One of the defining milestones in my career was deciding to pursue urban planning after completing my undergraduate degree in architecture. I was drawn to the broader challenge of understanding how policy, planning decisions, and the built environment influence people’s daily lives. Throughout my time at Urban Strategies, I’ve been fortunate to lead major redevelopment projects, including the District Plans for Taxiway West and Arbo Phase 2 at Downsview, helping advance one of Canada’s largest urban regeneration projects. I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to affordable and supportive housing projects with organizations like Indwell and Covenant House. Some of the most meaningful moments in my career have come through mentoring youth and emerging planners. Supporting others as they discover urban planning and its potential to shape communities, and helping young people navigate their careers and find their own path in the profession, has been a rewarding experience. Helping foster a more inclusive and supportive industry continues to shape the kind of leader I aspire to be.
Melanie Hare – Melanie has shown me the power of leading with empathy and approaching challenges with genuine curiosity. Watching her lead has taught me that the best outcomes come from listening, asking thoughtful questions, and bringing people together around a shared vision. She has shown me that strong leadership isn’t just about expertise. It’s also about empowering others, building trust, and being open to learning every day.
erin June 30th, 2026
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In 2015, being appointed inagural Associate Dean for Graduate and Postdoctoral stuides at the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS) and the very first woman in any of the upper academic administration positions at FEAS since its existance. In 2022 being promoted to Full Professor. In 2007 being the first female faculty member to win Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada Discovery Grant at the Department of Architectural Science. In 2004 being hired as an Assictant Professor at TMU (then Ryerson University). In 1995 immigrating to Canada as a young architect.
I did not have one specific mentor in the traditional sense. Instead, I have been fortunate to learn from many people throughout my academic and professional journey: some who inspired me through their generosity, integrity, courage, and vision, and others who taught me, indirectly, what kind of leader, colleague, or mentor I did not want to become. Both kinds of lessons have been valuable. I think this happened partly because my career path has crossed disciplines, institutions, countries, and professional cultures. In those spaces, mentorship was not always formal or clearly defined. I often had to observe carefully, learn by doing, and draw lessons from the people and situations around me. Some individuals showed me the power of opening doors for others, sharing knowledge generously, and leading with both confidence and humility. Others showed me how damaging it can be when people use authority without care, fail to listen, or forget the human dimension of academic and professional life. Both kinds of lessons have stayed with me. They taught me that mentorship is not only about giving advice; it is also about creating conditions in which others can grow, feel seen, and develop confidence in their own abilities. Over time, I learned the importance of listening carefully, acting with fairness, making room for others, and using whatever influence we have to support people who may not always know how to advocate for themselves.
erin June 30th, 2026
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Over a period of more than 25 years, my career has been shaped by both private practice and in-house leadership roles at the forefront of commercial real estate and infrastructure development. After building a broad-based real estate practice, I served as lead real estate counsel at Metrolinx, where I played a key role in advancing some of Canada’s largest infrastructure projects—overseeing hundreds of acquisitions and expropriations and working closely with public-sector partners on transformative transit initiatives. Returning to private practice has been another significant milestone, where I now lead complex, high-impact transactions across a wide range of asset classes. Drawing on my combined experience, I am proud to be recognized as a trusted advisor who delivers practical, solutions-oriented guidance and contributes to projects that meaningfully shape and strengthen communities.
A significant influence in my career has been a seasoned real estate lawyer, who served as both a mentor and a sponsor at a formative stage of my development. Beyond providing guidance on the technical aspects of practice, she actively created opportunities for me to take on meaningful work, advocated for my advancement, and helped me build confidence in my voice at the table. Her investment in my growth had a lasting impact on my career trajectory and shaped my perspective on the importance of inclusion and representation in leadership. I have been very fortunate to work alongside a number of exceptional senior partners at my current firm who continue to influence my development. Through their leadership and example, they have reinforced the value of collaboration, sound judgment, and supporting others on the team. Collectively, these experiences have underscored for me the critical role of both mentorship and sponsorship. They have inspired my commitment to fostering inclusive environments and to actively mentoring and sponsoring the next generation of diverse talent.
erin June 30th, 2026
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Abi Bond. Understood the importance of building influence at all levels of an organization. She helped people care about the advancement of affordable housing from the most junior to seasoned leaders by staying connected and inspiring staff. Gregg Lintern – Demonstrated the power of vulnerability as a leader. Showed that he cared about his work and the people around him. He blended the ability to be confident, while also being humble, open and curious.
erin June 30th, 2026
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Pina Mallozzi is the Senior Vice President, Design at Waterfront Toronto. For 20 years, Pina has worked closely with consultant teams and community stakeholders to ensure that Waterfront Toronto’s vision for vibrant, accessible and well-designed communities and public spaces is realized. She is responsible for the design of a large portfolio of projects, including the revitalization of Queens Quay West, Biidaasige Park, Waterfront East Transit and other parks and public spaces emerging on the waterfront. She led the development of Waterfront Toronto’s first Waterfront Accessibility Design Guidelines and the formation of the first Waterfront Accessibility Advisory Committee.
