NEW ARRIVALS

Five new or returning Torontonians who make the city great

ISMAILA ALFA Host, Metro Morning

Alfa, the former host of Winnipeg’s afternoon radio show, evinces a Gallowayesque charm (see his interview with kid scientists), can handle big names (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, of Never Have I Ever) and can lob hardballs, too (Eileen de Villa).

DONNA YOUNG Dean, Ryerson faculty of law

She is only the second woman of colour to be the dean of a Canadian law school. Young, who came home from Albany, aims to build the brand-new Ryerson Law around social justice and inclusion and to implement a more holistic admissions process.

KUNAL GUPTA CEO, Polar Mobile

Gupta, a University of Waterloo grad, relocated from New York City and has implemented a four-day workweek for his staff, recognizing the mental-health challenges posed by the pandemic.

DEBORAH FLINT CEO, GTAA

Flint, the head of Pearson, came from Los Angeles and quickly implemented innovative health and safety measures designed to get us all airborne again. She sees the pandemic as an opportunity for renewal in terms of equity and inclusion.

LOLA KASSIM GM, Uber Eats Canada

Uber took a hit this year, but Uber Eats has gone gangbusters. That puts Kassim, who just returned from working in West Africa, in the spotlight. She is committed to diversity hiring and helped with a fund to establish a Black-owned digital business directory.