Black Alumni Mentorship Program Mentors 2024

Please use the list below to select your preferred mentor(s) on your application form. Mentors are listed by industry (with industries being listed in alphabetical order). Click on a name to learn more detailed information about their experience and education.

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Industries: 

Mentors: 

Haze Schepmyer

Haze Schepmyer (HBA 2000 UTM)
Life-Event Transition Consultant, Grow My GRIT; Author

About Me

Hello! I’m a Life-Event Transition Consultant committed to supporting current and aspiring Entrepreneurs who want to move from surviving to thriving on their journey. My consulting business is based on my experience as a mentor at UTM for over 20 years and I was UTM’s Valedictorian in 2000.

After the unexpected and unnerving loss of my dream job in 2019, I launched Grow My GRIT to facilitate powerful, unconventional conversations that help people navigate life’s obstacles with renewed passion and purpose. Since taking my career into my own hands, I’ve used this platform to elevate the importance of reframing our thoughts when it’s time to make a major transition (i.e., changing gears in a career, leveling up our leadership, moving from adolescence to adulting, recreating our identity).

If you’re looking for someone to help you shift your thoughts so you can leverage the unique combination of strengths you reliably bring to challenging situations and relationships, let’s connect!

Industry: Entrepreneur, Life Coaching

Languages Spoken: English

Location: Mississauga

Experience

  • Haze is CEO and Lead Consultant at Grow My GRIT, an Author, a Speaker and a Podcast Host.
  • Before building her business, Haze spent many years working at ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development as a Learning and Development Consultant, Autism Spectrum Disorder Consultant and Behaviour Therapist.
  • She also serves on the board of Many Hands, Doing Good, an organization that provides funding to ensure that young children who have suffered the effects of trauma can access creative therapies to support their journey toward healing.
  • Haze teaches 6 yoga classes a week (Power Yoga and Chair Yoga) 

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/growmygrit/

Education

  • Honours Bachelor of Science (Psychology, French), 2000, UTM
  • Registered Yoga Teacher (200HR), Power Yoga Canada 

Chris Thompson

Chris Thompson (HBA 2012 UTM)
Founder and Executive Director, Skills For Life Inc. 
Executive Director, Federation of Black Canadians 
Founder, Chris’ Consulting Group 

Looking to Mentor: Looking to mentor lower or upper-year students interested in learning about how to maximize their schools and develop life skills for success who know or do not know what they want to do with their lives. 

About Me

  • Self-employed running my own businesses 
  • Manage over 15 staff employees 
  • Never knew what I wanted to do going to University
  • Open to new opportunities and life learning 
  • Loves sports (basketball), comedy, dominoes, sporting events and traveling 
  • Jamaican descent but born in Canada and grew up in Peel Region  
  • Sports was my focus until post-secondary school where I found a passion for community development 

Industry: Entrepreneur, Non-Profit Organizations

Languages Spoken: English

Location: GTA

Experience

  • Chris is a social entrepreneur who founded the Skills For Life non-profit organization that helps prepare youth for real-world success through learning life skills. 
  • He also serves as the Executive Director for the Federation of Black Canadians, a non-profit organization that advances the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent. 
  • Chris founded Chris’ Consulting Group to help non-profit organizations adapt and build for success. 
  • He previously worked for the United Way of Greater Toronto as the Community Investment and Black Community Advisory Council Leader. 
  • As an alumnus, Chris served as President on the UTM Alumni Association Board of Directors. 
  • During his time at UTM, Chris was President of UTMSU, VP Finance for Caribbean Connections, and Director of Intramurals for the UTM Athletic Association.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-thompson-40a34861/

Education

  • Honours Bachelor of Arts (Political Science, Criminology), 2012, UTM 

Best Iriah Anaele

Best Iriah Anaele (HBA, MA)
Senior Analyst, AML, CIBC

About Me

As a UTM alumnus, my goal in the mentorship program is to support black UTM students in making the most of their undergraduate experience and in achieving their academic and career goals. 

I understand how difficult it can be to navigate classes and to have a clear direction of what you want for your career following graduation. My current career path was influenced by many of my experiences at UTM. This included networking with great professors in my program, getting out of my comfort zone, being a part of different clubs and research projects, and being intentional in the courses I selected. The relationships I developed at UTM also helped teach me the importance of having a healthy work-life balance. 

