Eseosa omoregie (she/her) brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to her role as president of Youth Haven, where she is dedicated to empowering marginalized and vulnerable youth. A graduate of the University of Manitoba with a BA in psychology and business management, she has further honed her expertise through certifications in trauma-informed youth care.
With a robust background in community outreach, youth mentorship, and program development, particularly within Black and Indigenous communities, Eseosa is deeply committed to enhancing the well-being of at-risk youth. Her leadership is shaped by extensive hands-on experience in addressing complex issues such as addiction, homelessness, and sexual violence.
Beyond her technical proficiencies, Eseosa is distinguished by her exceptional communication skills, empathy, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative approach. These attributes, coupled with her profound understanding of trauma and systemic inequities, fuel her passionate advocacy for harm reduction. Under her stewardship, Youth Haven Network is steadfast in its mission to provide critical resources and foster environments where youth can surmount challenges and realize their full potential.
Yann Dika Originally from Kingston, Ontario, he is a former professional athlete who now lives in Quebec and is dedicated to empowering at-risk youth. Following a successful career in sports, he transitioned to the medical sales industry, where his leadership and strategic thinking led to significant achievements.Yann's deep commitment to helping others led him to pursue an MBA, further equipping him with the business skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector.
With a unique blend of athletic discipline and business acumen, Yann has become a dedicated advocate for youth development programs. His experience in competitive environments has taught him the value of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience—qualities he is eager to instill in young people facing challenging circumstances. As a board member, Yann is committed to guiding the organization in developing impactful programs that provide at-risk youth with the tools and support they need to thrive.
Yann is particularly focused on leveraging his strategic planning and leadership skills to drive the nonprofit's mission forward. His ability to navigate complex challenges and his dedication to fostering a culture of growth and opportunity make him a valuable asset to the board. He is also deeply involved in mentoring young athletes, using his own experiences to inspire and empower the next generation to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential."
Kazeem Yussuf is a dedicated Certified Treasury Professional committed to giving back to society. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Yussuf currently serves as the treasurer for the Education Trust Fund of Heineken International in Western Africa , a not-for-profit organization.
With a strong belief in collaborative excellence, Yussuf works alongside board members to excel in nonprofit management and governance, finance and accounting, fundraising and development, marketing and community outreach, technology and digital strategy, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Having mentored and coached numerous young individuals who have thrived both professionally and personally, Yussuf is eager to apply his extensive experience to support and uplift youth in Canada. As a resourceful professional, he is enthusiastic about contributing to the board, expanding his network, and integrating further into the community.
Aman Ashrafi is a seasoned strategy professional and brings a wealth of global experience, having led strategy and operations engagements for multiple industries/clients in Europe, Asia and North America. He has previously advised public sector entities on their governance, strategy and communications needs as a Senior Manager at Deloitte.
Aman has completed an MBA from Manchester Business School, U.K. with an exchange term at Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.
Jesutofunmi “JT” Alabi is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and community impact. With a bachelor’s in engineering and a master’s in computer science, Jesutofunmi bridges technical expertise with a heart for social change.
As the creator and host of the podcast Diaries with JT, Jesutofunmi has cultivated a platform that supports young people by exploring topics like personal growth, career development, and societal issues. The podcast has impacted countless lives by encouraging conversations that inspire self-reflection, skill-building, and the pursuit of purpose-driven goals. Jesutofunmi's community involvement extends beyond the digital space. Their dedication to education and social equity has been demonstrated through various charitable initiatives, including spearheading projects that provide educational resources to underserved children in Nigeria and supporting local charities in Canada.
Joel Montagnes is a Non-Profit Consultant. He has over five years of grant writing experience and non-profit development. He has a Double master's in history and public policy from the University of Calgary. Joel believes in the importance of access education, mentorship and sports for youth as all three have positive impacts on the lives of young people.
Sonia Ikheloa joins us from the vibrant and picturesque city of Halifax on Canada’s Atlantic East Coast. Over the past six and a half years, she served with the Government of Nova Scotia, contributing her expertise across the Education, Community Services, and Justice departments. Before moving to Canada in 2018, Sonia spent eight years leading projects, people, and programs—from the President's Office at Nigeria’s foremost private university to a highly celebrated non-profit focused on children and youth with reach in Nigeria, the UK, and the USA.
