VOICES OF RPIA
2025
RPIA
www.rpia.ca
General Line: +1 647 776 1777
43 Hazelton Ave. Toronto, ON M5R 2E3
Investor Services: +1 647 776 2566
We continue to be focused on developing partnerships with our investors, serving with excellence, integrity, and transparency.
- Richard Pilosof Principal, Chief Executive Officer
CONTENTS
About Us | Core Values
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A Letter From Our CEO
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In Our Firm
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Expanding Our Range of Solutions
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Industry Engagement
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Cultural Enrichment
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Top Reads of the Year
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In Our Community
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Charitable Giving
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Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away
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RPIA ACE Program
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Community Highlights
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A Lifelong Promise to Give Back
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RPIA Has Talent
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ABOUT US
Your goals. Our expertise. Achieving excellence together.
RPIA is a specialized fixed income manager with expertise in actively managing corporate bond portfolios to add value for investors. Based in Toronto, RPIA has over 120 employees, including investment and risk management professionals who are responsible for managing our 13 credit strategies. 16 years since our founding, we manage approximately $21 billion for a broad investor base of institutions, private clients, and investment advisors. RPIA is independent and privately owned, and principals and employees have over $280 million invested alongside our clients.
CORE VALUES
1 Client-First
2 Innovation
3 Excellence
We are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and acting in our clients’ best interests. Through expertise and strategic insight, we anticipate needs, drive meaningful outcomes, and create lasting value. 4 Partnership Strong partnerships are built on trust, alignment, and collaboration. We listen actively, think strategically, and tailor solutions that foster mutual success. By integrating perspectives and working seamlessly, we create lasting value together.
Innovation drives progress. We embrace new ideas, leverage technology, and develop forward-thinking solutions that create new possibilities. Our adaptability and vision keep us ahead in an evolving landscape.
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of performance, precision, and innovation. With a disciplined approach and a continuous pursuit of improvement, we strive to exceed expectations and deliver impactful results. 6 Giving Back We believe in making a meaningful impact beyond financial success. Through philanthropy, mentorship, and community engagement, we invest in the growth and well-being of our investors, employees, and the broader community.
5 Integrity
Integrity is at the core of everything we do. We uphold the highest ethical standards, act with accountability, and build trust through transparency and sound judgment. Our reputation is grounded in consistently doing what is right.
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Voices of RPIA
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
Richard Pilosof Principal, Chief Executive Officer
It’s no secret that 2025 has been a volatile year for global markets. Amid the noise, we remain focused on our primary goal: helping our clients meet their goals through innovative fixed income solutions. The fulfillment of that goal is made possible by our people. This is our fifth edition of the Voices of RPIA magazine, an annual celebration of the contributions of our team both in their work and throughout the community. I am proud of our team’s unwavering dedication to helping our investors and our community. The growth of the firm and our product offerings is bolstered by every individual’s deep commitment to upholding a culture of mentorship, recognition, and continuous learning. It is wonderful to see our people grow and develop as individuals alongside the firm, embodying our shared values. A few initiatives I would like to highlight from 2025: • Expanding our range of solutions – Over the past 16 years, most of our products have been designed as an answer to the explicit needs of our investors. Today, we continue to serve with this same mindset, which is a testament to the talent and dedication of our team. This year, we launched two new mutual funds as well as an institutional strategy designed for Canadian pension plans. • Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. – Earlier this year, we proudly sponsored the internationally acclaimed Auschwitz exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum. We also hosted a private event for our investors, sharing this poignant experience to foster a more tolerant and inclusive society, while reflecting on a dark period in history that was not too long ago or that far away. • Staying engaged – Supporting our community has remained at the heart of our core values since day one. This includes collaborating with industry organizations through our work, engaging with local charities, supporting the next generation through the RPIA ACE Scholarship programs, and our charitable giving initiatives. We continue to be focused on developing partnerships with our investors, serving with excellence, integrity, and transparency. We also believe it is our duty to support and enrich our community, not just with our money but also with our time, talent, and voices as we volunteer, educate, and speak up for what matters. This publication illustrates RPIA’s passion for having a culture that prioritizes collaboration and community engagement, doing good through our work, and empowering our employees as they become leaders in the causes they care about. I hope you enjoy learning more about what we do and how the many voices of RPIA are embracing their talents and speaking up about their passions. Best wishes, Richard Pilosof
IN OUR FIRM
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In Our Firm
EXPANDING OUR RANGE OF SOLUTIONS
In 2025, we launched three new strategies designed to address the unique investing needs of our investors.
