Ken Jeffers, Tritoca Community Engagement Specialist, boasts a career spanning over 45 years in recreation and community development. Notably, he served as the Manager of the Access and Diversity Unit in Parks, Forestry and Recreation for the City of Toronto. Throughout his career, Ken has been a proactive advocate for equity, diversity, and human rights in program delivery. He has initiated various access and equity programs, introducing sports and recreation to diverse groups and cultures.
Ken played a pivotal role in forming the Harriet Tubman Community Organization, one of the first African Canadian Multi-Service Centres in Toronto, and has been involved in numerous community development initiatives. He has presented recommendations for justice reform on behalf of the African Canadian community and developed the Heritage Counselling program for African Canadian youth in the criminal justice system.
Ken's engagement spans policy development, organizational leadership, and strategic planning. He has been part of various committees, boards, and initiatives, such as the Black Awareness Coordinating Committee, African Liberation Day Committee, and Sierra Leone Building Committee. Ken's involvement extends to policy frameworks, policy development, and organizational capacity building, emphasizing access, equity, and social justice.
In addition to his vast community contributions, Ken Jeffers has been recognized with numerous awards, certificates, and letters of appreciation, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Black Business and Professional Association. His dedication is evident in his diverse involvement across cultural, racial, and social spheres, making significant contributions to community well-being, social health research, and youth development.
In the span of over 40 years, Ken has excelled as a leader, activist, economic developer, youth program initiator and budget manager.
Over 35 years working as a community engagement specialist Manager of Access & Diversity in the City of Toronto.
Coordinated the team of staff for the Parapan American Games forum.
Chief liaison between the City of Toronto and 4 levels of government, to report on the outbreak of violence amongst African Canadian youth.
Mediated community disputes regarding spiritual claims by Aboriginal people.
Worked with the artists of the GBLTTQ community to implement recognition through collaboration with the United Nations.
Managed administrative budget related to community engagement initiatives.
Senior representative on the Mayor’s Task Force on Drugs, commended by 3 Mayors.
Initiated the first major drug prevention project in Regent Park & Alexandra Park.
Created a comprehensive 5-year management plan for recruiting and retaining employees from diverse backgrounds.
Developed the Sharing Sports & Sharing Culture concepts of interculturalism to establish respectful coexistence among diverse groups within an urban community.
Initiated the Get Your Move On project to increase physical activity levels in designated communities throughout the City of Toronto.
Consulted various groups and committees for the restructuring of Parks, Forestry & Recreation.
As the Community Services Administrator, managed the entire Recreation budget for the former City of Toronto.
Monitored the grant budget allocation for Parks, Forestry and Recreation department.
Founding member of the African Canadian Legal Clinic.
Former consultant to the Attorney General’s Office in developing a teaching manual of youth on probation, entitled Heritage Counselling.
Mr. Jeffers is actively creating innovative community, educational, and business-related resources that assist any organization as it endeavors to improve its quest to facilitate EDI initiatives. The system known as the J-Plan is available on request.