Cyndi Rottenberg-Walker
Partner, Urban Strategies Inc
Sector: Private Sector
Discipline: Planning/Urban Design
Year: 2014
Magic Moment: Unanimous approval of our Cornell University Campus Plan by its 65+ Trustees and six municipal partners when few thought it could be done. A call from the Humber Valley Village Residents Association asking to be added to the OPPI Award of Excellence for the Humbertown Revitalization project, indicating how far we had all come in agreeing on the merits of the project.
Key Influence: Andrea Gabor, My Partner (WLI Champion 2014) – That women have a different and essential perspective to bring to every process and decision
Frank Lewinberg, My Partner – How to be a great consultant while running a business that does excellent work and always has fun.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Meaningful transit and bikeways – I want it to be easier to not own a car than to own one in Toronto. Family-friendly high density neighbourhoods – I love that people no longer feel they need to leave their downtown apartments provided they have the services and amenities they need to raise happy and healthy kids.
Secret Talent: I think like a behavioural psychologist while practicing as an urban planner.
On Championing Others… By encouraging all members of my teams to always take the lead on everything they can, and getting out of their way so they can do it.
One word that captures you: Focused