A Farewell to Miriam (Co-Executive Director & Co-founder)
Dear Community,
We are sharing some bittersweet news: after 10 years of dedicated leadership ,Miriam Selick, our Co-Executive Director of Programs and Co-Founder, will be stepping down from her role.We are deeply grateful for her leadership, vision, passion and countless contributions she has provided over the past decade.
Canvas Programs was co-founded by Miriam Selick and Ayla Leftowitz in 2015. After witnessing the lack of empathy and stigma around conservations about queer identity and consent within their communities, the two were driven to create the change they wanted to see by providing the education to fill these gaps.
Canvas Programs is now a thriving Toronto-based charity that provides empathy-based education on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and consent in schools, community spaces, and workplaces. Our arts-inspired programming has reached over 50,000 people, creating spaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can live authentically, survivors of sexual violence are believed, and youth have the tools to form safe, caring relationships.
We wholeheartedly thank Miriam for helping lay the foundation, alongside Ayla, that made this growth possible — her leadership and vision have been integral to shaping the organization we are today. Our work continues to be crucial in combating the current rise in homophobia and transphobia. As the conversation around inclusion becomes more polarized, our work stands out for its ability to create open, non-judgmental spaces where genuine understanding and empathy can thrive.
After a decade of dedicated leadership alongside Ayla , Miriam has made the thoughtful decision to begin a new chapter. Reflecting on her long-term career goals and future with Canvas Programs, Miriam shared:
“My time at Canvas Programs has been an incredible honour and privilege, and I remain deeply committed to the importance of Canvas’s mission, which I believe is needed now more than ever. However, after a decade in this role, I recognize that it is time for a personal change—and an opportunity to make space for new voices at the table.””
On behalf of everyone at Canvas Programs, we extend our heartfelt best wishes to Miriam as she embarks on this next chapter. We are profoundly thankful for her many contributions, which have shaped the quality and impact of our programming. The legacy Miriam leaves behind will continue to inspire us as we build on her work and advance our mission to create compassionate futures for all youth through 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and consent education.
Thank you,
Canvas Programs