These are just some of the few experiences and lessons I gained, and I hope to share them all with my mentees to help them make the most of their university and career experiences. 

Industry: Financial Services

Languages Spoken: English

Location: Toronto

Experience

  • I have been working within the anti-money laundry space for nearly 2 years at CIBC 
  • In my current role, I conduct transaction monitoring and investigations to assist in deterring and preventing potential money laundry in the bank 
  • Worked on projects with the Ministry of Education
  • Teaching and mentorship experiences at Wilfrid Laurier University and Guelph University by supporting students in their academics, whether that being preparing for upcoming exams or writing essays 
  • At UTM, I worked on Residence as a Residence Don and Peer Academic Leader where I supported first-year students in their transition into university by organizing and facilitating various programs and events. 
  • Completed various research projects during my undergraduate and masters program pertaining to various topics within criminology such as those involving financial crime, homicide, and youth justice 

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bestiriah/

Education

  • Wilfrid Laurier University, MA, Criminology 
  • University of Toronto Mississauga, HBA, Criminology and Sociology 

Courtenay Warren

Courtenay Warren (BCom, CA, CFA, CMA)
Finance Manager, Sotawall Limited

About Me

More information to come.

Industry: Financial Services, Construction

Location: Greater Toronto Area

Languages: English, Spanish (limited)

Experience

  • Courtenay currently leads the Finance Department of one of North America's foremost curtainwall manufacturers.
  • Previously, he worked as a Senior Financial Analyst for Molson Coors and a Team Leader of Finance for Conagra Brands.
  • He has experience as a Corporate Accounting Supervisor with Samuel, Son, & Co., Ltd, and as a Senior Accountant at Ernst & Young, Hoecht Galvin Chartered Accountants and KPMG Canada.
  • View Courtenay's LinkedIn Profile

Education

  • Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators 2014
  • Certified Management Accountant 2006
  • Chartered Financial Analyst 2006
  • Chartered Accountant 2003
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting, Finance), 1998, UTM

 

Desiree Kaunda-Wint

Community Safety and Well-being

About Me

My education and professional career has been far from linear. I still have a hard time answering that age old question, "What do you want to be when you get older?", but there is one thing I know for sure – do what you love! This will never steer you wrong.

My background includes: Public Service/Bureaucratic roles (Municipal, Provincial and Federal), Researching, Not for Profit and Community Service Agencies. I started in a Temp Agency position (4 weeks) at the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. I used my networking skills to cultivate a relationship and later found myself re-hired a few months later. Almost all of my positions have been through word-of-mouth, and I strongly believe in the importance of a first impression.

I can share my government and industry experience and insight to help give you advice to achieve your professional goals. I am skilled in Public Inquiries, Policy/Program Analysis, Office Administration, Research, and Community Outreach. I appreciate mentees who come to meetings prepared with questions and will follow through on our discussions. I’m excited to be part of this program and I’d be happy to chat!

Industry: Community Engagement; Community Development; Government Administration

Location: Toronto, Canada

Languages: English, French, American Sign Language (ASL)

Experience

  • Désirée currently works as the founder and lead researcher at Kaunda Consulting.
  • She also works as a coordinator for Correctional Services of Canada at the Downtown Toronto Parole Office.
  • Previously, Désirée worked as a coordinator with the City of Brampton where she focused on community safety and well-being.
  • She also worked on the Black Community Vaccine Plan for the City of Toronto, and at the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
  • View Désirée's LinkedIn Profile
  • Read a UTM story about Désirée's career here

Education

  • Master of Public Health (Social and Behavioural Health Sciences), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, U of T, 2021
  • Honours Bachelor of Arts (Criminology, Sociology, French), 2017, UTM
  • Pre-Interpreter, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studies, American Sign Language and Communications, 2010, George Brown College
  • Police Foundations Diploma, Criminal Justice and Corrections, Canadian Law Enforcement Training College, 2007

Sophia Hamilton

Sophia Hamilton (BA UTM)
Business Analyst, Housing Secretariat Strategy & Policy, City of Toronto

Industry: Government Administration

Languages Spoken: English

Location: Mississauga

Experience

  • I rejoined the Housing Secretariat as a Business Analyst and I’m excited to be supporting the HousingTO Action Plan.

