The Word On The Street is more than a festival, it’s a community! Get to know our team, working year-round to help you discover great books by Canadian and Indigenous authors.
Co-Executive Director
kent@thewordonthestreet.ca
Kent Robinson is Co-Executive Director of The Word On The Street Toronto and has been part of the festival’s evolution for more than 13 years. A lifelong reader with a passion for science fiction and fantasy, Kent has always been drawn to imaginative storytelling and creative expression. His early love of graphic art grew into a career spanning branding, design, media production, and cultural programming.
As Founder of Propagation Media, Kent has worked with leading cultural organizations across Canada to create engaging events, campaigns, and digital experiences. At The Word On The Street, he is committed to championing Canadian and Indigenous authors and illustrators, helping connect their stories with readers while ensuring the festival continues to inspire new generations of book lovers.
Co-Executive Director
kim@thewordonthestreet.ca
Kim Robinson is Co-Executive Director of The Word On The Street Toronto, where she brings more than 20 years of experience in event production, sponsorship, and cultural programming. Throughout her career—from Women in Film & Television Toronto to the Toronto Screenwriting Conference and now The Word On The Street—she has been passionate about creating opportunities that celebrate and amplify Canadian and Indigenous storytellers, who she believes are among the best in the world.
Working alongside Kent Robinson, Kim has spent more than a decade helping shape the festival’s growth, strengthening partnerships, expanding accessibility, and ensuring it remains Canada’s largest celebration of books and reading. A lifelong reader with a particular love of horror novels, she’s happiest with a book that keeps her up at night and reminds her of the power of a great story.
Operations Director
dominic@thewordonthestreet.ca
Dominic is an arts & culture professional dedicated to bringing transformative and creative public experiences to life. His experiences range from grassroots community initiatives to international cultural institutions. He previously served as Managing Director of the Forest City Film Festival and was part of the team supporting Canada’s Guest of Honour role at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
As Operations Director at WOTS, he is excited to help build effective systems and support impactful strategies to unlock a new chapter of growth, and deepen the organization’s impact.
He is also an artist who enjoys cooking, weird movies, and exploring his new home city of Toronto!
Bookkeeper
finance@thewordonthestreet.ca
Joyce Chan has served in both the profit and nonprofit sectors, utilizing best practices from leading organizations. In her next life, she would be a stand-up comedian and combine this with her passion for volunteering with downtown women’s shelters.
Communications Manager
rachel@thewordonthestreet.ca
A former teacher turned publishing professional, Rachel Pallotta is thrilled to be the Communications Manager at The Word On The Street for 2026. A recent graduate of the Centennial College publishing program, she brings a passion for the publishing industry that is fuelled by a lifelong love of reading, books, and storytelling in all its forms. As Communications Manager, Rachel looks after the festival’s communications, digital marketing, and audience engagement efforts.
In her previous work as an elementary school teacher, Rachel prioritized making learning accessible for all students, and finding creative ways to foster meaningful conversations. She brings that same mindset into her work at The Word On The Street, combining creativity with coordination to support authors, partners, and audiences alike.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her dog.
Programming Manager
erin@thewordonthestreet.ca
With her background in media and communications at Trinity Western University and further studies in Publishing at Centennial College, Erin Vanderstelt has developed a passion for storytelling, literature, and the ways stories bring people together. Through her education and experiences, she has come to appreciate the creativity, collaboration, and conversation that surrounds books and the written word. This passion has led her to pursue opportunities that bring stories, writers, and readers together within the literary community
As Programming Manager at The Word On The Street Toronto, Erin helps bring the festival’s programming to life by supporting author communications, program development, and the delivery of engaging experiences that connect writers and readers.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, hanging out with her dog, and discovering new books to add to her endless to-be-read pile.
Exhibitor & Logistics Manager
events@thewordonthestreet.ca
Khadija comes from a background in environmental sustainability and live events, and is excited to step into her role as Exhibitor & Logistics Manager at The Word on the Street. Khadija has taken on many front-facing roles at music and comedy venues across Toronto, gaining experience in fast-paced, people-focused environments. She has worn many different hats throughout her career, but Khadija’s favourite part of working in events is building meaningful connections with the people she meets along the way.
During her free time, you can usually find Khadija watching indie films with friends, working on her rollerblading skills, checking out free clothing swaps, or stuffing her face with donuts!
Publicist
daniel@thewordonthestreet.ca
As a writer for stage and TV Daniel has earned 4 Canadian Comedy Awards and has been nominated for a Dora and Canadian Screen Award. Writing credits include This Hour has 22 Minutes, The Hour with George Strombolopolous, The Canadian Screen Awards, The Writer’s Guild of Canada Awards. Daniel has also written, produced and directed for JFL and The Second City Toronto. Daniel’s first book Media Whore was published in 2017 and is available in major bookstores worldwide.
As a publicist Daniel has promoted many incredible organizations and people including: The Second City Toronto, The Red Cross, Norm Macdonald, Louis C.K., Paula Poundstone, The Word On The Street Festival, Gilda’s Club, The SCTV Reunion, Moose Hide Campaign, The Orange Shirt Society, Comedy Bar Toronto, Medicine Wheel Publishing, Arsenal Pulp Press, The Toronto International Buskerfest (for Epilepsy Toronto)
Mailing Address
The Word On The Street Toronto
192 Spadina Avenue
Toronto, ON M5T 2C2
General Inquiries
toronto@thewordonthestreet.ca
Amanda Olson, President
Natalee A. Johnson, Vice President
Evan Dickson, Treasurer
Cindy Ma, Secretary
Nancy Cooper
Alex Snider
Deepak Iyer
Paul Nazareth
