About us
Empowering the Future Workforce through
Social Innovation
Our Story
Magnet housed at Toronto Metropolitan University, stands at the forefront of social innovation in the labour market ecosystem.
As a Centre of Innovation, our mission is to transform the future of work through strategic collaboration and the development of digital solutions. We leverage a vast network of partners and harness cutting-edge technologies to address emerging workforce challenges, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic economic landscape across Canada.
Magnet’s Vision
An empowered, effective and efficient labour-market ecosystem.
Magnet’s Mission
To drive innovation and collaboration in the labour market by developing digital solutions and fostering partnerships that enhance connectivity and inclusivity.
Our Leadership
Directors
Mark Patterson Executive Director, Magnet at Toronto Metropolitan University
Mark Patterson leads Magnet’s efforts in advancing workforce innovation and building partnerships that drive skills development and inclusive economic growth. As the creator of Magnet, Mark has shaped its vision to connect talent with opportunities across Canada and globally. A recognized expert in workforce and technology integration, he is at the forefront of emerging trends, including how artificial intelligence is reshaping skills development and the future of work. His leadership continues to influence how individuals and organizations adapt to these changes.
Emily Madden Senior Director, Magnet at Toronto Metropolitan University
Emily Madden drives the execution of Magnet’s strategic vision, working closely with the leadership team to ensure Magnet continues to connect millions across talent, industry, training, and education. Her work integrates communications, strategic insight, and creative direction, fostering meaningful partnerships and driving innovative initiatives. Emily’s leadership plays a key role in advancing Magnet’s mission to shape the future of work through inclusive growth and preparing organizations for a rapidly evolving job market.
Florence Rousseau Director, Marketing & Program Advancement
Florence leads a talented team to amplify Magnet's grand vision of driving innovative systems change across Canada. With a sophisticated approach, she leverages data, collaboration with Magnet's community of partners, and a lens which celebrates diversity and inclusion, to develop effective communication strategies. Florence is unwavering in her dedication to social innovation, and expanding Magnet's impact and mission to foster positive change nationwide. Through her strong leadership, she harnesses the collective strength of the communications team, creating a thriving ecosystem for all stakeholders involved.
Jessica Dubelaar Director, Insights & Implementation
Jessica leads the successful execution of partnership projects, community deployments and integration of technology solutions. Jessica works closely with partners to execute on collaborative approaches that can help address pan-Canadian workforce development challenges. With a strong service orientation and partnership focus, her team develops and maintains deep understanding of the complex labour market landscapes across the country, which enables Magnet to proactively seek insights and support Magnet's partners by contributing to actionable strategies and their overall success.
Sumentha D'Souza Director, Operations & Administration
Sumentha oversees critical functions with her dedicated team, by collaborating closely with Toronto Metropolitan University on Human Resources, finance, and legal matters, ensuring seamless operations and administration of grant programs. Sumentha cultivates an environment that aligns with the University's reputation as Canada’s most creative, connected, and entrepreneurial institution, while also nurturing Magnet's distinct organizational culture. Sumentha is a passionate advocate for learning, development, inclusion, diversity, and fairness, recognizing that lasting positive impact on Canada's employment and training ecosystem begins within the organization itself.
Zachary Rose Director, Planning & Communications
Zak oversees strategic partnerships, collaborative projects, events, and engagement across Magnet’s pan-Canadian community of partners. Zak and his team play a crucial role in driving Magnet's long-term strategic planning process, facilitating high-level strategy conversations among the leadership team and providing support to Magnet's Advisory Board. With a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by our partners, Zak and his team actively seek collaboration opportunities, craft proposals, and implement the Magnet strategic plan to drive positive impact and sustainability in Canada's employment and training ecosystem.
Amy Di Palma
Senior Manager, Project Implementation
Ron Samson
Senior Manager, Data Insights
Emily Montgomery
Senior Manager, Partnership Engagement
Magnet’s Advisory Board
Magnet's Advisory Board comprises distinguished individuals from diverse sectors, including technology, finance, government, academia, and non-profit, among others. Representing various regions in Canada, these board members are esteemed business and community leaders with extensive networks and recognized expertise.
Hon. Bill Morneau
Former Minister of Finance,
Government of Canada
Dr. Marketa Evans
President and CEO, Colleges Ontario
Christian Dandeneau
CEO and Co-Founder,
ID Fusion Software
Dr. Frederic Dimanche
Director, Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Toronto Metropolitan University
Dr. Laurie Waye
President and CEO,
Coast Mountain College
Jean-Pierre Giroux
President, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium
Paul Jenkins
Former Senior Deputy Governor, Bank of Canada
Dr. Alex (Sandy) MacDonald
President and CEO, Holland College
Janice Price
President of Creative Gains Consulting, Ltd.
Nobina Robinson
Senior Fellow, C.D. Howe Institute and CEO (retired), Polytechnics Canada
Norm Sabapathy
Executive Vice President, People, Communications and Technology, Cadillac Fairview Corporation
Mohit Talwar
Partner, Maverix Private Equity
Dr. Anna Triandafyllidou
Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration, Toronto Metropolitan University.
Andrew Williams
Principal, Liberty Square Consulting
Magnet’s Past Advisory Council Members
Dr. Matthew Mendelsohn
Senior Advisor, Boston Consulting Group and Visiting Professor,
Toronto Metropolitan University