Long-duration Institutional Solution Canadian pension plans with long-dated liabilities have always needed to thoughtfully align their assets and liabilities. Many recent asset liability studies have suggested the benefits of a larger fixed income component in an asset mix, thanks in large part to higher interest rates and the elevated valuations of equities. This has prompted many open, “young” plans to add to their fixed income allocation, particularly long-dated corporate bonds. For more mature plans, higher interest rates improved their funded status with many if not most plans now above 100% funded. Many mature plans have sought to “lock in” those gains by investing with more liability awareness – without fully de-risking the plan.
The Canadian pension landscape is evolving yet the tools available for implementing these changes have not kept pace.
The RP Long Term Corporate Bond strategy was built to close that gap by providing Canadian pension plans with a purpose-built, actively managed, long-duration corporate bond solution that aligns with liabilities, diversifies the opportunity set, and seeks to deliver consistent alpha. By combining the discipline of liability-aware investing with the opportunity set and dynamism of active credit selection, this strategy offers a new path forward for Canadian pension plans facing long-duration challenges. The RP Long Term Corporate Bond strategy is designed to deliver excess returns versus the benchmark while respecting a plan’s liability structure. We will deliver these excess returns through investing in CAD and non-CAD credit in a risk-disciplined manner.
Learn more about RP LTCB
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In Our Firm
Long/Short Solution for Investment Advisors Liquid alternative strategies offer a timely solution to the difficult allocation environment advisors are facing today on behalf of their clients. Markets continue to be marked by uncertainty, and many traditional asset classes, such as bonds and equities, continue to be more highly correlated than most investors would prefer. Liquid alternative credit strategies can provide a solution to these challenges – a sort of happy medium. They can combine the diversification benefits of alternatives with greater flexibility and much better liquidity. Some strategies can deliver equity-like returns with fixed income-like volatility, allowing investors to improve risk-adjusted returns while keeping portfolios liquid and adaptable to changing market conditions. RP Alternative Credit Opportunities Fund provides advisors with access to an unconstrained, institutional-quality alternative credit strategy targeting annual net returns of 7-9% with daily liquidity. The Fund can be positioned as an ideal complement to an existing alternatives allocation or the first step into alternative investments due to its simplicity, liquidity, and transparency. Most investors are already familiar with bonds and their characteristics, and are often surprised to learn liquid alternatives can help improve returns and diversification by tweaking the way bonds are invested in. This could make them ideal for investors looking for real diversification and attractive returns across a market cycle without assuming the illiquidity risk of alternative assets.
Learn more about RP ACOF
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In Our Firm
Discount Bond Solution for Investment Advisors Following the success of our RP Target 2026 Discount Bond Fund, the RP Target 2028 Discount Bond Fund is also designed to act as a stabilizing element of an investor’s portfolio in a tax efficient manner. Much like its predecessor, the fund aims to take advantage of the prevailing short-term opportunity in bond markets while preserving investor capital. The RP Target 2028 Discount Bond Fund primarily invests in investment-grade corporate debt trading at a discount to par value with maturities of less than three years. The fund aims to capture capital gains by purchasing USD and EUR-denominated bonds, while substantially hedging currency risk. Overall, RP Target 2028 Discount Bond Fund offers investors a disciplined, short-term bond solution that balances stability, yield, and tax efficiency, making it a natural complement to existing fixed income allocations.
