Mayor of Orangeville and Humber Polytechnic alumna Lisa Post says, as far as she knows, there isn't a post-secondary program out there designed to prepare learners to be a great mayor or councillor.
However, if you ask her, Humber's Bachelor of Community Development program did a phenomenal job in preparing her to serve in government. Post was in her 30s and working as a counsellor at the time and was looking to pursue a post-secondary education that would support the work she was already doing. Post said the Humber program was "perfect."
"I always joke when people ask me about my education that there is no how to become a good mayor program' anywhere but the Bachelor of Community Development program at Humber Polytechnic is the next best thing," said Post. "I was able to apply my learning directly into the community work I was already doing. Our courses were really focused on social welfare, understanding government relations and good social planning, and all of those are crucial in building communities."
At Humber, she had the opportunity to study and then apply that learning in a real-world setting with a practice-based knowledge degree. Her maturity and proficiency in her academic area helped Post land a practicum placement with the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer for the City of Vaughan. As an EDI intern, she addressed matters such as accessibility and Indigenous relations.
Post's capstone allowed her to work along members of the City of Burlington and other not-for-profit leaders. That experience provided her with strong mentorship and helped her gain an edge that would benefit her future career.
Post had high praise for the Humber program, saying it provided her with plenty of career options. As well, many of her peers from the Humber program are working for non-profits that operate in the areas of food security, poverty reduction and more.
"There is so much you can do with a Bachelor of Community Development degree from Humber Polytechnic," said Post.
The lifelong resident of Orangeville was nominated for a Premier's Award in 2023. The annual awards are given to graduates from colleges across the province in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments. Both the winners and the nominees have attained professional success after graduation while being actively involved in the community and making notable contributions to their respective sectors.
Post says her family imparted to her the importance of giving back from a young age and she dedicated herself to volunteering with numerous local non-profits to make a positive community impact before deciding to run for Town Council.
Post, who was first elected to Orangeville council in 2018 before running and winning the mayor's seat in 2022, is the second woman to serve as mayor of Orangeville since its incorporation in 1863. She champions equity, diversity and inclusion and has dedicated her career to representing marginalized voices and building strong social policies in her community.
Post's vision as mayor focuses on fostering prospering businesses, affordability, safe and flourishing neighbourhoods and infrastructure focused on accessibility. She highlights community values and issues such as sustainability, green initiatives and development of the economy that allows families to grow and remain close to home.
Post is also the co-founder and organizer of Celebrate Your Awesome, a Pride festival that fosters a sense of belonging for the LGBTQ+ community. The festival launched in 2018 and was the first celebration of Pride and diversity for Dufferin County, bringing together more than 7,500 people from its first two years of in-person events.
Humber Polytechnic is more than just a place for higher education. It's a place where students come to reach their full potential; where they can find the person they knew was in them all along. In this Spotlight Series, part of Humber's The You You Knew Was In You campaign, we're highlighting current students and alumni who found the you that was in them, and gained their edge at Humber. Learn more by visiting humber.ca/you.
