MEET THE TEAM
The staff team at Fora is responsible for the implementation of the strategic plan, including the provision of excellent programming, improving organizational operations, and creating healthy revenue streams. The team works with a variety of stakeholders in Fora’s community to effectively deliver our mission of advancing the full participation of young leaders in decision-making spaces to change the status quo.
Learn more about our team below.
— LEADERSHIP—
[in order from left to right]
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Emma Asiedu-Akrofi (she/her) is a nonprofit executive, leadership speaker, and strategist, Emma brings over 10 years of experience leading organizations through growth, transformation, and complexity across the social impact sector.
As CEO of Fora: Network for Change, Emma leads high-impact leadership, advocacy, and community-building initiatives that equip young women and gender-marginalized youth with the skills, networks, and opportunities to build influence, navigate systems, and drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
A Black Canadian woman of Ghanaian descent, Emma’s leadership is grounded in an intersectional, anti-oppressive, and inclusive approach, with a focus on dismantling systemic barriers and expanding access to opportunity, resources, and power. She is a trusted voice on gender equity, leadership, and social change, regularly engaging with organizations and audiences seeking practical, informed perspectives on building more equitable futures.
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Director, Programs and Advocacy
A lifelong passion for local and international social justice has been the driving force behind Jen’s work and schooling, which include international development, community development, and economics. In the decade before joining Fora, Jen put her heart and soul into developing creative and collaborative responses to food insecurity in her hometown of Timmins.
Jen has extensive experience with equity-focused program development and coordination in a variety of roles. As the five-year executive director of a grassroots charity, she drove effective and sustainable organizational growth. She has previously sat on boards and committees pertaining to food security, healthcare, and the arts.
Jen loves exploring – whether that’s a new neighbourhood, hiking trail, or dish. As a Toronto newcomer, she’s excited about the endless opportunities to try new things.
— TEAM —
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Communications Officer
Driven by her passion for inclusive and ethical storytelling paired with her background in film & creative writing, Jenny Jay is a leader in unpacking how we tell stories to create spaces where people truly belong. With an educational background in non-fiction multimedia and her lived experiences holding multiple identities, Jenny advocates that spaces of power understand the impact of a story when it’s finally told right.
Jenny actively uses her voice in every space that she enters to challenge intuitional structures, advocate for disability, racial, and queer justice, and to ask that private organizations & companies put their resources where their values claim — including brands like Lululemon, Abercombie & Fitch & Humber College.
In her spare time, Jenny can be found practicing asanas (the physical form of yoga) with her Mom, laughing at memes on the internet, or road-tripping in the Mountains in her camper-converted Jeep.
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Advocacy Manager
Tehreem is first generation Pakistani-Canadian social impact strategist with an interest in civic innovation and peacebuilding. Having specialized in political science and minored in philosophy, Tehreem often finds herself at the intersection of politics and philosophy as a researcher, activist, and social innovator.
As an Advocacy Manager she brings her academic, grassroots, and professional expertise in advocacy, policy influencing and knowledge mobilization to Fora, helping make powerful decision-making spaces more accessible for a new generation of leaders.
Tehreem believes that getting gender-marginalized young leaders into spaces of power is a critical way to spark innovation and meaningful change, this belief led her to Fora.
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Programs Manager
Sania's journey began with a passion for architecture, driven by a desire to create inclusive and gender equitable communities. Upon graduating as an architect, this aspiration led her to pursue a master’s in International Peace Studies at Soka University of Japan.
Transitioning into the development space, Sania brings with her experience and expertise in youth-centric development, cross-sectoral collaboration, and partnership building. Her interdisciplinary background allows her to approach challenges with a systemic perspective and intentionally design inclusive solutions. Prior to joining Fora Sania worked in the non-profit sector in India, implementing educational programs with youth and adolescent girls. She advocates for the interconnectedness of design and social issues, firmly believing in the power of thoughtful design to alleviate structural violence and foster positive change.
She finds solace in nature and long walks, and enjoys exploring local cafes and cuisines. As a newcomer to Toronto, Sania is excited to immerse herself in her new community, forging connections and growing into an empathetic global citizen.
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Communications Coordinator
Mara is a biracial, queer woman and visual researcher who takes a human-centred approach to her work. She seeks to use visual and digital communications to make complex ideas more accessible and relatable to wider audiences within a variety of fields such as climate change, urban development, and feminist economics.
Through visual forms such as graphic design, photography, and videography, Mara invites audiences to engage deeper with research, policy, and human experiences to understand the humans behind them.
In her personal time, Mara loves cooking, reading, learning languages, and spending time in nature through hiking and travelling.
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Regional Manager, Programs – Atlantic & Central Canada
Esther is dedicated to fostering social change and community empowerment through strategic relationship-building. With a BA in Political Science and ongoing graduate studies in Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice through her Master of Professional Education (MPEd) program, Esther blends her academic knowledge and hands-on experience to create national inclusive engagement strategies in both French and English.
