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Class 1GRADUATION

COMMENCEMENT

MONDAY, MAY 4TH, 2015 | TORONTO

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#TECHNOLOGYSERVICECORPS

Class 1 GraduationMONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 5:30PM TO 8:00 PM TORONTO, ONTARIO

Stephanie Cuskley, CEO, NPower Inc. Janet De Silva, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade

Julia Blackburn, Executive Director, NPower Canada

Ghisele MathiaboLaxman Gnanendran

Stephen Gardiner, Managing Director, Management Consulting, Canada, AccentureNPower Canada, Board Chair

Jeffrey Maddox, Vice President, SP Sales, Cisco Systems, Inc.

Dr. Wendy Cukier, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Ryerson University

Glenda Crisp, SVP, Enterprise Data & Analytics Technology, TD Bank Group

Floyd Rocha, Director of Marketing, Virgin Mobile Canada

Michael “Pinball” Clemons, Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation

Technology Service Corps Program Staff:Andrew Reddin, Program ManagerJoanna Kanter, Social WorkerKarim Waljee, InstructorStephanie Agosta, Program Coordinator

Stephen Gardiner, Managing Director, Management Consulting, Canada, AccentureNPower Canada, Board Chair

Welcome

Opening Remarks

Student Speakers

Accenture High Performance Award

Cisco Innovation Award

Ryerson University Excellence Award

TD Women in Leadership Award

Virgin Mobile RE*Generation Insatiable Curiosity Award

Commencement Speaker

Presentation of Certificates

Closing


Commencement SpeakerMichael “Pinball” Clemons

Michael “Pinball” Clemons is an icon of sporting excellence, community leadership, personal character and integrity. The Economics graduate is the pro-football world record holder in all purpose yards which earned him induction into the CFL Hall of Fame. He was also the first black head coach to win the Grey Cup in its 98 years, but is probably better known for his off the field exploits. Pinball is the founder of his own foundation whose most noteworthy project to date is building over 200 schools in third world countries over five years. The author, philanthropist and entrepre-neur is currently the vice-chair of the Toronto Argonauts. Also a member of the distinguished Order of Ontario, Mike’s proudest accomplishment is to be the husband of Diane, and the father of Rachel, Raven and Rylie.

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About NPower NPower mobilizes the tech community and provides individuals, nonprofits and schools opportunities to build tech skills and achieve their potential.

Technology Service Corps

builds brighter futures for underserved young adults and veterans through free technology and professional skills training. The program includes technical classes, mentoring from business leaders, internships and career development workshops at leading corporations and nonprofits, industry-recognized certifications as well as employment and alumni services. More than 80% of alumni are employed or pursuing higher education within one year of graduation.

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About NPowerNPower mobilizes the tech community and provides individuals, nonprofits and schools opportunities to build tech skills and achieve their potential.

Our Programs


builds brighter futures for under-served young adults and veterans by providing free technology and professional skills training, mento-ring, internships and employment services.

The Community Corps

is a skills-based volunteering pro-gram connecting technology profes-sionals with high impact nonprofits and innovative education partners.


npowercanada.ca

About NPower NPower mobilizes the tech community and provides individuals, nonprofits and schools opportunities to build tech skills and achieve their potential.


builds brighter futures for underserved young adults and veterans through free technology and professional skills training. The program includes technical classes, mentoring from business leaders, internships and career development workshops at leading corporations and nonprofits, industry-recognized certifications as well as employment and alumni services. More than 80% of alumni are employed or pursuing higher education within one year of graduation.

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Board of Directors

Glenda CrispVice President, Enterprise Data & Analytics Technology TD Bank Group

Stephen GardinerChairManaging Director, Management Consulting, CanadaAccenture

Wendy CukierVice-President, Research and InnovationRyerson University

Jeffrey MaddoxVice President, SP SalesCisco Systems, Inc.

Stephanie CuskleyChief Executive OfficerNPower, Inc.

Debra ShimeVice President, Community ImpactUnited Way Toronto

Congratulations Class 1 Toronto Graduates!

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Congratulations Class 1 Toronto Graduates!

