TORONTO, ON – Dr. Marissa Largo, a university professor, TCDSB teacher of 13 years (Mary Ward CSS), and a mother of two, has announced her candidacy for Trustee for Ward 7 of the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB).
Called to serve in Ward 7, the community where she grew up and taught in, Dr. Largo was raised in Wexford by devout Catholic parents Teresita Garrido and Jacinto Largo (Precious Blood Parish). She is a graduate of St Kevin Catholic School and Senator O’Connor College School, where her faith and dedication to embodying Catholic teachings were honed.
Choosing the vocation of teaching, Dr. Largo obtained a Bachelor of Education degree from York University, then taught at Mary Ward CSS, developing a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing students, families, and teachers in Ontario’s education system.
She has served various TCDSB advisory committees, such as the Filipino Community Advisory Committee and the Special Committee for Race Relations.
With more than two decades of experience in education, community engagement, and leadership, Dr. Largo is seeking to bring a thoughtful, collaborative, and student-centered voice to the TCDSB Board of Trustees. She is committed to ensuring that students have access to a high-quality Catholic education that nurtures academic excellence, faith formation, well-being, and a strong sense of belonging.
“Education transforms lives, strengthens families, and builds thriving communities,” said Dr. Largo. “As Trustee, I will be a strong advocate for students, families, educators, and parish communities, ensuring that every decision made at the board table reflects our shared commitment to educational excellence and Gospel values.”
Dr. Largo holds a PhD in Education from the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), a Master of Arts in Art Education from Concordia University, and Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from York University.
A proud Filipina Canadian and lifelong advocate for inclusive and engaged communities, Dr. Largo’s career has focused on building bridges between education, culture, and community. She has worked extensively with organizations that connect public policy, civic engagement, and educational opportunity, and was recognized by the Toronto Catholic District School Board for advancing student success and culturally relevant and responsive curriculum development.
Her campaign priorities include:
- Building stronger partnerships among families, schools, parishes, and community organizations.
- Putting students and their well-being at the center of decision-making.
- Strengthening academic achievement and mental health supports.
- Promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
- Advocating for safe, accessible, and well-maintained school facilities.
- Ensuring that our Board remains focused on people by strengthening the uniquely human qualities of creativity, critical thinking, ethical judgment, and personal connection as AI transforms our world.
- Strengthening public education by advocating for equitable funding and the long-term success of publicly funded Catholic schools.
“As someone who has dedicated my life to education, I understand the challenges facing students, parents, and educators today,” said Dr. Largo. “Our schools must continue to be places where students feel supported, inspired, and empowered to succeed. I am committed to listening to our community and working together to build a stronger future for Catholic education in Ward 7.”
Over the coming months, Dr. Largo will engage with residents, parents, educators, and community leaders across Ward 7 to discuss their priorities and vision for the future of Catholic education in Toronto.