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Panelist Bios

Who knew that speed-dating could be so much fun? On March 15^th, attendees at the 2016 ULI Toronto Career Event were treated to candid conversations with a diverse group of panelists as they shuffled between tables, signalled by the dimming of the lights in the room. The event’s unique format served as a remarkable immersion into the industry and an unbeatable way to develop career skills and network with peers.

Held at the Toronto Region Board of Trade offices, the event was organized by ULI Toronto’s Student Initiative and was the final organizing event for Shauna Tedder who is stepping down as the committee’s co-chair.

At the sign-in table, participants planned out their evenings, selecting the tables and topics they wanted to be a part of. Following some mingling with good food and conversation, everyone was asked to settle in at their first table. As the room descended into an excited buzz, 10 intimate discussions quickly got underway on topics ranging from public housing to office leasing.

Opening introductions at each table revealed that participants came from backgrounds as diverse as the panelists, with a mix of students and young professionals from across ULI Toronto’s constituent disciplines. Panelists then began by sketching out what they do, how they got there and what they enjoy about their work. Eventually, an open discussion evolved, enriched by all those around the table. But before anyone got too comfortable, the lights dimmed and it was time to move to the next stop.

Organizers went to great lengths to find panelists who were relatable to those in attendance. This meant that you weren’t talking to an aloof CEO but to someone who was eager to share meaningful advice and experience.

The breadth of experience from the panelists represented ULI at its very best. Speakers came from architecture, leasing, finance, law, insurance, development, public consultation, marketing and the public sector. Moving from table to table was a whirlwind tour of the multifaceted real estate industry. It was an unparalleled opportunity for a student at their career crossroads to plan their path and an equally fruitful opportunity for young professionals to gain perspective on the fields they partner with. While the developers drew the biggest crowds, excellent discussions took place at all of the tables with smaller groups offering an even better chance to develop relationships.

A common theme across the tables was a passion for city building, be it through the creative opportunities of a blank slate, the challenges of coordinating a diverse team or the satisfaction of shaping the skyline. This passion proved to be infectious to everyone in attendance. As the lights flickered to indicate the close of the last discussion, participants were charged by new ideas and new connections. After the program was over and the food was finished, many lingered long after to continue talking about what they had learned. The night was a great experience for those involved and will no doubt help to shape Toronto’s leaders of tomorrow.

Panelists included:

Daniel Byrne – VP of Development, Main and Main
Mathieu Fleury – Director, Urban Development Finance, Dream Unlimited
Renée Gomes – Director of Development, Waterfront Toronto
Daniel Fusca – Stakeholder Engagement Lead, City Planning Division, City of Toronto
Jesse Klimitz – Senior Associate of Business Development, Quadrangle Architects Ltd.
Meaghan McDermid – Associate, Davies Howe Partners LLP
Sue Mackay – VP of Marketing, Empire Communities
Katya Shabanova – Office Leasing Team, Cushman & Wakefield
Yafit Shimoni – Associate Mortgage Underwriting, KingSett Capital
Vincent Tong, RPP – Development Director (interim), Toronto Community Housing

The event was organized by ULI Toronto’s Student Initiative and was the final organizing event for Shauna Tedder who is stepping down as the committee’s co-chair.