KAMRAN DADI
Assistant Curator, Public Programs and Learning
Kamran is a heritage professional with a passion for creating meaningful, inclusive, participatory, and relevant storytelling experiences. He has worked and volunteered at multiple museums and heritage organizations and served in leadership roles in youth programs. As a new Torontonian and long-time Calgarian, Kamran reflects on the hopes and challenges associated with urban life in Canadian cities. Read More
Tell us about a Torontonian, living or dead, that you would like to have dinner with.
Honestly: Drake. His music is a soundtrack to the city. He seems like a very thoughtful, approachable, and multifaceted person so I feel like we would get along well. It is pretty cool that he had such a big role in rebranding Toronto. I would love to pick his brain about music and life experiences.
What is your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
I am just scratching the surface when it comes to food in the city but so far my favourite is Shatter Abbas. Really good Persian food and then you can go for a walk along the lake from the Queens Quay location.
What is your favourite thing about working at Myseum?
The team! Very cool, kind, and intelligent people.
BRIA DIETRICH
Assistant Curator, Public Programs and Learning
Bria is a researcher, archivist, and curator who is passionate about the ways art can be used to build and foster community. She has an academic background in art history and fashion and holds a Master’s in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Toronto Metropolitan University. Bria has worked extensively in both public and private collections in Canada and the United States. Read More
Tell us about a Torontonian, living or dead, that you would like to have dinner with.
80’s movies have always been and will always be my go-to for comfort watching with Uncle Buck being on the top of the list so I’d have to say John Candy. Candy grew up in and around Toronto and had deep roots in the city. He was part of Toronto’s Second City sketch troupe and a cast member of Toronto-based television series SCTV, before rising to international fame. He was also co-owner of the Toronto Argonauts from 1991-1994. Fun Fact: Oct. 31 is John Candy Day in Toronto having been designated by the City of Toronto in 2020 on what would have been Candy’s 70th birthday.
What is your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
SukhoThai on Dundas near Dufferin is a recent favourite. In my humble opinion the green curry is dream worthy.
What is your favourite thing about working at Myseum?
Getting to work with a committed and compassionate team of amazing people to help share diverse Toronto histories and stories.
BREANNE GIMZA
Marketing Lead
Breanne joined Myseum in 2022 after more than 12 years as a marketing professional in newspaper and television media. Her passion project for the past 5 years as the co-founder of Toronto Drag Queen Storytime helped nurture her desire to connect people in her community. During the pandemic, Breanne took the opportunity to realign her career more closely to her values, which is how she discovered Myseum. She was inspired by their meaningful programming, the stories they committed to sharing, and the diverse audiences they engaged. Read More
Tell us about a Torontonian, living or dead, that you would like to have dinner with.
Gord Downie. Sure, he’s originally from Kingston (but hey, aren’t most Torontonians from elsewhere?).
Gord espouses so many qualities I look for in a friend. Kind-hearted, creative, passionate, and I would imagine, full of captivating stories. It would bring me so much joy to be in his company and share a great conversation with him.
What is your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
La Bettola Di Terroni. This is the first restaurant my husband took me to after moving here and their cacio e pepe will always hold a special place in my heart.
What is your favourite thing about working at Myseum?
The creative, dedicated and kind people. It is truly a people-first organization and I feel a part of something meaningful.
DAVIN HENSON
Production Lead
Davin brings an extensive array of experience in content creation to Myseum having spent the last 17 years working in production services for digital, broadcast and theatrical distribution. Starting his career in Southern California, Davin has produced content for clients that include Red Bull Media House, MTV Networks, Here TV, and Interscope Records. More recently, Davin relocated to Toronto and has developed a passion for producing content in the arts and culture sector. As Production Lead with Myseum, Davin aims to use the power of story to contribute to a digital archive of Toronto’s historical and contemporary narratives. Read More
Tell us about a Torontonian, living or dead, that you would like to have dinner with.
Does Prince count? He used to have a home in Toronto and I’d love to have dinner with him. If he can’t make it, I’d like to forward my invitation to Malcolm Gladwell.
