ABOUT SAFFY
SAFFY is an interdisciplinary and collaborative team of planners, strategists, writers, designers and communication experts. 
Our work lives at the intersections of people, culture and city-building. 
We’re passionate about the work we do, always excited to tackle new challenges.
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We work to share power and make adjustments to imbalances. Equity, anti-oppression and decolonialism are core to how we approach our work.
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Alternative methodologies help lower barriers to participation and help surface meaningful, and often unexpected, insights.
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We see clients and community members as partners and collaborators, and work to meet folks where they are to invite them into the process.
 
OUR PILLARS
THE TEAM
CONNECT WITH US
hello@saffy.ca
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Principal
Nadia (they/them) is an urban planner, strategist and designer with expertise across sectors and industries on projects big and small. They are passionate about applying innovative methods to address urban and policy challenges through sound analysis, action, and recommendations for decision makers in government, private and nonprofit sectors. Nadia has led multi-disciplinary teams and complex projects from conception to implementation. Nadia is a member of the OCAD University Board of Governors.
Nadia’s clients have included: Canada Council for the Arts, City of Toronto (Children’s Services; Economic Development & Culture; Environment & Energy; Housing Secretariat; Parks, Forestry & Recreation; City Planning; Transportation Planning, Transportation Services, Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild; Solid Waste Management) Community Music School of Toronto, Evergreen, EY, KPMG, Marlin Spring, New Commons Development, OCAD University, Parks Canada, Robert McLaughlin Gallery, TAS, Toronto Arts Council, Town of Newmarket, Town of Whitby, WoodGreen Community Services, The Bentway, The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation, York Region, York Region Arts Council, Yonge Street Mission, Woodbine Entertainment Group.
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Strategist
Helene (she/her) is a designer, researcher and strategist. She believes in taking a human-centred approach in all of her projects, shaped by her experience in visual design and education. Driven by curiosity and empathy, she uses interdisciplinary design methodologies to create impactful solutions.
Helene’s international experience, including time spent working in South Korea, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, enriches her perspective and allows her to bring a global view to her projects. Driven by curiosity and empathy, she uses interdisciplinary design methodologies to create impactful solutions that address complex challenges.
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Junior Strategist + Facilitator
Gab (he/they) is passionate and specializes in fostering meaningful interpersonal connections and driving creative solutions. Known to excel in verbal communication, Gab leverages their creativity to implement strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.
Gab is currently studying Biology at Toronto Metropolitan University, where his research interests lie in microbiology and ecology. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a deep desire to uncover the mysteries of life, Gab is dedicated to exploring the intricate relationships within ecosystems and the microscopic world. This blend of scientific curiosity and strategic thinking allows them to approach challenges with a holistic and innovative perspective.
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Artist + Educator
Melanie (she/her) is a multi-disciplinary Toronto-based artist, art educator, and community activator. Her personal practice draws attention to ecological issues both in the urban and global environment. Melanie works within local communities providing customized art education, lectures, workshops, consulting services, and program development. Melanie specializes in community based installation and activation projects that bring intergenerational community members together.
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Junior Strategist + Artist
Sara (she/her) believes in bottom-up centered approaches facilitated through outreach, programming, and multidisciplinary practices. Her academic background in geography and planning along with her previous work in social science research have widely enhanced her planning knowledge and ability to generate effective and successful community engagement. Meanwhile, her personal art practice aims to draw attention to themes of socioeconomic inequalities and global warming while engaging with a broad audience to uplift communities and build greater resilience.
 
OUR COLLABORATORS
Ridge Road Training & Consulting
Indigenous Engagement Specialists
Ridge Road is an Indigenous-owned, education, facilitation & consulting firm, rooted in the diverse expertise of Indigenous and settler educators.