Board of Directors

Victor Adarquah is the founder and executive director of the Change-Makers Foundation. With a steadfast commitment to addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes, Victor aspires to become a clinician-scientist. 

His goal is to explore how anti-Black racism exacerbates the vulnerabilities faced by people with disabilities and to advocate for a more equitable future for all.

He is deeply passionate about creating opportunities for Black youth and underserved youth interested in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Recognizing the significant inequities within these fields, he is dedicated to fostering inclusive and safe spaces. This commitment is the driving force behind the establishment of the Change-Makers Foundation.

Victor's ultimate aim is to use his platform to educate, mentor, and empower youth who share his background and those seeking a space to authentically express themselves. Through his work, he strives to pave the way for future generations to thrive and succeed in a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Immaculate is the Founder of the Okyere Adarkwa Kwakye Family Legacy Foundation, a community initiative dedicated to empowering athletes and youth to achieve excellence and growth in every aspect of their lives. As a Psychology student and former varsity athlete, Immaculate brings a unique perspective to her work, combining academic knowledge with firsthand experience in sports and leadership.  Under her leadership, the foundation has successfully supported youth both in Canada and Ghana, providing them with the resources, training, and mentorship they need to thrive. Immaculate's passion for community building drives her daily, whether she’s volunteering in her local community or participating in development workshops to continually build her skills and knowledge.  Her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others is evident in everything she does, as she tirelessly works to create opportunities for youth to realize their full potential.

Gabriela de Leon (she/her) is the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Operations Manager and Lead Consultant at CultureAlly, with over seven years of experience in the DEI space. After 15 years of managing Strategy & Change Management at various organizations, she transitioned to lead the DEI Technology Strategy for one of Canada’s Big Five financial institutions. Gabriela is passionate about enhancing innovation and increasing employee engagement by fostering a more inclusive society.

Teisha (she/her) is a dynamic professional deeply committed to dismantling systems of oppression, disrupting the status quo, and eliminating inequality for those made most marginal. As a policy analyst, Teisha conducts disability-related research and analysis to help community stakeholders/rightsholders, governments, and the public gain a broader understanding of important disability issues and promote evidence-based policy positions and solutions. Teisha has a master’s degree in international development, with experience working for UNESCO, the Global Partnership for Education, and other international and national NGOs and community organizations. Teisha believes in knowing your social location and approaching community engagement responsibly, collaboratively, and with curiosity and compassion.

Edna Naa Shormeh Nortey is a high school senior at William Lyon Mackenzie CI with ambitious goals to impact the world. Aspiring to become a civil engineer, she has pursued an accelerated education in math and computer science, aiming to contribute to urban development and sustainability initiatives on a global scale. Her passion for equitable opportunities and innovation drives her to actively engage in youth-led organizations and leadership initiatives, advocating for youth on several platforms and scales. Currently, she serves on the Toronto Youth Cabinet as the Newcomer Co-Lead, as the president of one of the largest schools in Toronto, and as a researcher for municipal and international initiatives. Balancing academic pursuits with her dedication to community service, she is excited to continue her leadership journey, making a lasting impact on the city and beyond. She is the recipient of awards in STEM and business and enjoys using her platform to speak to various audiences. Wherever she is, she hopes to learn as much as possible and enact positive change.

Candice is driven by a passion for lifelong learning and sharing knowledge, particularly in demystifying science and promoting hands-on learning experiences that nurture problem-solving, critical thinking, and curiosity from a young age. She believes in the boundless possibilities of education, whether obtained through formal institutions or experiences within society. Alongside her academic and professional endeavors, Candice finds happiness in traveling, running, and exploring different cuisines. She credits her achievements to the mentors who have guided her, understanding the impact of quality teaching on student success. Inspired by them, Candice aspires to create a nurturing environment for future leaders in the fields of STEAM.