Speaker Series 2026-2027
October 27, 2026 | Men’s Shed Aurora
Anton Coetzee: Lead and PR Coordinator
Topic: Friendship, Skills, Laughter, and Purpose
Join us for a Speaker Series presentation featuring Anton Coetzee, Lead and PR Coordinator for the Aurora Men's Shed (AMS) and advocate for the Men's Shed movement. Based on the idea that friendship, purpose, and community support men's health, Anton focuses on creating spaces where men connect, share skills, and support each other. Guided by the motto "Less Talk, More Do," the movement promotes engagement, learning, and peer support.
During this presentation, Anton will address key questions: What is a Men's Shed? Why does it matter? What is in it for attendees? Is a Men's Shed for everyone?
While the name suggests woodworking, a Men's Shed is about building friendships, confidence, and purpose. Established in August 2023 through the Aurora Seniors Centre, the Aurora Men's Shed has grown from a group of members into a group of over 55 men. Community service is central to their mission; members volunteer for initiatives, including the Poppy Campaign, the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign, Seniors' Expos, Canada Day events, and fundraising for the Aurora Food Pantry and the KIND Program.
Learn about the influence of the Men’s Shed movement and see how skills, laughter, and service connect in our community.
November 24, 2026 | Strengthening and Protecting Canada's Democracy
Nivedita Balachandran, Executive Director of Women's Centre of York Region
Beyond Barriers: Strengthening Women and Community
As Executive Director, Nivedita Balachandran leads the WCYR team in delivering holistic, trauma-informed services designed to foster safety, connection, and economic stability. Her team works to ensure that programs remain accessible to those facing barriers, trauma, and abuse. Under her direction, WCYR offers group education, workshops, counselling, peer support, and case management to assist women with employment, mental health, housing, and essential daily needs.
Niv brings over 15 years of executive experience across public health, non-profit management, and community development. Her background includes leadership roles within community health centres, mental health agencies, and newcomer services, with expertise in organizational governance, financial oversight, equity frameworks, and stakeholder engagement.
Niv holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioural Neuroscience, a Master of Public Health degree, and completed the MBA Essentials program at the Rotman School of Management. Her presentation offers insight into how strategic leadership and community-based services collaborate to help women rebuild their lives and achieve long-term independence.
January 26, 2027 | Strengthening and Protecting Canada's Democracy
Sarah & Dan Nicksy
Electoral Reform: Strengthening and Protecting Canada's Democracy.
Note: This is a virtual presentation
Their interest in electoral reform began when they recognized that critical causes—such as environmental conservation and public mental health resources—frequently lack long-term stability. Under Canada's current governance structure, policy advances created under one administration can be easily reversed by the next. After examining systems used by other nations, Sarah and Dan concluded that electoral reform provides a path toward lasting progress by encouraging governments to build upon previous work.
Identifying a gap in public knowledge as a major obstacle to reform, Sarah and Dan researched and authored this informational presentation in 2022. They initially began delivering sessions across their local community in North Bay. As interest grew, they expanded their reach online to help citizens understand how electoral frameworks influence long-term policy and representation.
During the presentation, Sarah and Dan break down the fundamentals of Canada's existing system, detail how it impacts citizens, and compare it with frameworks used by stable democracies globally. Attendees will learn how system-level adjustments can encourage accountability and support lasting progress on key social priorities across the country.
February 23, 2027 | Cosmic Connections
Naomi Simpson: Accredited Professional Astrologer (CAAE)
Topic: Cosmic Connection
Naomi Simpson, a certified coaching practitioner, accredited professional astrologer (CAAE), and former corporate HR professional, leads this session focused on helping women navigate major life transitions, strengthen relationships, and align with their life purpose. Integrating somatic practices, yoga, and astrological frameworks, she offers grounded, practical support to guide women through key life cycles and help them step into their power, particularly in the Third Act of life.
This presentation covers the fundamentals of the birth char t— including the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant signs — and explains how current planetary movements affect daily life. Attendees will explore methods to balance the four elemental temperaments (fire, earth, air, and water) while gaining actionable insight to improve communication, deepen intimacy, and approach personal growth with clarity and intention.
March 8, 2027 – IWD | Fill a Purse For a Sister Campaign
Angel Freedman: President & Founder
Topic: Fill a Purse For a Sister
International Women’s Day Speaker
Angel Freedman is the President and Founder of the Fill a Purse For a Sister Campaign. As an advocate for gender equality and women's rights, she works to support victims of domestic violence and raise awareness across local communities. Her annual initiative provides purses and backpacks filled with personal care items to women, youth, and men in crisis, distributing them directly to women's shelters, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centres, and regional social services.
In this presentation, Freedman will highlight the remarkable success of the 2025 campaign—which collected over 3,500 purses across Toronto, York Region, and Durham—and share details on how the 2026 campaign expanded to lease dedicated space to accommodate the rapidly growing volume of contributions. Attendees will learn about the direct impact of these vital supplies and explore practical ways to support the initiative moving forward, including becoming community leads, hosting local drop-off locations, or providing financial contributions.
March 23, 2027 | Jazz Experience
Tim Henry - New Horizons York Region Jazz Band Director
Topic: Jazz Experience
Tim Henry, Band Leader for the York Region Jazz Band of the New Horizons Band of Toronto (NHBT), will present an interactive session on adult music education alongside a live performance by the York Region Jazz Band. The presentation offers an overview of the instruments that comprise a jazz ensemble and highlights various musical styles, including Swing, Latin, Fusion, and Rock.
Founded in 2010, the New Horizons Band of Toronto provides an inclusive, multi-level music education program tailored for mature adults who want to learn an instrument for the first time or rekindle a passion for playing after years away. Rehearsing weekly at Richmond Green High School in Richmond Hill, the group offers professional instruction from beginner to advanced levels, culminating in seasonal spring and winter concerts. Attendees will discover how joining a band provides an opportunity to build community, maintain cognitive and physical activity, and experience the joy of music at any stage of life.
April 27, 2027 | The Journey of a Refugee
Farah Semah
The Journey of a Refugee From Afghanistan to Canada
Born and raised in Afghanistan, Farah Semah studied medicine with the goal of becoming a doctor. However, as she reached her final examination, the Taliban returned to power. Universities faced severe restrictions, preventing Farah and many other students from completing their degrees or obtaining their official academic records. With safety at risk, she was forced to leave her home and abandon her medical education.
Farah’s journey to safety spanned multiple countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, the United States, and ultimately Canada. Along this route, she navigated significant obstacles and hardship while also encountering support from individuals who assisted her along the way.
Now living in Canada with her husband and their two daughters, Farah remains focused on pursuing a career in healthcare. Despite the disruption to her studies, she continues to work toward completing her education and contributing to the healthcare field. During her talk, Farah discusses the realities of forced migration, the challenges of losing official credentials, and the process of establishing a new life. Her presentation highlights how individual determination and community support contribute to long-term integration and progress.