Learn more about RP Target 2028
Our Product Philosophy
Since the inception of the firm in 2009, we’ve had a clear mission to develop solutions that help our investors meet their investment goals.
As we have grown, we have also expanded our offerings - not simply to scale, but to meet the evolving needs of investors seeking anything from capital preservation and stable income to enhanced returns and diversification. Our selection of investment strategies today is a reflection of the needs of our clients as we continue to partner with them throughout their investment journey. Underlying all new fund launches are our core values - excellence, partnership, transparency, integrity - and a commitment to aligning our interests with those of our clients.
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In Our Firm
INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT
Founder Jam Sessions 2025
On June 11th, Richard Pilosof joined other industry experts on the panel “Visionary Founders: The Journey of Building a Successful Alternative Asset Manager” at the Founder Jam Sessions 2025. Together, they shared insights from their experiences founding and growing alternative asset management firms. They discussed the lessons they learned, the challenges they faced, and how they define success in today’s rapidly evolving and competitive landscape.
Salesforce World Tour Toronto
On June 13th, Mira Newport participated in the panel “Modernizing and Evolving Asset Management” with KPMG at the Salesforce World Tour Toronto. The discussion focused on the efforts we are undertaking to improve client interactions, enhance operational efficiency, and explore opportunities for leveraging AI within our industry. Mira spoke about our digital transformation journey, the impact of a well-implemented Client Relationship Management tool, and our evolving approach to AI.
AIMA Global Investor Forum 2025
On October 16th, at the AIMA Global Investor Forum 2025, Liam O’Sullivan moderated a conversation on Strategy, Strength, and Perspective. Nahed Sarig shared her personal challenges and how they have helped shape her perspective when navigating an increasingly complex and unpredictable investment landscape. The discussion highlighted that successful investing isn’t just about reading markets, it’s about perspective, discipline, and resilience.
AAAIM Canada Chapter Fall Event
On November 12th, Kripa Kapadia joined other industry experts on the panel “Perspectives in Public Markets” at the AAAIM Canada Chapter Fall Event. During the discussion, they shared their career journeys, offered advice for young professionals, and highlighted key trends and opportunities in today’s public fixed income market.
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In Our Firm
CULTURAL ENRICHMENT
Productivity Sessions
Purpose & Values This year marked an important milestone in defining who we are and what drives us. RPIA introduced a renewed Purpose Statement and refreshed Core Values, reflecting both the evolution of our firm and the enduring principles that guide our work.
Continuous learning remains at the heart of RPIA’s culture. Our Productivity Sessions continue to strengthen collaboration and performance across teams through Leadership Insights and Departmental Deep Dives. This year, sessions explored topics that support professional growth and operational excellence, encouraging employees to share insights and learn from one another. By creating space for open dialogue and practical learning, these sessions connect employees with leaders and experts across the firm – reinforcing our commitment to a culture where knowledge is shared freely and development is part of our everyday work.
Our Purpose:
“We aim to help you meet your investment goals by developing and managing innovative fixed income solutions. We have a strong culture of partnership and strive to deliver excellence in everything we do. We conduct ourselves with the utmost integrity and believe in the importance of giving back.”
Mentorship Program
The Mentorship Program continues to be a cornerstone of professional development and connection at RPIA. Designed to support growth through collaboration and shared learning, the program pairs employees across different teams and levels to create meaningful developmental relationships. Participants work together on setting clear goals, fostering open dialogue, and building confidence in career development. Mentors and mentees alike gain valuable insights through these exchanges, strengthening both individual growth and firmwide collaboration. The program continues to reflect RPIA’s commitment to investing in our people and cultivating a culture of continuous learning and support.
Our Core Values
Our six core values - Client-First, Innovation, Excellence, Partnership, Integrity, and Giving Back - serve as the foundation of how we operate, make decisions, and recognize success across the firm. These values are woven into every aspect of our culture, shaping how we collaborate, serve clients, and celebrate our people. Together, they anchor our identity as a purpose-driven organization built on trust, performance, and impact.
