Meet Serena

Serena Purdy is a multi-generational community organizer in the Kensington Market neighbourhood, and a healthcare-focused academic based at the University of Toronto currently working to build our understanding of what makes health systems stronger and help people who fall through the cracks in our social safety net. Bridging her training and her community work, Serena was able to help thousands of underserved people in University-Rosedale access vaccines through no barrier clinics.

As the former chair of Friends of Kensington Market, her work fighting AirBnB has helped to establish Toronto’s strong short-term rental by-laws. Serena has brought local residents together by working with non-profit organizations including Cecil Community Centre and has defended Kensington Market’s affordable housing by supporting the creation of the Kensington Market Community Land Trust. 

Serena loves and lives in University-Rosedale, and is ready to work to protect our public healthcare system, end the housing crisis, support small business and every Canadian who needs to punch up.