Who We Are
Urgent is a Canadian social innovation hub dedicated to transforming global knowledge into practical, scalable solutions for communities across the country. It organizes international research, synthesizes emerging evidence, and applies it to Canada’s most urgent social challenges including housing insecurity, food insecurity, and social isolation across generations. Designed as both a think tank and an action lab, the organization collaborates with policymakers, academics, community leaders, and lived‑experience experts to co‑design programs and policy models that strengthen resilience in cities and smaller communities alike. It is a national catalyst for systems‑level change rooted in compassion, evidence, and community belonging.
Martin Rochon, the nonprofit’s founder, has built his career on bringing diverse groups together to make a meaningful difference in people’s quality of life. This nonprofit reflects that through the united, talented and deeply committed group of individuals who share a common purpose: improving the well‑being of communities across Canada.. Urgent is grounded in the belief that real change happens when people with different experiences and perspectives are aligned around a shared mission.
Active across municipal, provincial, and federal public‑policy environments, Martin has a rare ability to create alignment, generate momentum, and help people see that something bigger is possible when they work together.. Urgent’s steady, strategic approach turns collaboration into a catalyst for national impact as a unifying force for social innovation and community transformation.
Our Mission
To bring people together to improve the well-being of communities across Canada through collaboration, inclusion, and shared purpose.
Our Vision
A Canada where diverse people work together to create stronger, healthier, and more connected communities that improve the quality of life for all generations.
Our Leadership
Martin Rochon, PhD (ABD), MBA, BComm
Founder & CEO
Martin is a Canadian academic, strategist, and governance leader dedicated to strengthening communities, advancing social innovation, and improving quality of life across generations. As the Founder and CEO (Founding CEO) of Urgent, Martin leads a national mission focused on addressing urgent community challenges through ethical, measurable, and reproducible solutions.
Martin is a professor at Saint Paul University (federated with the University of Ottawa), teaching across three departments: The Élisabeth Bruyère School of Social Innovation, The School of Social Communication, and The School of Conflict Studies. He has also taught Organisational Behaviour at Conestoga College, working with both Aviation and Business students.
Martin’s courses emphasize experiential learning, where students collaborate directly with community groups to design and improve practical projects grounded in ethics, evidence, and real‑world impact. Many of Martin’s initiatives champion an intergenerational approach, creating meaningful bridges between seniors, students, newcomers, and diverse community partners.
Martin’s research and project work focus on addressing Canada’s most pressing and complex social issues — including social isolation, and housing and food insecurity. His work integrates design, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring that community solutions are not only innovative but also measurable, scalable, and sustainable across disciplines and regions.
Martin’s governance and community leadership extend across multiple organizations. He serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Stroke Recovery Association of Barrie and District, is a Director with the Barrie and Surrounding Areas Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP), was a Founding Member of the Seniors Housing Alliance – Simcoe County, was a Director with the National Association of Federal Retirees – Huronia Branch, is a Research Affiliate at the Cultural Policy Network of the University of Ottawa, is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, is an Associate Member and Policy Advocate with the Autism Alliance of Canada, serves as Principal Advisor for Strategic Initiatives and Community Development with Simcoe Seenagers, is a Facilitator for the University of Toronto’s Intergenerational Classroom Events, is the Creator and Co‑Host of the Urgent Conversations Podcast, and leads his own speaking tour, In Conversation with Martin Rochon. He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Barrie.
Martin is a two‑time recipient of the Thomas G. Feeney Q.C. Award for Aging and Community, received the Public Service Gold Medal for leading the Service Canada Outreach Project to Newcomers, and was the first person ever to represent George Brown College at Harvard World Model United Nations.
With advanced doctoral research (PhD, ABD) in interdisciplinary social issues and graduate training in business (MBA, BComm). Martin’s career spans higher education, nonprofit governance, public service, fundraising leadership, and community innovation. His work continues to shape national conversations around aging, housing, social isolation, intergenerational collaboration, and the future of community well‑being in Canada.
William Reid
Director Legal & Financial
William (Bill) Reid earned his MBA from McMaster University in 1982, with a major in Finance. He subsequently earned his law degree from Western University in 1985 and was called to the bar of Ontario in 1987. He is employed as in-house counsel to several post-secondary student unions around the Greater Toronto Area, and in that capacity provides legal services to the student unions themselves as not-for-profit corporations as well as individual legal advice and assistance to the students they represent. He also sits on the boards of other not-for-profit corporations and provides pro bono legal services to those corporations.