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In Our Firm
Talent Spotlight
Great Place to Work
The Spotlight Award recognizes RPIA employees who go above and beyond in embodying the RPIA’s values through their work and daily interactions. In 2025, the program evolved to align with our refreshed core values, creating a stronger link between individual contributions and what defines us as a firm. exceptional client service, innovative thinking, collaboration, or community engagement. Winners are celebrated at Townhalls and receive a wellness reward, while an annual grand prize honours those whose impact truly exemplifies the RPIA spirit. Each month, nominations highlight colleagues who demonstrate these values through This evolution ensures that recognition at RPIA is not only about performance, but about living our shared values and contributing to a culture built on excellence, integrity, and purpose.
RPIA’s commitment to listening, learning, and improving together continued to grow through our Great Place to Work initiatives. Our dedicated GPTW Committee amplifies employee voices and ensures that feedback is translated into measurable action. This year, we conducted a series of employee focus groups that provided valuable firsthand insights into the employee experience. The feedback gathered through these sessions continues to shape our people initiatives and reinforces our commitment to an open, transparent, and responsive culture. Through active listening and collaborative action, we continue to build a workplace where employees feel valued, engaged, and empowered to shape the environment. That commitment was recognized this year as RPIA was named one of the Top 100 Best Workplaces in Canada.
Community Outreach
Social Committee
Our commitment to giving back is a defining part of RPIA’s culture. This year, our employees supported Covenant House , Sanctuary Toronto , and Red Door Shelter – organizations providing critical resources and compassion to individuals facing homelessness and hardship. Through donation drives, volunteer initiatives, and awareness campaigns, our team came together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. These efforts reflect our belief that community involvement strengthens our sense of purpose and deepens the connections that unite us as a firm.
The Social Committee continues to play a vital role in bringing our culture to life by creating moments of connection and celebration across the firm. Through thoughtfully planned events and seasonal activities, the committee helps strengthen relationships, foster belonging, and make RPIA an enjoyable place to work. From team-building activities to festive gatherings, these initiatives remind us of the importance of community and shared enjoyment in a high-performing environment. The Social Committee’s work continues to enhance our sense of togetherness and contributes to a positive and engaging employee experience.
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In Our Firm
Looking Ahead to 2026
Bringing Our Values to Life As we look ahead to 2026, our focus will be on embedding RPIA’s
Learning and Development Roadmap
Enhanced Leaves Policy
Supporting our people through every stage of life remains a central part of RPIA’s culture. In 2026, we will introduce enhancements to our leave employees. These updates will reinforce our commitment to care, flexibility, and well-being, ensuring that our policies continue to support balance and belonging across the organization. policies to better reflect the evolving needs of our
RPIA is building a refreshed Learning and Development Roadmap that connects firm priorities with individual growth. The roadmap will outline key learning programs – from technical upskilling to leadership and performance enhancement – providing structured pathways for continuous development and long-term success.
Purpose and Core Values into everyday experiences. Through interactive initiatives, storytelling, and leadership engagement, we will bring these principles to life in ways that strengthen alignment across the firm.
“ At RPIA, investing in our people is core to how we learn, adapt, and achieve the best possible results for our investors. Our mentorship program, learning pathways, and Great Place to Work recognition all reflect a shared commitment to growth, excellence, and purpose. - Sara D’Elia, Chief People Officer
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In Our Firm
TOP READS OF THE YEAR
Credit Market Themes
Notes from the Trading Desk
Q1 2025 - Credit Market Themes in 5 Charts
Q1 2025 - Certain of Uncertainty
Q2 2025 - Credit Market Themes in 5 Charts Q3 2025 - Credit Market Themes in 5 Charts
Q2 2025 - Hot and Cold
Q3 2025 - The Shape of a Soft Landing
Market Updates
ESG
Taking Advantage of an Issuer’s Capital Stack
Steady Through the Storm
Nuclear is the New Green
Announcing TAFs Impact Investment in Our Fossil Fuel Exclusion Strategy
Looking Beyond the Headlines
Weathering the Storm
Combating Emerging Water Shortage Risks
Explore Our Market Insights >>
Default Stories from Private Lenders
IN OUR COMMUNITY
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In Our Community
CHARITABLE GIVING
At RPIA, giving back to our community is an important facet of our culture and values. Our mission is to facilitate charitable giving within our organization and the broader community by working collaboratively with our investors, employees, and community partners.
