Tamanna Y.
Tamanna Y. is a long-time Regent Park resident and community leader serving as Co-Chair of both the Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA) and the Social Development Plan (SDP). She brings proven leadership experience in community governance, resident engagement, and public service, including multiple terms as Chair and Co-Chair of the Parent Council at Nelson Mandela Park Public School. Drawing on decades of lived experience in Regent Park, Tamanna works to strengthen relationships between residents, institutions, and decision-makers. Her focus is on fostering accountability, building trust, and ensuring community voices are reflected in discussions that shape the neighbourhood's future.
Walied Khogali Ali
Walied Khogali Ali is a dedicated housing advocate who led the implementation of OPA558, advocating for an income-based definition of affordable housing. A Regent Park resident since 2005, Walied is committed to working with residents of all backgrounds to create a safe, inclusive, and sustainable community free from discrimination. As a Canadian Muslim immigrant from Sudan, he has a deep understanding of the challenges facing newcomer youth. His advocacy spans affordable housing, transit, environmental stewardship, equity, and human rights across Toronto.
Miguel Avila-Velarde
Miguel Avila-Velarde is a passionate human rights activist and strong advocate for Indigenous representation and tenant rights. As a Board Member of RPNA and a Toronto Community Housing (TCH) representative, Miguel amplifies the voices of marginalized residents and pushes for equitable decision-making. He also represents RPNA on the Community Benefits Oversight Working Group, advocating for job opportunities and economic inclusion for individuals with mental health challenges.
Shahan Ahia
Shahan Ahia is the President (TCH) of RPNA and a tenacious community advocate for tenant rights and social inclusion. He is the President of the Regent Park Tenants Rights Association and has previously been an active member of the Regent Park Community Benefits Coalition (2019-2021). His experience as a TCHC Tenant Representative has equipped him with invaluable insights into resident concerns, advocacy, and community leadership. Fluent in English and Bengali, Shahan is deeply committed to social cohesion, inclusion, and the goals of the Regent Park Social Development Plan.
Nishan Palakrishnan
I have been a resident of Regent Park for over 25 years, and my connection to the neighbourhood is deeply personal. Growing up and living through Regent Park’s revitalization has given me firsthand insight into how housing, community spaces, and neighbourhood planning impact people’s daily lives and long-term opportunities.
I work in real estate and have experience with residential markets, housing trends, and neighbourhood development. My interest lies in mixed-income communities and ensuring growth is balanced with equity, transparency, and meaningful resident engagement. I bring both lived experience and a practical housing lens to my role on the RPNA Board, and I am committed to contributing to a community where residents feel represented, informed, and proud of where they live.
Katherine Valenzuela
Katherine Valenzuela is a Filipino-Canadian design thinker and creative strategist with a strong focus on community health, wellbeing, and social sustainability. With experience crafting communication design strategies and building supportive, people-centered systems, she brings a multidisciplinary lens to urban challenges. Katherine is deeply rooted in the Moss Park and Regent Park neighbourhoods, where she has been actively involved in community development initiatives. In her current role, she works to bridge local residents with employment opportunities, supporting economic participation and community resilience.
A self-described urbanite, Katherine is driven by curiosity and creative problem-solving. Outside of work, she paints, explores entrepreneurial pursuits, and seeks out meaningful conversations that deepen her understanding of city life and community-building.