What is your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
Too many to choose from! That being said, I’m always down for some Chinese-Jamaican cuisine from Patois.
What is your favourite thing about working at Myseum?
The people.
KATHLEEN LEW
Associate Curator, Public Programs and Learning
Kathleen is driven by sharing stories about our city with the diverse communities that make Toronto special. Outside of working at Myseum, Kathleen has recently joined the Open Studio Board of Directors and the Group of Ontario Emerging Museum Professionals (GOEMP) Committee. She has guided participatory tours at the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, and has volunteered with Toronto’s Feminist Art Collective (FAC). She also holds a Master’s of Museum Studies from the University of Toronto. Read More
Tell us about a Torontonian, living or dead, that you would like to have dinner with.
I would like to have dinner with the artist Esmaa Mohamoud. I am fascinated by her sculptures and installations and I think we could have a great conversation.
What is your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
There’s nothing more Toronto to me than a table of friends at Mother’s Dumplings on Spadina.
What is your favourite thing about working at Myseum?
My favourite thing about working at Myseum is having so many opportunities to connect with community partners. I learn so much from their work and love seeing their ideas come to life.
NATASHA MIROSAVLJEVIC
Graphic Designer
Natasha is a graphic designer with an excellent eye for aesthetics. She is always on the hunt for a clever creative solution and is passionate about designing for social good. After obtaining a Bachelor of Design at OCAD University, Natasha is ambitiously looking for new ways to take her knowledge, skills and experiences to the next level. Read More
Tell us about a Torontonian, living or dead, that you would like to have dinner with.
Eberhard Zeidler. He’s an architect that has made very well known buildings in Toronto such as the Cinesphere Theater and The Hospital for Sick Kids. I found out recently that his daughter owns the 401 Richmond building where Myseum is located. I’d love to have a coffee and chat with him about his inspirations and hear his thoughts on the future of architectural design in Toronto.
What is your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
I am a huge fan of Japanese food and I have to say Kintaro Izakaya is my favourite out of them all. They have a perfect atmosphere and everything on their menu is delicious, but their matcha cheesecake is to die for.
What is your favourite thing about working at Myseum?
I love the whole idea behind the Myseum brand. From our interactive exhibits to physical and online events, we are really innovative in how we share information and we don’t mind taking risks while coming up with new programs. Since designing for good is one of my passions, Myseum really gives me that opportunity as we are promoting events that will help an individual gain more knowledge of their city and potentially meet new like-minded people.
HEIDI REITMAIER
Executive Director
Heidi loves museums. For over 20 years she has worked in visual arts institutions around the world holding positions at the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. She has led public programming and learning departments at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Tate Gallery and the Institute of Contemporary Art, London and produced radio for the BBC. She returned home 4 years ago and has joined Myseum with a passion to grow the organization. Read More
Tell us about a Torontonian, living or dead, that you would like to have dinner with.
Since joining Myseum, I have learned a lot. I would love to have dinner with Thornton and Lucie Blackburn who were formerly enslaved and came from the United States to Toronto in 1834. They were hugely influential. Amongst many things, they changed laws, built homes, fought for freedom and started a successful business. I am sure I would be inspired.
What is your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
I have two favorite restaurants in the East End. Lake Inez for their secret summer rooftop dinners and The Wood Owl, a gem but still slightly unknown in my neighborhood.
What is your favourite thing about working at Myseum?
My favourite thing about Myseum is the team. They are incredible and I am learning so much.
ROSEMARY SNELL
Marketing & Social Media Specialist
Rosemary collaborates with the team to embed Myseum in the digital worlds of our community members. Every day, she is inspired by how her co-workers bring innovative and profound programming to life. In her role as the Marketing and Social Media Specialist, Rosemary calls on years of experience in grassroots and corporate marketing to connect Toronto’s community with Myseum’s depth of resources. Read More
Tell us about a Torontonian, living or dead, that you would like to have dinner with.
