1UP Mentor Testimonials

"The students were very enthusiastic and it was contagious; it was hard not to get excited by their project vision and find unique ways to support their vision."
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​- Reka Sivarajah, Public Transit Agency

​"Very happy to be involved with this initiative, it is great to see young students learn about planning and urban design in high school!"
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​- Shikha Jagwani, SGL Planning & Design Inc.

2023-2024 MENTORS | 

Alexander hardy
armstrong planning and project management

Alexander Hardy is passionate about making an impact on communities. Alexander graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning in 2019. Alexander is currently a Planner and Project Manager with Armstrong Planning and Project Management. Alexander enjoys back-country camping, gardening, and cycling. 

morgan dundas
sajecki planning inc.

My name is Morgan Dundas and I am a Senior Planner at Sajecki Planning Inc. I hold a Bachelor's in Urban and Regional Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University. I have managed and supported on a variety of both private and public sector projects over my time working in the land development field. My experience includes development feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement, development approvals and applications (Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, and Site Plan Approval applications), mediation, Committee of Adjustment Hearings, TLAB and OLT materials (Witness Statements, Affidavits, Visual Evidence, and Document Books).

reka sivarajah
public transit agency

Reka Sivarajah is an experienced community engagement practitioner, boasting over nine years of dedicated work in both the private and public sectors. Her expertise lies in spearheading various city-building projects, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, and engaging a diverse range of community stakeholders. As an active volunteer with Women's Leadership Initiative Toronto, Reka leads impactful initiatives shedding light on women in the building and development industry. In her free time, she enjoys trying new recipes, meditating and practicing yoga.

cassandra alves
The City of Toronto & The Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area

Cassandra works at the intersection of urbanism, design, community engagement and social development and is a graduate of Lund University in Sweden and OCADU. With a background in urban design, she has worked at several design studios in Toronto, the UK, and with Universities and Business Improvement Areas in Toronto. Cassandra currently is a Community Well-being consultant for The City of Toronto in partnership with The Downtown Yonge BIA, a steering committee member for Jane’s Walk and teaches at OCADU. Cassandra’s hobbies include cycling, cooking (and eating), travelling, making furniture, gardening, camping, concerts, boxing and yoga.
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pearl chan
giannone petricone associates

I am an architectural designer, working towards becoming a licensed architect in Ontario, Canada. I graduated from Dalhousie University with a professional Master of Architecture in 2017. My thesis is the causal relationship between civic spaces, streetscape and refuge + activism with a closer study of the streets and civic realm of Hong Kong Island. Hobbies include: craftwork and ceramics.

santessa henriques
landtech

Santessa, a Data Product Manager at Landtech, is dedicated to enhancing urban data accessibility and optimizing city-building decisions through her GIS expertise. With a background that includes contributions to Urban Minds and work in non-profit and public sectors, she leverages her skills for community betterment. Beyond her professional life, Santessa's interests in travel, reading, yoga, and concerts inspire her multifaceted approach to growth and innovation in both data and community improvement.

Matthew Graystone
university of toronto

Matthew is a graduate of the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning program at Toronto Metropolitan University where he intensely studied active transportation and published papers with Professor Raktim Mitra. After graduating he decided to pursue a career in teaching and is now in his final year of a music education degree at UofT and applying to graduate studies at OISE beginning next year. He plays French Horn in various ensembles and loves riding bicycles for transportation and recreation. 

peter marshall
forrec

An award-winning design director, Peter joined FORREC in 2017 as one of our chief storytellers. He applies his creative eye to the world’s most exciting and compelling theme parks and attractions from Asia to the Middle East. Peter leads a dynamic team of designers, illustrators and modelers to envision and deliver next generation immersive entertainment eco-systems, all centered on irresistible guest experiences, such as John Wick at Motiongate Dubai and the Mandai Bird Park in Singapore.

An architect by training, Peter previously directed the Designstor studio of 20 designers specializing in architectural visualizations and interactive installations across North America, and brought virtual worlds to life through art direction at Rockstar Games videogame design studio. Peter enjoys biking, modular synthesis, squash and camping in his free time. 

zainab ahmad
architects alliance

Zainab is an Intern architect, with professional and academic training in architecture from Canada and India. For over 5 years, Zainab has worked on a range of architectural projects – spanning from landscape and urban design projects to hospitality architecture. In her current role, Zainab focuses on residential and mixed-use architecture. Outside work, Zainab is passionate about cinema, exploring different cityscapes, and long walks.

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