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
lauren.rodgers@uli.org

Lauren Rodgers joined ULI Toronto in 2016. Since then Lauren has taken an active role in the development, implementation and execution of over 75 yearly events.

Lauren works with staff, vendors and volunteer committees to ensure all programs and events run smoothly and liaises with various stakeholders in Toronto’s real estate development community to elevate the conversation on the responsible use of land.

Prior to joining ULI, Lauren was an Events and Marketing Associate at Informa Exhibitions working on social media, marketing, volunteer management and the event coordination for large scale events such as Art Toronto and the Artist Project.

Lauren is passionate about city building, creative place-making and the intersection of arts and culture. Lauren has served on the Board of Directors Art City in St. James Town since 2016 on the events and fundraising committee. Lauren holds a B.A, Honours from the University of Guelph as well as a post- graduate certificate in Arts Administration and Cultural Management from Humber College.

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.

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 an Events Assistant, Denise supports ULI Toronto’s programing 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
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.