Our focus areas include:
The past few years have been tough for many in our community who were faced with the harsh realities of high inflation and rising or high interest rates. Quality of living both globally and across Canada struggled in this environment and the burden of this cost reverberated throughout our community. As such, in 2025, our charitable giving efforts focused largely on our second pillar, Enhancing Quality of Life, aiming to make a meaningful impact and alleviate some of the burden and improve well-being and stability.
Empowering Our Communities Provide resources and support necessary to empower individuals and their broader communities to grow and prosper.
Enhancing Quality of Life Improve well-being and stability
through better access to resources and opportunities that can facilitate better quality of life.
Fostering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Address systemic barriers that limit opportunities for marginalized groups and promote fair, equitable, and inclusive decision-making. Under the guidance and leadership of our Donations Committee, which comprises of six Principals and is chaired by the CEO, we carefully evaluate the impact of our donations, how it benefits the pressing needs of our communities, and how it aligns with the values of our investors and employees.
Donations in FY2025
19%
24%
57%
Empowering Our Communities Enhancing Quality of Life Fostering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
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In Our Community
Empowering Our Communities
ART & CULTURE
CHILDREN & YOUTH
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
JEWISH COMMUNITIES
LOCAL COMMUNITIES
SPORTS
Enhancing Quality of Life
EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT
FOOD SCARCITY
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH
HEALTH CARE
HOUSING SECURITY
MENTAL HEALTH
WATER & SANITATION
Fostering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
CIVIL RIGHTS
HUMAN RIGHTS
LGBTQ+
RACIAL EQUITY
WOMEN’S RIGHTS
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In Our Community
AUSCHWITZ. NOT LONG AGO. NOT FAR AWAY.
On April 23rd, 2025, as a leading sponsor of the Auschwitz exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum, we had the honour of hosting an exclusive evening for the internationally acclaimed exhibition, Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. About the Exhibition Featuring more than 500 original artifacts, Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. examines the history and legacy of the Auschwitz camp complex, which is now the most recognizable symbol of the Holocaust. Through survivor testimonies, historical documents, photographs, and personal objects, the exhibition provides a powerful and immersive look at this chapter of history, inviting visitors to reflect on the past and consider their role in fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society.
| Learn more about the exhibition
It was a deeply moving and thought-provoking event, featuring insightful remarks from the exhibition’s curator, Dr. Robert Jan van Pelt, and a touching tribute video from author and Auschwitz survivor, Nate Leipciger.
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In Our Community
RPIA ACE PROGRAM
First launched in 2022, the RPIA Academic and Community Empowerment (ACE) Program aims to provide a wealth of opportunities to disenfranchised groups through academic and community driven initiatives. The program strives to support the next generation of leaders from all backgrounds in Canada through scholarships, internships, and mentorship. As a firm, we are committed to empowering and nurturing the potential in our community, and doing our part to improve access to the industry in which we operate.
