Trailblazers of Change: Toronto 2023 Cohort

In 2023, The Canadian-Muslim Vote (TCMV) proudly launched its first-ever Fellowship Program in Toronto under the Civic Leadership Institute (CLI). This groundbreaking initiative brought together 24 passionate young leaders from across the Greater Toronto Area. The program was designed to provide fellows with real-world experience, hands-on mentorship, and critical knowledge about Canadian politics, governance, and civic leadership.

Throughout the summer, fellows participated in dynamic workshops and community-based activities—meeting with elected officials, political staffers, policy advisors, and journalists. These interactions gave them a deeper understanding of how decisions are made and how to influence those decisions effectively. Fellows also engaged in community visits to local MPs, learning how policy directly impacts the neighbourhoods they live in and serve.

But the Fellowship didn’t end with the summer—it sparked a movement. Many of our 2023 alumni returned to TCMV in 2024, taking on critical leadership roles. They were instrumental in organizing the Beyond the Vote Summit, leading community outreach efforts and helping secure funding to expand our mission. Others joined the Education Team, helping onboard the next generation of fellows through workshops and mentorship support.

Several alumni took their leadership further, travelling to cities like Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, and Manitoba, where they delivered workshops and inspired new voices to rise. These efforts were pivotal in helping TCMV launch new cohorts in Vancouver and Ottawa, expanding our national impact and strengthening underrepresented communities.

We are proud to share that many of our fellows have gone on to work with impactful organizations such as NCCM, Justice for All, and Equal Voice, while others have secured meaningful roles within government. Some even ran for public office or became key players on political campaign teams.

Our 2023 Toronto Fellowship alumni have not only made an impact—they’ve become the foundation of a growing civic movement. Their work continues to inspire, educate, and elevate Muslim voices in Canadian politics.