Her expertise covers stakeholder engagement, communications, and volunteer management, as well as experience in electoral campaigns, including prominent initiatives with the UN and national elections. Esther also co-leads community initiatives as a founding member of Somos Coop and serves as Communications Director for a startup in the beauty industry, promoting inclusivity and representation.
To recharge, Esther enjoys yoga, spending time with her sister, and exploring Tiohtià:ke (Montreal).
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Regional Manager, Programs & Community – North, Prairies, and West
Ariba Dara is an empathetic and visionary leader with a passion for fostering skill development, community engagement, and equitable spaces for marginalized individuals. As the Regional Program Manager at FORA: Network for Change, she oversees community-building and project execution across North West Canada, driving equity initiatives and building partnerships that support non-profit board engagement and inclusion.
Ariba’s expertise spans strategic planning, training and development, project management, and creating inclusive programs that enhance equitable leadership opportunities. Her commitment to fostering inclusive spaces and amplifying marginalized voices aligns perfectly with FORA's mission to create a more equitable society. Known for her organizational skills, empathy, and motivating leadership style, Ariba is committed to achieving collective success and meaningful social impact.
Outside of work, Ariba enjoys movies, picnics, and travelling. She is a cheerful and solution-focused person, keen to meet new people and create new experiences.
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Development Coordinator
Joy is passionate about driving fundraising initiatives and forging partnerships that create lasting social impact, allowing marginalized communities to prosper and thrive. With an intentional and thoughtful approach to development, she ensures that both community and partner needs are centred, while fostering meaningful and sustainable growth in these partnerships.
Holding a BA in Social Work and a MA in Public Policy and Administration, Joy leverages her knowledge in community-centred work, intersectional feminism, public policy and research to engage donors and partners.
Beyond her work at Fora, Joy leads development initiatives for a national 2SLGBTQI not-for-profit organization, and serves as Co-Chair of the Youth Advisory Committee and as an Advisory Member of the Economic Development Grants Committee at the Canadian Women’s Foundation.
In her personal time, Joy loves practicing yoga, Pilates, reading, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
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Community and Events Intern – Fall 2025
Currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Sociology at the University of Toronto, Rachel utilizes her strong interest in social justice advocacy, penal policy aimed towards prison reform, and carceral feminism as a foundation for her commitment to building equitable and inclusive communities.
Having extensive experience in student leadership, academic research, and volunteer work, Rachel is eager to apply her effective communication and outreach skills to her role as Community and Events Intern, where she looks forward to contributing to initiatives that bring women and gender-marginalized youth together while fostering meaningful connections and change.
In her spare time, Rachel can be found camping under the stars, kayaking on quiet lakes, and unwinding with a good movie.
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Programs Intern – Fall 2025
Sahar Shakeel is passionate about creating more inclusive and empowering spaces, drawing on her academic knowledge of human thought and behaviour to help develop strategies that can foster positive well-being and resilience.
Currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc) in Psychology and Sociology at the University of Toronto, Sahar focuses on the intersection between developmental psychology, youth mental health, and real-world settings, exploring how psychological insights can be applied to better understand and support young individuals within marginalized communities.
Through her practical experience with diverse community initiatives as well as her role in tutoring and mentoring youth of all ages, Sahar has strengthened her skills in organization, communication, and leadership, hoping to contribute meaningfully as a Programs Intern.
Beyond her studies, Sahar enjoys discovering new cuisines, capturing her everyday moments through photography, and listening to music.
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Programs Intern – Fall 2025
Currently attending Toronto Metropolitan University TMU, pursuing an honours degree in social work. Kaliss’ interests lie within advocacy, inclusivity, and equity over equality. As a Black Canadian Women of Caribbean descent, she has strong feelings regarding her interests, believing it is essential to lead with love.
Being a third-year student, completing her first practicum, Kaliss acknowledges she had much to learn with hopes to apply things she has learned thus far within practicum. She is excited and grateful to be able to learn and work alongside the team and young leaders at Fora.
In her spare time Kaliss finds enjoyment in reading, listening to all types of genres of music, and watching shows.
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Part-Time | Spring 2026
A recent graduate with an Honours Double Major in Sociology and Criminology from Western University, Neetya is committed to advancing social justice and equity. She has developed a strong academic interest in Indigenous justice within healthcare systems, focusing on equity, access, and systemic barriers and is deeply engaged in exploring structural inequalities in urban spaces, especially those influenced by gender and sexuality.
Driven by a strong interest in the non-profit sector, she served as a Fundraising and Education Committee Coordinator during her final two years of university, supporting health and sustainable development initiatives in East Africa while empowering women to build sustainable businesses.
At Fora, Neetya is eager to apply her communication and organizational strengths to initiatives that equip women and gender-marginalized youth with the tools and confidence to cultivate strong, impactful voices, while advocating for more equitable and inclusive communities.
In her spare time, Neetya can often be found by the ocean or anywhere in nature with lots of sunshine, either immersed in a gripping murder mystery or, just as happily, a heartfelt romance novel.