Meet Our 2025 RPIA ACE Scholarship Recipients
Dawit Solomon 3rd-Year Student at the University of Toronto (Rotman Commerce) “Every opportunity, no matter its size, is a test of how I adapt and respond. I see each one as a chance to refine my judgment, strengthen my resilience, and expand my capacity to deliver under pressure. By meeting challenges with focus and determination, I turn uncertainty into progress, knowing that it is in navigating the unknown that I gain the knowledge to grow and excel.” Sara Amin MBA Student at the Schulich School of Business - York University “I’ve always believed that growth comes from stepping outside of what feels comfortable. My journey into finance has been shaped by curiosity and the drive to keep learning, even when the path wasn’t clear. It was in those moments of uncertainty that I discovered my capacity to adapt, stay disciplined, and trust the process. That belief continues to guide me as I pursue a career where I can apply both creativity and analytical thinking.” Misha Sood 3rd-Year Student at the Gustasvon School of Business - University of Victoria “I hope to build a career that blends business, finance, and social impact. Attending UVic is helping me lay the foundation for that by giving me the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead with purpose. I want to create opportunities for others, especially those who face barriers, and use what I learn here to make meaningful contributions in both my community and the wider world.”
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In Our Community
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Red Door Family Shelter We launched a Food & Essentials Drive in support of the Red Door Family Shelter. The shelter plays a vital role in helping families, women, and children in crisis, supporting over 200 families each year through its programs. Between 2022 and 2023 alone, it provided refuge to 135 families, including 278 children and 171 adults. This year, we collected non-perishable food items, hygiene products, and pantry staples to support their food bank and help meet the community’s most immediate needs. Sanctuary Our team raised funds to support Sanctuary, a frontline Toronto charity helping people facing homelessness, food insecurity, and the growing opioid crisis. As housing costs rise and essential services shrink, Sanctuary fills critical gaps through drop-ins, warm meals, and compassionate street outreach that provide stability and safety. With over $40,000 raised to strengthen their programs and sustain essential resources, we’re proud to contribute to their vital work. Members of our team also visited Sanctuary to meet the community. Covenant House Earlier this year, our team participated in Covenant House Toronto’s annual Sleep Out, an immersive experience that allows you to explore the causes of youth homelessness, connect with youth at Covenant House, and learn about how the fundraising is supporting tangible solutions. In addition to raising awareness through the Sleep Out, the team also raised funds to help Covenant House provide 24/7 shelter, sanctuary, and support for unhoused youth and survivors of human trafficking. Thanks to their efforts, we raised $144,974, making RPIA the top fundraising team!
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In Our Community
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In Our Community
Richard’s Gratitude to Mt. Sinai Hospital A LIFELONG PROMISE TO GIVE BACK This summer, RPIA CEO Richard Pilosof completed his four-year term as the Chair of the Board of Directors at Sinai Health Foundation. A member of Sinai Health Foundation’s Board of Directors since 2010, Richard will continue to stay involved as Treasurer of the Board. With his chapter as Board Chair drawing to a close, Richard took time to reflect on what has driven him to so loyally commit to this organization and its lifesaving care.
31 years ago, Richard went through what he still recalls as one of the most harrowing moments of his life. When his firstborn son, Jordan, was born at Mount Sinai Hospital, nine weeks premature, there was no noise – not a single cry. Over the course of the next two months, the young Pilosof family embarked on an intense NICU journey. Richard recounted, “It was just day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute.” To this day, Richard credits the specialized care team at Mount Sinai for saving Jordan’s life. This gratitude has inspired over three decades of giving back to the organization by volunteering his time, his skills, and his pocket.
“
I will be forever grateful for the compassionate and excellent care my family received at Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Richard Pilosof
”
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Voices of RPIA
From 31 weeks to 31 years, Jordan is now an accomplished young man who stays active through tennis and golf. A miracle that’s not lost on Richard, and one that fuels his philanthropy with Sinai Health. He made his first gift to the NICU that saved his son’s life back in 1994, and since then, his support has led to the funding of the Dr. Shoo Lee 100 Chair in Neonatology to advance research and clinical innovation across the NICU. Richard hopes that through his commitment and support for Sinai Health’s NICU, he can help other families gain the chance to watch their beloved child grow into a healthy and thriving adult.
