President's Message

Awareness Inspired: Our Reaffirmation for 2012

 

Davina ReidAs we embark on what we expect will be not only a historic but extremely successful year for UFSC Toronto, I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our pledge of ‘Awareness Inspired.’ 

In 2011 ‘Awareness Inspired’ was launched as our theme to backdrop every meeting and UFSC Toronto event.  We aimed to not only create and inspire awareness about our organization, but also to inspire our members, the community and our corporate partners toward bringing a positive and lasting change in the lives of all of those who work in financial services and to those affected by finance. We strove to heighten the awareness of issues that impact our community such as a lack of awareness of the availability of positive role models for our youth and the underdeveloped financial literacy of our community.  We endeavoured to inspire people to join us in finding solutions to these and other important community issues. 
 
Among our accomplishments in 2011:
  • Our first ever general meeting with over 200 attendees
  • Our first ever movie screening event with approximately 300 guests in attendance
  • Our first ever Diversity In Corporate Canada event in partnership with Asians Without Borders and hosted by BMO
  • Four new Corporate partners came on board  (KPMG LLP, Fidelity Investments, Telus & Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP) and hosted five of our General Meetings
  • We achieved our goal of 120 Members by the end of 2011
  • New heights of success in our partnership with the Canadians 4 Canadians mentoring program, the Junior Achievement Company Program and the Young Men of Colour Stand Up conference
The Urban Financial Services Coalition stands firm on it pillars of Networking, Professional Development, Community Outreach and Financial Literacy.  We remain committed to the personal and professional development of our members, to raising the economic condition of our community and to inspiring our youth to see financial service as a viable career option.  In all that we do, we aim to execute with excellence. Raising the level of awareness about our organization must be a primary focus for 2012.  Our work is far too important to remain ruled by word of mouth. We want your help – our membership – in raising awareness with co-workers, friends and colleagues, as a volunteer on our committees or as a resource for networking, speakers and expertise.  Speak up – this organization must reflect your needs and serve your goals as professionals and community-minded leaders.
 
With the UFSC 2012 International Conference on the horizon and the potential impact such an event will have on our community, it is now time for us to foster awareness about our organization and the issues we seek to address. The four day conference, taking place from June 20-24, 2012, will be as exciting and transformational as it will be educational and relevant.  The programming, events and experience will inspire and energize conference delegates, but will be equally impactful for community and corporate partners, with opportunities to showcase your commitment to diversity, community, professional development and young people.
 
“Borderless Future, Boundless Opportunities” is our 2012 Conference theme, inspiring us to prepare members for changes in our industry, to embrace a global mindset and to emerge as a next generation financial services professional.  Our endeavour to change the face of financial services and to raise the economic condition of our community must be as borderless as the industry within which we operate.  In 2012, with your support and contribution, you will help us achieve our goal of producing a first rate, professional and monumental conference for all attendees both north and south of the border, and ultimately help us to inspire and raise awareness of our organization and the positive things we are doing to uplift and empower our community.
 
2012 also marks the 15 year anniversary of our Toronto Chapter and we will be taking time to celebrate and recognize 15 years of leadership, dedication, perseverance and inspiration. When we look back in another 15 year’s time I’m sure we will remark that 2012 was a pivotal year in UFSC Toronto’s history.  I look forward to serving another year as the UFSC Toronto Chapter President and to playing a role in moving UFSC Toronto onwards and upwards. 
 
Yours truly,

Davina Reid
President
UFSC Toronto
Awareness Inspired