Civic-minded leaders across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) are invited to apply for the 2027–2028 CivicAction DiverseCity Fellows Program, a prestigious year-long leadership fellowship designed to empower professionals who are driving positive change in their communities.
Powered by Purpose Unlimited, the DiverseCity Fellows program brings together emerging and established leaders from diverse backgrounds to strengthen leadership capacity, expand cross-sector networks, explore pressing regional issues, and develop practical solutions that create lasting civic impact. Upon completion, Fellows join an influential alumni network of hundreds of city-builders, mentors, and community leaders working across the GTHA.
About the DiverseCity Fellows Program
The CivicAction DiverseCity Fellows program is recognized as one of the region’s leading leadership development initiatives for individuals committed to building a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Throughout the 12-month fellowship, participants engage in personalized leadership development, executive coaching, mentorship, collaborative learning, and hands-on skills-building experiences. The program emphasizes cross-sector collaboration by connecting leaders from the public, private, non-profit, labour, and community sectors.
Rather than focusing solely on professional advancement, the fellowship equips participants with the knowledge, relationships, and confidence needed to address complex civic challenges and strengthen their impact within their organizations and communities.
Who Should Apply?
The program is intended for mid-career civic leaders who have demonstrated meaningful leadership through professional, volunteer, or community engagement.
Ideal applicants include individuals who:
- Live and/or work in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
- Have at least five years of demonstrated leadership experience in their profession, sector, or community.
- Are committed to making the region more inclusive and equitable.
- Demonstrate collaboration, empathy, creativity, and results-oriented leadership.
- Want to expand their influence through cross-sector partnerships and civic innovation.
CivicAction strongly encourages applications from leaders representing Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomer, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, ensuring the fellowship reflects the diverse lived experiences of the region.
Fellowship Experience and Benefits
Selected Fellows participate in an intensive leadership journey that combines personal growth with community impact.
Key program components include:
- Personalized leadership development plans
- One-on-one coaching and mentorship
- Skills-building workshops
- Cross-sector networking opportunities
- Collaborative learning with diverse leaders
- Access to a powerful alumni and mentor network
- Opportunities to strengthen civic leadership competencies
The fellowship is specifically designed to help participants become more effective leaders while creating tangible change within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Leadership Competencies
The program focuses on developing practical leadership competencies essential for leading in diverse and complex environments. Applicants are encouraged to reflect on both their strengths and areas for growth during the application process.
The fellowship values leaders who demonstrate:
- Inclusive leadership
- Collaboration across sectors
- Empathy and relationship-building
- Creative problem-solving
- Strategic thinking
- Results-oriented community leadership
These competencies form the foundation of the learning experiences delivered throughout the fellowship year.
Application Process
The application consists of five sections covering personal information, demographic data, leadership questions, supporting documents, and declarations.
Applicants may choose to submit their responses in written or audio format, providing greater accessibility and flexibility. Written responses range from 100 to 200 words, while audio submissions range from 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the question.
The application explores topics such as:
- Civic leadership philosophy
- Leadership experiences
- Inclusive leadership examples
- Leadership strengths and development areas
- Motivation for joining the fellowship
- The biggest challenges facing the GTHA
- Community impact and future leadership goals
This holistic approach allows applicants to demonstrate both professional achievements and lived experience.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload the following documents in PDF format:
- Current resume or CV (maximum three pages)
- One recommendation form completed by a current or former employer
- One recommendation form completed by a personal reference
Applicants who are self-employed or unemployed may submit two personal references instead.
All required documents must be completed before submitting the application, as incomplete submissions may not be considered.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The DiverseCity Fellows program offers much more than leadership training—it creates a community of changemakers committed to shaping the future of one of Canada’s most diverse metropolitan regions. By bringing together leaders from different sectors and backgrounds, CivicAction fosters meaningful collaboration and equips Fellows to address challenges such as inclusion, housing, economic opportunity, climate resilience, and community wellbeing.
For experienced professionals seeking to deepen their civic impact, broaden their networks, and strengthen their leadership practice, the 2027–2028 DiverseCity Fellows program provides an exceptional platform for growth and regional influence.
Key Program Highlights
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | CivicAction DiverseCity Fellows 2027–2028 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Location | Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) |
| Target Audience | Mid-career civic leaders |
| Experience Required | Minimum 5 years of leadership |
| Eligible Sectors | Public, Private, Non-profit, Labour, Other |
| Application Format | Written or Audio |
| Required Documents | Resume/CV + Two Recommendation Forms |
| Alumni Network | Hundreds of civic leaders across the GTHA |
Leaders who are passionate about advancing equity, strengthening communities, and driving collaborative change across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area are encouraged to submit a competitive application and join the next generation of DiverseCity Fellows.
