Mary-Rebekah Reyes (HBA 2022)
Executive Producer & Artist, A Daddy Gramps Red
About Me
I’m the CEO of A Daddy Gramps Red, where I support creatives and organizations in aligning artistic vision with actionable steps to bring unique ideas to life as an Alignment Advisor.
I’m an Award-Winning Producer and creator of internationally recognized films like Short Drop and All Skin No Laugh, produced entirely on mobile, demonstrating innovative, resourceful storytelling.
I completed my HBA in the Art & Art History Program at UTM with a joint Diploma in Art & Art History from Sheridan College.
I am based in Trinidad & Tobago and am excited to connect virtually with a student mentee from UTM.
LinkedIn profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-rebekah-reyes/
Haze Schepmyer (HBSc 2000 UTM)
Life-Event Transition Consultant, Grow My GRIT; Author
Looking to Mentor: Open to mentoring any upper-year, Black-identifying students
About Me
Hello! I’m a Life-Event Transition Mediator, Speaker and Yoga Teacher at Grow My GRIT. Through powerful and unconventional two-way conversations, I can help individuals who are exploring healthy tools and tactics for generating strength, constructing stability and producing stamina as they transition through life events such as:
- changing gears in a career
- leveling-up leadership
- recreating identity
- losing loved ones
- rediscovering self
- adulting 101
After the unexpected and unnerving loss of my dream job in 2019, I started on my entrepreneurial journey. Since taking my career into my own hands, I've been using this platform to elevate opportunities for reframing thoughts in happy, healing and hard times. Whether I'm facilitating one-with-one meetings or workshops, I can help individuals with authoring a proactive and personalized path rooted in forward-focused movements for their journey. I was UTM's Valedictorian in 2000.
If you're looking for someone committed to supporting current and aspiring Entrepreneurs who are exploring ways for moving from surviving to thriving on their journey, let's connect.
Industry: Entrepreneur, Life Coaching
Languages Spoken: English
Location: Mississauga
Experience
- Haze is Founder and CEO of Grow My GRIT, a Speaker, a Yoga Teacher 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 7 yoga classes a week (Power Yoga and Chair Yoga)
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazeschepmyer/
Education
- Honours Bachelor of Science (Psychology, French), 2000, UTM
- Registered Yoga Teacher (200HR), Power Yoga Canada
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
Frances Eghre-Bello, CPA
Senior Financial Analyst, Mattamy Asset Mangement
About Me
I’m a CPA who began my career in audit at KPMG, where I worked on financial statement audits for publicly listed companies in the consumer and industrial markets space. After leaving the firm as a Senior Accountant, I transitioned into my current role as a Senior Financial Analyst at Mattamy Asset Management (the parent company of Mattamy Homes) which manages a diverse portfolio of real estate and other strategic investments to drive long-term growth.
UTM gave me an incredible foundation through both the challenging coursework and my involvement in extracurricular activities like the case competition team (UTMMC), DECA, and IBA. I’m excited to be a mentor because I want to pay that forward and help the next generation of students navigate their own paths to success.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about music and try to attend as many concerts as I can. I also love reading and am part of a book club that keeps me exploring new genres and ideas. I’ve also gotten really into spin (indoor cycling) in the last year!
Experience
- Senior Financial Analyst, Mattamy Asset Management
- Senior Accountant, KPMG Canada
- Teaching Assistant, University of Toronto
Education
- UTM, BCom, Accounting Specialist and Economics Major
- University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management - Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting
- CPA Ontario
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-eghrebello/
Alistair Kirk (BCom)
Associate, Investment Representative, CIBC
About Me: I am interested in being a mentor because mentorship profoundly shaped my journey at UTM. I want to give back to my community by supporting others with guidance, encouragement, and clarity, so they do not feel uncertain about their ability to succeed.
I value working with a mentee who is ambitious, positive, and willing to put in the work to achieve their goals. I appreciate individuals who are not afraid to dream boldly and create meaningful change. I also believe mentorship should be a two-way relationship where both mentor and mentee learn, grow, and motivate one another.
As my mentee, you will gain practical knowledge to help you navigate your career. This includes an understanding of the various career pathways within Finance. Moreover, you will also develop effective networking skills, with an emphasis on building relationships that are mutually beneficial. Lastly, you will gain insight into personal branding and the importance of cultivating a digital presence to attract the right opportunities.
