DiverseCity Fellows
Applications for the cohort 2027-2028 are now open until September 7, 2026
The DiverseCity Fellowship empowers community-minded individuals to shape the future of their communities.
DiverseCity Fellows is a year-long leadership experience for changemakers across the GTHA who have demonstrated experience in civic engagement. It brings together leaders from diverse backgrounds to sharpen their skills, build meaningful cross-sector relationships, and step into their role as civic leaders shaping the region.
Is This Program Right For You?
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You have a desire to explore and address social issues
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You are looking to strengthen your leadership skills
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You aspire to grow into new leadership roles
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You believe diverse voices make our cities stronger
The Fellowship supports leaders from equity-denied communities so that the voices shaping our region reflect its full diversity
Leaders Who Lift Leaders
Our mentors are some of the most inspiring leaders of the region, ranging from the public, private, and community sectors. Take some time to meet the outstanding groups of diverse leaders participating in the DiverseCity Fellows Mentorship program below.
DiverseCity Fellows
In this program you will:
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Join a growing movement of over 300 DiverseCity Fellows Alumni
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Build confidence and clarity in your leadership
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Increase your awareness and understanding of city-building issues and community impact
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Get access to one-on-one professional coaching support
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Be mentored by diverse established leaders to grow meaningful relationships across sectors
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Upon graduating, you’ll join a growing network with access to exclusive events and opportunities
How you'll learn and lead
Self-Assessments & Individualized Development Plans
Applications for the next cohort of the Fellowship will open in Spring 2026
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Two-page resume/CV
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One Recommendation Form completed by your current or previous employer*
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*If you are self-employed or unemployed, both Recommendation Forms can be completed by a personal reference.
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One Recommendation Form completed by your personal reference
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Shortlisted candidates are invited to group and/or individual interview(s).
Our programs are designed for people who are ready to make a difference in their community. The Fellowship supports leaders from equity-denied communities so that the voices shaping our region reflect its full diversity
Frequently Asked Questions
Good conversations start with good questions. If your question isn’t answered below, please contact us and we’ll get in touch with you directly.
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What is the DiverseCity Fellowship?
DiverseCity Fellows is a year-long leadership experience for changemakers across the GTHA who have demonstrated experience in civic-changemaking. It brings together leaders from diverse backgrounds to sharpen their skills, build meaningful cross-sector relationships, and step more fully into their role as civic leaders shaping the region.
Who are the DiverseCity Fellows?
The DiverseCity Fellows are a group of approximately 25 individuals representing diverse backgrounds and viewpoints from across the GTHA, who have demonstrated leadership experience and are passionate about city building and shaping their community. Get to know our Fellows Alumni.
What will my time at the Fellowship look like?
Over the course of the program year, Fellows use self-assessment tools, personalized leadership development plans, and participate in skills-building sessions to develop key leadership competencies, strengthen cross-sectoral connections, and drive tangible change.
Upon program completion, Fellows join a diverse network comprised of hundreds of DiverseCity Fellows alumni, mentors, and city-builders from across the region.
What are the some other components of the Fellowship?
The DiverseCity Fellowship offers a range of diverse workshops, closed setting sessions, self assessments and individualized development plans, mentoring relationships and networking opportunities.
When did the Fellows program begin?
The DiverseCity Fellows program launched in 2009 as part of DiverseCity: The Greater Toronto Leadership Project, a partnership between CivicAction and Maytree that identified the need for more diverse leadership to create a stronger and more prosperous region. CivicAction continues to deliver the DiverseCity Fellows program.
When does recruitment take place?
Applications for the 2027-2028 cohort open in August 2026
Should I obtain the approval of my employer to participate?
Given the intensive nature of the program, as well as the scheduling of some events during work hours, we suggest that candidates obtain the support of their employers to participate in the program (if applicable). Candidates who are currently experiencing a personal or career transition are encouraged to consider their capacity to meet all the program requirements and expectations.
What are the eligibility requirements for the DiverseCity Fellows program?
While the program is open to all to apply, we give special consideration to:
- Civic-minded leaders in the early-to-mid stages of their careers who are committed to making our region a more inclusive and better place to live and work.
- 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.
- Due to the in-person elements of this program, the Fellowship is only available to individuals living and/or working in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
CivicAction works to ensure that our programming is reflective of the needs, realities and lived experiences of equity-denied communities across the region — including Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and newcomer emerging leaders — and is committed to ensuring that the Fellowship is a space where diverse voices and lived experiences are valued and represented.
How do I apply?
Interested individuals are required to complete an online application and submit a CV and two recommendations (using the templates provided in the form). The section of the application that requires applicants to answer questions can be submitted in written or audio form (more information is available on the application form). The recommendation forms should be completed by your employer and/or a personal reference who can speak to your leadership competencies.
What does the selection process entail?
Applications are initially screened and scored by various program staff using a “blind recruitment” approach (meaning all identifiable information is not visible). Shortlisted candidates are then invited to attend group and individualan interviews where they are interviewed by various members of our Selection Committee who represent different sectors and communities in the GTHA. Final decisions are made by the Committee following the completion of all interviews.
Please note that in-person participation in group interviews is an important component of the selection process. While we will try to make reasonable accommodations where possible, interviews will take place on select days and where scheduling conflicts arise, the team may be unable to accommodate all individual requests.
If I’m selected as a Fellow, how much does it cost to be part of the program?
Participation in the DiverseCity Fellows program is free, with meals provided at all in-person sessions. If travel or childcare costs are a barrier to participation, please contact the Program Manager to learn about available subsidies.
If my application is successful, what is the expected time commitment during the program?
This year-long program includes a total of over 100 hours (approximately 8 hours per month) of mandatory and optional programming, most of which is delivered in person. CivicAction works to provide a full programming calendar at the beginning of the year to ensure all participants are provided ample time to schedule their program commitments in advance.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the program or the recruitment process?
For more information or specific questions about CivicAction’s DiverseCity Fellows program, please contact our team at leadership@civicaction.ca.
I recently started a new job and my new employer doesn’t know me well enough to complete the employer reference form, which is required for the application. What should I do?
Please have your former employer complete the “employer” recommendation form if they can speak to your character and have a conversation with your new employer to ensure that they support the time commitment of the program.
I don’t have an employer because I am an entrepreneur, freelancer, or not working right now, but the application form asks for an employer reference. What should I do?
In lieu of the employer reference form, please submit any other personal or professional reference (i.e., people you have worked with on boards, former jobs, volunteer activities, etc).
