At this year’s AGM, we gathered to celebrate and recognize the incredible individuals who help our community thrive. These awards recognize not just service, but heart. They honour those who go above and beyond to uplift others, build connections, and create lasting change. They embody what community truly means.
Heather Simpson, RTCC Board Member, Past President
(AWARD RECIPIENT FOR CONTRIBUTION TO RTCC GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS)
Heather Simpson is a respected leader in Canada’s non-profit and social enterprise sector, bringing more than two decades of experience supporting mission-driven organizations locally and internationally. She has worked across a wide range of sectors—including community health, poverty alleviation, criminal justice, and social finance—helping organizations strengthen their impact and sustainability.
As a consultant with Strategies for Good (S4G), Heather advises nonprofits, charities, and cooperatives on strategy, social enterprise development, and financial sustainability. Her career has included roles with organizations such as Planned Parenthood Toronto, Wellspring Cancer Support, and Alterna Savings, as well as international development work early in her career. Heather is also a frequent speaker and thought leader on issues affecting the non-profit and social finance sectors.
Over five years on the RTCC Board, including significant time as Board President, Heather provided thoughtful leadership and steady guidance, helping to shape the organization’s direction and strengthen its governance. Her collaborative approach and deep sector knowledge have been invaluable to the Board and the community it serves.
As Heather completes her term, we extend our sincere thanks for her leadership, insight, and lasting contributions to RTCC.
Ejay Tupe, RTCC Board Member
(AWARD RECIPIENT FOR CONTRIBUTION TO RTCC GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS)
Ejay Tupe is a passionate community builder, urban missionary, and longtime advocate for equity and inclusion in Toronto’s inner-city neighbourhoods. With more than 18 years of experience working alongside marginalized communities, Ejay has dedicated his career to fostering connection, compassion, and meaningful social change.
As Director of the Toronto Urban Missions Hub, Ejay leads initiatives that bring together diverse partners to address issues such as poverty, housing instability, and community wellbeing. Known as a collaborative catalyst, he has a unique ability to convene people across sectors—residents, agencies, and leaders—turning shared vision into collective impact. His work also includes launching community programs, supporting food security initiatives, and creating spaces for dialogue, leadership development, and grassroots action.
Ejay has served as a dedicated Board member for eight years, helping guide organizational strategy and strengthen connections with the broader community. Throughout his tenure, he has been a thoughtful leader, committed to inclusive governance and community-centered decision-making.
As he steps away from his Board role, we extend our deep gratitude for Ejay’s leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to building a more connected and equitable city.
Susy Glass, RTCC Volunteer and Community Animator
(AWARD RECIPIENT FOR CONTRIBUTION TO RTCC GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS)
Susy Glass has been a dedicated member of the RTCC team for nearly two decades, bringing deep commitment and care to her work with the community. She joined RTCC in 2006 through the Riverdale Community Development Institute as a Community Animator for the Riverdale Community Action Project.
Through her time at RTCC Susy has assisted community members to start a community garden, learn to lobby elected officials, understand their tenants’ rights and demand improvements to their homes, partner with SRCHC in starting the Health and Safety Action Group who engaged in multiple social justice issues, brought many Riverdale and Leslieville agencies together through the East End Network, hosted countless Town Hall meetings, workshops and information sessions for the community, and helped to build the east end Collective Community Building Initiative that worked to challenge exclusion and displacement due to gentrification in the east end.
Susy has played a key role in the organization’s programs and initiatives; she has sat at many tables and assisted in planning many community events. Over the years, Susy has expanded her portfolio to include Volunteer Development and Policy and Procedure Review, supporting both staff and volunteers across the organization.
With a background in Political Science and Sociology, Susy has spent more than 26 years working alongside marginalized communities, helping individuals amplify their voices both locally and within broader political spaces. Her experience includes involvement in a wide range of advocacy and political campaigns, from women’s rights and community safety to anti-corporatization and anti-globalization initiatives. As a long-serving shop steward with CUPE Local 2998, Susy has also been a committed advocate for staff, supporting a healthier, more equitable workplace.
As Susy moves into semi-retirement in October 2026, we celebrate her lasting contributions, thoughtful leadership, and dedication to community and social justice. Outside of her professional work, Susy enjoys practicing yoga, spending time on and in the water, walking her dog, travelling, and exploring new culinary experiences.
Suzette Saunders, Outgoing Rivertowne Tenant Representative and Local Business Owner
(AWARD RECIPIENT FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY BETTERMENT)
Suzette Saunders is a dedicated tenant leader, small business owner, and community advocate in Toronto’s Rivertowne neighbourhood, where she has contributed nearly two decades of service. A trusted and compassionate voice among residents, she has organized events, secured funding, and created safe, supportive spaces for children and youth.
As a Community Representative with Toronto Community Housing’s Tenant Engagement System beginning in 2021, Suzette championed youth mental health, responding to the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and community violence.
Suzette is also the owner of Blessed Love Caribbean Restaurant, a family-run business, celebrating their fourth anniversary of their storefront on Queen Street East just steps from the RTCC. A vibrant local fixture, the restaurant brings people together through food, culture, and connection, reflecting her deep commitment to community both inside and outside her volunteer work.
Although she has recently stepped down from her formal tenant representative role, Suzette continues to be an active community builder. She partners on initiatives such as the Rivertowne Summer BBQ and other neighbourhood events that foster belonging and support for residents. A valued collaborator with the Rivertowne Community Centre, Suzette’s impact extends far beyond any title, and we thank her for her leadership and lasting contributions.