As a Youth Leadership Development Programmer at the Mississauga YMCA, I am responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating monthly programs for newcomer youth. These programs focus on leadership development and settlement support, including workshops, one-on-one coaching, and trips that aim to support their integration into Canadian culture. As the lead contact for the Mississauga region NYLD program, I recruit and retain a diverse membership of youth, managing the process from inquiry to registration to long-term participation and retention as a YMCA member. Additionally, I anticipate the needs of youth and communities and assist in planning ahead for future programs and leadership opportunities, as well as plan and implement special events throughout the year. I conduct needs assessments within the community, build relationships with other settlement agencies, and deliver presentations in schools and community to raise awareness of NYLD. Lastly, I model appropriate behaviors in line with the YMCA's mission, vision, and values and represent the organization in a professional manner while performing other assigned duties.

At the YMCA, I worked closely with newcomer youth, and my approach and focus were centered around their unique needs. As a facilitator, I provided workshops and one-on-one sessions focused on building up soft skills, job development, workers' rights, interview preparation, and creating portfolios - all while integrating them into the Canadian labor market through a newcomer youth framework. I also developed, implemented, monitored, and evaluated Newcomer Youth Leadership Development programming, with a particular emphasis on refugee youth, and tailored the program to their specific needs. To further support the community, I conducted needs assessments and built relationships with other settlement agencies to promote newcomer youth and parent programs. Additionally, I researched, collected and organized settlement-related information pertaining to youth.

As a Community Crisis Outreach Worker and In-House Shelter Housing Worker at Embrave, I provided essential support to survivors of violence and contributed to thought leadership on ending gender-based violence. Upholding feminist, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, gender-inclusive, and harm reduction frameworks, I advocated for clients by following up on housing applications, providing legal support, and making referrals where necessary. In collaboration with shelter staff, I worked one-on-one with clients to identify and address their housing needs. My ability to keep detailed case notes ensured that the next actions and contact information of various agency workers were well documented, while my responsiveness to crisis calls and ability to provide sexual violence counselling helped support clients through a trauma-informed lens. Additionally, I provided accompaniments and acted as a source of information on issues, processes, systems, services, and resources, ensuring that clients had the support they needed during a difficult time.

Assists in providing a fun, safe and meaningful program for children. Assisted with planning, organizing, implementing, leading, and evaluating a variety of camp programs and assisted with the organization and implementation of camp-wide events and assisted in dealing with incidents, problems, emergencies and parent concerns as outlined in Divisional policies and procedures. Interacts with parents/caregivers, staff, participants and community members to provide program information. Followed the principles of Healthy Child Development (HIGH FIVE®) in the planning and delivery of the program

At the Boys and Girls Club in Jane and Finch, I had the privilege of coordinating the After-School Program for children and youth, where I focused on promoting safety, respect, conflict resolution, leadership, and life skills. I supervised and engaged with program participants through effective physical education, recreational activities, and nutritious cooking drills, catering to different learning styles. Moreover, I provided individualized support to club members with schoolwork, family, and friend conflict resolution. I also facilitated art activities and coordinated a girls' group, fostering a sense of community among the participants. Through this role, I gained invaluable experience in youth development, teamwork, and leadership, making me a strong candidate for roles in similar organizations.

In my previous role at Moyo, I provided a growing array of health promotion, education, and social and support services for people living with, affected by, and at systemic risk of HIV. Through collaborative efforts and effective service delivery, I helped Moyo become the leading HIV/AIDS service provider for Peel’s communities of Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon. I was responsible for providing confidential, respectful and non-judgmental services that promoted the health of people living with and at risk of HIV/AIDS. I recognized the value and respect for diversity from a variety of cultures, sexualities, and individual choices when serving the community. Additionally, I met and exceeded annual fundraising goals by coordinating and executing various fundraising events and programs, leveraging and growing partnership opportunities through calls and networking, and identifying event revenue generation opportunities through creative avenues such as sponsorship to meet or exceed fundraising goals. Throughout my time at Moyo, I gained knowledge in breaking stigma by extending my language and doing extensive research on the Black, Caribbean, and African community, as well as implementing harm reduction strategies within the community by providing safe tools, naloxone kits, and sex condiments.