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Melissa Anger recently completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology at Ryerson University, during which time she developed an interest in the regulation and use of public spaces in urban areas. Melissa is also interested in how social interaction is enhanced or restricted within public spaces. Naturally she was attracted to the Sustainable Thinking and Expression on Public Space (STEPS) Initiative, and believes that STEPS will bring community members together through creative and ecological actions creating a better community experience and future for citizens. Melissa assisted with implementing STEPS' ARTivism consultation and developing some of our online resources. Melissa Gail Cabigon is a recent graduate of McGill University's Faculty of Law, but a ravenous appetite for learning has also driven her through degrees in communications, political science and philosophy. The sum of her studies has imbued her with a special concern for how cultural and personal identities intersect, and how they are created and conserved, transformed and destroyed. The STEPS Initiative squares well with this preoccupation, providing an opportunity to examine how artists and activists struggle to change a public sphere that is constantly changing what it means to have an identity and a voice.Melissa's true passion and purpose lies in philosophy, and she only rests from musing over existence and the infinite to play Freecell and eat cinnamon buns.
Jeremy Civiero is a self-taught musician, DJ and audio engineer who takes every opportunity to collaborate with various musicians around Toronto and the GTA. He is currently working on a collaborative project inspired by 70’s and 80’s techno, traditional Southeast Asian music / mythology and more.
Since graduating from sociology at the University of Western Ontario in 2005, Jeremy has gained political communications experience working as political staff to a Member of Provincial Parliament. “I am excited to contribute to the STEPS Initiative, to learn about artists from all over Canada and expand my artistic horizons!"
Maureen Conley is a graduate of the University of Toronto's Departments of Anthropology & History of Fine Arts and has worked and volunteered across the publishing, social services, and arts sectors. She values the arts for their ability to transform physical and psychological spaces, and she appreciates the STEPS Initiative for exploring the social impact on the Canadian urban landscape.
In her spare time Maureen is a free spirit who enjoys theatre, language study, history, psychology, Canadian culture and world culture. She loves volunteer roles that focus on helping others overcome barriers. Incongruously, she is owned by a cat with no sense at all of social justice. Maureen assisted with implementing STEPS' ARTivism consultation. Geoff Cross was immediately drawn to the STEPS Initiative, which is in line with his previous artistic and community activism experience. Geoff is interested in community activism, academic philosophy, cycling, food, and music. He assisted in implementing STEPS' ARTivism consultation and has recently begun an MA in Dispute Resolution at the University of Victoria. Choleena DiTullio is an artist and freelance marketer living in Ottawa, Ontario. She has 16 years experience in the world of advertising, much of which she’s spent as an entrepreneur. Her work has earned her Gold and Silver medals at the Summit International Awards, a premier arbiter of creative excellence in design and advertising. Having achieved her marketing career aspirations, she’s now able to devote much of her day to developing her art career as well as volunteering for arts foundations close to her heart such as the National Gallery of Canada. She holds an honors bachelor degree in fine arts from Mount Allison University. The STEPS Initiative caught her eye because its vision for creative and inspiring city spaces perfectly aligns with her own belief that art should be pervasive; in every part of every day.
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Jayvin Duong currently is a student at Sheridan College enrolled in the Computer System Technology Software Development and Network Engineering Co-op program. Primarily, he is an experienced website designer and developer for more than 3 years and counting. Programming has and always will be his strength throughout his years as a student.
In his spare time Jayvin enjoys web design, photography, and finally studying more about Object Orientated Programming.
Alanna Goldstein is currently completing her MA in Communication and Culture at Ryerson University. Her research interests include gender identity and sexuality studies, new media technology and its impact on the social world, and popular cultural representations of just about everything, and with this general lack of focus, she expects to be in academia for a long time. She is however, both personally and professionally interested in the important role that public spaces play in creating a dynamic and involved civic society, and in exploring the links between physical environments and social/mental health. She is a true "culture vulture" who makes the most of Toronto's many festivals and cultural events, and she would like to see Toronto continue to mature and evolve into the true world-class destination it has the potential to be, with art as a focus rather than an afterthought.
