Outreach Committees

The Outreach Committees raise awareness of the importance of the CFA brand and designation, CFA Institute and CFA Society Toronto as a whole, within and outside of the investment community.

An outreach committees' representative serves as a liaison between committees and the CFA Society Toronto Board, and the management office on projects to raise awareness of CFA Society Toronto, CFA charter, and CFA Institute. A key objective of this representative is to ensure that we foster relationships with top employers, regulators, and Ontario business schools with the goal of achieving recognition of a global designation that symbolizes knowledge, professionalism, and integrity. This role works to educate and engage Society members regarding the CFA brand, as well as key regulatory and governance issues. The following committee falls under the Outreach portfolio.

External Relations

Chair: Ming Yeung, CFA
Vice Chairs: Wanfeng Zhou, CFA

The objective of the External Relations committee is to identify and manage external relationships and contacts important to the organization with the purpose of increasing the awareness of the CFA charter and engagement with CFA Society Toronto.

The specific intent of this engagement is to build awareness and enhance the CFA brand and charter and raise the profile of the Society, as well as to share and promote services offered by the Society and to advocate on behalf of members.

Next Gen Steering Committee

Chair: Michael Porto, CFA, CAIA
Vice Chair: Lynn Wang, CFA, CAIA, CFP®, TEP, CLU, FRM
Senior Advisor: Stephanie Poon, CFA

The Next Gen Steering Committee provides strategic guidance, insights, and support to CFA Society Toronto (“CFAST”) staff in developing and executing initiatives designed to engage and support the next generation of finance professionals, including pre-University students, University students, post-graduate students, and CFA Candidates. The Committee serves as the primary governance body for CFAST’s Next Gen Program and establishes overall strategic priorities, annual goals, and performance metrics for the Next Gen Program.

The Committee aims to broaden awareness of the CFA designation, cultivate interest in careers in finance and investment, and nurture the journey of aspiring professionals into the CFA ecosystem. The Committee will contribute to CFAST’s strategic goal of “Developing the CFA Program Candidate Pipeline” and fostering a diverse and vibrant community of future members.

Secondary School Relations

Chair: Shafiq K. Ebrahim, CFA
Vice Chairs: Fauzia Babar, CFA

The Secondary School Relations Committee provides strategic guidance, insights, and support to the Next Gen Steering Committee and CFA Society Toronto (“CFAST”) staff in developing and executing initiatives that promote awareness of finance and investment as a potential field of study and career among secondary school students.

The Committee aims to foster early awareness of the CFA designation and cultivate interest in finance as a career choice through targeted educational initiatives, events, and partnerships with schools, educators, and community organizations.

University Relations

Chair: Amir Sajedian, CFA
Vice Chairs: Matt Ellis, CFA

The University Relations Committee provides strategic guidance, insights, and support to the Next Gen Steering Committee and CFA Society Toronto (“CFAST”) staff in developing and executing initiatives aimed at fostering relationships with post-secondary institutions, promoting the CFA designation, and supporting the academic and professional development of university students.

The Committee aims to increase awareness of CFA Society Toronto as a leading resource for finance and investment education and to inspire university students to pursue careers in the financial services industry, including the CFA designation.

Candidate Relations

Chair: Jim Huang, CFA, CPA
Vice Chairs: Michael Lo, CFA

The Candidate Relations Committee provides strategic guidance, insights, and support to the Next Gen Steering Committee and CFA Society Toronto (“CFAST”) staff in developing and executing initiatives that support CFA Candidates throughout their journey toward earning the CFA designation.

The Committee aims to enhance the candidate experience, provide valuable resources, and foster a sense of community to encourage successful completion of the CFA Program and engagement with CFA Society Toronto.

About Us Committees