Vanessa Jasmine Aguirre-Orellana, 23, ScarboroughInternship: Office of the Vice President, Research and Innovation, Ryerson

Before this program, I was working part-time as a flower vendor and occa-sional childcare provider. I had very little experience in technology other than taking some courses in high school. Now that I’m in this program and getting back into it, I look back and wonder why I never pursued an education in tech-nology. I really enjoy what I’ve been learning and hope to continue learning more. I also am grateful for the internship experience, where I am finally put-ting into practice the theory we’ve been learning. I really found this program to be beneficial and hope it can continue on to other young adults.

Maria Luisa Aguirre, 26, ScarboroughEmployed: CDI Computers

I came into this program without any professional experience or education in technology. I had been working on a casual, part time basis at the TTC at the time, and I wasn’t even sure if it was a program for me because it was com-pletely new. But the challenge of learning about technology and the tools we use every day was very intriguing. I worked hard to learn what I could and am very happy with my decision to join this program. In the end, I met great peo-ple, learned new skills and now have full-time employment at CDI Computers as a Bilingual Customer Service Rep. I have a newfound interest in learning and working in technology and plan to continue learning by going to Seneca College in computer programming. I am excited to be in my new career and look forward to what there is for me in the future.

Mohamed Iqbal Abdulmuneem, 24, TorontoInternship: Dixon Hall

NPower has given me an experience that I will never forget. Before NPower, I was working as a security guard and volunteering with Young GE as a peer mentor and youth leader. While I was looking for employment, NPower came to my rescue. Not only giving me numerous employment opportunities, they provided me with skill sets that not a lot of people can say they have. With all the support and encouragement I have received throughout the whole pro-gram, I feel like I am now equipped with the knowledge and the talent that I need to get my career in IT started.


Stacy-Ann Dailey, 24, TorontoInternship: Healthy Minds Canada

I joined NPower with little experience and knowledge in IT, but I was very ea-ger to learn. NPower’s Technology Service Corps is great because it can help you acquire your A+ certification, it’s free of cost, has a great location and classroom, offers site visits to big companies, internship experience and grad-uation ceremony at the end. I’ve learned to be more confident and to learn from my mistakes because that will help me grow and understand the informa-tion I am learning. I have met and learned from great people and wonderful teachers. The skills and fundamentals that I have learnt such as networking, hardware, and much more will be with me for years to come. The best is yet to come and I am very excited for the future.

Nolan Curtis Craig, 21, TorontoInternship: Healthy Minds Canada

To me, NPower is exactly what I could have asked for in a program. Monetary need would always lead to me choosing employment over continued school-ing, but the problem with employment was the need for continued schooling to move up. As school is expensive with or without a loan, I was stuck. I’d involved myself in employment programs as means of reaching otherwise un-reachable positions, but the lack of schooling would result in stagnation. As well, the employment programs would often provide no support after the ini-tial program. Then came NPower, breaking the mold. NPower provided all the necessary educational advantages without any negative consequences. The focus is taken away from marks and grades to ensure you have the knowledge necessary for both your CompTIA A+ certification and your internship there-after. NPower is definitely one of a kind, and I look forward to seeing where this program will take me.

Juan Jose Ayala-Sandoval, 24, North YorkInternship: Accenture

I was at a crossroad in my life, working as a shift supervisor at McDonald’s, not too sure where I wanted to go next, but after hearing about the NPower program, great opportunity had shown itself. Ever since I was young, I had huge passion for technology but never knew how to pursue. NPower gave me the means by giving us a capable teacher to help achieve CompTIA A+ certification and by giving me the connection I needed to get my foot in the IT world. From this program, I made many new friends who have supported me through the program, helping me grow as a person and soon to be IT profes-sional. I will never forgot these people and experiences from the past weeks. My future plan is to use everything I learned from the NPower program and to give thanks for the opportunity by furthering my education in technology and starting a career for myself in the IT world.

