Russell Clarke (He/Him) is a politics researcher with expertise spanning political theory, philosophy, international relations, economics, and the intersection of society and digital technology.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Politics and Governance, with minors in Philosophy and Economics, from Toronto Metropolitan University and is completing a Master’s in Political Theory at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

With experience across fellowships, assistantships, and administrative roles, Russell combines strong research and analytical skills with a passion for learning, writing, and fostering understanding of complex societal issues.

Dr. Mason Ducharme (He/Him) is the Executive Director of the Centre for First Nations Governance and the National Community Research Director for the Rebuilding First Nations Governance project.

A proud Lil’wat Nation member, Mason has over a decade of experience in Indigenous governance, policy, and community-based research. He holds a PhD in Public Administration from UVic and serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor.

Mason has published widely on Indigenous self-government and executive retention. He co-produces Inherent Rights, Informed Voices (launching Winter 2025) and hosts The IndigeDoctor: From the Reservation to Dissertation, a podcast grounded in his personal and academic journey.

Pearl Eliadis (She/Her) is an Associate Professor (Professional) at the Max Bell School of Public Policy and a practicing lawyer specializing in human rights, democratic governance, and national institutions.

She has led complex global projects with the UNDP and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, working in countries including Rwanda, China, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Timor Leste.

In Canada, Pearl has extensive public service experience and advisory roles, and her publications include the award-winning Speaking Out on Human Rights. She is recognized for her leadership with awards including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Harrison Lowman (He/Him) is the Managing Editor at The Hub, one of Canada's fastest growing digital media outlets.

With more than a decade in journalism, he's worked for TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin, CBC News, CTV National News, and The Literary Review of Canada. He's also produced for the BBC World Service, The Munk Debates, and CPAC, and served as Assistant Editor for Beyond the Hill Magazine.

He's an enthusiastic Scout leader in his West Toronto community.

Dave Meslin (He/Him) is a community organizer, urbanist, and author who has spent two decades using creative tactics to strengthen democracy and civic life.

He has founded numerous initiatives, including the Toronto Public Space Committee, Cycle Toronto, City Idol, the Ranked Ballot Initiative, and Spacing magazine.

His TEDx talk “The Antidote to Apathy” has reached audiences worldwide, and his book Teardown: Rebuilding Democracy from the Ground Up inspired the 2024 TVO documentary Unrigged, nominated for a Canadian Screen Award.

Meslin’s work challenges top-down leadership by creating meaningful, collaborative opportunities for public participation.

Nonso Morah (She/Her) is a McCall MacBain Scholar and graduate student in the Faculty of Education at McGill University.

She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa and has previously held positions with the Senate of Canada, the 1834 Foundation, and the University of Alberta.

With a background in public policy, parliamentary procedure, and arts-based community development, her work explores the intersection of the arts, youth culture, and political imagination—particularly the role of artistic pedagogy in shaping civic consciousness. Beyond academia, she is a published poet and an award-winning spoken word artist.

Amanda Munday (They/She) the Executive Director of New Majority, a national non-partisan NGO advancing youth civic engagement and voter turnout among Canadians aged 18–34.

They are the founder of The Workaround, an innovative coworking and childcare centre in Toronto, and a TEDxToronto speaker advocating for employer-supported childcare, mental health, and equity. Amanda’s work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, Forbes, CBC, and more.

With a background in EdTech, non-profits, and social enterprises, Amanda is a queer parent of two and a lifelong advocate for inclusive policy, innovation, and social impact.

Meredith Preston McGhie (She/Her) is Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism, providing strategic leadership and representing the Centre as an ambassador for pluralism worldwide.

With over 20 years of experience in conflict resolution, she has worked across Africa and Asia, supporting UN missions and mediating complex negotiations in countries including Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia, and South Sudan.

Formerly Africa Regional Director at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, she advised the Kenyan National Dialogue Panel led by Kofi Annan. Meredith contributes to global policy discussions, teaches peace process design, and speaks on pluralism and peacemaking, including in her TEDx Talk.

Amanda Sussman (She/Her) is a seasoned policy strategist and advocate with over 20 years of experience placing human rights at the center of government policy.

Through her firm, Art of the Possible Consulting for Social Impact, she helps organizations translate bold ideas into tangible policy initiatives.

Amanda has led global campaigns resulting in significant outcomes, including $3.8B for girls’ education through the G7, $7.3B for maternal and child health through the G8, and the UN’s creation of International Day of the Girl. She specializes in strategy, advocacy, and building lasting social impact.