Dr. Wendy Mendes is an urbanist and social innovator specializing in healthy, equitable and socially resilient cities. She is a “pracademic” (practitioner + academic) who thrives on tackling complex systems challenges at the intersections of local governments, academia and non-profits. She holds a PhD in Urban Geography, and was awarded a two-year CIHR Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Toronto's Centre for Urban Health Initiatives. Her academic expertise is grounded in nearly 20 years of applied experience as a municipal (Social) Planner, Strategist, and policymaker. Past highlights include leading the design and implementation of the City of Vancouver's "Your City Hall” (YCH) initiative which takes a systems change and equity-focused approach to increasing civic literacy, deepening local democracy, and reducing barriers to participation in civic life within and beyond City Hall; serving as lead Planner and Strategist for the first two years of the City of Vancouver's Social Infrastructure Plan (part of the Healthy City Strategy); and leading Vancouver’s international award winning Sustainable Food Strategy (part of the Greenest City Action Plan). Wendy has lived in four Canadian cities and taught at three Canadian universities. She is a podcast enthusiast, lover of strong coffee, and devotee of contemporary circus arts. Wendy is currently Director of Community Impact & Partnerships at United Way of Calgary & Area, and Instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University.