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Class 1

Stephan Fowles, 18, TorontoInternship: Deloitte

As a kid growing up I always had a strong interest in computers. As I started high school, I entered into a co-op course which allowed me to get volunteer experience in the IT industry -- from there my passion for computers grew stronger. I was lucky to be told about this program from my co-op teacher because joining NPower has to be the best decision I made in my entire life. Meeting new people, learning how to operate and support computers, trav-elling and seeing some of the top technology companies in the IT industry has all been a great experience. In the near future I hope to find a permanent job in the IT Industry and later on continue to pursue getting my Network A+ Certificate.

Shane Falconer, 20, TorontoInternship: TD

Before attending NPower I was in college but, for many reasons, I couldn’t continue my studies. I’ve always had an interest in technology. Ever since I was a child, I remember days where I would just open computers, take everything out and try to fix everything through trial and error. From there I decided that technology was something I was really interested in. One day I received an email from an old guidance counselor about NPower and instantly thought to myself “This would be a great opportunity for me” so I took the chance and it’s been great so far. I can’t wait for what the future holds.

Sean Donoahue, 22, TorontoInternship: Bullfrog Power

For many years now technology has been a hobby as well as a constant source of entertainment and learning. NPower has allowed me to take this hobby and start what will hopefully be a lifelong career in the field of ICT. By providing a great environment for learning both the hard and soft skills that an ICT profes-sional needs, NPower has created a great program that produces job ready students. The classroom was a joy to be in courtesy of a great teaching staff and wonderful classmates. I am very excited to start my internship and get some real life experience in what will hopefully be a challenging role at a great company. I am thankful to everyone involved in making this inaugural Cana-dian class a reality and hopefully there will be many more classes to follow us.


Jaleesha Husbands, 23, BramptonInternship: Cisco

I have always had a passion and fascination for technology ever since I was a child. This passion led me to obtain a diploma in Electronics Engineering Technology, but after I graduated I had a difficult time finding a job in my field. I saw a posting for the Technology Service Corps program and I decided that I would apply, and applying for this program was the best decision that I have made for myself! I have gained so much knowledge from this program in such a short amount of time. This program not only taught me about the technical side of IT but also the professional side. I have gained so much more confidence within myself and I am truly grateful for this experience. Thank you to all the NPower staff for always helping and encouraging me. I am looking forward for what the future holds!

Laxman Gnanendran, 24, ScarboroughInternship: TAO Solutions

Before NPower, I spent about three years in University doing an arts program that never fit me. I was lost and decided to pull the plug on University. So I found a job in Security; a job that didn’t fit and never challenged what I thought I was capable of. I did however enjoy the company of my coworkers. We spent a lot of time dreaming of our future but never having the courage to step out of our comfort zone, and this kept me there for well over two years. Recognizing that I had a spark for technology, I applied to a three-year college level IT program and was accepted to start in January 2015. The problem was, I couldn’t afford it. When I first heard of the NPower program through a radio station, I thought it sounded too good to be true but applied anyway. Since then, my time in the program has been nothing short of magical. Our site tours and guest speakers have been monumental in helping me figure out a path in the IT industry. NPower has given me a broomstick, an owl, box full of every flavor beans and a train full of friends. I could not be any happier and excited for my journey. Thank you.

Julius Gammad, 22, TorontoInternship: Davenport-Perth Community Centre

Before I joined NPower, I was hanging around at home most of the time. I had been going on interviews but I was not receiving any responses. Most positions I would apply for would tell me that I needed more experience. So one day, while I was browsing online for jobs, I saw NPower on a community centre website, and after researching it, I signed up. I joined because I want to expand and focus my technical knowledge, and hopefully gain employment in a field that I excel in. Along the way, I made a lot of friends and connections. My self-esteem flourished because of NPower professional development. I am really thankful for being accepted into this program. It helped me grow and gain a lot of knowledge and training. Hopefully 10-15 years from now, I will be a System Administrator or Network Administrator then attend an alumni event or be a guest speaker so that I can share my stories to the future generations taking the NPower-TSC program. More power to NPower!