Ben McNally. Ben is the owner of an eponymous bookstore that’s nestled between Bay Street high-rises in the city’s downtown core – offering a cozy and calm refuge that thrives amongst the busy financial district. I’d love to talk to Ben about the books that changed his life and the power of storytelling.
What is your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
My local haunt – Pho Linh at College and Dufferin. Whether I’m celebrating a special occasion or need a pick-me-up, their soup broth has seen me through it all!
What is your favourite thing about working at Myseum?
The people! It’s an honour to be a part of such a dedicated, inspiring team.
JULIE SUH
Associate Manager, Operations & Development
Julie is an experienced arts and culture professional with experience at various organizations such as the Oakville Historical Society, Toronto Summer Music, Toronto International Film Festival, and Asian Art and Culture Trust. From exhibition curation and public programming and to museum planning and management, Julie is interested in meaningful ways of amplifying diverse stories and a wide range of activities in the arts and culture sector. Read More
Tell us about a Torontonian, living or dead, that you would like to have dinner with.
Frank Gehry. I only recently discovered that Gehry is a Torontonian when he announced that he is designing a new condo building in downtown Toronto. I would like to have dinner with this innovative architect and chat about his philosophy, life, and his artistic practice.
What is your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
I have way too many. I am a huge foodie and love trying new restaurants and cuisines. If I had to pick ONE place in Toronto, I would pick Sugo. I love their classic ragu sauce spaghetti, humongous meatballs, garlic bread, and tiramisu!
What is your favourite thing about working at Myseum?
Great staff. Everyone at Myseum is passionate about bringing our city’s communities together through various cultural programming. It is inspiring to work, share, and learn with the team. I also love our office in the 401 Richmond building and being surrounded by other arts and cultural professionals.
SARAH TUMALIUAN
Associate Curator, Public Programs and Learning
Sarah is driven by a curiosity for all things Toronto and an unshakeable belief that the arts, culture, and community contribute to thriving cities. Combining her education and experience in the fields of dance, cultural & community development, and public health, she brings an interdisciplinary lens to her work at Myseum. Read More
Tell us about a Torontonian, living or dead, that you would like to have dinner with.
My ideal dinner companion knows good food, plus would be a great conversationalist, so dinner with Keanu Reeves, please! Crediting the Toronto Reference Library in discovering his love for the arts shows his genuine appreciation for Toronto. He’s not the loudest ambassador of the city, but his heart of gold is Toronto bred.
What is your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
I’ve only been a handful of times, but Lake Inez never lets me down. Thoughtful, ambient, delicious, and daring. Even during the pandemic, their love for crafting dishes endured with curated dinner experiences and soundtracks that could be delivered to your home. Plus, those social media captions, have you read them?
What is your favourite thing about working at Myseum?
My favourite thing about working at Myseum is going through the transformative and generative process as projects are realized. As projects unfold, and by working alongside colleagues, collaborators, and catalysts in Toronto, I gain a fuller understanding of what shapes Toronto’s past and present. I am constantly learning new sides of this city I call home.
NADINE VILLASIN
Director of Programming
Nadine has been engaging diverse communities through cultural programming and meaningful participation in the arts for over 20 years. The former Artistic Director of Carlos Bulosan Theatre, and co-founder of the youth-led Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture, Nadine has worked with a variety of arts organizations (VIBE Arts, Kaeja d’Dance, Drum Artz, Reel Asian Film Festival) curating and producing multi-arts programs, events and festivals. Read More
Tell us about a Torontonian, living or dead, that you would like to have dinner with.
I would have Rohinton Mistry over for dinner. A Fine Balance is still the most devastating novel I’ve ever read. This man deserves to be fed.
What is your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
Choosing a favourite restaurant in this city is a Herculean task, so I’ll just start with a brunch favorite. BBs in Parkdale has a great brunch and the best tortang talong I’ve ever had here or in the Philippines. Filipino breakfast has my heart.
What is your favourite thing about working at Myseum?
I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people who are contributing to our city in inspiring and meaningful ways. I also get to work with a smart, creative and passionate team.
