GDMF Staff Member
Cinthuja Leon, Executive Director
Cinthuja Leon has been with the GDMF since October 2019 as its Executive Director. Having worked, lived in, and travelled to over 20 countries, she has gained several years of global experience in Human Resources Development, Training, and Community Capacity Development while working in diverse sectors such as international development, manufacturing, banking, and universities. Cinthuja believes in equality, diversity, and inclusion in society and how this leads to learning, innovation and success in workplace and communities. She hopes to bring her life experiences to promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Guelph community through new and creative community-based initiatives.
Contact Cinthuja Leon: info@gdmf.ca
GDMF Board Members
Anu Saxena
Board President
Anu Saxena has been a resident of Guelph since 1994 and over the years has seen the city grow tremendously. As a member of the GDMF Board since 2011, her cultural background and interest in arts and history help review and develop new policies to enhance the Festival in many ways. She strives to continue to strengthen the bonds within Guelph’s various diverse communities which is an important part of the multicultural framework that makes the City of Guelph a vibrant place to live in.
Anu is presently active within the community as a volunteer for various non-profit organizations. She considers her volunteer involvement as a very humbling experience, allowing her to give back to the community in a meaningful and impactful way.
Christina Redmond
Cultural Performances
Christina is the newest member of the GDMF Board. A proud citizen of Guelph since 1996, and a mother of two, she was active in their parent council committees for twelve years at the elementary, secondary and board levels. Christina looks forward to working with the other Board members, volunteers and performers to showcase the vibrant cultural communities in our wonderful city.
Sahil Arora
Volunteer Coordinator
Sahil is the newest addition to the GDMF Board, bringing fresh energy and a deep commitment to community service. A proud Guelph resident since 2021, he has been actively engaged in local volunteer initiatives and nonprofit organizations. As Volunteer Coordinator, Sahil is excited to collaborate with fellow Board members to celebrate and highlight the rich cultural diversity that defines our vibrant city.
Jian Sun
Treasurer
Jian Sun joined the GDMF Board in 2018 as the Board Treasurer and has since guided the Festival management with her expert financial knowledge to help keep the Festival running smoothly. Jian lives and works in Guelph while being active in her community.
Judy Scannell
Craft & Commercial Vendors
Judy has been a resident of Guelph since 2020 and has made it a point to enjoy all the wonderful amenities and opportunities this community has to offer. In return, she has become involved as a volunteer in several organizations, with her commitment to GDMF reflecting her belief that celebrating the cultural contributions of all its members helps to make Guelph a vibrant community. Previously, she worked as a reporter and editor at the Brampton Guardian before qualifying as a teacher. She taught math and science at an alternative high school in downtown Toronto for many years, then at a school in Halton until she retired. She has three adult children living in three different countries, so life now includes a fair amount of travel.
Krutarth (Kru) Jagad
Social Media
Kru Jagad has been a proud resident of Guelph since 2004 and has witnessed firsthand the city’s growth and transformation. He began volunteering and interning with the Guelph Multicultural Festival in 2014 and has remained an active supporter of its mission to celebrate and connect the city’s diverse communities.
In addition to his work with the festival, his career in real wstate, and his work in social media, Kru enjoys creating spaces — both in person and online — where people can come together, share experiences, and feel a sense of belonging. He believes that strong community ties, whether face-to-face or digital, are essential to keeping Guelph vibrant and inclusive for everyone. His ongoing involvement with the Festival reflects his passion for fostering connections and strengthening the bonds that make Guelph a vibrant, inclusive city.