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Peggy Lee, 23, TorontoEmployed: Synnex Canada

I always had an interest in technology and was fascinated with the many ver-satile functions in which people interact with computers. However, I didn’t un-derstand the fundamentals of technology. I instinctively grabbed the oppor-tunity to advance my technological skills when I first heard about the NPower program from a youth employment center. It was a difficult feat trying to bal-ance this program while completing my post-secondary degree, but it was made possible with the aid of peers and staff at NPower. By sharing the same passion for technology, we enhanced each other’s strengths while mitigating our weaknesses and pushed forward for the finish line. My plan after NPower is further improving my skills, staying in contact with my new peers and setting a prime example for future NPower candidates!

Sinthujan Kukarasaiyar, 18, TorontoInternship: Magnet

Before I joined NPower I was a 1st year university student who had very lit-tle knowledge about technology and didn’t have a clear path for my career. I developed an interest in IT in grade 12 when I joined a youth leadership program called BCG Spark Lab where I learned about entrepreneurship and planned a small social venture in a group. Once I joined NPower, with the help I gained from the staff and the students, I got a clear goal for my future as well as knowledge on hardware, software and how to network with people. I’ve really enjoyed my internship with Magnet at Ryerson’s DMZ and appreciate the innovative environment. I’ve been inspired to potentially pursue a career in web development or quality assurance and I am excited to see what the future holds.

Shahriar Imran, 24, TorontoEmployed: FedEx Canada

Before joining NPower, my life was at a crossroads. Desperate for full-time employment in a skilled field of work in order to complete my immigration to Canada, I found employment opportunities few and far between especially given my lack of work experience. As the clock rapidly wound down on my time in Canada, the opportunity to join the Technology Service Corps (TSC) presented itself in the most unexpected of ways. Since then, life has dramat-ically changed. NPower has provided me the practical skills and certification to start a career in Information Technology while giving me the opportunity to meet and network with established professionals in the field. My future plans after graduating TSC is to grow within the field of IT and continue my educa-tion in Development.


Leonie McCleary, 24, North YorkInternship: Virgin Mobile

Before I started NPower my life was on ‘pause’. A traumatic family experience changed my priorities from my studies in Health and Society at York Univer-sity to dealing with the situation at hand. I also no longer wanted to pursue nursing and didn’t see what career path a study of the social science of health would lead me to. I started exploring new paths and then I was introduced to NPower Canada. Since being in this program, I have learned so many skills in IT and professional development that are invaluable. What fascinates me about technology is it is ever evolving and changes rapidly. My future plan is to combine my prior health studies with my new interest in IT by finishing my undergraduate studies in Health Infomatics. I always had a passion to support and care for people and pursuing a career in IT will still allow me to do that by contributing to advancements that will support people by adding conve-nience, flexibility and mobility to someone’s user experience. I look forward to what new beginnings life is going to bring.

Ghisele Mathiabo, 22, TorontoInternship: City of Toronto – Toronto Employment and Social Services

Before I enrolled with NPower, I was in college taking Business Finance. Due to financial reasons, I decided to leave college and work two fulltime jobs, mainly in restaurants. I decided to join NPower because I wanted to learn more about technology and because I am fascinated by how technology is always changing. My experience throughout the Technology Service Corps (TSC) was fantastic because I learned the basics of hardware, software and networking. I met great, smart people and Mr. Waljee is the best. I appreciate all of the NPower staff for believing in me and helping me come this far. My plan after NPower is to gain more hands on experience in the IT sector and probably go back to school to pursue accounting to have the best of both worlds: business and technology.

Khalid Mahamed, 25, BramptonInternship: United Way Toronto

Before joining NPower, I was attending York University and pursuing a Bach-elor’s degree in Criminology. Going from high school where everything is monitored to University at the age of 17 was something I wasn’t ready for and at the time I struggled with the balance of school and pleasure. Realizing I was not making the best decisions in life, I decided to take a break and went to Egypt for 6 months. During that time, I was able to reflect on my life, become more grounded and redirect my focus. Upon my return, the first thing I did was make a promise to work hard despite any challenges. I joined NPower to pursue a career in IT and get hands on experience. My passion for technolo-gy is always growing because there’s always something new to learn and it’s always advancing. This program and my experience on internship has helped me so much with my knowledge in hardware, software and networking.