Alix Freiler
is a recent graduate of the Master of Urban Studies program at Simon
Fraser University in Vancouver. A Toronto native, she returned to the
city in 2010 with a desire to learn more about her research topics:
building inclusive cities and supporting accessible public spaces. She
has worked on various research projects related to the social
determinants of health, and inclusive transportation policies, and
remains fascinated by the interconnected policies and programs required
to run a healthy city. She decided to become involved with the STEPS
Initiative in order to stay connected with public spaces issues across
the country, and to learn more about the role art plays in keeping them
vibrant. Alix believes that cities hold a place for everyone, from
artists to seniors to families. She assisted in the development of STEPS 'Public Space ARTivism Manualfesto'.
Barbara Hahn lives in Ottawa where she is employed as a health policy analyst for the Federal government. On some weekends she works as a physiotherapist at a local hospital. Barbara has earned a Physiotherapy degree from the University of Ottawa, and a Master's degree in Medical Anthropology from the University of Amsterdam.
During her graduate studies, she explored topics such as health, gender, aging, and caregiving. She also developed a keen interest in qualitative research, which she brings to the STEPS team. When Barbara is not working, she is usually in some far-flung location, or else dreaming of her next trip. She also enjoys reading, attending local festivals, rollerblading, and playing with her dog in the city's parks. Barbara assisted in the implementation of STEPS' ARTivism consultation.
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Faiza Hassan, after completing a degree in Health Sciences, was inspired to couple her passion for health with her intrigue of the human mind and pursue a second Major in Psychology. Having worked in the field of community health and development over the past six years, she has always been inspired by how art and culture can transform the perceptions of life in communities. Faiza has a special interest in working with marginalized groups, whether it be ethno-cultural minorities, immigrants and refugees or demographics facing socio-economic barriers. She believes that so often the potential that art has in redefining the public places many of these populations reside, is underestimated and hopes to help shed some light on these gems of efforts in through her involvement in the STEPS Initiative. Upon completing her degree in Psychology, Faiza hopes to pursue graduate studies in Public Health and Law, working on developing grassroots health policies both locally and globally. She assisted in the implementation of STEPS' ARTivism consultation.
Chris Higgins is a recent graduate of the Public Policy and Administration MA program at McMaster University with a specialization in urban public policy and local government. An active scholar of all things urban, he spent the years prior to his graduate studies based in Hong Kong, working, travelling and experiencing first-hand the exploding development of China and southeast- Asia. Chris' lifelong love of cities, art and music has led to many projects both at home and abroad. He assisted in the implementation of STEPS' ARTivism consultation. Stephanie Jackson is an instructor, group facilitator and promoter of second language programs in Canada and abroad. She completed her B.A. in French language and literature at the University of Guelph and received her International MBA from the Weller International Business School in Paris, France. She focused on Social Entrepreneurship and Fair Trade Business models.
Her areas of research include: Sustainable Development, Fair and Alternative Trade, Social Entrepreneurship, Micro-Finance, Capacity Building, Empowerment and Community Development. She has been involved in many projects and start ups in the education and non-for-profit sector in the following areas: youth empowerment; abuse prevention; cross-cultural dialogue; teacher, leadership, and small business training programs; and the importation of Fair Trade products to Canada.
Coreen Jones is currently enrolled in the Master’s of Environmental Studies Program at York University in Toronto where she is studying the relationships between environmental education, environmental justice and community engagement. She is interested in yoga, cooking and baking whole foods, gardening, and music.
The STEPS project is of interest to her because of her involvement in environmental activism in Toronto. She also loves to work on creative projects and enjoys being involved with and observing community art that is focused on progressive social and environmental change. Through STEPS she is excited to learn more about what is happening in Canada!
Shannon Kaloczi is currently an undergraduate student at Ryerson University in the Urban and Regional Planning program. As soon as she heard about the STEPS Initiative she became interested in the organization and the projects that they take on. She believes that community engagement is extremely important in the functioning of neighbourhoods and cities as a whole. She enjoys learning about and exploring the city, discovering public art projects, spending time outdoors, research, listening to music or indulging in a good book. Some of her other interests include community development, food-security, and social justice.
Geoff Keeble, a Toronto native, is a fourth year undergraduate student in the Urban Studies program at the University of Toronto, with an interest in architecture and design. In his spare time, Geoff enjoys biking, reading, traveling, cooking, and playing the saxophone.