José González Güel
Director HR, People, and Culture
José González Güel is a senior lawyer, legal educator, and governance strategist dedicated to advancing access to justice and strengthening organizational culture across Ontario. As a lawyer with the Durham Community Legal Clinic and President of the Durham Region Law Association, he brings a combination of legal expertise, executive judgment, and community‑driven leadership to every role he holds.
José’s practice integrates client advocacy with advanced skills in workplace investigations, mediation, human rights advising, and conflict resolution. His governance work spans multiple post‑secondary institutions, where he supports leaders in building equitable, accountable, and student‑centered environments.
José’s academic background reflects advanced, multidisciplinary legal and governance training. He holds an LL.M. from Osgoode Hall Law School and earned a double bachelor's degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, completing both his LL.B. in Law and B.Sc. in Social Sciences. He also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Management, strengthening his foundation in organizational strategy and leadership. José is completing his MBA at Carleton University with a concentration in Change Management, building on prior graduate‑level coursework in Finance completed at Niagara University. His professional credentials include the Advanced Workplace Investigations Certificate, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate, and the Law Teaching Certificate, complemented by additional specialized training in AODA/IASR compliance, EDI frameworks, cybersecurity, and de‑escalation techniques—reinforcing a modern, governance‑aligned approach to legal and institutional leadership.
Dexter John
Director IT & Special Projects
Dexter John brings more than 25 years of experience in the information technology industry, as a seasoned IT professional with extensive expertise in networking, Red Hat Linux, and Microsoft 365. Throughout a distinguished career, he has built a reputation for delivering reliable technical solutions, maintaining secure and efficient IT environments, and providing exceptional support across diverse organizations.
Known for remaining calm under pressure, Dexter excels at diagnosing and resolving complex technical challenges while fostering collaboration and confidence among colleagues and end users. By combining deep technical knowledge with a people-centered approach, he builds trusted relationships, strengthens technology infrastructure, and helps ensure business operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Passionate about continuous learning and service excellence, Dexter is committed to leveraging technology to solve problems, improve organizational performance, and create positive experiences for both teams and users.
TEAM MEMBERS
William Yaw Addae Duansi
Special Projects Coordinator
William is passionate about bringing people together to build stronger, more connected communities. Originally from Ghana and now based in Canada, he has dedicated his career to supporting individuals through community engagement, volunteerism, and collaborative projects that create lasting social impact.
With experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach, William enjoys working with people from diverse backgrounds to develop meaningful partnerships and practical solutions to social challenges. He currently supports initiatives focused on reducing seniors’ isolation while also volunteering as a mathematics tutor, helping newcomer youth build confidence and succeed in their education.
Before moving into the nonprofit sector, William worked in banking and finance, where he developed strong skills in leadership, organization, and problem-solving. Today, he combines those skills with a deep commitment to serving others. He holds a master's degree in social Innovation from St. Paul University, and graduate and undergraduate degrees in finance and marketing from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and University of Professional Studies, Ghana - respectively.
William believes that every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and connected, especially older adults whose experiences and contributions have helped shape our communities. He is proud to be part of an organization that is committed to creating a better future.
Jules Quinto
Communications Specialist
Jules (they/he) is a neurodivergent, disabled, and nonbinary scholar, educator, writer, and creator based in Ontario, Canada. They recently completed an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies at York University, doing innovative, accessible, practice-based research-creation about gaps within Ontario’s digital healthcare technologies.
In 2025, Jules was awarded the SSHRC-funded Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s for their thesis project “Living Through It: Digital Crip Time in Ontario, Canada.” Their interdisciplinary work spans several topics such as English, Communication and Media Studies, Political Science, Gender Studies, Digital Culture, and Disability Studies. Jules has delivered a conference presentation at the 2024 NEXUS Conference at the University of Tennessee and published multiple scholarly works.
Jules’ skills stem from a Spec. Hons. BA in English and Professional Writing at York University, where the specialized in Digital Writing. They graduated from this program Magna Cum Laude.
Currently, Jules works as a Peer Coach for Blue Sky Learning to help people like them navigate institutions and systems of bureaucracy. Over the past 7 years, Jules has also taught workshops, tutored high school students, and supported peers in proposal and grant writing. They also support their community by dedicating countless hours to volunteer causes spanning student leadership, 2SLGBTQIA+ community support, mutual aid, and animal rescue efforts.
Jules is passionate about harm reduction, gender-affirming care, disability justice, social equity, and community forms of collective care.
