The Yonge + St. Clair Business Improvement Area (BIA) represents 450+ businesses and 90+ property owners in the Yonge + St. Clair community in midtown Toronto, Ontario. The BIA strengthens the economic health and livability of the neighbourhood through strategic investments in the public realm, exciting cultural programming, brand awareness and advocacy on behalf of members.The Yonge + St. Clair BIA aims to be a local economic growth accelerator that attracts new businesses, grows… Show more The Yonge + St. Clair Business Improvement Area (BIA) represents 450+ businesses and 90+ property owners in the Yonge + St. Clair community in midtown Toronto, Ontario. The BIA strengthens the economic health and livability of the neighbourhood through strategic investments in the public realm, exciting cultural programming, brand awareness and advocacy on behalf of members.The Yonge + St. Clair BIA aims to be a local economic growth accelerator that attracts new businesses, grows existing businesses, creates an enjoyable public realm experience and generates visitor demand. Show less

Responsible for implementing the Business Improvement Area (BIA)'s new strategic plan, leading the proposed streetscape projects and managing several key projects related to the Eglinton LRT Crosstown construction.

Responsible for leading the development and implementation of public engagement, communications, issues and reputation management for Waterfront Toronto and the Sidewalk Toronto project. Promoting public and stakeholder awareness, understanding, engagement and support for waterfront revitalization. Advocates on behalf of diverse communities to ensure well-designed and vibrant neighbourhoods. Sidewalk Toronto is a joint effort by Waterfront Toronto and Alphabet’s Sidewalk Labs to… Show more Responsible for leading the development and implementation of public engagement, communications, issues and reputation management for Waterfront Toronto and the Sidewalk Toronto project. Promoting public and stakeholder awareness, understanding, engagement and support for waterfront revitalization. Advocates on behalf of diverse communities to ensure well-designed and vibrant neighbourhoods. Sidewalk Toronto is a joint effort by Waterfront Toronto and Alphabet’s Sidewalk Labs to create a new kind of mixed-use, complete community on Toronto’s Eastern Waterfront. Show less

Youth Collaboration Program / Job Central Programs - providing employment planning, preparation and Job Development services for youth 15-30 years old. Building partnerships with employers across the Toronto Region to create placement opportunities and work experiences for youth.

Partnering with the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade, the Grassroots Growth project aims to build capacity amongst volunteer-run organization in Ontario to manage volunteers effectively, through provision of tailored workshops, resources and mentoring. I am lead the engagement with 200+ organizations designing workshops, testing training materials, and increasing the capacity of grassroots groups across Ontario.

Born in Manila, Philippines and raised in Cooksville, Mississauga, Louroz Mercader is a veteran community activist and outspoken youth advocate.As Founder and President of the Mississauga Youth Games, he is a passionate city builder who can bridge the worlds of business, community and government together.Louroz invests time and works with a diversity of people and organizations to make Ward 7 stronger.Louroz Mercader placed second with 3,788 votes (33.84 per cent. He… Show more Born in Manila, Philippines and raised in Cooksville, Mississauga, Louroz Mercader is a veteran community activist and outspoken youth advocate.As Founder and President of the Mississauga Youth Games, he is a passionate city builder who can bridge the worlds of business, community and government together.Louroz invests time and works with a diversity of people and organizations to make Ward 7 stronger.Louroz Mercader placed second with 3,788 votes (33.84 per cent. He plans to run again in the 2014 Municipal Elections. Show less

