CivicAction DiverseCity Fellows Program 2025

CivicAction’s DiverseCity Fellows program is a respected year-long experience for leaders from diverse communities and backgrounds across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) who have demonstrated experience in civic change-making and are looking to amplify their leadership skills, grow their network, explore social issues, and drive positive change in their communities.

Over the course of the program year, approximately 25 chosen applicants, or Fellows, will use self-assessment tools and personalized leadership development plans, and participate in skills-building sessions to develop key leadership competencies, strengthen cross-sectoral connections, and drive tangible change. Upon program completion, participants will join a powerful network comprised of hundreds of DiverseCity Fellows alumni, mentors, and city-builders from across the region.

Program Objectives

CivicAction is committed to boosting civic engagement and building better, more inclusive cities. As one of CivicAction’s flagship initiatives, the DiverseCity Fellows program supports this mandate by:

• Providing a free, high-impact, and inclusive learning experience for high-potential civic-minded leaders wanting to build key leadership competencies, strengthen cross-sectoral connections, and drive tangible change.
• Accelerating the leadership trajectories of diverse leaders and providing pathways to civic-leadership opportunities, with an emphasis on equity-deserving communities.
• Building a diverse pipeline of civically engaged leaders ready to take their place at leadership tables across the GTHA.

Benefits of DiverseCity Fellows

With a focus on building the leadership capacity of their region, this free year-long program provides approximately 25 of their region’s up-and-coming leaders with:

• Curated knowledge building and skills development learning sessions focused on civic collaboration and building individual and group leadership skills.
• Increased awareness and understanding of city-building issues and community impact.
• Access to one-on-one professional coaching support, in-depth self-assessments, and a personalized leadership development plan.
• Mentorship by diverse established leaders who can help accelerate your leadership trajectory.

Upon completion of the program, DiverseCity Fellows will have gained:

• Enhanced leadership competencies and an expanded leadership toolkit.
• A deeper understanding of personal leadership styles and opportunities to lead more inclusively.
• Stronger cross-sectoral connections and an increased capacity to work and lead from a cross-sectoral mindset.

Access to a network of over 300 DiverseCity Fellows Alumni who are working to improve the GTHA.

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Eligibility for DiverseCity Fellows

Open to:

• Civic-minded leaders in the early-to-mid stages of their careers, spanning various industries and sectors, who are committed to making our region a more inclusive and better place to live and work.
• Individuals from all ethno-cultural backgrounds, religions, genders, abilities, and political viewpoints from across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, especially those from underrepresented communities.
• Individuals with a demonstrated history of leadership in their communities / sector (professional and/or volunteer).
• Creative problem-solvers who are collaborative, empathetic, inclusive, and results-oriented.

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Application

Complete the online application form and ensure that you upload the following documents in PDF format at the end:

• 2-page resume/CV
• 1 Recommendation Form completed by your current or previous employer*
• 1 Recommendation Form completed by your personal reference.

*If you are self-employed or unemployed, both Recommendation Forms can be completed by a personal reference.

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