WELCOME TO:
BE THE CHANGE
Serving Peel Region, Simcoe, the GTA
providing services virtually
Be The Change (BTC) is a not for profit organization offering
services to the African, Caribbean and Black communities in Peel, Simcoe and the GTA. Since 2020 Be the Change has provided virtual services for youth and their families to help develop their sense of identity, strengthen self-esteem, and inform them on educational pathways to increase families knowledge and skills to support positive youth development.
Our mission
Our services are provided by highly qualified professionals from a holistic, anti-
Black racism, client-centered, strengths-based approach.
our vision
Black Girls Drop Zone
Created out of the need to connect during the COVID-19 pandemic, the workshops helps to build identity, self-esteem, soft skills and knowledge of educational pathways for young Black girls across the GTA
Parent Connections
The program supports Black parents and families of youth 13-21 to navigate pathways regarding high school & post secondary education. BTC will primarily engage with Black families who are unaware of their options as it pertains to post secondary education and with Black families who express the need for assistance in understanding the education system and the secondary school process. Informative workshops will be held for parents, guardians & caregivers to be better equipped to support their child within the school system.
Funders & Partners
We align with
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
PEACE, JUSTICE, AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
GENDER EQUALITY
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Parent Connections
Group Workshops/Session
Join us every third Thursday of the month for informative sessions, featuring community partner guest speakers. In these sessions information and resources will be provided to parents regarding high school course selection options, PSE application process, mental health & wellness, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, policies, procedures, legislation, and much more.
Session Topics Include:
- Post Secondary Pathways
- Apprenticeship Pathways
- Navigating IEP’s
- Back to School Prep
- Youth Justice
- Mental Health & Wellness
- Employment Readiness
- Program & Resources
Drop-in Times (1-1)
Staff will provide a case specific, tailored service to connect with parents one-on-one, providing resources and information on PSE pathways, application process to Post Secondary Education (PSE), high school course selection, OSAP & financial options for PSE, policies and process on navigating disciplinary actions such as suspensions.
Group Mentoring/Coaching
Using the “each one teach one approach”, staff will guide parents supporting one another, while providing a culturally sensitive, safe space.
Staff & parents will work with parent groups whose children are either transitioning from elementary to high school or from high school to post secondary.
Ongoing coaching and support for the family to be able to successfully navigate the transition throughout the school year, such as guidance with course selections, aptitude & interest assessments, PSE applications, research on student loans & grants, supporting with school disciplinary actions or counselling referrals from the school.
Flyers
Funders & Partners
OUR SERVICES
Education System
Navigation
Post Secondary
Information
Apprenticeships &
Entrepreneurship
Youth Employment
Unlock Your Potential with Free Youth Programs in Peel, Simcoe, and the GTA
We're all about giving free access to engaging online sessions where youth can learn new things and develop essential skills.
Plus, if you're looking for a summer job or volunteer work, we can help with that too! You'll get personalized 1-on-1 resume prep assistance
We Offer:
Post-Secondary Pathways and Educational Opportunities:
Get the guidance you need to explore different educational paths and make the best choices for your future.
Scholarship Applications Support:
Need help with scholarship applications? Get help applying for scholarships to secure the funds you need for school.
Soft Skill Development Workshops:
Boost your communication, teamwork, and leadership skills with our workshops, which are key to succeeding in any field.
Black Girls Drop Zone:
This is a unique program dedicated to empowering Black girls, offering support and opportunities tailored to your needs.
Black Girls Drop Zone
BLACK GIRLS: BE SEEN BE HEARD event will be held on Saturday, June 15th from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM in Brampton
Black Girls Drop Zone (partially funded by Alectra)
The Black Girls Drop Zone program is a virtual program, connecting with girls between the ages of 13-17, across the GTA to strengthen their self-esteem, develop their sense of self in today’s climate and learn about educational pathways. All while being able to build relationships and connect with girls similar to them.