Jason Kelly is a recent communications graduate from McMaster University, interested in the arts and the role they play within society. From Burlington Ontario, Jason enjoys playing guitar, volunteering and working out when not dealing with the ups and downs of life. Other volunteer opportunities that he is involved in include Habitat for Humanity and CFMU 93.3FM, the McMaster University radio station, where he’s hosted his own radio show The Upbeat. Jason assisted in the implementation of STEPS' ARTivism consultation.
Top Jennifer Lee is currently studying graphic design as a student of the York/Sheridan Joint Design program. Jennifer has been interested in this field since high school and has shown her passion not only for graphic design but for all the fine arts by volunteering in numerous art-related groups both within and outside of school. Some of her interests include drawing, fashion design, and Japanese culture. As an active member of the community, Jennifer hopes to be able to offer her knowledge in the field of design to help others in various ways.
Joe Lent is in the Human Geography department at the University of British Columbia. He has an interest in socio-political geography as it relates to urban issues and social justice, as well as how the expression of art and language can develop community capacity and provide practical insight/solutions for, development. Joe keeps himself occupied by thinking about ethnomusicology, the geography of music, and the human-environment interface within soundscapes keeps me more than occupied. He also enjoys creating and playing music with a diverse array of people and sounds.
John Li was born in mainland China and immigrated to Toronto when he was eight years old. He currently studies at the University of Waterloo in the Math/Chartered Accountancy program. As a motivated student, he believes that working with the STEPS Initiative is a great opportunity to develop many useful skills. In his spare time, John enjoys reading, writing stories, and indulging in classic movies.
Rebecca MacDonald : As a kid Rebecca’s family’s motto was “on the road again,” since they moved so frequently. That instilled in her a wanderlust and curiosity which has lead her to travel the world, live in five provinces and try her hand at three different careers, from teaching, to law, to the federal civil service. After living for several years in Newfoundland and living for a year in the UK, she is back in the city that feels most like a hometown, Montreal. Rebecca assisted in the implementation of STEPS' ARTivism consultation.
Jordana Masi is currently studying Urban and Regional Planning at Ryerson University, and hopes to have a future in International Development and community-based planning. She believes in a grassroots approach to planning, focusing on community participation to bridge the gaps within society. She aims to help those who are often marginalized in society to be actors and participators in their communities. Jordana's love for music, art, design, and nature has brought her to the STEPS initiative in hopes of expanding her knowledge on how art is used to strengthen the relationship between people and their environments. She lives her life under the morals of respecting people, animals, and the environment.
Anais Mathez is currently completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Systems and Environment at McGill University in Montreal. Growing up in New York and becoming an avid traveler at a young age lead to a natural curiosity about the kinds of physical and social spaces we live in. Academic interests include environmental policy and planning, urban renewal and design, and geography, and she explored the importance of a sense of place and the dynamic relationship between community, art, and the built environment through her work with STEPS. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, cycling, and sailing in the open sea. Anais assisted in the implementation of STEPS' ARTivism consultation.
Katie McCarthy, raised on a farm in rural Ontario, is currently in her third year of Environment and Resource Studies at the University of Waterloo. Her primary academic interests are geared towards community sustainability, social water issues, and peace and conflict studies. She is especially interested in being associated with an organization that aims to promote community engagement in urban areas. Vibrant public spaces are essential for urban sustainability and Katie hopes to become better acquainted with initiatives that are transforming these spaces.
Jeff McIntosh is a sociology graduate from York University. His academic interests include urban sociology, critical criminology and social justice. He assisted in the implementation of STEPS' ARTivism consultation. Katherine Mitchell is thrilled to lend her editing expertise to the STEPS Initiative, which intersects with some of her lifelong passions: art, writing, and learning about diverse cultures and communities. She recently completed her MA at the University of Toronto in Anthropology and Asia-Pacific Studies. While working on her degree, she served as Publications Editor for the Asia-Pacific Reader and created the inaugural issue of its annual student journal, Passages. This experience solidified her love of editing, which she is now pursuing as a career through Ryerson University's Publishing Program and a range of freelance assignments.
