2024 -2025 DIRECTORS & OFFICERS

PRESIDENT: JOCELYN REYES MIDGHALL - With years of combined experience in governance, operations, and leadership, Jocelyn brings a solutions-focused approach to tenant advocacy and community building. She began volunteering with HPTA in 2021 as Communications Committee Lead and later took on the role of Building Relations Committee Lead. Her professional background includes senior roles in corporate governance, nonprofit leadership, and business operations. Jocelyn engages with various sectors, advocating for policy changes to address the systemic issue of affordable housing, amplify tenant voices, and strengthen community impact. She has served in leadership roles with the International Association of Administrative Professionals and the Philippine Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and continues to support grassroots initiatives across Toronto.

VICE PRESIDENT: ALEX VENUTO - Alex first moved to the High Park community in 2016 and became an active member of the High Park Tenants Association (HPTA) in 2019. Since joining, Alex has been a dedicated advocate for tenants' rights, particularly focusing on Above Guideline Increases (AGIs). He works to ensure landlords do not pass unreasonable costs onto tenants, helping to keep rents more affordable. This role is crucial, as AGIs directly impact annual rent increases for tenants when landlords apply for additional charges beyond the provincial guideline. Beyond AGIs, Alex recognizes that many of the challenges facing renters require advocacy at the provincial level. He has been actively engaging with tenant associations across Ontario to strengthen renters’ voices and working directly with local MPPs to push for stronger protections and expanded rights for tenants. Alex's commitment to housing justice led him to run in the 2025 provincial election, where renters’ rights were at the forefront of his platform. He continues to work tirelessly to support tenants in High Park and beyond.

SECRETARY: PACO ALVAREZ - This is Paco’s first year serving with the High Park Tenants’ Association. As a long time resident of Toronto, he has witnessed the city’s exponential growth and watched it morph into a cosmopolitan city that is still catching up to house all its residents. As such, it is a pleasure and honour to serve and be part of a vibrant and active team that supports tenant’s rights.

TREASURER: NISHANT SUREKA - Nishant serves as the Treasurer and Director of the High Park Tenants’ Association, where he oversees financial management and plays a key role in advocacy efforts for tenant rights. With a background in Auditing, Project Management & Governance, and Risk Management, he brings strategic oversight to the association’s financial operations. Nishant is committed to fostering an informed and empowered tenant community, ensuring financial transparency, and strengthening the association’s initiatives to serve its members better.

DIRECTOR: DIANA JARDINE - Diana is a longtime resident of 35 High Park Avenue, with roots in the neighbourhood dating back to 1975. Former Senior Director and Community Planner with the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, bringing over 35 years of public service experience. She served as an advisor to the High Park Community Alliance on development matters (2019–2021) and volunteered with the Distress Centre of Greater Toronto (2016–2022). Diana is the Development Committee Lead and the Seniors Groups (NORC) co-lead, a proud mother and grandmother.

HPTA IS A MEMBER OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS: