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

Mark Patterson is the visionary and Executive Director of Magnet. With a reputation as a prominent speaker and prolific partnership builder, Mark is recognized as a pioneer and change-maker in the field. His passion lies in leveraging technology solutions to foster collaboration within the employment and training ecosystem, ultimately making a positive impact on Canada's economic outlook. With a focus on empowering individuals within the ecosystem, Mark strives to create innovative pathways for collaboration and drive transformative change.

Emily Madden Senior Director

Emily Madden is the driving force behind Magnet’s organizational efficiency and strategic alignment. Emily has a deep understanding of the future of work and the importance of nurturing emerging talent. Her focus is on equitable access, empowerment, and collaboration on nationwide opportunities for economic growth. With a creative and curious nature, Emily is dedicated to unleashing the potential of individuals and driving positive change in Canada's employment and training landscape. She strongly believes that leadership is a mindset that should be embraced by all, and fosters a culture of growth and celebration.

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

Amanda Georgiou

Senior Manager, Operations and Culture

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.

Chair

Hon. Bill Morneau

Former Minister of Finance,
Government of Canada

Vice-Chair

Dr. Laurie Waye

President and CEO,
Coast Mountain College

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. Marketa Evans

President and CEO, Colleges Ontario

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

Dr. Matthew Mendelsohn

Senior Advisor, Boston Consulting Group and Visiting Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University

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