Our Board of Directors

Chairperson

Tim is a financial services executive who has studied and worked globally, leading Small Business, Commercial Banking, and Wealth Management teams in multiple countries and languages.  He has been active in youth and community organizations for over 25 years, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, Toronto City Rugby, Scouts Canada, and the United Way.  As a sought-after mentor, he knows that sharing knowledge and experiences creates growth and learning opportunities for everyone involved.  Having seen the amazing capabilities and potential of youth when given support and opportunities, Tim is excited and honoured to be contributing to Youth Rising Above as a Board member.

Interim Vice Chairperson

Alex is a relationship builder and fund development professional with over 12 years of experience raising funds for non-profit organizations. She has led a $10 million dollar capital campaign and raised funds for healthcare and hunger relief organizations in Hamilton and Toronto. She now works with a small agency helping small and medium non-profits develop their fundraising programs while coaching leaders to help them find balance and avoid burnout. Passionate about empowering marginalized people, Alex volunteered for many years with a residential treatment home for youth in Toronto. Alex is proud to be a part of Youth Rising Above and keen to support marginalized young people so they can feel safe and empowered.  

Treasurer

 David is currently a Director at a financial services firm in Toronto, where he leads client service teams in providing accounting advisory and financial operations consulting for both public and private companies. He is the leader of his office’s employee network group for Pan-Asian professionals and the lead recruitment and mentorship liaison between his firm and Ryerson University, where he completed his undergraduate degree in 2014. David is an active mentor to young professionals within his organization through various formal mentorship programs, including through his role as the Pan-Asian employee network group lead. He also participates in student mentorship through his alma mater and other external organizations. David is a life-long resident of downtown Toronto and is passionate about providing his expertise to organizations that serve marginalized youth in his community. 

Director

Salvatore’s professional background includes working with youth in a residential, community and shelter settings. His professional experience includes case management, program development, philanthropy, trauma-informed practice, and community development. Additionally, he co-hosts on the CYC Podcast having monthly segments on social justice and advocacy. He has a particular skill in the design, development, and implementation of programs taking a youth-centred and informed approach.  Salvatore has a Bachelor’s in Child and Youth Care and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Administration and Law. Salvatore is passionate about youth-centred programming and advocating with young people. He is excited to be working with Youth Rising Above and the young people we work wit

Director

Madelaine is an experienced leader in the homeless and housing sector. As a certified Child and Youth Counsellor, Madelaine has 20 years experience working in program development and community capacity building both within Toronto and the UK. She has vast knowledge on youth engagement andrestorative practices and strives to ensure that both approaches are at the centre of her work. Madelaine’s commitment to ensuring that young people have access to support and resources combined with her passion for contributing to positive social change is what excites her about being a part of the Board of Youth Rising Above.  

Interim Secretary

 Char is a feminist, friend, humanitarian, social entrepreneur, intersectional gender equity advocate, community-builder, orator, and writer. With a colourful background that spans social service, music, fashion, film, sustainability, and wellness, Char's inspirations are wide-ranging, and all driven by the same ethos—to radically support others; to be of service; to be rooted in values of love, compassion, and humanity. Char resides in what is known as Toronto, where she volunteers and consults nonprofits serving communities experiencing inequities and provides critical community-led supports and services to advance equitable outcomes on a grassroots level.

Her personal experiences have acutely shaped her work. Growing up as a girl of colour in an under-served community, Char believes that working with youth is one of the most impactful ways to collectively address climate degradation, gender-based violence, abuse, and placed-based issues and encourage hope, justice, and a meaningful sense of togetherness.

Char's commitment to supporting and empowering youth is a responsibility she deeply shares with the Youth Rising Above family. She understands the human value of having youth as equal partners in life.