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 is a dedicated advocate for women and girls, committed to addressing gender-based inequalities. She holds a degree in political science and sociology from the University of Toronto and has over 10 years of experience working in the charitable sector. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director at the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women's Empowerment, a role she has successfully fulfilled since 2016. Emma's professional expertise includes financial and operational management, strategic leadership, governance and compliance, revenue generation, project management, risk management, stakeholder engagement, as well as program development and implementation. Her wide range of skills and comprehensive understanding of these areas enable her to effectively navigate complex challenges and drive sustainable change within an organization.
As a Black Canadian woman of Ghanaian descent, Emma's work is deeply rooted in an intersectional, anti-oppressive, and inclusive framework. She recognizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing the intersecting forms of discrimination and oppression that individuals face. Emma is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable society for all. Emma's passion lies in creating opportunities for underserved groups to access the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. Whether advocating for gender equality, empowering marginalized communities, or championing social justice, Emma remains unwavering in her personal and professional commitment to this cause.
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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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Senior Manager, Development and Operations
Marija is devoted to promoting gender equality and advocating for women, girls and gender-diverse people around the world. A passionate fundraiser, she loves to highlight the spaces where community needs and donor interests meet, stewarding gifts to build a more equal future. Prior to joining Fora, Marija worked on superstar teams at CODE and CARE Canada to raise funds for projects supporting the education, health and economic empowerment of women, girls, and communities in low-income countries around the world.
In her spare time, Marija loves baking, reading, and travelling to explore new destinations and return to the places that have stuck with her.
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Project Coordinator, Rise on Boards
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 Programs Manager, 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 Programs Manager, Western & Northern Canada
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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Global Programs & Community Engagement Coordinator
Sinaa is a passionate advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, dedicated to ensuring that young women and gender-marginalized youth have a meaningful voice at decision-making tables. Having experienced firsthand the impact of oppression and inequality, Sinaa is deeply committed to advancing gender equity and empowering women to reach their fullest potential. With a focus on creating equitable access to resources and opportunities, Sinaa has developed and implemented impactful programs, working alongside teams to establish inclusive, accessible environments that foster growth and belonging.
In her collaborations, Sinaa combines data-driven insights with a compassionate approach, designing strategies that support marginalized communities and advocate for meaningful change. Her work reflects a steadfast commitment to building resilient communities where every individual has the resources, confidence, and support they need to succeed and shape their own futures
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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.