Leonardo Zuniga, known by many as Leo, is a passionate photo-storyteller, advocate and visionary community builder dedicated to improving the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, citizens, immigrants, newcomers to Canada, refugees, and those impacted by housing precarity, and health matters such as HIV/AIDS and mental illnesses.

With over two decades of community engagement in Canada, Leo brings a rare blend of lived experience, professional insight, and unwavering compassion to everything he does.

Having lived in more than 50 different “homes” throughout his life, Leo deeply understands the realities of precarious housing and the urgent need for bold, inclusive solutions. This personal history fuels his commitment to transforming housing access not only for himself, but for communities that have long been marginalized or excluded from systems of support.

Leo’s leadership is backed by a powerful network of changemakers and sector leaders. He is a CivicAction DiverseCity Fellow, part of a network of 500+ cross-sector leaders driving civic impact across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

He also studied with the School of Social Entrepreneurs – Ontario, an international program that has shaped around global leaders committed to social innovation. He has worked alongside key housing visionaries such as Mike Labbe, founder of Options for Homes and Options International, and current President and CEO at Home Opportunities.

Currently pursuing academic upgrading at George Brown College, Leo was last summer a cycling educator with the Toronto charity Cycle Toronto. Through his work in arts, education, social advocacy, and grassroots organizing, Leo embodies values of courage, compassion, and commitment.

He is driven by a bold vision: a future where safe, stable, and affordable housing is a right, not a privilege, for everyone. Also, currently Leo is volunteer tram-lead at the office of Mayor of Toronto Olivia Chow.

Hope for our Habitat: WE want change, WE are making change & WE will change it; for a world free of any type of discrimination and a world equitable for all…