Executive Director
richard.joy@uli.org

Richard Joy is the Executive Director of ULI Toronto. Since his arrival as the first full-time Executive Director in 2014 the organization has doubled its membership, its staff, and its brand recognition throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Key initiatives that Richard has implemented include the Curtner Leadership Program, Urban Plan Program, Meet The Chiefs dinner and three regional Symposiums. Prior to joining ULI, Richard served as the Vice President Policy and Government Relations at the Toronto Region Board of Trade as Director of Municipal Affairs and Ontario (Provincial Affairs) at Global Public Affairs, a leading Canadian Government Relations firm.

Richard’s extensive public policy knowledge and experience comes from years of service at Queen’s Park and Toronto City Hall, where he was the Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, responsible for the public policy development for the City of Toronto Act.

Richard received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Carleton University. He currently sits on the Community Hubs Advisory Group for the Government of Ontario and the Advisory Committee for Ryerson’s Centre for Urban Research and Land Development.

Director
alexandra.rybak@uli.org

Alexandra Rybak joined ULI Toronto in 2005 as its founding staff member,  working with senior real estate leaders in the Toronto region to expand the ULI into Canada. Alexandra oversaw the creation and operations of all of ULI Toronto’s committees, and executed marketing and events to increase the organization’s profile to Toronto’s real estate development community. Today she continues to build relationships with members and key stakeholders to deliver valuable industry programming.

In her current role, Alexandra manages several initiatives and committees that serve ULI Toronto’s 1800+ members with a focus on community outreach. She oversees Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs) which provide multidisciplinary advice to local governments, public agencies, and nonprofits facing complex land use issues. Alexandra also supports the Curtner Leadership Program and drives the UrbanPlan program in Toronto.

Alexandra graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History/Architecture and holds a Certificate in Communications from the University of Toronto.

Manager
krystal.sebrun@uli.org 

Krystal Gonez-Sebrun joined ULI Toronto in January 2021, allowing her to fulfill her passion for serving her community and supporting the mission of ULI Toronto in shaping a sustainable and thriving future for the Toronto Region. As a Manager, Krystal’s role is actively involved in the development, implementation and execution of over 75 yearly events.

Prior to joining ULI, Krystal was an Area Administrator at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada where she worked on various fundraising programs, volunteer and office management. She has over eight years experience in the non-profit environment. She is passionate about examining and understanding trends in real estate and how they impact the daily life of individuals. Krystal holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Northern Caribbean University as well as two post graduate certificate (Honours) in Project Management and Human Resource Management from Humber College.

Krystal enjoys volunteer engagement, Event Management and Logistics as well as Financial and Administrative Management. She is excited to join the ULI team and looks forward to making a significant contribution and impact to make cities a better, more livable place for everyone.

Senior Associate
jen.sapkowski@uli.org

Jen Sapkowski joined ULI Toronto in 2017. Jen supports the work of the ULI Toronto Communications Committee as well as ULI Toronto’s marketing and communications initiatives, including website, design, and social media.

Jen is a graduate from the University of Toronto where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Book and Media Studies with minors in English and Music, History and Culture. She also holds a post-graduate certificate in Public Relations & Communications from Centennial College. Jen has been an avid volunteer for organizations such as Art Spin, a non-profit curator of bicycle-led art tours and for the Toronto International Film Festival.

Outside of her work at ULI, Jen enjoys exploring the city by bike, watching live music, and playing board games with friends.

Senior Associate
denise.ng@uli.org

Denise Ng joined ULI Toronto in August 2018 to continue her interest and passion in events and sustainable land use and development. As a Senior Associate, Denise supports ULI Toronto’s programming and events initiatives.

Denise is a graduate from the University of Toronto, Mississauga, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Culture, Information and Technology with minors in Geography and Environmental Science. Denise has been an avid volunteer for organizations such as the City of Toronto’s Special Events and for the Toronto International Film Festival. She also has experience working for various nonprofits; including Toronto International Film Festival and the Mon Sheong Foundation.

Outside of her work at ULI, Denise enjoys going on long walks and hikes with friends and family, travelling, and exploring new food around the city.

Associate
bdour.abuqubu@uli.org

Bdour joined ULI in January 2021, allowing her to continue her interests in land use planning and sustaining thriving communities. As an associate, Bdour supports ULI’s Toronto District council and its members.  

Bdour is a graduate from Ryerson University where she received her Bachelor of Urban Planning. She strongly believes in creating more liveable, resilient, and sustainable communities. Bdour has been an avid volunteer for organizations such as the Toronto Harbourfront and Heart and Stroke foundation. 

Outside of her work, Bdour enjoys attending film festivals and exploring new cuisines around the city. 

Bdour is excited to join the ULI team and looks forward to supporting our mission to make cities a better, more livable place for everyone.

Associate (Maternity Leave)
jenny.estremadoyro@uli.org

Jenny joined ULI Toronto in June 2019, allowing her to continue to explore her interests in sustainable land use and development. As an Associate, Jenny supports the work of ULI Toronto District Council and its members.

Before joining ULI, Jenny worked at Scotiabank, where she provided administrative and financial support to the IT sector. Prior to working at Scotiabank, Jenny graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, specializing in Urban and Regional Planning. Jenny strongly believes in creating more liveable, walkable and sustainable communities, she is in the process of completing a Sustainable Planning and Development Certificate at Seneca College. Jenny has previously volunteered for nonprofits such as ULI, Options for Davenport, and sat on the Board of Directors at a housing cooperative in Toronto.

Outside of her work, Jenny enjoys spending time with family, cooking, watching movies, and reading.

Jenny is excited to join the ULI team and looks forward to supporting our mission to make cities a better, more livable place for everyone.