Industry: Finance
Languages Spoken: English
Location: Vaughan, ON
Experience
- Investment Representative, CIBC: Execute equity, fixed-income, and options trades for high-net-worth clients with accuracy and efficiency. Deepen client relationships to win business from competing financial institutions and drive growth of assets under administration.
- Personal Banker, CIBC: Led comprehensive investment consultations to assess clients’ financial goals and recommended personalized mutual fund strategies to boost portfolio performance.
- Vice President External, UTMSU: Served as the chief liaison on behalf of 15,000+ students to the municipal, provincial, and federal government. Communicated with Post-secondary students’ unions and organized actions on issues of common concern.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistairkirk14/
Education
- University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus, BCom, Specialist in Commerce and Economics Major
- Chartered Financial Analyst Institute: Passed Level 1 and now a Level 2 Candidate
- Canadian Securities Institute: Canadian Securities Course (CSC), Derivatives Fundamentals and Options Licensing Course (DFOL) and Conduct and Practices Handbook Course (CPH)
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
Jose Wilson, CPA
BCom, Specialist in Accounting
About me
My name is Jose and I am a CPA by profession and currently a Manager at KPMG Canada. My career has been a journey of growth, moving from Audit into M&A. In my current role, I essentially manage the "marriage and divorce" of companies; I help them join together smoothly after a merger or split apart cleanly when a business is sold
Outside of work, I serve as the Board Chair for the Federation of Black Canadians. I am also a lover of desserts, and enjoy spending my free time baking. I have a goal to travel more and I hope to learn new languages.
Why I want to be a Mentor
Quite frankly, I want to be the mentor I wish I had when I was a student. I was never the top student, and for the first two years of university I wasn't involved in anything on campus. That changed in my 3rd year at UTM when I decided to get involved with student governance serving on the UTM Campus Council and later as VP External for the UTMSU in my final year. These experiences changed everything for me and allowed me to develop my leadership skills and shifted my entire trajectory. I am proud of that non-linear path and the resilience it built.
This program is important because it shows Black students that success is attainable even if you start late or your path is not a straight line. I’m especially committed to supporting Black students in finding their confidence and claiming their space in industries where we are often underrepresented
Industry: Finance
Languages Spoken: English
Location: Toronto
Experience
- Manager, Deal Advisory, KPMG
- Senior Consultant, KPMG
- Senior Accountant, KPMG
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josejwilson/
Education
- University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus, BCom, Specialist in Accounting
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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-hamilton-b0594462/
Education
- University of Toronto Mississauga, BA, Sociology
Bethel Woldemichael (HBSc 2012, MPH)
Senior Consultant, Equity & Human Rights, City of Toronto
Industry: Government, Public Health, Public Policy
Languages Spoken: English, French
Location: Toronto, ON
Experience
- Bethel is a senior consultant, equity & human rights for the City of Toronto.
- In her current role, she creates educational offerings and trainings on equity, diversity, and inclusion-related topics to meet the needs of the City staff.
- She has several years of experience in public health equity roles and in research analytics. She has also served as a sessional lecturer at U of T and Toronto Metropolitan University.
- Bethel is currently working on her PhD in Policy Studies.
- Outside of her career, Bethel has a history of volunteering with various social services and health organizations.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethelwoldemichael/
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy, Policy Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University, 2027
- Master of Public Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 2015
- Honours Bachelor of Science (Psychology Major, Women's Studies Major), University of Toronto Mississauga, 2012
More About Me
- She enjoys watching reality shows, long walks with her family, and trying new restaurants.
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:
- Website: www.drsophiajohnson.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsonsophia/
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 (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
Sommer Blackman (HBSc 2007)
Entertainment and IP Law Attorney, Savur Law P.C.
Hey! My name is Sommer (pronounced just like the season) Blackman and I am an attorney admitted to practice law in New York, U.S. and Ontario, Canada. I was admitted to practice in Ontario in 2014 and in New York in 2022.