I have been fortunate to work along side a number of strong, smart, hardworking women throughout my career, both in earlier roles and at Waterfront Toronto. Their example showed me that effective leadership is defined by the ability to pair clarity and ambition with empathy, sound judgment, and collaboration. From them, I learned how to navigate complexity with resilience, and foster a team environment where people feel trusted, supported, and motivated to contribute at a high level. I have also had the opportunity to work alongside many visionary designers who profoundly shaped my understanding of design leadership and city building. From them, I learned that transformative work starts with a bold and compelling vision, but succeeds only through rigour, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. To paraphrase Claude Cormier, I believe city building should be “Serious Fun” — grounded in discipline, yet also imaginative, memorable, and evoking joy.
erin June 30th, 2026
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Major milestones in my career include: 1. Completing my first architecture – a 420 SF desert shelter dwelling in Scottsdale Arizona. It was published in Wallpaper Magazine, I was still a graduate student and I remember being over the moon seeing my work in print for the first time. 2. My early professional experiences working in Europe as an architectural intern in Germany and The Netherlands. 3. My first experience being part of an architectural project from the early competition phase, through design, documentation, construction and handover to our very happy client. The project received multiple awards. It’s still looking incredible 15 years later. I took my kids to see it recently and they also gave it a thumbs up. 4. Having my artwork, The Hydrological Map of Canada, published as a full page spread in the Globe and Mail. 5. My annual contributions to DesignTO festival as an event organizer from 2010-2015. I created a venue for more than 70 new works by Canadian designers to be debuted. 6. Being invited to exhibit at Milan Design Week, and seeing that work years later produced by a reputable Danish Design company. 7. The first time a client came back for return business. It happened naturally and was a real ‘aha moment’ for me. 8. Walking on stage to receive a project award as the lead designer. What a yes feeling!
Annie Bergeron is an incredibly talented interior designer and master story teller. I had the pleasure of having Annie as a colleague and mentor for 7 years. Annie helped me grow my presentation skills by showing me how to combine personal experience with research to craft a compelling speech. Annie also taught me an important lesson about getting peer critique and feedback – that it’s up to me to decide what I want to do with feedback. She showed me that strong leaders are not people pleasers, and the nuances between being stubborn and radiating confidence.
Alexander Fernández is an incredible architect brimming with creativity and expertise that he generously shares with everyone in his circle. I had the pleasure of working with him for a couple of years and being mentored by him. Alex showed me that the highest level of mentorship is when you share your expertise, make space for people, advocate for people, give someone trust, and create a stage for them to be in the spotlight.
erin June 30th, 2026
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I don’t believe there was a single defining moment or milestone that shaped my career journey. Instead, I see every experience as an opportunity to learn, grow, and build on past achievements. Throughout my career in both the private and public sectors, I’ve had the opportunity to continuously expand my skills by taking on new challenges and exciting opportunities, each contributing to my development as a professional and as an individual. As a consultant, I worked on a variety of impactful projects across the country, and as a public servant, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to one of the most exciting city-building initiatives—helping to transform and shape a new downtown.
At the start of my career as a consultant, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Peter Homenuck, who played a significant role in shaping my professional foundation. He emphasized the importance of building strong relationships and fostering positive working partnerships. During this early stage in my career, I learned a great deal from him that continues to influence who I am today. He consistently encouraged me to take a balanced approach to problem-solving—reminding me that no idea is ever wrong and that there is rarely only one answer.
erin June 30th, 2026
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Early in my career, I developed expertise in land use and environmental planning through roles with MMM Group, CH2M Hill, and WeirFoulds. This experience provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the planning process. In 2015, I joined WSP, where I developed my commitment to mentorship and people leadership. Over the past 11 years, I have continued to expand my responsibilities and grow as both a people and business leader.
My parents have had a profound influence on me. They instilled in me the values of hard work, sacrifice and empathy, while offering unwavering encouragement at every stage of my life. I strive to apply those lessons meaningfully each day.
erin June 29th, 2026
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Led the development of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations Framework Plan, a 20 to 30 year land use and investment vision adopted by Huu-ay-aht Council in April 2025, and is delivering the housing, tourism, and hospitality projects that flow from it – At Forum, established and built the student housing development team and pipeline from the ground up, delivering approximately 1,000 beds to completion, with a further 2,500 under construction and 9,500 in the pipeline across eight development projects – Led the development of Quad 3 at York University, an 841-bed student residence and the first project to break ground under Ontario’s Bill 185 expedited planning process for student housing – Led the development of 100 Lombard Street in Toronto, securing a neighbourhood-defining 72-storey approval residential tower – Authored CAPREIT’s nationwide portfolio review, identifying over $3 billion in potential new value and more than 28,000 net new units across the REIT’s holdings, and led its Irish portfolio review, securing approval on all five development applications submitted for $35 million in net new asset value – Founded DAG Development Management, her own development advisory practice, providing development management services to clients including Forum before joining the firm – Wrote the master plan and zoning by-law amendment for Durham Live while at planningAlliance, the entertainment and casino district in Pickering, and supported the Ontario Gaming Commission application – Chaired the BILD Durham Region Golf Committee for over 10 years, raising more than $500,000 for the United Way and earning the Durham Region United Way Above and Beyond Award in 2019.
Bryce Jordan, my Planning Manager and first boss at The Sernas Group (now GHD). Bryce taught me the inner workings of development, but the lessons that stayed with me were about how you carry yourself. He showed me that relationships matter as much as the transaction, and that the way you actually get things done is through the relationships you build and protect. He opened doors, introduced me to the people I needed to know, and instilled the value of volunteerism and of being a woman of my word. In an industry where it is not always the case, he modelled that a handshake and loyalty still mean something. He was not just a mentor to me, he was a champion, and that is a large part of why I believe so strongly that women in this industry deserve champions and not only mentors.
erin June 29th, 2026
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