Upcoming Events
BLACK GIRLS: BE SEEN BE HEARD event will be held on Saturday, June 15th from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM in Brampton
Meet The Board Members
Deborah Nurse
Chair
Deborah Nurse Founder and Chair of The Youth Village Deborah is a Fellow of the Certified General Accountant (FCGA) of Canada and a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Association (FCPA) of Ontario and British Columbia. She is also a certified project manager (PMP) and an Associate of the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada (ACG). She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, an MBA and a Master Degree (Project Management and Evaluation for Development Projects) from the University of the West Indies (UWI). Deborah’s research project to fulfil the requirements of a PhD (Public Policy and Administration) - Decolonializing Sodomy Laws in the English-Speaking Caribbean: A Comparative Analysis of Barbados and The Bahamas was approved by Carleton University. Deborah has a wide range of experience in the Not-For-Profit sectors both at the governance and operational level. She worked with Canadian and international organizations in senior leadership positions and sat on the Board of Directors of several local and international organisations. Before relocating to Canada, Deborah was also an adjunct professor with the University of The West Indies and consulted with the Government of Barbados in their Youth Entrepreneurship Program.
Nkem Jennifer Majeed-Raji
Vice-Chair
Nkem Jennifer Majeed-Raji is a distinguished HR professional with over fifteen years of experience in strategic human resources management. My career spans various industries, from export-import banking to Agri-finance and electricity company where I have established myself as a leader in fostering inclusive workplace cultures and optimizing organizational performance through effective HR practices.
In addition, I am also a dedicated educator, serving as a business instructor at a prominent college. My passion for imparting knowledge extends beyond the boardroom, as I actively mentor students and professionals alike, nurturing the next generation of business leaders.
As the head of Human Resources and Administration with a non-profit organization focused on empowering women, youth, seniors and underserved within black community, I not only implement Organizational policies that provide direction on organizational behaviour I also engage with organizations to develop strategic partnerships that help to drive positive engagements with the black communities I equally manage numerous projects within the community as I regularly work with my team to raise funds that are efficiently utilized for community activities.
As part of my quest for knowledge I have bagged 3 Masters degrees, several diplomas and professional certifications; and currently working on my doctorate degree. I also have scholarly works in the field of business both unpublished and published in some academic journals. My research focuses on emerging trends in HR management, organizational behavior, and strategic Management.
With a deep commitment to excellence in community development, HR, education, and research, I earnestly thrive to continue to make significant contributions to these areas, shaping the future of young black girls to aspire to be the best of themselves while also being a great contributor in business and human resources management.
Above all, I am a mother to three wonderful children whom I cherish with my life and who I mentor daily to be future leaders in their various fields of endeavor.
Marcella Penny Kowalchuk
Secretary
Marcella was born on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia and with her family immigrated to Canada when she was a young child. Her formative years were spent in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, where she attended elementary and high school. Marcella is a professor at Sheridan College's Pilon School of Business, teaching human resources and business administration courses. As a Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA) member, she is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and holds a Certificate in Human Resources Management. Her other credentials include a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree, training in workplace investigations, organizational dynamics, management development, psychological health and safety and organizational design. Marcella engages with young adults delivering workshops that help to prepare them for their transition to high school, post-secondary academic institutions and the working world. Through her work, Marcella is committed to inspiring others to go into the world to do great things. Marcella is a person of faith, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend and lives with her family in Ontario Canada.
Kim Goodman
Director-At-Large/ Committee Chair
Brand Strategist. Brand + Business Management. Social Media Marketing + Advertising. Graphic + Web Design. PR. Creative Visionary. Mover + Shaker. A Walking Testimony. BOURGIE (pronounced BOO-ZHE) Branding Founder and Executive Director Kim Goodman, naturally fell into the world of Branding, Business Management, PR, Social Media Marketing and Graphic + Web Design, when she launched her cosmetic line BOURGIE Cosmétique in the Fall of 2017. Kim’s “first” career in Beauty and Fashion, gave her the opportunity to navigate the Entertainment, Film, Television and Editorial Industries for over 20 years. She was also the Beauty and Fashion Instructor at The School of Makeup Art and taught numerous Makeup Workshops at the University of Toronto. To date, Kim is managing non-secular talent and brand accounts across various industries, where all facets that BOURGIE Branding has to offer are utilized on a daily basis. Kim enriches marginalized youth ages 17-29 as the 1:1 Business Incubator Coach at Delta Family Resource Centre, within their 6 Month Entrepreneurship Intensive; where she works closely to help bring entrepreneurship goals to fruition. Kim was nominated for the 2024 Women Empowerment Awards for “Rogers Entrepreneur of the Year Award” for the third year in a row and she sits on the Board of BTC Be The Change as our Marketing Committee Chair / Director-At-Large and we’re delighted to have her.
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