William Sutter is passionate about equitable and sustainable economic growth and urban development. He is currently a Senior Policy Advisor in the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure and spends his free time volunteering with various community organizations such as the North York Community House and Downsview Parks’ Environmental Education program. William is proud to call Downsview home. He lives in the Winston Park neighbourhood and writes extensively about local planning and development issues.

Janelle is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto in Social Justice Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Her work looks at Black mothering experiences in the schooling and education system. Janelle is the co-founder of the Advocate Papers consisting of three progressive local newspapers, the Downsview Advocate, Bathurst Manor Paper, and most recently, the Willowdale Advocate. Janelle has delivered many anti-oppression and anti-racism workshops across the Greater Toronto Area to educators, political staff, social workers and students. She recently received the International Day for the End of Racial Discrimination Award from the University of Toronto due to her work for equity and social justice. In the past three years, Janelle has taught 16 courses at George Brown College in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science.

Saman is a long time North York resident and the editor at the Downsview Advocate. She has degrees in Political Science and Anthropology and is particularly interested in how large policy decisions affect everyday lives. Saman is dedicated to sharing stories from the community and illustrating how politics affects everyday life. She believes that local stories give life to the work that is so vital to communities.

Ayesha is a justice-oriented young activist and community worker living in the Jane Finch community. As a community resident, Ayesha has extensive volunteer experience. She has worked with children and animals alike, and continues to volunteer for and provide assistance to local grassroots organizations. Her diverse experience includes journalism, modeling, musical pursuits, campaigning and organizational skills with a focus on community development. She currently attends York University as a 3rd year student majoring in Environmental Politics, and works as a political staffer for City Councillor Anthony Perruzza.

Matias is a community organizer that has volunteered, lived and worked for over a decade in the north west of the City of Toronto. Matias is very passionate about creating educational opportunities for youth. He has helped establish bursaries and scholarships, as well as a series of organizations and programs to help youth achieve their full potential academically. He writes the Voice of Downsview section as well and is one of the founders of the publication.  

Pablo is Program Director at the Jane/ Finch Centre, and also works as a freelance multimedia journalist, producer and commentator.

María was born in Venezuela and moved to Canada when she was 9 years old. She has an undergrad at York University in English and a postgraduate certificate in Project Management. She has worked in the non-profit sector for over 10 years and currently helps coordinate and mentors a program for Latinx youth with Teach2Learn in the Jane and Finch community. María also works as a Marketing Coordinator and studies Digital Marketing.

Jessica is the Communications Coordinator for local Ward 7 City Councillor, Anthony Perruzza. She has been a part of numerous political campaigns taking on various roles, including outreach organizer and campaign manager. Jessica also works part-time at the LCBO, where she’s expanded on her knowledge of wine, beer and spirits over the past couple years. She enjoys exploring different foods and drinks while sharing the experience with others. Jessica is by definition, a Foodie. In her spare time Jessica likes to support local musicians, write/read fiction and non-fiction, and most importantly, fight for social justice.