Internationally renowned liveable city advisor and social marketing strategist, Gil Penalosa is passionate about vibrant and healthy communities. Hoping to improve the quality of life for all residents, Gil promotes walking and cycling as well as the creation and use of great city parks and trails.

As Executive Director of Canadian non-profit organization 8-80 Cities and former Commissioner of Parks, Sports and Recreation in Bogota, Colombia, Gil’s tireless commitment to fostering healthy communities remains front and centre. He also works as Senior Consultant for the renowned Danish firm Gehl Architects. And he serves on the Boards of Directors of American Trails, Ciclovias of the Americas, and City Parks Alliance.

Gil's Page

Amanda is a graduate of Queen's University (Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology) and holds her Master’s of Science in Planning from the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the 8-80 Cities team Amanda worked in the NGO sector on various environmental planning projects in both Halifax and Toronto.

Amanda's work has focused on improving the quality of life and sustainability in cities by empowering local communities with the tools and knowledge to advocate for enhanced public green spaces and safe and accessible walking and cycling infrastructure.

Currently the Director of Policy and Planning at 8-80 Cities, she has worked on several local and international projects including: Community action plan projects in 36 Ontario communities; the Guadalajara Metropolitan Park Master Plan; the Bicycle Master Plan for the City of León, Mexico; and the Non-Motorized Mobility Master Plan for the Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara. 

Amanda grew up in both Canada and the United States and now lives in Toronto with her husband and young daughter. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys discovering new things about her home city and exploring other cities around the world by foot and by bicycle.

Emily’s experience growing up on a small rural island in Ontario is not an obvious stepping stone to a career in urban issues. However, after completing a Bachelor of Arts in International Development at McGill University in Montreal, and visiting and working in cities around the world such as Bangkok, Tokyo, Delhi and Hamburg,  Emily developed a deep interest in community development and urban issues. 

After returning to school to complete an acclaimed graduate program in International Project Management at Humber College in Toronto, Emily joined the 8-80 Cities team.  As Director of Programs and Partnerships, Emily is always excited to develop meaningful relationships with partners and to design impactful community-based programs to create more people friendly cities.

Trained in facilitation and participatory community assessments, Emily is passionate about authentically engaging people in the process of community development and urban design.

Camila holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Catholic University in La Paz, Bolivia. She also has a Diploma in Philosophy and Art History from the University of San Andres in La Paz.

Camila is driven and passionate, willing to go wherever needed at any time. She has an outstanding sensitivity with people and is committed to the environment and nature. While working as a Strategic Planner for a marketing agency, Camila developed a special interest and expertise in market research oriented to consumers’ attitudes.

She brings creativity and enthusiasm to each aspect of her life which allows her to enjoy every day tasks at work and home.

Camila lives in Mississauga, Ontario, and loves to take long walks as a part of a general routine of being healthy.