Maria Czaplewski
Intergenerational Outreach
Maria Czaplewski is a dedicated community volunteer, entrepreneur, and advocate for active aging with a lifelong commitment to serving others. With more than 25 years of experience as the owner and operator of a successful business, she developed strong leadership, financial management, staff supervision, scheduling, and organizational skills while building a reputation for reliability and excellence.
Originally from Zakopane, Poland, Maria holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Zakopane College of Arts. Maria has lived in Canada for many years - where she has remained actively involved in strengthening her local community. She is a committed member of the Polish Alliance of Canada (Branch 43), has been very actively involved in Barrie Polonia and local activities for over seven years, and regularly participates in the Simcoe Seenagers. She also supports fellow residents in her retirement community by encouraging social connection and active living.
Maria's passion for helping others extends to volunteering with children through the Story Dog program, where she encouraged elementary school students to build confidence and literacy by reading to her dog. Earlier in her career, she also worked with preschool and kindergarten children, reflecting her long-standing dedication to education and community service.
Maria combines business expertise, volunteer leadership, and a genuine passion for community engagement. She is committed to making a positive impact by fostering inclusion, supporting seniors, and contributing her experience and leadership to organizations that strengthen community well-being.
Ewa Chwiluk
Autism Programs
Ewa is a highly experienced Rehabilitation Specialist and Support Worker with more than 20 years of dedicated service supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, movement disorders, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and those recovering from injury or surgery. Her career spans community organizations, private practice, and aquatic rehabilitation programs across Ontario.
Ewa holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Recreation and is a CSEP Certified Personal Trainer with specialized credentials in post‑rehabilitation, aquatic therapy, movement disorders, AGATSU training, and Canadian Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED. She also brings advanced training in hypnotherapy, neurolinguistics, and time‑empowerment, allowing her to take a holistic approach that supports both physical and cognitive wellness.
Throughout her work with Community Living, Meta Foundation, and Miran Enterprises, Ewa has developed individualized fitness, rehabilitation, and adaptive‑skills programs for clients with diverse abilities. She has led land‑based and aquatic rehabilitation classes, designed strength‑training and mobility programs, and supported clients in overcoming barriers that impact quality of life. Her warm, supportive, and client‑centered approach consistently fosters confidence, independence, and meaningful progress.
Ewa’s commitment to dignity, safety, and empowerment combined with her extensive clinical and wellness expertise makes her a valued member of our Team.
COLLABORATORS
Grazyna (Grace) Farmus
Grazyna (Grace) Farmus is the President of the Stroke Recovery Association of Barrie and District, a retired educator, and an accomplished community leader whose lifelong commitment to education, volunteerism, and public service has positively impacted countless lives. As both a stroke survivor and a conventional refugee, Grace brings resilience, compassion, and lived experience to her leadership and advocacy.
Grace holds a Master's degree in History of Philosophy from the University of Warsaw, completed five years of postgraduate studies in Philosophy in Poland at the PhD level, and earned her Ontario Teacher's Certificate. During her distinguished career with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, she taught Philosophy, World Religions, and Social Sciences until her retirement in 2012, inspiring generations of students through education and critical thinking.
She is fluent in many languages, passionate about lifelong learning, and continues to explore new languages and cultures. She is also a certified Canadian Red Cross and Royal Life Saving instructor. In recognition of her exceptional dedication to community service, she has received multiple Ontario Volunteer Service Awards.
Grace's leadership extends across several organizations dedicated to improving the lives of older adults and strengthening communities. In 2025, she founded and organized the Seenagers Polish Senior Club in Springwater and became its President in 2026. The club promotes social connection, lifelong learning, and activities that enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of seniors while helping to reduce social isolation.
In 2026, Grace joined the Board of Directors of the Barrie CARP Chapter, continuing her advocacy for healthy aging and seniors' issues. That same year, she was elected President of the Stroke Recovery Association of Barrie, where she leads a charitable organization dedicated to providing education, support, rehabilitation programs, and community resources for stroke survivors and individuals living with related neurological conditions, as well as their caregivers.
A proud mother of four, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of two, Grace enjoys music, lifelong learning, and creating opportunities that foster stronger, healthier, and more connected communities. Her dedication to service, education, and community leadership continues to inspire those around her.
Ready to make a differencE?
Whether you're looking to volunteer, partner, or support our mission, we'd love to hear from you. Connect with us today and help create lasting community impact.
Martin1Rochon@gmail.com