Sarah Moon, originally from Manitoulin Island, moved to Toronto where she studied Ancient Near Eastern History and Archaeology. After succumbing to the lure of academia and a strong wanderlust, she completed her MA in museum studies at the University of Sydney. When Sarah moved back to Canada, she made her way out west and has not looked back since. She is particularly interested in using public space to promote community access to art and other forms of material culture. Sarah assisted in the implementation of STEPS' ARTivism consultation.
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Ami Moore is a recent graduate from Sheridan college. She is passionate about both illustration and design.
Erkin Ozberk is completing graduate studies in urban planning at York University. His research focuses on planning for public space in the context of ongoing urban intensification in Canada and the US. Working with the STEPS Initiative will help him explore the potential of art and creative expression in public spaces for community building and public engagement. Outside of the classroom, Erkin plants trees in Toronto's green public spaces with the nonprofit LEAF and blogs about urbanism and planning.
Vidya Persad is currently working full time as a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. The unit, which is currently situated in Women’s College Hospital, specializes in caring for premature babies. Prior to working as a nurse Vidya completed two Bachelors degrees at the University of Toronto, one in science and the other in nursing. Some of her other work experiences include working as a personal support worker at Bloorview Kids Rehab, and as a classroom assistant in the Conductive Education Department at the March of Dimes. She is interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health, with a focus on Global Public Health or Environmental issues. Vidya got involved with STEPS because of the organization's community based approach to creating supportive and healthy environments overlap with the ideals of the public health field. Some of her interests include traveling dance, yoga and reading. Vidya assisted in the implementation of STEPS' ARTivism consultation.
Crislana Rafael is currently in her second year at Dalhousie University, in Halifax, studying Neuroscience and Political Science. She decided to get involved with STEPS because of its potential to raise awareness of public space issues. Crislana’s favorite pastimes include hiking, biking, music and writing.
Narmadha Rajakumar, originally from Vancouver, has been studying in Toronto for the last few years and recently completed her undergraduate studies in Architecture and Urban Studies at the University of Toronto. She is now pursuing her MSc in Planning at the University of Toronto and has interests in place-making, community development, as well as sustainable transportation systems and policy. These interests are what led her to STEPS and she is excited to work with artists and activists who have successfully engaged their communities and made a difference.
Eunah Rha is currently studying Health Sciences and Psychology at McMaster University. She became interested in the STEPS Initiative because she believes the project will help create a positive environment for people and wanted to be a part of the process. Eunah loves inquiring, listening to new stories, and has a passion for helping others.
Sarah Somerton has spent over four years conducting psychological and social research with various labs and organizations. She
investigated children’s literacy during her undergraduate degree which
ignited her interest in developmental psychology. She went on to
complete a dissertation in the field of atypical adolescent behaviour in her final year of undergraduate studies.
Upon
graduation, Sarah spent time working with the research team at a
province-wide prevention/intervention program for disadvantaged
children and became particularly concerned with youth crime and the
treatment of teens in society. In order to fortify her understanding of
this issue, Sarah chose to pursue a social policy MSc with a
specialization in criminal justice policy at the London School of
Economics and Political Science (LSE). That experience has led her
here: community programming. Sarah is enthusiastic about the concept of
accessible, shared, community-sustained public space and the potential
impact it can have on youth and on the wider community.
Erica Suh is completing her Master in Public Health at the University of Toronto. Her major academic interests are in global health, environmental social justice and gender equity - addressing them through a social class and political economy lens. She is especially compelled by the power of art to build community and solidarity, and is interested in ARTivism to reclaim public space and to challenge hierarchical structures. In her personal life, she enjoys photography, sketching and writing, but embraces all facets of the arts - she would be lost without her music. Art is a pillar of society; without it, we’d crumble.
Melissa Tan is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto, where she studied Sociology, Urban Studies, and Book and Media Studies. She discovered her interest in cities and their development after taking an introductory urbanization course with inspirational professors. It is her dream to be able to work with the STEPS Initiative and be exposed to many talented individuals who successfully fuse artistic endeavours with community development, civic engagement, and the transformation of public spaces. In her spare time, soccer is on Melissa's mind: she enjoys playing the game, writing about it, and watching international and club (Women's Professional Soccer –WPS) play. Melissa also like sampling various iced teas as if they were fine wine.
