Maria Voutsinas is a journalist who lives in Toronto Danforth. As Executive Director of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, she works with all levels of government to advocate for free speech, equality and human rights on behalf of 800 independent ethnic media partners across the country. City Hall is familiar territory: the Council’s office has been there for over 20 years.
Before joining the Council, Maria worked in the financial services sector as a relationship manager. She is also a regular contributor and editor for a Greek Canadian monthly publication, where she writes about contemporary cultural issues.
A wife and mother with a deep commitment to her community, Maria is a founding member of the Danforth Greektown Renewal Committee. She works to keep the neighbourhood’s main street healthy by supporting local businesses, green space and family-friendly investment. She also produces a regular live music event that brings local bands together to raise funds for community charities.
A child of Greek immigrants, Maria has raised her two children in Toronto Danforth. In 2014, she ran for TDSB School Board Trustee in the same community she is asking to represent today.
Maria’s community service has included work with the Diabetes Hope Foundation Scholarship Review Committee, fundraising for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, volunteering at her children’s schools and serving on the Parent Council Executive.
Maria holds a Specialized Honours BA in Political Science from York University.