Letter From MPI Toronto Chapter President

Dear MPI Toronto Chapter Members,

As the 2025 President of MPI Toronto Chapter, it has truly been a privilege to lead this chapter with both passion and purpose. My journey with MPI has been incredibly meaningful—from joining as a student, stepping into leadership, and now serving as President.

Joining MPI as a student gave me firsthand insight into both the challenges and the opportunities of building a career in this industry. I knew early on that, to keep the momentum going, I needed to inspire others and create meaningful opportunities—especially for students—to experience the value of MPI through education, networking, and mentorship. That’s why, as part of our strategic plan, we’ve placed a strong focus on bridging the gap between students and the industry.

At our recent Mid-Year Summit, we reflected on the progress made in the first half of the year. It’s clear that we’re moving in the right direction with our operations and programming. The entire leadership team is excited to continue building on that momentum—offering programs that matter and creating more opportunities for members to get involved. Our priority remains to demonstrate the value of membership and encouraging engagement—whether it’s through sponsoring events, attending, volunteering, or collaborating with our suppliers and partners.

When I first considered applying for President, I had two clear goals: to strengthen our chapter’s financial stability and to grow and deepen our community. After six years on the leadership team, I saw this role as a chance to make a lasting impact—by streamlining processes and empowering the next generation of professionals.

A big part of my commitment as President is to connect with as many members as possible—to listen, to learn, and to understand how we can support you better. Community is built through education, networking, and mentorship—but it thrives when every member feels seen, heard, and valued. We all need moments outside of the day-to-day grind to feel that sense of camaraderie that only an engaged association like ours can offer. Together, we can continue to demonstrate why MPI members are leaders in our industry.

As someone who’s gained more leadership experience through MPI than in the professional world alone, I can confidently say this organization has equipped me to make a real impact—and I hope it does the same for you.

 

Warm regards,
Zaman Ishaad, CMP, CED, DES
President, MPI Toronto Chapter 2025