LinkedIn Profile: I rejoined the Housing Secretariat as a Business Analyst and I’m excited to be suppoting the HousingTO Action Plan.

Education

  • University of Toronto Mississauga, BA, Sociology

Dr. Sophia N. Johnson Photographed by Roberto Ligresti
Photo by Roberto Ligresti

Sophia N. Johnson (BA, MA, PhD)
Higher Education Leader

Her new book, So, You Want to Be An Economist?, is forthcoming from Columbia University Press.

About Me

Who has power? How do you succeed? Should I get a Ph.D.? These questions are of enduring
importance to every young scholar, and I’m here to share and listen.

I am a purpose-driven executive and thought leader in the field of political economy with an excellent
record of field research in emerging markets. I enjoy exploring complex economic issues from a
global perspective.

My research examines issues in international and development economics, including the strategic
response of non-state actors to market reforms and increased international competition in the South
Asia region. This entails understanding, not just economics at the non-state actor level, such as
evaluating the costs and benefits of expanding engagement, but also understanding contemporary
market-based reforms within a political economy framework that centers on gender, caste, class,
race and ethnicity.

I am deeply committed to building inclusive economies, at times moderating and directing high-level
conversations, and periodic convenings of scholars and other industry experts to guide policy dialogue.

If you aspire to create, build, and lead in the academy, let’s connect. I am thrilled to be of service as a
Mentor supporting Black inclusion and excellence at UTM.

It really does take a village. 

Industry: Higher Education, Political Economy

Languages Spoken: English, French, Hindi

Location: New York, USA

Experience

  • Dr. Johnson recently led Columbia University’s Program for Economic Research, one of
    the world’s leading economic research programs. In this role, she led strategic
    engagement with key public and private partners, developed an institutional
    grant-making framework, and spearheaded a major campaign to diversify and enrich the
    field of economics.
  • She has taught at New York University, Columbia University’s School of International and
    Public Affairs (SIPA), and Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International
    Affairs.
  • She has also served as Visiting Scholar at the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS),
    the Developing Countries Research Centre at Delhi University, Population Research
    Centre at the University of Kashmir, and the Centre for Development Studies, also in
    India.

Learn More:

Education

  • Rutgers University, PhD, Global Affairs
  • Rutgers University, MA, Political Science
  • Humber College, Post-Graduate Diploma, Journalism
  • University of Toronto Mississauga, BA, Political Science and History

Toni Allen

Toni Allen (BA, MBA) she/her
Founding Partner and Head of User Experience (UX) & Service Design, R3VE

About Me

I’m excited to be a Mentor because it offers me an opportunity to guide and inspire the next generation of leaders. This program aligns with my passion for fostering growth and sharing knowledge, especially in a space that uplifts and supports students in their academic and professional journeys. Being a mentor allows me to not only share my experiences and insights but also to learn from the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas of the mentees, creating a mutually enriching experience.

Industry: Technology, Information and Internet

Languages Spoken: English, Spanish (advanced), French (intermediate), Malagasy

Location: Toronto

Experience

  • I am the Founding Partner and Head of UX & Service Design at R3VE Business Design, a digital business consulting and design firm that works with forward-thinking brands, agencies and start-ups. 
  • In this role, my responsibilities and skills include Leadership and Team Management, User Experience Design and Strategy, Project Management, and Client Management. 
  • I am a Program Coordinator at the George Brown College School of Design for three programs, Design Management (post-grad), Interactive Media Management (post-grad) and Interaction Design.  
  • As a Professor at George Brown College School of Design, I teach courses in: 
    • Design Management (Postgraduate Certificate): Managing Innovation & Creativity; Managing Design Projects; Case Studies & Applications; Major Project/Thesis 
    • Bachelor's Experience Design: Digital Entrepreneurship; Introduction to Design Management
    • Interaction Design (Advanced Diploma): Humans, Design & Technology, Portfolio 
      • Interactive Media Management (Postgraduate Certificate): Studio Entrepreneurship

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonichrisallen/

Education

  • Imperial College London, MBA, Customer-Focused Strategy
  • University of Toronto Mississauga, BA, Economics and Political Science

More About Me

  • In my free time, I contribute visual design and photography to The Coachhouse Music Label, and volunteer as an Advisory Board Member at U of T's Hatchery NEST.
  • Fun fact: I compose music using the biorhythms of plants

Matthew Smith

Matthew Smith (BBA UTM)
Strategy & Operations Manager, Uber

About Me

I'm an enthusiastic Strategy & Operations Manager at Uber, where my evolving skills drive tangible results. Throughout my career, I've discovered a deep-seated passion for problem-solving and enhancing the customer experience. As a proud UTM graduate with a degree in Business Administration and double minors in Political Science and Philosophy, I've cultivated a holistic skill set for effective leadership in the business world. 

