The Dean's Circle: Leading from Within

If you are an upper-year student at UTSC committed to making a lasting impact, this program is designed for you. Ideal candidates should: 

• Value Community Engagement: We're looking for students who actively participate in, and enrich the UTSC community through involvement and initiative. 
• Be Positive Contributors: This program is for those who bring a constructive and proactive attitude to group settings, be it in academic, extracurricular, or community endeavors.
• Have a History of Service: Your past contributions to the UTSC community matter to us. Whether it's through student government, clubs, or volunteer work, we want students who have already demonstrated a commitment to improving the UTSC experience. 

Due to the highly competitive nature of the Dean's Circle and limited spots available, we are seeking students who not only meet these criteria but are also prepared to fully commit to this exclusive leadership journey. 

Every Thursday from September 28, 2023 - November 7, 2023 

Gavin Sheppard

Gavin Sheppard is a social entrepreneur, skilled team and project manager, thought leader, and most importantly, a mentor. For over 15 years, he has built organizations that have advocated for young people and increased the capacity of youth-led organizations around the world. From the South Etobicoke Youth Assembly, to the Grassroots Youth Collaborative, Ignite The Americas Network, TEDxToronto, I.C. Visions, and the internationally award-winning cultural incubator The Remix Project - Gavin has been instrumental in the development, support and launch of several world-class artists and creatives. His work has brought him from coast to coast across his home country, Canada, and around the world while influencing a generation of young minds seeking the tools to succeed in music, fashion, visual arts, and business. Skilled in Strategy, Coaching & Leadership, Event Management, and Public Speaking - Gavin's many years of building platforms and advocating for the urban creative class has gained him recognition as a TED Fellow, a Yale World Fellow, and as a fellow with the Laboratorio Para La Ciudad in Mexico City.

He has enjoyed being a regular speaker for the Organization of American States and UN Habitat around urbanization and cultural development. Across industries, levels of government, social movements, and neighbourhoods, Gavin continues to bridge opportunities, and help steward the next generation of Canadian creative talent to the world stage. In his latest evolution, Gavin is cofounder of Quiet As Kept, a talent management company and culture based agency. He has also founded and led independent record label, Public Records - giving him further insight into the competitive music industry while being able to platform and support developing talent.

Neel Joshi

Neel is the Dean of Student Experience & Wellbeing at the University of Toronto Scarborough. He is a multi-award-winning Social Impact Designer with more than 15 years of executive experience in higher education, retail banking and community development. Neel has lead education portfolios that range from Recruitment & Admissions, Diversity Outreach, Global Partnerships, Experiential Learning and Student Life at some of Canada's most reputable faculties and institutions including York University, UofT Law and the Rotman School of Management. Neel launched the Office of Student Engagement at the Rotman School of Management where he spearheaded a number of transformative public, private, partnerships to improve student experience. These initiatives included partners such as The Black North Initiative, Mckinsey & Company, Sick Kids Foundation, City of Toronto's Poverty Reduction Office, Toronto Community Housing, Scadding Court Community Centre, and more than 30 global organizations. Neel is fiercely proud of being from Scarborough and is passionate about sharing Canada's most diverse and inclusive region with the world. Neel graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University with a BCom in Information Technology Management and completed his Executive Education in Social Innovation Design (XSD) at UPenn where he is currently a teaching fellow. Neel lives with his partner and two children in the east end where you can usually find them on weekends at the Scarborough Bluffs.

• Tight-Knit Community: Join a select group of 20 leaders who are driven to create meaningful impact on and around campus.
• Transformative Learning: Engage in a 2-month series of transformative learning modules, carefully curated by Gavin Sheppard and Dean Neel Joshi.
• Work Experience: Secure a bursary from UTSC's Office of Student Experience & Wellbeing to further develop your course project(s).
• Career Coaching: Receive personalized career guidance from the Department of Student Life, and the Academic Advising & Career Centre  

Join us on a Journey of Discovery, Growth, and Impact!

• Build Your Legacy: Collaborate with industry leaders like Gavin Sheppard, co-founder of The Remix Project, Quiet Agency, & Public Records; and UTSC’s Dean of Student Experience Neel Joshi, an award-winning visionary in social impact design.  
• Expand Your Horizons: Immerse yourself in a curated series of learning modules, and gain insights from diverse perspectives across fields like music, activism, politics, and entrepreneurship. Develop projects that leave a meaningful mark on UTSC's student experience.
• Invest in Yourself: Dive deep into self-discovery. Uncover your superpower and grasp the true essence of leadership - service. Learn how to build a formidable team, lead from within and discover self-care practices to maximize your potential.  

September 19, 2023 (at 11:59pm EST)