has significant experience working with a wide range of stakeholders on anti-poverty, education, health, and children’s rights coalitions and campaigns in the Violence Against Women/Intimate Partner Violence sector. Her work prioritizes, centers, and amplifies African/Black and other equity-deserving voices. Her most recent experiences include supporting research on the global impact of Covid-19 on African/Black Health and as a graduate research fellow at Global Affairs Canada on Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) inclusion in Canadian international assistance foreign policy.
Stuart has a combination of 14 years of multidisciplinary studies and professional work experience in Toronto, ThunderBay and Montreal. At IPEX as an internship, Stuart wrote proposals and technical reports for improving the industrial production process of PVC pipes and preventing downtime in production. Stuart graduated with a distinction in leadership from Centennial college in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation Stuart worked, at M.V. Shore Associates LTD as an EIT and designed the plumbing and HVAC systems of a high rise condominium at Peter/Adelaide with Autodesk AutoCAD. Moving to Montreal, Stuart worked in financial sales.Stuart moved to Thunderbay, to work on an M.Ed. in Environmental Sustainability and researched Indigenous Story telling as a Graduate Assistant, and supervised ecological macro-models in class activities for B.Ed. students. Lastly, at mid-career culmination and crest, Stu completed a Master’s in Project Management from TMU with an overall 87% average
Virginia is an aspiring feminist, anti-racist, and anti-colonial scholar who obtained her Master of Social Work from York University, where she cultivated her passion for social justice, community advocacy, and emancipatory praxis. Virginia has eight years of experience working directly with diverse populations including youth in the child-welfare system and sex-trafficking survivors. Through program development and evaluation with a community agency in Peterborough and research and policy analysis with the Government of Ontario, Virginia has developed skills in facilitating cross-sectoral and multi-stakeholder engagement to meet community priorities. As a Research Assistant, she supported research on Indigenous land sovereignty, mobility justice, and cross-solidarity movements amongst Indigenous and (im)migrant communities. Her intersecting positionalities inform her desire to integrate experiential knowledge and evidence-based practice into policy. This year, Virginia presented her own research, a critical policy analysis on the logics of settler-colonialism and risk management, at an international social work conference and has guest lectured for various college and university classrooms across Canada. In all that she does, Virginia hopes to center her fierce dedication to others and lead with her heart.
Yael has an economics degree from the University of British Columbia and a J.D. from the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. She previously worked in policy roles for the Alzheimer Society of B.C., Department of Canadian Heritage, and Indigenous Services Canada. She also worked as a management and government relations consultant with a focus on municipal affairs. Throughout her law degree, Yael worked and volunteered with refugees as they sought residency in Canada. Most recently, she was a legal researcher for the Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools. She has also volunteered with several climate and food sustainability initiatives in Toronto and Vancouver. Yael loves exploring Toronto’s neighbourhoods, biking in the ravines, and trying new food. She is eager to work on projects that support community, promote sustainability and equity, and make Toronto a great place to live.
Zimran Khan is an MPA graduate, Equity Fellow, Adrian Cheng Fellow, and Mason Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, and its Center for Public Leadership (CPL) and the Social Innovation + Change Initiative (SICI). He is a researcher, innovator, and development practitioner, with expertise in economic development, digital innovation, equity in education, and emergency response. Before attending Harvard, Zimran served as the Head of Exploration at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where he led a team focused on leveraging emerging technologies, non-traditional data, and grassroots innovation to address challenges related to inequality, the 4th industrial revolution, and new forms of governance. Zimran began his career as a business developer for a telecommunications operator and a U.S. Federal Government contractor, later advancing as an Analyst at the