Currently on the path to further master business fundamentals through graduate studies, I am driven by a commitment to continuous learning and growth. Beyond the professional sphere, I thrive on connecting with new people, learning, and sharing ideas. 

Excitingly, I am participating as a Mentor in the Black Alumni Mentorship program. This role aligns with my dedication to fostering Black inclusion and excellence at UTM. I aim to provide the kind of support and guidance I received during my early career journey. Let's connect and explore the possibilities together! 

Industry: Technology/Internet Marketplace Platforms

Languages Spoken: English

Location: Toronto

Experience

  • A seasoned professional with a diverse background in strategy, operations, and customer retention. 
  • Currently contributing to Uber's strategic initiatives with a focus on operations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 
  • Played a pivotal role at Rogers Communications, leading the design and execution of regional discount strategies. 
  • Demonstrated expertise in data analysis, utilizing tools such as SQL, Excel, PowerBI, and SAS. 
  • Proven track record in customer retention, emphasizing revenue growth, margin-based approaches, and collaborative stakeholder engagement. 
  • Experience in project coordination, managing RAID logs, schedules, and building strong relationships with cross-functional teams. 
  • Implemented Lean Six Sigma methodologies for continuous improvement, resulting in enhanced customer experiences and cost savings. 

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewterrancesmith/

Education

  • University of Toronto Mississauga, BBA, with Distinction 
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) 

Stuart Philp

Stuart Philip (HBSc 2000 UTM)
Sergeant, Transnational Serious & Organized Crime, RCMP

About Me

If you asked me almost 25 years ago if I wanted to be a police officer, I would have said no. The thought of policing had never crossed my mind. The one thing I did know about myself was that I was always up for a challenge. 

My student experience at UTM was absolutely amazing, and I am proud to say I still have very close friends that I met while there. I am thankful to my peers, university staff, TAs and Professors who pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone. 

When I graduated, I applied for a forensic science position in California. After passing a state exam, I travelled to Fresno and was interviewed by a lab manager who was a retired RCMP Officer from Winnipeg. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the job, but in my feedback, it was suggested that I join the police to gain law enforcement experience and then reapply. I joined the police and the rest is history. I am not sure where my journey will take me, but I know that I have a responsibility to give back to my community and to the university. I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a mentor, and hopefully, I can encourage someone to achieve their potential. 

Industry: Law Enforcement

Languages Spoken: English

Location: GTA

Experience

  • While at the UTM I was the President of the Caribbean Connections social club. 
  • While at the UTM I travelled to Vietnam as part of a Biology field study.  
  • As a Police Officer, I have worked in a variety of roles from frontline policing, major crime, homicide investigation, northern policing, gang units, and currently organized crime. 
  • I have worked Security details for three Canadian Prime Ministers, and three Presidents of the United States of America.
  • In 2020, I founded the Ontario RCMP Black Employee Network (BEN). An employee-led network providing a safe space to foster the inclusion, development and support of employees who identify as Black or African descent.  

Education

  • University of Toronto Mississauga, HBSc, 2000 

Ziadanne Lewis

Ziadanne Goodman (HBA, JD) 
Appellate Litigation Attorney, Bergmann and Moore, LLC

Industry: Legal Services

Location: USA

Experience

  • Ziadanne (pronounced ZAY-dan) currently works as an Appellate Litigation Attorney at Bergmann and Moore, LLC, one of the largest law firms in the USA focusing solely on Veterans' disability benefit claim appeals.
  • She's skilled in litigation, legal writing and research, and policy analysis.
  • She previously worked as a Staff Attorney at New York State Defenders Association, a Document Review Attorney at Hire Counsel, a Legal Assistant at Purolator Inc., and a Legal Extern in the Crown Attorney's Office with the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.
  • As a UTM alumna, she served as a Board Member on the U of T Mississauga Alumni Association
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziadannelewis/

