Lisa Post

Lisa's Experience at Humber

Please tell us about your time at Humber College. What was the best part of it?

The best part of my experience at Humber College while pursuing my Bachelor of Community Development was the dynamic and thought-provoking environment fostered by incredible professors. Our class delved into real societal issues – complex, uncomfortable, and incredibly relevant. These discussions were raw and challenging, but respectful debate and disagreement was encouraged sparking a deeper understanding of the world around us. As a mature student of 39 years of age when I started my post-secondary academic journey, I appreciated the diversity within our class and the honesty of my classmates, which created an inclusive and supportive atmosphere. The program aligned seamlessly with the work I was doing, especially now in my role as the Mayor of Orangeville. It offered practical insights and frameworks that I have been able to apply directly to building a stronger, more inclusive community.

Please tell us about your experience since graduating.

Since graduating from Humber College, my journey has been a whirlwind of applying the knowledge I gained in the Bachelor of Community Development to real-word challenges. When I started my studies, I was already a Town Councillor in Orangeville, and during my final year, I was elected as Mayor – a milestone that my supportive professors and classmates celebrated with me. Their encouragement throughout the campaign was invaluable. Since then, I’ve been fully immersed in applying my academic insights to my role. From developing advocacy strategies that ensure our Town’s needs are heard by provincial and federal partners, to addressing food insecurity and homelessness, and implementing impactful policies like fare-free transit, my work as Mayor continues to be rooted in Community Development. I often joke that there’s no “How to be a Mayor” course, but Humber’s program is the next best thing! While I plan to pursue my Masters in Community Development in the future, my priority right now is making the most of my time as Mayor, ensuring that my community truly benefits from the skills and knowledge I have gained.

What do you find most satisfying about your career choice?

What I find most satisfying about my career is the ability to make a real, tangible difference in the lives of the people in my community. As Mayor, I have a unique platform that allows me to stand up for what is right and just in the world, advocating for policies and changes that can positively impact others. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be so deeply connected to the community, to listen to people’s needs, and then work collaboratively to address them. Community Development is, at its core, about people – about building stronger, more inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Knowing that my work contributes to that, whether it’s through affordable housing initiatives, mental health advocacy, or improving access to services, brings me immense satisfaction. The best part is that this work never stops; every day presents new challenges and opportunities to continue shaping the future of our town in meaningful ways. Being able to dedicate my time and energy to creating positive change for my community is not just a career – it’s a purpose, and one that I feel incredibly fortune to fulfill.