Working with business leaders, youth, community leaders, service providers and governments across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area: • Identified opportunities to create jobs, internships, mentoring, and entrepreneurship for youth (ages 15-24) faced with multiple barriers to employment; • Strengthened alignment among business leaders and youth serving agencies in the Greater Toronto; and Hamilton Area on a regional strategy and key interventions; • Provided… Show more Working with business leaders, youth, community leaders, service providers and governments across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area: • Identified opportunities to create jobs, internships, mentoring, and entrepreneurship for youth (ages 15-24) faced with multiple barriers to employment; • Strengthened alignment among business leaders and youth serving agencies in the Greater Toronto; and Hamilton Area on a regional strategy and key interventions; • Provided input on policy considerations and strategies related to Ontario’s Youth Action Plan and the Private Sector Jobs & Mentorship Initiative. Project Management • Oversaw aspects of the project from development to implementation • Managed partnerships with organizations and individuals Engagement • Identified and liaise with key stakeholders, volunteers and project partners • Developed a strategic approach and partnership strategy for engaging youth • Recruited and engaged a leadership group consisting of rising and senior leaders and other key stakeholders Communications • Managed drafting and production of communications materials • Drafted reports to funders and partners Forums and Consultations • Organized and led meetings, forums and consultations with key stakeholders to: o Identify and prioritize high-impact opportunities for employment, mentorship, internship and entrepreneurship o Provided policy considerations and required coordination for government and private sector organizations Show less

Every year over 200 young people from across the city of Mississauga compete in this multi-sport Olympic inspired event. The results from all the different sports competitions are added together and the winning teams are awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.MY Games was inaugurated in 2006 with a grant from the Province of Ontario’s – Community In Action Fund, in partnership with MPP Peter Fonseca’s Office and Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre. Now entering its 8th year, MY Games seeks… Show more Every year over 200 young people from across the city of Mississauga compete in this multi-sport Olympic inspired event. The results from all the different sports competitions are added together and the winning teams are awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.MY Games was inaugurated in 2006 with a grant from the Province of Ontario’s – Community In Action Fund, in partnership with MPP Peter Fonseca’s Office and Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre. Now entering its 8th year, MY Games seeks to create an inspirational and motivational setting that encourages more young people to take part and succeed in sport and art.MY Games is a non-profit community athletic organization responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging the annual Mississauga Youth Games.- Developed partnerships, initiatives and programs with government, community groups and corporate sector. - Managed budget, secured sponsorships and processed funding applications: - Secured $157,000 in grants and cash sponsorship, in addition to $25,000 worth of in-kind products/services. - Oversaw and steered the work of a core team of 5 staff members, 5 student interns and 80 volunteers to ensure development plans were implemented and programming delivered to 300 young participants annually. Show less

The symposium is a one-day event planned, organized and delivered by youth for youth, with the support of concerned adults and organizations in the Region of Peel.Involving youth 15 to 25 who live in the Region of Peel (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon), the goal of this event is to increase youth’s awareness of the need for sustainable development within our community, and elsewhere on the planet.In recognition of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development UN… Show more The symposium is a one-day event planned, organized and delivered by youth for youth, with the support of concerned adults and organizations in the Region of Peel.Involving youth 15 to 25 who live in the Region of Peel (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon), the goal of this event is to increase youth’s awareness of the need for sustainable development within our community, and elsewhere on the planet.In recognition of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development UN Millennium Development Goals, this event is aimed at unleashing the power, energy and optimism of youth in the service of our community and our planet- Responsible for developing and executing annual symposium program - Solicited sponsorship and in-kind products from local businesses. - Built registration system, including building and managing participant database. - Developed strategic marketing and communications activities. - Built support and created new partnerships with community agencies, schools and municipalities. Show less

Peter Fonseca was elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. Fonseca was Ontario's Minister of Labour from 2008 to 2010. He previously served as Minister of Tourism and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Health Promotion.- Assisted with sponsorship letters, invitations and event logistics for fundraising events. - Established close working relationships with community stakeholders notably the sports and education sectors. -… Show more Peter Fonseca was elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. Fonseca was Ontario's Minister of Labour from 2008 to 2010. He previously served as Minister of Tourism and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Health Promotion.- Assisted with sponsorship letters, invitations and event logistics for fundraising events. - Established close working relationships with community stakeholders notably the sports and education sectors. - Responsible for semi annual newsletter to 19,000 households and businesses. - Organized various large-scale community events. - Coordinated staff and volunteers for annual mobile tent events team. Show less