Education

  • Doctor of Law, 2015, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  • Honours Bachelor of Arts (Political Science), 2011, UTM

Seun Olowolafe

Seun Olowolafe (BA, LLB)
Lawyer, Olowolafe Law Professional Corporation

About Me

Seun Olowolafe, founder of Olowolafe Law, is a dedicated legal practitioner skilled in real estate, corporate law, and litigation. His academic background includes a Philosophy specialist at the University of Toronto and a law degree at the University of Northampton in the UK. Since his call to the bar in 2020, Seun has represented clients in various levels of court, including the Court of Appeal, Superior Court, and Federal Court. Olowolafe Law is backed by a multilingual team that effectively serves Toronto's diverse community. With a unique blend of global education and innovative solutions, Seun leads Olowolafe Law in effectively navigating the legal landscape while staying active with community outreach.

Also, joining the UTM Black Alumni Mentorship Program aligns with my personal and professional values, offering a unique opportunity to guide and support the next generation of Black leaders. My reasons for participating include:

  • Sharing Knowledge and Experience: Leveraging my background in real estate, corporate law, and litigation, I aim to provide mentees with insights into navigating the legal profession and overcoming challenges.
  • Building Networks: I believe in the power of networking and community support. This program allows me to help students connect with professionals and resources that can aid their career development.
  • Promoting Diversity in the Legal Field: As someone who values diversity and inclusion, I'm committed to increasing the representation of Black professionals in law and other sectors.
  • Giving Back: Being a part of this mentorship program is a way to give back to the University of Toronto community, supporting students who may benefit from my academic and professional journey.
  • Personal Growth: Mentoring is a two-way street; I anticipate learning from the perspectives and experiences of the mentees, which can enrich my own understanding and approach to legal practice and community engagement. This mentorship program represents an opportunity to positively impact the careers of Black students at UTM, aligning with my dedication to community service and professional excellence.

Industry: Legal Services

Languages Spoken: English

Experience

  • I am currently working as a Lawyer at my firm, Olowolafe Law Professional Corporation.
  • I previously worked as General Counsel at DreamTO.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seun-o-38492324/

Education

  • Certified Management Consultant
  • University of Northampton, LLB
  • University of Toronto Mississauga, BA, Philosophy Specialist

More About Me

  • My hobbies include, traveling, fitness, training, and exploring different cuisines.

Temitayo Osinbajo

Temitayo Osinbajo (HBA 2016 UTM, JD) 
Senior Associate Lawyer, GOOSELAW Immigration 

About Me

I’m excited to be a Mentor in the Black Alumni Mentorship program because I truly believe we learn from the lived experiences of other people. I am eager to share some of my own lived experiences in hopes of helping even one student who is also eager to learn.  

I attended U of T as an international student from 2012 to 2016 and then I went off to law school and graduated with my JD in 2020. I was called to the Ontario Bar in 2022 and I am currently working as a Senior Associate Lawyer at GOOSELAW™ Immigration. 

I am hoping to mentor an international student who might be interested in a career in law or social justice.   

Industry: Legal Services

Languages Spoken: English

Experience

  • Temitayo has over 3 years experience working as an immigration lawyer in Canada  
  • Before her career in law, Temitayo worked with the British Columbia Civil Resolution Tribunal—Canada’s first online tribunal.  
  • She also worked with the Human Rights Legal Support Centre in Ontario.  
  • Temitayo is also interested in figuring out how to use technology and automation to improve the practice of law and she has over 2 years of experience doing this in her current role.  

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/temitayo-osinbajo-1104a5100/

Education

  • York University, Osgoode Hall Law School, Doctor of Law, 2020 
  • University of Toronto St. George, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Women and Gender Studies, Philosophy and Sociology, 2016 

Tyrrell Schloss

Tyrrell Schloss (HBA 2015 UTM, JD)
Legal Counsel, Equifax Canada Co.

About Me

I work as Legal Counsel at Equifax Canada Co. My legal practice encompasses the areas of privacy law, regulatory compliance, employment law, mergers and acquisitions, complex partnerships and general commercial law.  

