The CIFAL York Advisory Board is comprised of representatives from York University, CIFAL York, York Region, Province of Ontario, Government of Canada and senior executives from a number of not-for-profit and community-based organizations and private sector who are active in CIFAL York’s focusing areas. York University is represented by the President, VPRI (Vice-President Research and Innovation), CIFAL York Director and Associate Director, and chairs of the Technical Advisory Committees.
Advisory Board Members
![](https://www.yorku.ca/cifal/wp-content/uploads/sites/437/2024/04/Rhonda-Lenton-Headshot-1024x576.jpg)
Rhonda Lenton (Chair)
President, York University
![](https://www.yorku.ca/cifal/wp-content/uploads/sites/437/2024/04/Amir-Asif-Headshot-1024x576.jpg)
Amir Asif (Co-Chair)
Vice President, Research and Innovation, York University
![](https://www.yorku.ca/cifal/wp-content/uploads/sites/437/2024/04/Alex-Mejia-Headshot-1024x576.jpg)
Alexander A. Mejia
Director, Division for People and Social Inclusion & Head, CIFAL Global Network, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR
![](https://www.yorku.ca/cifal/wp-content/uploads/sites/437/2024/04/Wayne-Emmerson-Headshot-1024x576.jpg)
Wayne Emmerson
Chairman & CEO, York Region
![](https://www.yorku.ca/cifal/wp-content/uploads/sites/437/2024/04/James-MacSween-Headshot-1024x576.jpg)
James MacSween
Chief, York Region Police
![](https://www.yorku.ca/cifal/wp-content/uploads/sites/437/2024/04/Janel-Smith-Headshot-1024x576.jpg)
Janel Smith
Program Manager, Community Investments, York Region
![](https://www.yorku.ca/cifal/wp-content/uploads/sites/437/2024/04/Megan-Meaney-Headshot-1024x575.jpg)
Megan Meaney
Executive Director, ICLEI Canada
![](https://www.yorku.ca/cifal/wp-content/uploads/sites/437/2024/04/Bob-Rae-Headshot-1024x576.jpg)
Bob Rae
Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, Government of Canada
![](https://www.yorku.ca/cifal/wp-content/uploads/sites/437/2022/03/idil-1024x576.jpg)
Idil Boran (ex officio)
Associate Director, CIFAL York, York University
![](https://www.yorku.ca/cifal/wp-content/uploads/sites/437/2022/03/AliAsgary-1-1024x576.jpg)
Ali Asgary (ex officio)
director, CIFAL York , York University
Member Roles and Responsibilities
Chair & Co-Chair(s)
- Evaluate existing Advisory Board structure for effectiveness and best practice.
- Facilitate Advisory Board planning and Meetings.
- Contribute to Advisory Board outcomes through value-driven insights and advice.
- Act as the contact point to the Board.
Board Members
- Share strategic advice and knowledge during discussions on the centre's plan.
- Monitor the development of partnerships and collaborations by CIFAL York's Executive and Technical Advisory Committees
- Provide advice and feedback to CIFAL York Executive and Technical Advisory Committees regarding the delivery of the training program plan.