Our Team

Executive Director & Founder

Jonathan has over a decade of leadership experience working in the poverty reduction sector both in public and private environments, with a significant focus on youth development. He is committed towards co-creating meaningful, supportive and relevant opportunities in support of positive youth and community development. Jonathan believes that everyone has a role in creating healthier and vibrant communities, while also working towards preventing poverty for future generations.  He is committed towards ensuring young people feel safe and inspired as they engage with YRA services. 

Director, Programs & Services

Janine has held a variety of leadership positions in non-profits and health organizations. With experiences in shelter, street outreach, health research, and quality improvement, Janine is motivated to support people in her community. Janine graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Health Science in Translational Research at the University of Toronto. She is excited to join Youth Rising Above. 

Database Administrator

Henrietta works in Operations and CRM Management, with over 5 years experience in a professional capacity. She is also a very hardworking extrovert, who deeply cares for the people and community around her. She has regularly provided support to charitable organizations in her home country Nigeria, and also her new home here in Canada. She wants to serve young people in this capacity as she knows they are our future, and it is important to invest in them, with a positive and hopeful approach that will support them as they transition to adulthood.

Program Coordinator, DiscoverU, RISE Camp & Certification Training

Christian has spent several years working within the local community serving marginalized and at-risk populations. His experience includes working with a number of large scale social service organizations in capacities that include case management, counselling, intake and program support. 

Christian also brings with him years of business experience, having served in operational and sales capacities in the past. Christian believes in the importance of transforming marginalized young people through meaningful and engaging initiatives that support their continued growth. He is especially interested in group programming and the positive attributes it can instil within participants.  

Program Facilitator, Women's Programming

Bea is a diasporic Filipina, living and working in Toronto. She has a degree in Women & Gender Studies and Political Science from the University of Toronto, where her work centered on the lived experiences of Filipinx-Canadian workers, women, and youth. Having over four years of experience in hospital healthcare, she values every opportunity to connect with others while supporting the needs of her diverse community. 

Growing up as a first generation immigrant in Canada, Bea is committed to empowering marginalized youth and creating meaningful spaces for young people to foster their passions, access the support they need, and have their voices heard. She is excited and grateful for the opportunity to share what she has learned to advocate for youth and guide them towards reaching their full potential. 

Facilitator, GoTheDistance Mentorship Program

Frank is an educator and life-long learner pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Ottawa, where he also completed his Master of Education. His research focuses on digital inequalities and the effects that these have on people’s opportunities to succeed in contemporary society. He is committed to finding ways of reducing digital and social inequity, which is why he is excited to be working with Youth Rising Above. He believes that, together, we can help marginalized youth empower themselves to find much happiness and success in their lives. 

Coordinator, Community Engagement

Jessica recently earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and is currently working as a Legal Assistant. Her passion for serving youth in her community stems from years as a peer and youth mentor where she was able to experience firsthand the value of creating safe and inclusive spaces for young people to feel supported. 

Her previous opportunities to engage in the planning and facilitation of community outreach and fundraising-based projects have driven her to advocate for positive and impactful development in her community. She is proud to be a part of the Youth Rising Above team and to help support the mission of empowering our youth. 

Coordinator, Policy & Procedure Development

Leondre holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Toronto Metropolitan University and has extensive experience in research and outreach practices related to HIV prevention among heterosexual Black men across Ontario. Leondre Guy joins YRA with a strong sense of community commitment. 

Leondre shares YRA's mission to serve the youth and families it supports, and is dedicated to aligning policies to achieve this goal.

Coordinator, Fund Development

Ria is a dedicated advocate for charitable causes with a strong background in volunteerism and fundraising. With a passion for making a meaningful impact, Ria has consistently contributed to a wide range of philanthropic endeavours. In addition to hands-on volunteering, she has honed her fundraising skills, successfully raising substantial funds and strengthening relations with pre-existing donors in both professional and volunteer roles. 

She is currently completing an honor bachelor's degree in International Relations at Western University and hopes to use her education to develop effective ways to support systemically oppressed individuals. As a result of her studies, she believes in the importance of supporting marginalized youth through a multifaceted approach, as they often face a uniquely complex set of barriers predicted by identity markers such as age, race, gender and class. She is excited to join the Youth Rising Above team in creating opportunities that empower youth to reach their highest potential.

Coordinator, Fund Development

Yagni is a student at York University, majoring in Digital Marketing & Communication. Her educational background included a bachelor degree in Electronics and Communication. While pursuing this, she discovered her passion for marketing, which led her to complete her MBA in marketing.

Yagni found great excitement in strategizing and executing marketing campaigns, which motivated her to further explore this field.

Outside of her academic and professional life, she is deeply passionate about making a positive impact on youth. She has actively contributed to this cause through her involvement with organizations such as UN Volunteers and VIM. In her leisure time, she is an avid book lover with a particular interest in mysteries and philosophy. She also enjoys exploring new places and embarking on adventurous trips. Additionally, she has a fondness for chai, making it an integral part of her daily routine.

Coordinator, Fund Development

Cassandra is currently a student at Queen's University where she is completing her Bachelor of Commerce. Academically, Cassandra has focused her studies and research on corporate behaviour and its social, cultural, and political implications. 

While her academic background is in business, Cassandra has plenty of experience in the service industry and has spent her time at university committed to supporting displaced students. As she joins YRA, Cassandra is eager to align her passion for positive community development with our mission to uplift and support the youth and families we serve.