Welcome to COMTO Toronto & Region
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Ensuring Transportation Serves All
Our mission is to advance and broaden the transportation industry to more effectively mirror the communities it serves, by creating opportunities for our members through high-level collaborations and partnerships with organizations across various sectors.
Leadership
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MAVARA TURAB
President
Mavara is a dedicated and passionate leader in the transportation industry, serving as the President of the COMTO Toronto and Region Board. With nearly 20 years of global experience within the transportation industry, Mavara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role, currently holding the position of Director of Rail and Transit (Transportation Systems) with WSP Canada.
Mavara has been committed to the advancement of the transportation sector and devoted to creating an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued, advocating for equitable practices and policies.
Mavara's extensive industry experience, both nationally and internationally, has honed her skills in strategic planning, leadership, program management, and stakeholder engagement. As President, she aims to grow the chapter, attract new members and sponsors from both the public and private sectors, and foster a vibrant community dedicated to advancing COMTO’s mission.
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James Yu
Vice President
James is the Senior Project Manager in Transportation Services Division at the City of Toronto. He has almost 20 years of public sector experience managing projects; developing strategy and implementing innovative solutions. James manages the budget development and control of a multi-year operating budget totaling almost $500 million annually for all activities including operations and maintenance for traffic infrastructure, roads, sidewalks, and other multi-modal transportation networks.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, James is active in the transportation community advancing women in the industry as a member of Women Transportation Seminar (WTS) Toronto Area Chapter since 2013. He has served as a board member on WTS in various roles such as the Treasurer and Board Administrator. James also developed the Equity, Division & Inclusion Committee in 2023 including the first Women of the Year Award recognizing women with exemplary achievements in the transportation industry.
James has a Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Public Policy, Administration, and Law both from York University.
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charissa iogna
Secretary
Charissa is a Senior Project Manager in Transportation Services Division at the City of Toronto. She has over 14 years of public sector experience in the transportation industry. She is a transportation planner specializing in transit infrastructure development, social equity, and stakeholder engagement. She has led consultant teams that supported several large-scale transit infrastructure projects in Toronto including the Scarborough Subway Extension, Eglinton East LRT, Eglinton West LRT, Durham Region BRT, Ontario Line, SmartTrack, and fare integration in Toronto. In her current role, she examines the impact of micromobility within Toronto’s complex multi-modal transportation network, with a strong emphasis on equity and safety for vulnerable road users of all ages and abilities. Outside of work, you can find Charissa with her family playing hockey or soccer. Charissa has an Honors Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Science in Planning both from the University of Toronto.
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Odave Griffiths
Treasurer
With over 20 years of experience at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), O’Dave has held progressive leadership roles across several departments, including Finance and Employee Services. His career journey includes key positions such as SAP Business Lead, Manager of Accounts Payable, and Director of Treasury Services. Currently, O’Dave serves as Manager of Process Analysis & Improvements, where he focuses on optimizing operational efficiency and driving continuous improvements. He holds a Business Management diploma from Humber College and have pursued studies in Human Resource Management at York University. Beyond my professional achievement, he is a founding member and current Treasurer of the Toronto Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), where he supports initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the transportation industry. Outside of work, O’Dave is an avid golfer who enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his family.
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Mustafa Mirza
Board Member
Mustafa Mirza, P.Eng., PMP, is Vice President of Rail & Transit Ontario at WSP Canada, with nearly 20 years of experience in delivering complex rail and transit projects globally. He leads a team of professionals, overseeing systems integration, assurance, and engineering across major initiatives across Canada, including Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Montreal, and Quebec City. Mustafa is a licensed Professional Engineer and a certified PMP. He is a recognized industry leader, named to Mass Transit Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2019. Mustafa actively supports the transportation community, serving on the Board of Directors for COMTO Toronto and Region Chapter since 2023, and mentoring through WTS Toronto. He has also contributed to policy development as a member of the Toronto Region Board of Trade’s Transportation Policy Committee. His technical leadership, advocacy for high-performing inclusive teams, and dedication to innovation continue to shape the future of transit in Canada and beyond.
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Yuval Grinspun
Board Member
Yuval Grinspun (PMP, P.Eng.) has been working in the public transit industry since 2002. He has supported large-scale transformation projects for agencies across the continent. In 2014 he founded Left Turn Right Turn to support organizations across the country on business strategy, service planning, accessibility, and technology programs. Since, then, LTRT has grown to a 25-strong person consulting firm that’s developed important transportation and accessibility projects for organizations across Canada. Yuval has been on the Board of Directors and enthusiastic support of COMTO Toronto and Region since 2023; he is also on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) and sits on various industry committees. Outside of work, Yuval is obsessed with board game design, curling, beach volleyball, puzzles, interesting food and his family.
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Dwayne Geddes
Board Member
Dwayne is a 21-year transit professional who spent the first 18 years of his career at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) before joining Metrolinx in 2022. He began his journey in public transit in 2004 as a Light Rail Vehicle Operator and went on to hold a variety of progressively senior leadership roles across multiple departments at the TTC. His experience includes key positions in streetcar transportation, bus transportation, Employee Relations, the Operations Control Centre, and as Department Head of Wheel-Trans.
Dwayne was a part of the inaugural Toronto chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). He served as the first vice-president and played a vital role in establishing the first chapter of COMTO in Canada. Dwayne is a strong advocate for employment equity, and for expanding diversity and inclusion opportunities within the transportation industry.
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