Ambassadors
ChelseaGhansah.northetobicoke@gmail.com
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Chelsea Davenport Ghansah is a dedicated social worker, community researcher, and advocate with a deep passion for empowering youth and supporting community development. With extensive experience in social work and community development, she focuses on creating impactful solutions and fostering environments where young people can achieve their goals!
fatminakhanyare.northetobicoke@gmail.com
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I am A dedicated community service worker, legal and medical interpreter, and internationally educated nurse with knowledge of the healthcare system and over 14 years of experience in mentorship, mental health advocacy, community leadership, and legal and medical interpretation with expertise in time management and problem-solving. I believe in being the change I want to see in the World.
My moto is, as we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own Life’s goals and happiness.
selah.getahun.eastyorkdonvalley@gmail.com
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Selah is the founder of the Afro Newcomers Organization, a nonprofit dedicated in serving newcomers of African origin in Canada. He has extensive experience in community service, including his role as Program Manager for the Black Community Access Program at Skills for Change. Selah is also a Newcomer Council Member at the Toronto South Local Immigration Partnership (TSLIP). From 2021 to 2024, Selah served as a Research Peer Leader for a research study on Newcomer Services funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Passionate about community empowerment and cross-cultural relations, Selah has not only established the vision for the Afro Newcomers Organization but also forged strategic partnerships with governmental and private entities. This showcases his ability to bridge sectors for collective impact. Prior to immigrating to Canada, he served as Director of the Empower Africa Research and Social Development Organization, where he led research and training projects, fostering dialogue on critical socio-political issues.
Selah holds a Master of Arts in International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations.
bashirkamugo.yorkwestonpelham@gmail.com
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Enthusiastic and people-oriented community ambassador with a deep commitment to strengthening connections and helping others thrive. I have been involved in various community initiatives, from organizing events to managing online forums, always striving to create an open and welcoming environment for all. I believe in the power of engagement and teamwork to bring about positive change, and I’m dedicated to making a lasting impact on the communities I serve.
sheilafarr.blackcreek@gmail.com
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Sheila is a dedicated resident of the Black Creek North York neighborhood with a longstanding commitment to serving her community. Embodying the belief that “Service to humanity is the best work of life,” she has been passionate about community support since her teenage years.
Bringing with her a wealth of experience in community engagement activities, Sheila is thrilled to join The Network Organization as an ambassador. Her goal is to enhance access to information, available resources, sector opportunities, and investments while empowering individuals and all community groups within the neighborhood.
In her role as Community Network Ambassador, Sheila will focus on deepening relationships and connections in the Black Creek Humber Summit neighborhood, working tirelessly to foster inclusivity among all residents. She looks forward to collaborating with other community leaders in order to inspire a strong sense of unity and belonging within the neighborhood.
alaaldeen.downtown@gmail.com
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Ala’a-Aldeen is a dedicated professional with over two years of experience in humanitarian support for rural communities. With a strong background in project teamwork and customer service, Ala’a-Aldeen has also managed a family business, showcasing exceptional leadership and organizational skills.
In addition to these roles, Ala’a-Aldeen has served as an Engagement Ambassador for COVID-19 outreach and as a Community Worker. Volunteering as an Event Coordinator for the Yemeni Canadian Club and assisting at a Food Bank further highlights Ala’a-Aldeen’s commitment to community service. Bilingual in Arabic and English, Ala’a-Aldeen also provides translation and interpretation services
nuradinmohamednur.northyork@gmail.com
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Nuradin Mohamed is a recent York University graduate. His commitment to community engagement and advocacy for vulnerable populations is showcased through his extensive experience working with various community organizations in the Jane and Finch community
emmanuelk.southscarborough@gmail.com
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Hello, my name is Emmanuel Kirenga, and I have a mission to stay uplifted and positive in the diverse communities we work in or live in. Positive and interactive with the people in those communities being a source of information for neighborhoods, and sharing love with one another. One thing I cherish the most in the community is the abundance of knowledge you can gain from one another
janelsimpsonsouthscarborough@gmail.com
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Community, allyship, philanthropic, empathetic, and resilient are just a few words to describe Janel Simpson. Graduated with her Degree in Sociology she is passionate about serving humanity and her community at large.
