Meet our TL Insider members: Natalie Madramootoo

Two years ago, Natalie Madramootoo’s curiosity about Toronto’s culinary scene and cultural events led her to join TL Insider—inspired by Toronto Life‘s access to the city’s best restaurants and creative spaces and the brilliant minds behind them. “Before becoming a TL Insider, I was an avid reader of Toronto Life. The magazine served as my window into the city’s heartbeat,” she says. “I had a particular fondness for features on groundbreaking health care innovations and profiles on change makers across various sectors. It’s what led me to join this unique community.” 

As spring arrives, we caught up with Madramootoo to talk about her experience as a member and what she’s looking forward to in the months ahead. 

What prompted you to join TL Insider? As an advocate for both health care and community engagement, I began my journey with TL Insider two years ago, sparked by a desire to immerse myself in the vibrant tapestry of Toronto’s culture and connect with like-minded individuals. I spent the pandemic dedicating my time to intensive-care nursing. When I emerged from that period, I created an Instagram-based blog, Legally Vain, a celebration of living beautifully as a necessary creative outlet. The creation of the blog and my curiosity about the city’s culinary scene, its bustling events and the stories that define Toronto today ultimately led me to join TL Insider. 

What are some standout events that you’ve attended? The Maclean’s Ideas Summit not only expanded my understanding of AI, urban mobility and public health through discussions led by industry visionaries—it also offered an inspiring space for connection and discovery at the StartWell Event Studio. Complementing this, the Serving Knowledge Supper Club at Aera, in collaboration with the UHN Impact Collective, blended culinary art with health care innovation discussions, enriching my experience with a unique perspective on the future of health care and social progress. I adored the St. Kitts Tourism Board Soirée at Toronto Beach Club in the summer: it had such a cool vibe and was reminiscent of my island roots. 

If not your current job, what do you think you’d be doing for work? I am currently the manager of one of Toronto’s busiest emergency departments. I love my career! However, if my career hadn’t led me into nursing and health care leadership, I’m certain I would have found my calling in social entrepreneurship and philanthropy. This path captivates me as it blends innovation with a deep commitment to social change, focusing on creating and implementing solutions to the world’s most pressing issues, including health disparities.

As a social entrepreneur, I would leverage my health care background to design initiatives that address the complex challenges of access to quality health care, aiming to create scalable and sustainable models that could be implemented in underserved communities locally and globally. I’d want my ventures to prioritize inclusivity and empower those most in need by providing them with the tools and resources to improve their own lives.

Is there a specific Toronto neighbourhood you find yourself visiting often or that you’d consider your favourite? In the heart of Toronto, two distinct neighbourhoods capture the essence of the city’s dynamic spirit and cultural depth: Yorkville and Kensington Market. Each holds a special place in my heart, and together, they encapsulate what I cherish most about Toronto. Yorkville serves as a luxurious escape within the urban landscape. Its streets, lined with chic boutiques, fine dining and world-class galleries, offer an experience of elegance that is unparalleled. And Kensington Market is a testament to Toronto’s multiculturalism. It’s a place where every corner brims with the energy of diversity, from vintage boutiques and artisanal cafés to grocers offering a world of flavours. The market thrives on the creativity and spirit of its residents, a community where artistic expression and social activism are woven into the fabric of daily life. This neighbourhood represents the soul of Toronto—dynamic, inclusive and ever-evolving. 

What’s inspiring you these days? So many things! Blogging has become a canvas for expressing the beauty of life, allowing me to share my experiences and perspective. And, in the realm of health care, my role is more than a job: it’s a commitment to change and support lives, fuelled by the extraordinary dedication of my colleagues. Their generosity and compassion are a constant source of inspiration, reaffirming my belief in the goodness of people. Meanwhile, observing my teenagers navigate their world fills me with a mix of hope and inspiration. As they come into their own, exploring the opportunities ahead, I’m reminded of the potential each new phase of life holds. Together, these elements make up a life filled with purpose, growth and possibility, driving me forward with renewed energy and optimism. 

What are you most looking forward to as a TL Insider in 2024? I’m absolutely buzzing for what my membership has in store! With a ton of events lined up, it’s set to be an unforgettable year. Toronto Life’s Best Restaurants event is definitely a highly anticipated one, and for good reason. I think, in general, the culinary experiences and private dinners are what I’m most looking forward to.

Learn more about TL Insider and become a member today.