DiverseCity Fellows

About the opportunity

DiverseCity Fellows is a year-long leadership experience for changemakers across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) who have demonstrated experience in civic engagement. It brings together approximately 25 leaders from diverse backgrounds to sharpen their skills, build meaningful cross-sector relationships, and step into their role as civic leaders shaping the region. The program offers core monthly facilitated sessions, closed setting sessions for Indigenous, Black, and racialized Fellows, hands-on workshops, self-assessments with individualized development plans, one-on-one professional coaching, and a one-year mentorship pairing with a senior leader from the public, private, or community sectors.

Funding and benefits

• Participation in the DiverseCity Fellows program is free, with meals provided at all in-person sessions.
• Access to subsidies for travel or childcare costs if they pose a barrier to participation.
• Over 100 hours of leadership programming, including monthly core sessions, workshops, and closed setting sessions.
• One-on-one professional coaching support and individualized development plans.
• A one-year mentorship pairing with a senior established leader across sectors.
• Access to exclusive events and membership in a growing network of over 300 DiverseCity Fellows alumni.

Who can apply?

• Civic-minded leaders in the early-to-mid stages of their careers committed to making the region more inclusive.
• Individuals with a demonstrated history of leadership in their communities or sector (professional and/or volunteer).
• Creative problem-solvers who are collaborative, empathetic, inclusive, and results-oriented.
• Must live and/or work in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) due to in-person program requirements.

Required documents

• Two-page resume/CV
• Online application form (questions can be submitted in written or audio form)
• One Recommendation Form completed by your current or previous employer (or a personal reference if self-employed or unemployed)
• One Recommendation Form completed by a personal reference

When to apply

• Applications for the 2027-2028 cohort opened in August 2026 and close on September 7, 2026.

How to apply

• Complete the online application form with written or audio responses.
• Submit your two-page resume/CV and two recommendation forms through the application portal.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend group and/or individual interviews.

Additional information

• The program requires a time commitment of over 100 hours (approximately 8 hours per month) over the year-long program.
• Most programming is delivered in person within the GTHA.
• Candidates are encouraged to obtain support from their employers given the scheduling of some events during work hours.