| Read more about Richard’s experience
Inside Mount Sinai’s NICU: Stories of Survival, Support and Community
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In Our Community
RPIA HASRPIA HAS
Soccer has taught me how important teamwork and communication are in life, just as they are on the field. It’s competitive and challenging, and it’s important to be able to handle pressure - something I learned playing the game, where the action happens so fast and a split-second decision can win or lose the game. Sports can get emotional, so being able to control emotions and deal with adversity has been a valuable life skill, especially when things become unpredictable. I also advocated for the benefits of soccer in stress management and the physical fitness required to handle that pressure. My coaches and teammates have always given me feedback on what I need to work on to reach my full potential, and being coachable is something I carry with me in all areas of life. As much as I still enjoy playing soccer in my local recreational league, what I have found equally fulfilling is giving back by being a volunteer youth soccer coach. Given my extensive playing experience, it is very rewarding to share insights and tips with young players - not only about the game, but about the life skills I’ve learned from it. Seeing their growth and transformation throughout the season is just priceless.
Tatenda Chirusa Portfolio Manager
SOCCER
I never imagined that playing soccer would be the skill that helped me the most as I moved across continents, countries, states, provinces, cities, and schools. Everywhere I have lived, I have been a member of a soccer team. And with that, comes a community of teammates and friends who have helped me on my life journey. When I first moved from Zimbabwe to the US for university, I was on the university soccer team, and it was my teammates who helped me through the first few weeks and months of cultural adjustment and adapting to my new environment.
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In Our Community
Hannah Yu Investment Accountant
Tsvetan Dobrev Director, IT Security
GUITAR
PARAGLIDING
My passion for paragliding began more than 30 years ago through hang gliding and sailplane gliding, and it has stayed with me ever since. With more than 1,500 hours in the air, I’ve learned that flying is as much about patience and discipline as it is about freedom. It requires a deep understanding of weather, terrain, and the subtle language of nature to move gracefully through the sky using nothing but rising currents of warm air. What continues to draw me back is the balance of challenge and serenity - the rare feeling of being completely in tune with the world around me. Some of my most memorable flights have taken me above cloud layers and across vast mountain ranges, soaring alongside a flock of storks or sharing the sky with my wife, who has trusted me more than once as her tandem pilot, whether above the ocean or launching from a 7,000-foot peak. Those moments capture everything I love about flying: the challenge, the trust, the perspective, and the quiet connection with nature.
I picked up the guitar during the pandemic and quickly realized how much I enjoyed it. What started as a simple curiosity became a steady part of my routine, especially after I moved from acoustic to electric and discovered how expressive, versatile, and fun it can be. I’ve always loved music, but playing it opened up a completely new world. I’m drawn to songs with strong melodies and expressive guitar lines - some with light and easy melodies to sing along with, and others with riffs you’d hear in rock or blues. Whenever something catches my ear, I’ll pick up my guitar and try to learn it, even if it’s just a short lick or a few bars. It’s a small creative challenge that feels surprisingly rewarding. Now, playing the guitar is one of my favorite ways to unwind. I don’t treat it like formal practice or aim for perfection; I play because it’s enjoyable and grounding. Some days it’s a quick session learning a short riff, other days it’s playing through songs I already know. Either way, it’s become a simple, reliable way to recharge - and a reminder that a few minutes of music can make the whole day feel lighter.