Prior to becoming a lawyer, I earned my JD from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in 2019 and earned my HBA (Specialist in Political Science) from the University of Toronto Mississauga in 2015. My three favourite subjects in law school were: (a) constitutional law, (b) employment law and (c) the law of war. I loved every political science course that I took at UTM. 

I am excited to be a Mentor in the Black Alumni Membership Program because it is an opportunity to guide, collaborate with and exchange ideas with future black leaders. I hope to share insights from the mistakes that I have made and the success that I have achieved to aid mentees in charting their own paths.

Industry: Legal Services

Languages Spoken: English

Location: GTA

Experience

  • Supervising Student-at-Law at Equifax (Jan 2024 - Present)  
  • Commercial Law at Equifax (Jan 2020 - Present) 
  • Participates on various work committees at Equifax: Employee Engagement Committee, Encompass Committee, Women’s Committee (Jan 2021 - Present) 
  • Mentored student at TMU’s Lincoln Alexander School of Law (Sept 2021 - Dec 2021). 
  • Participated in the award-winning Family Law Project with Pro Bono Students Canada (Oct 2017 - Mar 2018) 

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrrell-schloss-2047ab242/

Education

  • Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, Juris Doctor, 2019 
  • University of Toronto Mississauga, HBA Political Science, 2015 

More About Me

  • I am the first person in my family to attend a post-secondary institution  
  • I was raised in a single-parent household, often under precarious financial conditions 
  • I like to play video games and go on long walks with my dog in my spare time 

Shanna-Kay Stephens

Shanna-Kay Stephens (HBSc 2005 UTM, MSW, RSW)
Co-Founder, Social Worker & Counsellor Brampton Literacy Centre Corp.

About Me

My name is Shanna-Kay. I am the co-founder of the Brampton Literacy Centre and the Therapy Table.  I am a wife and mother of three young children. 

As a social worker and counsellor, the heart of what I do is create the space for relationships and communities to be nurtured and replenished.

I help communities, families, and individuals to overcome life stressors, thrive, and begin to heal.

At our company, we also provide students with the opportunity to remain competitive in the post-secondary arena, regardless of their ability, language capability or other academic challenges. We recognize that academic and relationship challenges can make it difficult to cope and manage your life. Thus, we uniquely provide academic and mental health support to our various client populations.

We recently helped to begin the grassroots Dufferin-County Black Parent Advisory Council to centre the voices of Black parents and students and to collectively effect change and action within the school system, and the broader community.

I’m excited to be a Mentor in the Black Alumni Mentorship program because I, too was in your shoes many years ago. Although the labour market landscape has changed, the UTM Alumni Mentorship Program helped to connect me with a professional in the field I was interested in and gave me hope that my dream to become a helping professional was possible. I’m also grateful to be part of this pilot project which recognizes both the uniqueness and barriers that Black students encounter and to create the space for Black students and alumni to come together and build community, network, and engage in knowledge exchange.

I would like to work with Mentees who are curious about the pros and cons of being a labourer versus an entrepreneur, those who would like to move from being in the background to being a leader who makes a difference or impact but may not know how, those who would like to know how to balance a business or career, family, marriage and one’s life purpose, and lastly, those with an interest in community-building and mental health, entrepreneurship, and developing creative solutions to solve problems.

Industry: Social Work, Entrepreneur, Professional Facilitator & Speaker, Personal Statement/Resume Coach, Learning Consultant

Languages Spoken: English

Location: Orangeville, ON

Experience

  • I have experience learning and overcoming the challenges of work-life-family balance
  • I have experience practicing social work in urban, marginalized, and rural communities such as Jane-Finch, Dufferin-County Region, and Peel Region
  • I have experience transitioning from a worker to an entrepreneur
  • I have a private counselling practice where I provide individual, couples, and family counselling
  • I have experience building and managing a tutoring and editing company
  • I have experience delivering workshops on topics related to parenting, mental health, entrepreneurship, and Black History Month 

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanna-kay-stephens-a06b87b6/

Education

  • York University, Master of Social Work (MSW)
  • University of Toronto Mississauga, HBSc, Psychology Specialist and Philosophy Major

More About Me

  • I enjoy spending time with my family and community, walking, praying, fashion arts, and doing my hair.