Our dedicated social innovators are focused on facilitating introductions and wayfinding for students, faculty, teaching staff, alumni and partners focused on social innovation at UofT.
We work with academic, co-curricular and extra curricular programs across the University and external organizations involved in social innovation and entrepreneurship within our local region, Canada wide and globally.
Lorie Berberian
Programs Assistant, Innis College
Lorie is an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, Victoria College completing an HBA in Sociology and International Relations.
Throughout her studies, Lorie’s passion for serving vulnerable groups has grown as she engaged in community development initiatives and volunteering opportunities to serve those suffering from poverty, homelessness, and war.
Lorie strives to incorporate social innovation into a career focused on serving people, particularly one that provides direct services to marginalized populations around her.
As a Programs Assistant at the Office of Student Life at Innis College, Lorie is partnering with the Agency to plan the Social Innovation Certificate Program.
Contact: lorie.berberian@mail.utoronto.ca
Kelly Curran
Student Life Coordinator at Innis College
Kelly is the Student Life Coordinator at Innis College where she plans and implements enrichening student programming intended to facilitate community development, leadership and skill-building, and support throughout the university transition.
Having majored in Environmental Science with a pursued interested in the intersection between education and sustainability, Kelly is interested in social innovation in education and the efforts of education in fostering a sustainable and innovative mindset and behaviour.
Kelly supports the Agency in delivering programming and managing the Social Innovation Skills Certificate.
Contact: kelly.curran@utoronto.ca
Robert “Eli” Easton
Programs Assistant, Innis College
Eli is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, Innis College studying Economics and Public Policy.
He is passionate about societal issues and governance, and hopes to build a career where he can fight for workers' rights.
Beyond this, he enjoys unwinding by playing bass, reading, and listening to podcasts.
Contact: eli.easton@mail.utoronto.ca
Cindy Ross Pedersen
Executive Director
Cindy is a former tech entrepreneur who successfully sold her company in 2006, retired early in 2008 to refocuse on giving back.
She is a Senior Fellow Massey College, Past-President of the University of Toronto Alumni Association, supporter and community member of the Centre for Social Innovation and mentors students, alumni and entrepreneurs.
Cindy has previously volunteered at:
- Laurier University, Schlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship as the Entrepreneur in residence
- Advisory Committee Chair, Major Gifts, Amnesty International Canada
- Consultant Habitat for Humanity Toronto
Contact: cindy@theagencyuoft.ca