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Dornel Phillips, 25, TorontoInternship: Compass Group

Like many Canadians, my journey in Canada began as a newcomer. I came to Canada with the dream of not only obtaining, but achieving more than I would in my place of birth. I was born in Guyana and came to Canada at the age of 9. Over the years, I discovered I was a person who had many interests and tech-nology, especially new ones, was one of them. Before becoming a member of the TSC class in Canada, I attended university for business. After graduation, like many of my peers, I was unable to find proper employment. I started to work part time with youth which in itself is rewarding. It was at that job I was introduced to this opportunity. When I started at NPower I knew more than average about computers, but being part of this program has increased my knowledge by leaps and bounds. The technical training has been great, but the networking, site visits, guest speakers and professional development have also been invaluable. I want to say being part of this program has opened so many doors for me. Doors I wasn’t always privy to. I plan to further my educa-tion, as well as my presence in the technology and business field as the two go hand in hand. Thank you NPower, my teacher and classmates.

El Roi Pablo, 22, PickeringInternship: Cisco

In April 2014, I completed Software Engineering and Interactive Gaming at Centennial College. At first, I was searching for a job coding and program-ming, but after half a year of looking, I thought to myself that I need to ex-plore what else there is for me in the IT field. A friend of mine had referred me to NPower since he was not in the required age group of the program and thought that I would have a better chance in succeeding and to get my foot on the door in the IT field. NPower has helped me in so many ways such as preparing me to get my A+ certificate and for my interviews, learning different roles in the IT field, and extending my network through friends I met in the program, site visits, and guest speakers. Joining NPower has been truly one of the best decisions I made in my life.


Tariq Rend, 22, TorontoInternship: Infrastructure Ontario

Graduating from NPower Canada, I have definitely gained more valuable work experience and technical knowledge than most of my years at University. Prior to completing the Technology Service Corps program, I was just a regular stu-dent pursing a regular degree with no job to gain experience and not enough experience to land a job. However, during the program, I was equipped with priceless insights from relevant speakers, opportunities through notable com-panies associated with NPower, and the colossal amount of support from the instructors and staff working for our own professional development. After be-ing in a class of genuinely motivated students, that environment has forever shaped my future ambitions for the better. After graduation, I plan on pursing a business idea that will allow me to Pay It Forward to others. Thank You NPower for pushing me in the right direction.

Ammarah Rana, 23, TorontoInternship: Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood Community Health Centre

I moved to Canada three years ago from Pakistan. Before I was introduced to NPower’s Technology Services Corps (TSC) program, I was unemployed, inex-perienced and confused about what exactly I wanted to do. I was out of high school for five years, looking for different educational and job opportunities and feeling like I was not doing enough. I was looking for a chance to grow and explore my personal potential and to learn more about everything. I have been interested in technology all my life in one way or another, whether it be working with computers or other devices. So when I was introduced to this program from my employment coach, it caught my attention and I decided to join it instantly. It was the best decision I have ever made. Everything changed the day I came to the class for the first time. TSC has provided me with all the necessary tools, knowledge, and experience to succeed not only in the IT field but also in life. I met great people and made beautiful friends. Andrew, Karim, Joanna, Stephanie, Heather and Julia are the best people and a perfect team. I appreciate all the NPower staff and my fellow students for sharing their wis-dom with me. After getting my A+ certification and graduating from TSC, I plan to start college, take Security+ certification, become a project manager and get more fame than Bill Gates.

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Emmanuel Wilson-Jeffers, 24, MississaugaInternship: Office of the Vice President, Research and Innovation, Ryerson

Before coming to NPower I was working in various part-times jobs and trying to navigate a career path. I have always had a passion for information technol-ogy but was unable to get into the field. I was extremely happy to learn about the NPower program for young adults, and I saw it as an opportunity to get a foothold in this field. I am impressed by the dedication of NPower staff, who trained and mentored my class in this program. I am working hard to gain my A+ certification, work experience and plan to continue studying IT in college. Thank you NPower for creating this wonderful opportunity for me.