I currently work for Savur Law, a boutique music law firm representing a wide range of artists including: Jason Derulo, Cigarettes After Sex, and Canadian R&B songstress, Aqyila, to name a few. I've worked for entertainment and business law firms, like Grant Attorneys at Law (where I serve as Of Counsel to the firm); in-house legal counsel to a music production company, Grayson Music, and managed my own law firm, Blackman Law, at the beginning of the pandemic, where I represented recording artists, songwriters, record labels, producers, authors, and influencers. My work revolves around intellectual property law (copyright & trademark), entertainment law and corporate law. I've spoken on panels discussing the intersection between Black Art and intellectual property at Columbia Law School, St. Thomas University College of Law in Miami, New Hampshire Law School, and the University of Toronto, to name a few. I also have taught workshops on intellectual property to not-for profit organizations, like Nia Centre for the Arts, and Ògo Tàwa.
I'm also a fierce mentor, helping over 50+ students and new attorneys navigate the beginning of their career, or career pivots. I recently launched Big Sis Esq. (IG: @bigsisesq) which is a legal mentorship & consulting business focused on assisting graduates, law students, new attorneys and foreign trained attorneys understand the legal side of the Entertainment Industry - with a focus on music.
I grew up deeply immersed in music and can proudly say that I am a classically trained pianist; played the alto and tenor saxophones for 7 years; and can also play the steelpan - Yes I'm Trini :)
I'm excited to be a Mentor in the Black Alumni Mentorship program because I deeply understand the value of sharing knowledge, wisdom and guidance, whether someone is interested in my path or not. If my story, journey and wisdom can provide someone with clarity on their own journey - I'm more than happy to be that conduit.
Languages Spoken: English, French
More About Me:
- Love to cook
- Love Fashion
- Big Raptors Fan
- Love to Travel - last year I was fortunate enough to visit London, Paris & Vancouver
- Love Music (obviously) - favourite songs
- Soca/Calypso: Machel Montano - "Higher Than High" (Kettle Drum Mix);
- Amapiano: Shimza - "Euphoria" &
- Rock/Soul/Funk: Khruangbin - "May 9th"
- Love to teach
- Follow me on IG: @shineleighrae | @bigsisesq
I am based in New York and excited to connect with a UTM Student Mentee virtually in this program.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sommerblackman/
Kareem Guimba (HBA, JD)
Staff Lawyer, Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC)
About Me
More to come...
Industry: Legal Services
Languages Spoken: English
Location: Ottawa
Experience
- Kareem is a staff lawyer for the Black Legal Action Centre.
- Outside of his career in law, Kareem has a long history of volunteering with various organizations, including the David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights, U of T Black Law Students' Association, Black Future Lawyers UTSG, UTM WE/Free the Children, UTM Amnesty International.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amar-kareem-guimba-62669385/
Education
- Juris Doctor, Law, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto, 2023
- Honours Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy Major, Criminology Major, Law and Society Major), University of Toronto Mississauga, 2020
Debra Olaniyi (HBA 2022, JD, LLM)
Law Clerk (Consumer Protection Division), Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
About Me
More to come...
Industry: Legal Services
Languages Spoken: English
Location: California, USA
Experience
- Debra is a Law Clerk at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
- She is also the Community Engagement & Advocacy Manager for the Federation of Black Canadians.
- She has worked with a range of firms and public interest organizations, varying from industries such as insurance-aviation to human rights and civil disputes; honing her legal skills in research analysis, and problem-solving.
- Outside of law, Debra is passionate about community advocacy, youth development, and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). As a community advocate with passion for youth mobilization and development.
- Debra aims to be the change she wants to see in society and uses her spare time towards creating pathways for others to do the same.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-olaniyi/
Education
- Master of Laws - LLM, International Business, Securities & Regulations, University of California, Los Angeles, 2025
- Doctor of Law - JD, Law, University of Leicester
- Honours Bachelor of Arts (Sociology Major, Political Science Major, Women's Studies Minor) University of Toronto Mississauga, 2022
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.
Layemi Morgan (BBA)
Customer Manager, Colgate-Palmolive
About Me
Hi students! My name is Layemi Morgan, and I am a Customer/Sales Manager at Colgate-Palmolive, located in Toronto, Canada. I manage our sales at Colgate-Palmolive with McKesson and Amazon.ca. Here are some other points about me:
- I am passionate about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and helping others in my community.
- I have volunteered weekly with Girl Guides as an adult volunteer, and mentored high school students transitioning to university or college.
I’m excited to be a mentor in this program because I’ve been in your shoes at UTM, and always appreciated the opportunity to talk to people that have entered the working world, and know how helpful it can be. I’m excited to able to give back to UTM’s program in this way!