With over 20 years serving in her community; she is excited to step into her new role as a Community Network Ambassador for TNO- South East Scarborough. Janel’s hope is to continue building capacity and marketing resources and strengthen collaboration and leadership in communities.
She is an extraordinary mother who possesses a unique ability to engage with all people regardless of their situation in life.
zahrazareh.eastyorkdonvalley@gmail.com
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I am a youth community ambassador for East York Don Valley. I applied to this role because it allows me to engage with community residents and strive to make an impact within the community while developing new skills.
raymondkavila.yorkwestonpelham@gmail.com
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Raymond is a youth neighborhood champion with a passion for community policing and community centric projects. With experience in public relations and urban sociology, his commitment to fostering safer and more connected neighborhoods is in a class of its own. Raymond is enthusiastic about building positive relationships within the community and drives his efforts to create impact and sustainable solutions for a better and more reliable environment.
siyagwaan.blackcreek@gmail.com
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Siya Gwaan – Community Advocate & Founder of YANTICS
Siya Gwaan is a passionate community advocate and founder of YANTICS, an organization dedicated to supporting grassroots creatives and marginalized voices. Through their work with YANTICS and as a Community Network Ambassador for Black Creek and Downsview, Siya connects residents to resources, fosters collaboration, and builds partnerships that strengthen the community. Committed to social impact, Siya is focused on creating lasting, inclusive change.
Karianncarlee.northscarborough@gmail.com
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Kariann Charlemagne is a motivated and passionate social worker and community member who is looking forward to connecting with and learning from Scarborough’s own community leaders. With over six years of experience working with families and youth from multiple socioeconomic backgrounds, her main goal is to contribute to a more robust and healthy community through supporting and empowering youth within their environments.
koladeakanni.northyork@gmail.com
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My name is Kolade Akanni, and I’m proud to say that my journey began in Osun State, Nigeria, where I first discovered my passion for advocacy and community building. Now, as a second-year student at the University of Toronto, majoring in Journalism and International Development, I’m combining my love for storytelling with a drive to impact meaningful change. Whether it’s raising awareness or giving people a platform to be heard, I’ve always believed in the power of communities working together for a common goal. Being part of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhood Strategy (TSNS) as a Community Network Ambassador allows me to do exactly that—engage with residents, bridge communication gaps, and support the growth of local initiatives. My mission is to ensure that everyone in our neighborhood has the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and thrive. When I’m not busy advocating, you’ll probably find me with a camera in hand, capturing moments that tell a story, or kicking a soccer ball around, which helps me stay grounded. Oh, and my favorite color is blue—there’s something about the calm and trust it represents that I try to bring into everything I do. I’m genuinely excited to get to know all of you, hear your stories, and work together to make our community an even better place. Feel free to connect with me at any of our network meetings, through newsletters, or simply message me—let’s make things happen
samueloh.downtown@gmail.com
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Samuel is motivated by the need to develop accessible spaces that support the arts culture in Toronto. Having worked with Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival and Pieces to Pathways, Samuel has helped demonstrate how programming in the creative sector can enrich, inspire, and sustain the livelihood of people in our communities.
markusemanuel.northscarborough@gmail.com
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Markus is grassroots organizer and business entrepreneur. He has devoted his career assisting disadvantaged youth within many of the priority neighborhoods within the GTA and has recently partnered with various non-profit organizations to strategically address mental health within racialized communities, helping to design and implement required programs to promote awareness and foster change. He work as a residential mortgage underwriter, and volunteers his time as a local basketball coach. He has recently joined the team as the Community Network Ambassador for North Scarborough and is a wonderful addition to the team.
