Jaclyn Rodrigues, Senior Manager, Programs & Events (she/her)
Jaclyn has been working on Arts in the Parks since it started in 2016! In addition to working on this program, she supports Toronto Arts Foundation by engaging stakeholders through outreach efforts, marketing campaigns and communications efforts. Her favourite part of her job is planning special events such as the Mayor’s Arts Lunch.
She graduated from Ryerson University’s Performance Production program, where she studied performing arts management and behind-the-scenes work – including carpentry! After graduating, she worked with The Banff Centre, The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, Canada’s National Ballet School and Kaeja d’Dance.
One of her favourite things to do is spend time outside in the sunshine. Whether it’s in her parents backyard in their pool, on her balcony catching rays, or taking a picnic with her partner to High Park, you’re likely to find her spending her free time outside.
Alexandra Loewen, Senior Coordinator, Program & Events (she/her)
Alexandra is a graduate of Humber College’s Arts Administration and Cultural Management program and holds a BA in Film Studies from Brock University. She is the Senior Coordinator, Programs & Events for Toronto Arts Foundation where she provides logistical and administrative support for events and programs.
She feels extremely lucky have been involved with Arts in the Parks since it started. She was volunteer for Arts in the Parks in 2016, was an intern in 2017 and joined the Foundation full time in 2018. When she isn’t working you can find her going for long walks, curling up with a good book or playing highly competitive, epic game tournaments with family.
Hasanika Mediwake, Program Outreach Coordinator (she/her)
Hasanika is a recent graduate of the Community Worker Program at George Brown College. As the Program Outreach Coordinator for Toronto Arts Foundation, she connects with so many exceptional individuals and organizations to implement initiatives and strategies that increase program visibility in all communities across the city. She started at Toronto Arts Foundation as a placement student for their strategic initiative, Neighbourhood Arts Network and then as an Outreach & Event Assistant for Arts in the Parks in 2019.
She is passionate and especially moved by artistic and cultural endeavors that work to address social justice and is grateful to be part of an initiative that brings artists into communities that have historically had limited access to quality arts events. Working with community organizations and artists of all disciplines across the city leaves her inspired every day. When she isn’t holed up in her house reading you’ll probably find her outside trying to bring her plants back to life and getting distracted by another good book.
Randi Bowron, Outreach & Events Assistant (they/she)
Randi is an artist/arts administrator, with a passion for theatre and community arts. They enjoy connecting with communities to better understand the need for low-cost, accessible, and diverse artistic opportunities in Toronto. Most recently, Randi supported the Regent Park Film Festival as their Volunteer Coordinator and is currently working with Fringe Kids. Randi enjoys adventuring around the city with their dog, Birdie!
Liz Tsui, Outreach & Events Assistant (she/her)
Liz is an emerging artist and curator based in Tkaronto/Toronto. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Art History from York University where she has been curating exhibitions alongside her studies. Her artistic practice and research interests are grounded in methods of engaging communities and demonstrating care throughout the curatorial process. The main purpose of these tools serves to contribute to uncovering erased histories surrounding migrant and diasporic communities in Canada through the analysis of oral histories, community-engaged events, and ephemera. Liz also works as a curatorial assistant for the Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration in Vancouver, BC.
Bella Herrera, Outreach & Events Assistant (she/her)
From school musicals to just finishing her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Film Studies at McMaster University – Bella has always had a passion and dedication to pursue a job in the entertainment industry. Within 2022, Bella has interned and volunteered with various music industry collectives/companies, including TOORLY, Fan to Band, and Music Industry Connections, while stage managing her first production in the same year. Bella’s work within the music industry has helped her gain the knowledge and confidence to pursue a career in artist management. Bella hopes to aid artists’ journey of creativity while uplifting women, non-binary, LGBTQ2SIA+, and BIPOC folks within the entertainment industry. She is incredibly excited to work with Toronto Arts Foundation in fulfilling 2023’s season of Arts in the Parks!
Arielle Makela-Groome, Outreach & Events Assistant (she/her)
Arielle is an emerging arts manager with a background in theatre and a passion for fostering empathy. She has experience both on and off stage: performing, stage managing, educational programming, and event planning. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Studies and is completing a graduate certificate in Arts Administration and Cultural Management from Humber College. In her spare time, you can find her cooking, riding her bike, and watching movies.