Industry: Management / Pharma
Languages Spoken: English
Location: GTA
Experience:
- STA as Customer Manager for Amazon.ca, Colgate-Palmolive
- Customer Manager for McKesson, Colgate-Palmolive
- District Sales Leader, PepsiCo
- Sales Leadership Program, PepsiCo
- E-Commerce Customer Development Intern, Unilever
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/layemimorgan/
Education:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Management Specialist), University of Toronto Mississauga
Isaiah Colthrust (BA, Digital Enterprise Management)
Communications Officer, Social Media Strategist and Entrepreneur
Hey there! I'm Isaiah, a 27 year old Communications Officer, Content Strategist and Entrepreneur and hopefully your next mentor!
I have 4+ years of professional experience in Communications and Marketing and have built several online presences for brands! My most successful (so far) was for my own business, a social media brand called WahWeDoing that advertises events and experiences in my home country of Trinidad and Tobago. I started it shortly after I graduated from UTM and today the brand has more than 65,000 followers, I’ve served more than 40 clients and at one point had 4 employees!
Right now, during my 9-5 I work at the Ministry of Defence as a communications officer while in my free time I’m building another social media brand - this one geared around helping people improve their social skills, build their confidence, and make new friends!
My UTM experience helped prepare me for my career but more importantly it built me as a person. I was active in the campus community and became a Residence Don (student mentor) and then Community Assistant (a senior student leader). Those helped me become a lot more independent, confident, better at problem solving, and able to help people with their problems.
Plus, moving all the way from a tiny island in the Caribbean to be in a campus that has so much diversity gave me a lot of perspective on people and the world.
I’m excited to be a Mentor in the Black Alumni Mentorship program because I’ve had many amazing mentors throughout my life who’ve helped me to get on the right path. Wherever I can, I want to do the same for others. I was a residence leader and mentor at UTM for three years and I found it genuinely rewarding and I think it will be the same here!
My goal is to help you avoid any of the mistakes that I made in my last years of university and my first years outside of it. If I can do that I’d call it a win!
Ideally I’d like to mentor someone who’s interested in creating their own business and/or has interest in social media marketing and content creation!
Location : Trinidad & Tobago
Experience
- Communications Officer, Ministry of Defence, Trinidad and Tobago
- Digital Transformation Analyst, Ministry of Digital Transformation, Trinidad & Tobago
- Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, WahWeDoing?
- Don and Community Assistant, Student Housing and Residence Life, UTM
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiah-colthrust-2a2202194/
My Business (WahWeDoing):
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wahwedoing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wahwedoing/
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Digital Enterprise Management, UTM
More About Me…
I’m an open book and I don't take myself too seriously. You could ask my anything, however personal and I’ll give you my honest thoughts.
Also, I’ve had a decent amount of success, but I definitely wouldn't say I have it all figured out. I'm still learning too and that’s how I’ll approach our mentorship – when I give you advice it won’t be “you need to do this” instead it will be “I think this is a good idea for you” because at the end of the day there are millions of paths to achieving your goals, I just have experience with mine.
If you want to see a bit of what I was like in university, here's a YouTube channel I made during my time at UTM: https://www.youtube.com/@IsaiahImproves/videos.
Other than that, I love playing football (soccer), am a very casual anime fan, and I’ve done public speaking jobs for the past three years – one of those times was for a live National TV show!
Tolu Fasegha (BCom)
Senior Product Analyst, CIBC
About Me:
In my current role, I work on CIBC’s Virtual Assistant chatbot, the tool that helps clients find answers and complete tasks in Online Banking and Mobile Banking. I partner with UX designers, content specialists, developers, business analysts, and QA testers to improve how the chatbot communicates and solves problems for our clients. I help plan and organize the roadmap for new features and updates throughout the year, making sure our work aligns with client needs and the bank’s digital strategy.
I meet with different teams across the bank to introduce new content, features, and banking services into the chatbot, helping make banking easier, faster, and more accessible for clients. I work closely with stakeholders across departments to understand their priorities and translate their work into intuitive chatbot experiences that support our clients’ needs. I also review data using tools like Adobe Analytics, Power BI, and Tableau to understand how clients interact with the chatbot. From this, I build presentation decks that highlight trends, challenges, and opportunities, so our team can focus on changes that make the biggest impact.
