Team Spotlight

In this edition of our team spotlight series, we connect with Elya Djaffar, Project Assistant to our Agri-Food lead, Meena Hassanali. Fresh off a successful 2021 Agri-Food Forum, we caught up with Elya to give us the rundown on what she’s been doing with the York Region Economic Development team. 

With significant assistance and input from my exemplary team, I oversee a broad portfolio that includes agriculture & agri-food, innovation, tourism, broadband, post-secondary attraction and support, smart city/intelligent community initiatives and the York Small Business Enterprise Centre.

As a public sector organization, our success is measured in how much we help the people and businesses that we serve. Hearing first-hand from small business owners that we’ve helped them grow or launch their business is incredibly satisfying, knowing that we made a positive difference; that’s my favourite part of the job.

I am a Leafaholic. I live and breathe the Toronto Maple Leafs during the hockey season. The Leafs have taught me stress management and how important it is to relax and take a deep breath. Go Leafs Go!

Leveraging the experiences and skills I have developed over the years and being a third-generation entrepreneur myself, I take pride in connecting and working with my clients to help their businesses take the next step in finding success.