In Nova Scotia, Sonia focused on advancing inclusive programs, policies, and strategic initiatives to achieve equitable, anti-racist, and inclusive outcomes for all. She has empowered stakeholders with inclusive engagement strategies, managed initiatives like the provincial Community Network and Grants, and provided equity considerations for intersectional frameworks addressing issues such as gender-based violence.
Sonia volunteers towards several causes across Nova Scotia and is the founder of The Guardians a non-profit volunteer hub supporting underrepresented communities and vulnerable individuals through resources, advocacy, and direct service. The hub has
facilitated the settlement and integration of over 200 newcomer families in Nova
Scotia from diverse nationalities, including Nigeria, Vietnam, China, India, and
Canadians relocating from other provinces. Sonia is deeply passionate about fostering collaborative and inclusive spaces, programs, and continues to maximize opportunities to create social connections, foster integration and their overall well-being. She views community service as a vital investment in belonging and purpose. Her dedication through The Guardians and her ongoing support for immigrants, marginalized groups, underprivileged individuals and youth exemplify her commitment to creating a welcoming and thriving environments for all.
As a member of The Youth Haven Network Board of Directors, Sonia brings a wealth of experience in community engagement, program development, and equity-centered strategies. Her passion for empowering vulnerable populations aligns closely with Youth Haven's mission of providing hope and support to homeless and at-risk youth. She looks forward to contributing her skills and insights to help strengthen programs, advocate for systemic change, and create opportunities that foster resilience and belonging for the young people served by Youth Haven.
Jessica Mannone, MSW, RSW, is a doctoral student at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Jessica's research focuses on social issues related to chronic poverty and children's mental health. She has a background in social work and health equity and is deeply committed to addressing complex social challenges. Jessica holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto and has authored research on parental stress and nonadherence to psychotropic medication among children and youth. She has gained international and domestic experience, advocating for health equity for incarcerated youths in Tanzania and exploring the connections between family poverty, isolation, and mental health as a Caseworker at the Ontario Disability Support Program. Currently, Jessica works as a Senior Regional Program Officer with the Government of Canada and is a Program Advisory Committee Member for Humber College's Social Services Diploma Program.
Mutiat Musa earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Manitoba in Canada and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in New Brunswick. Over the past six years, she has served as a front-line case manager for indigenous child protection agencies in Manitoba, where she has specialized in supporting high-risk families and children facing challenges such as abuse, neglect, separation, addiction, child trafficking, and homelessness.
In her role, Mutiat has provided vital services, including crisis management, client assessment and intervention, community outreach, and case planning. Her commitment to ensuring that families receive the support they need to feel safe and secure in their environments is unwavering.
In addition to her work with high-risk families, Mutiat has also provided counseling services to individuals and groups dealing with addiction and mental health issues, focusing on both youth and adults. Through her extensive experience, education, and passion for empowering marginalized communities, she has developed and honed skills that profoundly impact her clients' lives. Mutiat is a strong advocate for collaborative and integrative counseling approaches that help clients achieve meaningful and lasting results. She is honored to contribute to the healing journey and empowerment of those she serves.
Hodine Williams is an accomplished lawyer and advocate with extensive experience in both public and private sectors. He holds degrees in Economics, Management, and Law, along with a Master of Laws in International Business Law from Osgoode Hall Law School in Canada. This academic foundation equips him with a unique perspective on governance and strategic management.
Currently, Hodine is the Head of Legal, Compliance, and Regulatory Affairs at Lumorus Corporation PLC in the UK and serves as a Senior Consultant and Project Manager. His legal career includes over seven years as a prosecutor in Jamaica, managing high-profile cases and developing expertise in legal proceedings. He has participated in various government committees focusing on youth, vulnerable populations, and human rights, enhancing his policy development and compliance skills.
Hodine's commitment to the nonprofit sector is evident in his role as Company Secretary for the Golden Age Home in Jamaica, his involvement with Minds of Jamaica mentorship, and his work as a trustee for social service organizations in Canada. He has also served as Assistant to the Auditor General of Jamaica and held several leadership roles in finance and auditing, which provide him with critical insights into fiscal policies and nonprofit management.
Known for his analytical mindset and positive outlook, Hodine addresses complex issues with innovative solutions. He contributes to academic and professional publications on governance, policy, and law, reflecting his thought leadership in these areas.
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