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In Our Community
A few of us eventually formed a band and started practising cover songs, although this never felt quite right. Playing someone else’s song always felt like a tribute rather than an expression, so I insisted we write our own songs instead. While we managed to come up with a few good hooks, nothing ever made it out of the music room. Then, unexpectedly, our drummer quit, leaving his valuable kit behind. I picked up his discarded sticks and discovered a new love. To the casual observer, drums might appear to serve merely as ornate timekeepers - an instrument relegated to keeping the beat. Yet for those who delve deeper, the drum kit serves as a landscape of innovation and playfulness. Through drumming, I discovered how to craft dynamic shifts in music I couldn’t achieve with other instruments. The thrill of transforming a song from a steady 4/4 to a quickened 6/8 in the span of two bars was nothing short of revelatory. This insight profoundly reshaped my appreciation for the entire rhythm section, which is a perspective that continues to influence my musical approach today. Embracing this newfound understanding, I began writing songs for the rhythm section first, only layering on the rest once it was complete. It feels, at times, like a metaphor for life: one must build a solid foundation first, while the flourishes come later. I continued to play in bands until my wife and I welcomed our first child into the world. The responsibilities of fatherhood had me trade in my drum sticks for pacifiers. While I never ascended to stardom, songwriting remains a constant in my life, always starting with the rhythm, and letting a vocal melody emerge later. My house is littered with instruments – a fact my kids have started to notice with a familiar curiosity. I think my parents may have been on to something….
Gaelan Mines DevOps Architect
SONGWRITING
Even though I was always surrounded by music, it wasn’t until a profoundly moving experience that it truly became a part of my own life. The turning point came at one of my dad’s shows. Early in rehearsal, I wandered onto the stage and began playing with the microphones. Standing in that unfamiliar space had a life-altering effect on me. There is a sensation that one feels before a show, and I felt it then. A stage is an imposing place. A monolith. An object that inspired both awe and fear, something that has all the elements of an obsession for a young man. Music became my clear pathway to the stage. Growing up, our house was littered with instruments, and one of them was an apartment grand that sat prominently in a corner, always begging to be played. I was captivated by it. A piano is a wonderful instrument to learn with: it’s all laid out neatly in front of you - every note, every key, every chord. You can just find the sound you are looking for. I spent hours composing tunes, occasionally adding vocal melodies which, in retrospect, may have made my parents seriously reconsider their life choices. Still, these moments ignited my love for songwriting. Later in life, while other kids hung out during lunch, I would meet up with friends in the music room at school to jam.
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Tala Bushnaq Manager, Client Relations
Brandon Singh Analyst, Investment Operations
SAILING I dove headfirst into sailing after a friend and I decided to join a club on the Toronto Islands about three years ago. What started as a spontaneous decision has become one of my favourite aspects of life in the city. From late May to late September, we take part in weekly intra-club races that feel like a midweek respite - a few hours where everything else fades out and I can only focus on the task at hand. In an age where multitasking feels constant, there’s something really grounding about that kind of single focus. What I love most, though, are the people. Our club has this way of bringing together a community that’s supportive, down-to-earth, and endlessly encouraging. It’s a do-it- yourself kind of world, where you get out what you put in. You learn quickly that teamwork isn’t just about pulling lines in sync; it’s about showing up, being reliable, and earning trust. And after every race, no matter how it went, we end up swapping stories, laughing about the close calls, and figuring out what actually worked. It’s become a rhythm I look forward to, a mix of challenge, teamwork, and calm that makes summer in the city feel a little more like home.
HOCKEY
Growing up in my hometown of Whitby, there was really only one sport to play: hockey. At least, that’s what it felt like if you wanted to fit in. My parents, somewhat new to the country, wanted nothing more than for me to belong and make friends. So before I even knew how to skate, they enrolled me in a hockey league at the age of five. I was easily one of the worst players on the team, but it was a great starting point. Everyone was so supportive and it taught me what teamwork was about and motivated me to improve. My coach always said, “The name on the front is a lot more important than the one on the back.” If I wanted to keep playing with the same group of friends, I knew I had to get better. That’s where my hockey journey began. I played five times a week from elementary school through high school. These days, I try to get back on the ice whenever I get some free time, whether for a friendly game of shinny or a skate with friends. Living in downtown Toronto means there are plenty of places to play pickup or rent a small rink for 3-on-3 games. I no longer play competitively, but hockey will always be part of who I am. I’ll never forget those early morning practices and the friends I made along the way. The skills and values hockey taught me, including grit, determination, and teamwork, are ones I carry with me off the ice as well.
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