Toronto ACORN

Alejandra Ruiz Vargas

Chair, East York Chapter – ACORN Canada President

Alejandra is a housing worker originally from Colombia who has been involved with ACORN since 2015. She has led meetings and actions on issues such as. childcare, remittances, and employment insurance reform but her passion and advocacy on affordable housing, tenant rights and state of good repair issues is her passion.

Christena Abbott

Co-Chair, East York Chapter

Christena has been a member of ACORN since 2018. She is very involved in the “Beat the Heat” campaign for the last two years. She is very active in several rally’s and actions. She has been elected the Co-Chair of East York Chapter of ACORN.

Mustafa Mehkary

Secretary, East York Chapter

Mustafa has been an ACORN member since 2024. He has supported the East York chapter, contributing feedback and ideas at RentSafeTO meetings and engaging with Toronto city officials and councillors. Recently elected chapter secretary, Mustafa is committed to strengthening tenant voices and pushing for housing justice in the community. Mustafa is particularly interested in landlord licensing approaches and regulations for financial landlords.

Marva Burnett

Chair, Scarborough Chapter – ACORN International President

Marva is the Chair of Scarborough ACORN and the President of ACORN International. Marva is a child care worker, and a mother. She has been passionate leader with ACORN since it first started organizing in Scarborough in 2005 and has led countless campaigns over the years.

Sheila Prospere

Co-Chair, Scarborough Chapter

Sheila is a dedicated leader who runs tenant meetings and conducts outreach across all of Scarborough. Sheila has guided other ACORN members and tenants to win campaigns in their buildings!

Khadijah Al-Maqdisy

Secretary, Scarborough Chapter

Khadijah leads other tenants in outreaches, meetings, petition signing, and more to win changes in the community. Khadijah is passionate about speaking up for rights and encourages her chapter to do so!

Stacey Semple

Chair, Downtown Chapter

While discussing an AGI at the dog park, a neighbour in a building ACORN had knocked at gave Stacey a flyer and the rest is history! In December 2022 she joined as a member after attending a couple meetings and participated in the Fair Food for All campaign. Since then, her participation is one of the most active at Toronto ACORN where she regularly attends and leads many actions held while addressing ACORN's demands to landlords, City council, and MPPs.

Michael Regan

Secretary, Downtown Chapter

Michael has been an ACORN member since 2004, organizing to fight for change, and was recently elected secretary of the downtown Toronto ACORN chapter.

Edina Edmunds

Chair, York West Chapter

Edina Edmunds is the dedicated chair of the York West ACORN chapter. A passionate advocate for the working class, she has made it her mission to organize her neighbours in Toronto Community Housing to fight for better conditions and fair treatment. With a laser focus on building collective power, Edina works tirelessly to ensure social housing residents across the city have a strong voice, demanding meaningful improvements and accountability from decision-makers.

Steve Horvath

Co-Chair, York West Chapter

Steve Horvath is the co-chair of the York West ACORN chapter and a longtime tenant on Keele Street. Deeply committed to his community, Steve works tirelessly to ensure his neighbours are treated with fairness and respect. His passion for tenant rights and community advocacy drives his efforts to make Jane & Finch and Downsview better places for everyone.

Banafsheh Zia

Secretary, York West Chapter

Banafsheh Zia is the dedicated secretary for the Weston ACORN chapter, where she plays a key role in keeping the chapter organized and to mobilize her community around ACORN campaigns. Passionate about climate justice, tenant protections, and housing affordability, Banafsheh is committed to building power for working-class residents and creating meaningful change in her neighbourhood and beyond.

Marcia Stone

Chair, Weston Chapter

Marcia joined ACORN in 2019 and has quickly become an active leader in her community and chapter. She believes that your postal code should not determine the quality of your housing and that’s why she continues to fight for healthy homes for all and on other important housing campaigns led by ACORN.

Michael Cuadra

Co-Chair, Weston Chapter

Michael has organized his building to fight their Above the Guideline Rent increase and win repairs. Mchael helps other members to speak and organize in the neighbourhood!