Helen Thang is a graduate of the Master in Environmental Studies program at York University. As a researcher, she is interested in community development, environmental education and the promotion of urban sustainability. Through her involvement with the York Institute for Health Research, she has supported academic projects addressing issues of urban governance, health equity, housing policy and homelessness. As a member of the STEPS Initiative, Helen is looking forward to gaining further experience in the use of arts-based research methodologies for civic engagement.
Rossana Tudo was born, raised, and lives in Toronto. Somewhere in between, she spent four years studying International Development at McGill University where she befriended bookish types who liked to draw maps, play Sim City, and discuss the details of sidewalk stamps and street signs. Soon after, she cultivated her own geekiness and fascination with urban issues and minutiae.
Getting formally involved in public space advocacy was the easiest decision she has ever made. Rossana brings to the STEPS team an extensive background of working on youth initiatives, including researching youth political mobilization and facilitating feminist and peacekeeping workshops for young people. Currently, she works at Free the Children, a youth empowerment organization based in Toronto. When she is not work, you can find her on a roof when it’s hot or in a cafe when it’s cold.
Pietnernella van der Wind is from the Netherlands and came to Canada last September. She completed two degrees in American Studies at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and recently completed an MA in History at McMaster University. While her studies have focused on environmental history as well as minority history, she has a personal interest in the different uses of public space and art and enjoys endlessly comparing Canada and the Netherlands in this respect (and many others). In her spare time Pieternella watches movies, reads, does gymnastics and volunteers at an organization that assists recent immigrants and refugees in establishing themselves in Canada. Pieternella assisted in the implementation of STEPS' ARTivism consultation. Agatha Wong was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and is currently completing an undergraduate degree in French-English translation at Glendon College, York University. She enjoys reading, writing and sewing in her spare time and has a passion for travelling and learning about different cultures. She was drawn to STEPS because of its emphasis on community involvement and is glad to be apart of the research team. Agatha assisted in the implementation of STEPS' ARTivism consultation.
Stephanie R. Wong is completing her Honours Bachelors of Arts at the University of Toronto, with a minor in Urban Studies. Stephanie has had professional experience as a Legal Research Assistant at Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG), and as a Junior Policy Analyst on the climate change task force at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). Her experiences with STEPS will only enhance the research, analytical and organisational skills she has developed from her past experiences. Her lifelong pursuit of art led her to STEPS, which aims to promote sustainable and community-based public spaces through art. Stephanie plans to continue in the urban planning field with the pursuit of a Masters Degree in Urban Development at Ryerson University.
Alice Xian is studying graphic design at the Ontario College of Art & Design. Over the past few years she has been involved actively with community events, such as multicultural festivals, outdoor exhibitions, and interactive programs. She is currently a volunteer with the Art Gallery of Mississauga, and a graphic designer with the YMCA Greater Toronto. Alice is experienced in two-dimensional design, photography, and videography, all of which she brings to STEPS. Her dream is to become a designer who can change the world.
Cliff Hongyue Zhang is currently studying Web Development at the post graduate level at Humber College. He graduated from a Chinese university with a major in Electromechanics. Prior to coming to Canada, he worked in both the manufacturing and IT industries. For the past nine years, he has primarily coded using AS/400, but believes that programming is more about understanding the logic of process than the specific language you create it with. While Cliff has only recently returned to school, his appearance hasn’t changed too much since he graduated from university, except that he's put on a few pounds (causing some of his suits to undergo selective shrinkage around the waist). Cliff takes a great interest in history and literature. In his spare time, Cliff is an active swimmer, hiker and photographer.
Katie Zulak has been a globe-trotter for the past five years, a venture which includes studying and volunteering East Africa, working in HIV/AIDS activism in the Caribbean, teaching English in South Korea, and completing her MA in Anthropology of Development and Social Transformation in the UK. These experiences have fostered in Katie a belief in the importance of building strong communities for social change and development. She is particularly interested in learning more about art-based community engagement, and did so through her involvement with STEPS Initiative. Katie assisted in the implementation of STEPS' ARTivism consultation. |