Abdelsabour Mahamat Zene, 22, TorontoInternship: Ministry of Community and Social Services

Before this Program, I was attending Seneca College and pursuing a Bach-elor’s degree in Computer Systems Technology. Once I complete NPower Canada’s Technology Service Corps and get my A+ certification, I will finish getting my degree. I joined NPower Canada because it’s a great way to get my foot in a career in IT and some great hands on experience. I love technolo-gy because there’s always change and new material to be learned throughout the years which make it exciting. This program has helped me learn the basic skills I need to become an IT Technician (for example, hardware, software and networking). I have also improved my interview and presentation skills.

■ Graduation rate■ Of alumni working and/or in school

80%history of successSince its founding in 2001, 900+ students have graduated from the Technology Service Corps training program.

corporate partnersCorporate support for Technology Service Corps has increased dramatically in the last year, highlighted by by the engagement of a growing number of Fortune 500 companies.

employmentJob placements and internships are rising with Technology Service Corps students now working at leading organizations in public, private, and non-profit sectors.

growthWe are committed to expanding Technology Service Corps to serve even more young adults. The growth and success of Technology Service Corps is seen in richer curriculum, higher graduation and employment rates, and expansion to regions across the U.S. and Canada.

npowercanada.ca

■ Graduation rate■ Of alumni working and/or in school

80%history of successSince its founding in 2001, 900+ students have graduated from the Technology Service Corps training program.

corporate partnersCorporate support for Technology Service Corps has increased dramatically in the last year, highlighted by by the engagement of a growing number of Fortune 500 companies.

employmentJob placements and internships are rising with Technology Service Corps students now working at leading organizations in public, private, and non-profit sectors.

growthWe are committed to expanding Technology Service Corps to serve even more young adults. The growth and success of Technology Service Corps is seen in richer curriculum, higher graduation and employment rates, and expansion to regions across the U.S. and Canada.

Tech skills. Opportunities. Brighter Futures.


AccentureBullfrog PowerCDICiscoCity of TorontoCompass GroupDavenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health CentreDeloitteDixon HallHealthy Minds CanadaInfrastructure OntarioMagnetMinistry of Community and Social ServicesRyerson Centre for Cloud and Context-Aware Computing (RC4)Synnex CanadaTAO SolutionsTD United Way TorontoVirgin Mobile Canada

Thank you for partnering with us and sponsoring an intern

Thank you for hosting Class 1 Graduation

AccentureCiscoTD

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AccentureAnthony C. EspirituCaroline G. GayleDean ForoglouElizabeth FletcherJosef HrebikMashal Kara Miranda RutherfordNeeraj K. Goel Paul BruchPaul SinghPreston SzetoSafdar MahmoodStephen GardinerThomas Kim

Bell CanadaBrittani Jarvis Nicole Baxter

BrainhunterGordon MartinJohn MehrmannLalitha Raavi

CiscoAlice OkundayeAllison DunlapBernadette WightmanDerek Bailey Jeff Sweeney Jeffrey MaddoxJustin Chin-You Karl Goddard Mushfique Khan Rachel De Abreu Rohan KaramandiRyan Boyle Samantha Yiu Willa Black

City of TorontoRhonda BrittonTina Scott

CivicActionHilary BestSevaun Palvetzian

DeloittePaul Klysen

Digital Media ZoneKirstyn DeVriesStacy Woloschuk

Government of OntarioChris West

Hitachi CanadaGlen Lomond

LinkedIn CanadaJonathan BaldockKishan Salgado

MarketwiredPatrick Bowen

Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation Michael “Pinball” Clemons

ModisSandra Ford

Royal Bank of CanadaTiffany Smye

Ryerson UniversityRon BabinShannon Dyck

Virgin Mobile CanadaAlison BishopAngela AuChris DelladonneDaniel RodriguesDaniela YanezFloyd RochaGregory HeggerGwen ShenJoanne KviringJonathan JosephJoseph OttorinoJustin CarreiroKevin CampbellLisa FrenchLucy GaoMelissa KeszthelyiMirjana MosticRahim LalaniSadi ChowdhurySelena PowersSheryl Davey KerametlianTegan MonacoVirendra BhraraniZina Sotoodeh

Thank you to our volunteers

Founding Partners:

c/o Diversity Institute, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St. Toronto ON M5B 2K3

@npowercanada

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