I manage new project requests for the chatbot by defining the scope, functionality, and dependencies so teams can plan their work effectively and streamline execution. I present user stories in meetings to explain the value of enhancements and ensure alignment on improving both the client experience and business outcomes.
My journey into this career was deeply influenced by my experiences at UTM. Forming meaningful connections with professors, pushing myself to grow through campus involvement, and selecting courses that aligned with my passions helped shape my direction. UTM also taught me the importance of balance—academically, socially, and personally, which has stayed with me and continues to guide how I navigate my work and long-term goals.
I’m excited to be a Mentor in the UTM Alumni Mentorship Program because I want to support students who are exploring careers in tech, digital product work, and the transition into full-time roles. I also want to provide guidance that goes beyond just corporate or career topics, helping students build confidence, navigate real-world challenges, develop soft skills, understand identity and representation in professional spaces, and feel supported as whole individuals, not just future employees.
I am also passionate about supporting mentees who are career-curious; those who are interested in both finance and technology, unsure of which direction to pursue, or exploring how the two fields can overlap. Having worked in both sectors, I understand what it’s like to navigate uncertainty, pivot between interests, and find a path that aligns with strengths and values. I want to help students explore options confidently, ask the right questions, and discover how their unique combination of interests can become an advantage.
Industry: Finance & Technology
Languages Spoken: English
Location: GTA
Experience
Senior Product Analyst – Online and Mobile Banking at CIBC
- Work on improving the bank’s Virtual Assistant chatbot to make online and mobile banking easier for clients.
- Collaborate with designers, content leads, developers, and stakeholders to plan new features and enhance the digital experience.
Fund Oversight Analyst – Mackenzie Investments (Internship)
- Reviewed investment fund data and reports to ensure accuracy and proper performance for investors.
- Helped automate internal tracking tools and supported teams in resolving reporting or trade errors more efficiently.
Business Analyst – TD (Internship)
- Supported the risk management team by reviewing financial products and helping ensure the bank stayed compliant with risk policies.
- Analyzed how market changes (like interest rates or currency shifts) could impact the bank and helped prepare reports for leadership.
Accounting Analyst – University Health Network (Internship)
- Assisted with billing for medical procedures by gathering accurate patient and doctor information and reconciling payments.
- Maintained financial records and completed month-end reporting to ensure departments and doctors were paid correctly and on time.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tolu-fasegha/
Education
- Bachelor of Commerce (Finance Specialist, Economics Major), University of Toronto Mississauga
More About Me…
Outside of work, I enjoy watching shows and movies, staying up to date on new technologies and innovations, trying new food, investing, staying active, going to the gym, and playing basketball.
I am currently part of the Black Wealth Club, a community of emerging Afro-descendant leaders in Canada who support one another in building wealth, growing professionally, and reinvesting in the Black community. We come together to share knowledge, expand opportunities, and strengthen collective advancement.
My goal as a mentor is for my mentee to walk away having learned something meaningful that stays with them beyond their professional journey. I want to see members of the Black community continue to thrive, lead, and shine in new spaces, and mentorship allows me to give back, open doors, and help others move forward with confidence.
Irene Duah-Kessie (MScSM)
Founder and Executive Director, Rise in STEM
About Me
I founded a grassroots organization to address systemic barriers to STEM education among Black and underserved youth.
I completed my undergrad in Life Sciences at McMaster University and then a Masters of Science In Sustainability Management at UTM.
My research and evaluation experience centers on the social determinants of health, with a focus on youth and young professionals.
I am excited to mentor students because I’m passionate about empowering the next generation, sharing insights from my journey, and helping them navigate opportunities to achieve their full potential.
Industry: Non-Profit, Education
Languages Spoken: English
Location: Toronto, ON
Experience
- Founder and Executive Director, Rise In STEM
- Manager, Research and Evaluation, Research Impact Canada
- Research and Evaluation Associate, Youth Research and Evaluation eXchange
- Research Coordinator, Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre
- Program Manager, Across Boundaries
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenekessie/
Education
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Master of Science in Sustainability Management
- McMaster University, Bachelor of Science, Honors Life Science
- BrainStation, Data Analytics Certificate
More About Me
- I have a passion for all things beauty such as clothes, makeup and hair care
- I actively support a family-run beauty supplies business
- I enjoy spending time in nature, whether hiking and walking along scenic trails
- Staying active is important to me, and I like participating in yoga and fitness classes
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.