Honourary Patron:  David Suzuki

Honourary Chairs: Jacky Kennedy and Rita Banach                                                                                                 Founding members of the North Toronto Green Community

• Whitney Crooks, Chair
• Ellen Giles, Vice Chair
• Nir Besser, Treasurer
• Imran Noorani, Secretary
• Wendy Southall
• Muthoni Yunis Kariuki
• Edward Nagato
• Hannah Yardley
• Wendyline Beaudoin

Whitney Crooks is a Community Animator with Live Green Toronto, a City of Toronto initiative designed to support communities in going green. Since 2007, Whitney has provided support for various initiatives at TGC as a volunteer and as staff, including her role as a project lead on the Solar Thermal Project and the Community Energy Action Plan project. With a passion for education and community engagement, Whitney spent many years in Manitoba working directly with youth and also supporting the revitalization of Winnipeg’s downtown core. Whitney has an MSc in Applied Meteorology and Climatology from the University of Birmingham in the UK and recently completed her Master of Environmental Studies (MES) degree at York University with an area of concentration in Promoting Environmental Awareness and Action in Communities.

Ellen Giles was born in a rural area of Ireland and enjoyed her pollution free and beautiful environment. Becoming a parent, she became ever more interested in environmental issues and was able to use this passion in her job as Community Development Coordinator in Student Family Housing at the University of Toronto. In that position she helped create a rooftop garden for students and families, formed an environmental committee, and organized ongoing programs including recycling, energy and water conservation. Since retirement, she has been very involved in many programs with TGC, but her special interest is apartment greening. In her personal life, she has a drought resistant garden, drives a Smart car, does not have air conditioning, never wastes water and rarely if ever use a clothes dryer. She is strongly committed to making a better environment for the next generation.

Nir Besser is a senior management consultant with a proven track record of creating, evaluating and implementing strategic plans and business initiatives for clients in various industries including Telecom, Electronics, Financial Services, Retail, Aerospace and Manufacturing. Devoted to creating healthier communities and a greener environment, Nir applies his professional expertise in leading TGC’s strategic planning process and achieving the organization’s objectives.

 Imran Noorani is currently pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Business and the Environment from York Univeristy. He also holds an MBA degree from the Schulich School of Business (specializing in Strategic Management, Sustainability and Consulting), and a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Business Law from Ryerson University. Prior to joining TGC, Imran spent the past seven years applying his knowledge of marketing and commerce to the hospitality industry, telecommunications industry and government faculty development initiatives. Over the past few years, Imran has focused on consulting services, designing and implementing strategic plans for businesses across various sectors, with a focus on sustainability. He currently is a Policy Analyst for the Ontario Energy Board, advising them on renewable energy generation. With a passion for natural habitats, water and energy conservation have become keen areas of focus for Imran.

Wendy Southall is an active volunteer with TGC, coordinating both the Newsletters and Eco Gift Wrapping program as well as participating in the fundraising committee and outreach. Wendy practiced law for over twenty years and, during this timeframe, also served as the lead on various charitable fundraising committees.  Wendy has had a longstanding interest in environmental issues and is pleased to be able to focus her energies on helping TGC achieve its objectives.

Muthoni Yunis Kariuki has an honours BSc. degree in Physical Environmental Geography and Natural Resources Management, along with a certificate in Computer Studies from George Brown College. Yunis has volunteered for a number of non-profit organizations including some youth organizations such as HOPE Worldwide and Kiwanis Club. Yunis has special skills in Community Outreach and fundraising and is currently working with KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives.

Edward Nagato is a former community garden coordinator at the TGC and remains a committed volunteer with the organization working on various initiatives. Edward recently completed his graduate studies at the University of Toronto, where he had previously been an environmental biology student. Though his specific interests are in floral and avian populations, he is interested in both the social and scientific aspects of all environmental issues.

Hannah Yardley is a recent graduate of the MBA program at the Schulich School of Business and is now working with the Human Capital division of a large consulting firm.  Before working in the consulting field, Hannah worked in the education industry providing marketing and communications support to local educational franchises.  Her passion for the community started early and she has always been actively involved in the not-for-profit sector. At university she was the founding member of a green organization and continued this interest by developing green programs for her previous organization. Her main areas of interest include waste disposal, recycling, and urban planning.