Tonya Surman

Tonya Surman is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Social Innovation, a role held since January 2004, where leadership focuses on creating community workspaces and incubating emerging enterprises to support social mission groups. Prior experience includes serving as Partnership Director at the Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and Environment from 2000 to 2008, successfully leading initiatives to reduce children's toxic exposure, including the landmark ban on Bisphenol A in baby bottles. Additionally, Tonya held the position of Senior Consultant at Commons Group (2000-2006), enhancing collaboration among nonprofits and government via the Internet, and served as Executive Director at Web Networks from 1994 to 2000, overseeing leadership, management, and product development. Tonya holds a BA in Environmental Studies and International Development from the University of Toronto and has a background in Theatre and Dance from the Claude Watson School for the Arts.