Please use the list below to select your preferred mentor(s) on your application form. Mentors are listed by industry (with industries being listed in alphabetical order). Click on a name to learn more detailed information about their experience and education.
Industries:
Mentors:
Haze Schepmyer (HBSc 2000 UTM)
Life-Event Transition Consultant, Grow My GRIT; Author
Looking to Mentor: Open to mentoring any upper-year, Black-identifying students
About Me
Hello! I’m a Life-Event Transition Mediator, Speaker and Yoga Teacher at Grow My GRIT. Through powerful and unconventional two-way conversations, I can help individuals who are exploring healthy tools and tactics for generating strength, constructing stability and producing stamina as they transition through life events such as:
- changing gears in a career
- leveling-up leadership
- recreating identity
- losing loved ones
- rediscovering self
- adulting 101
After the unexpected and unnerving loss of my dream job in 2019, I started on my entrepreneurial journey. Since taking my career into my own hands, I've been using this platform to elevate opportunities for reframing thoughts in happy, healing and hard times. Whether I'm facilitating one-with-one meetings or workshops, I can help individuals with authoring a proactive and personalized path rooted in forward-focused movements for their journey. I was UTM's Valedictorian in 2000.
If you're looking for someone committed to supporting current and aspiring Entrepreneurs who are exploring ways for moving from surviving to thriving on their journey, let's connect.
Industry: Entrepreneur, Life Coaching
Languages Spoken: English
Location: Mississauga
Experience
- Haze is Founder and CEO of Grow My GRIT, a Speaker, a Yoga Teacher and a Podcast Host.
- Before building her business, Haze spent many years working at ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development as a Learning and Development Consultant, Autism Spectrum Disorder Consultant and Behaviour Therapist.
- She also serves on the board of Many Hands, Doing Good, an organization that provides funding to ensure that young children who have suffered the effects of trauma can access creative therapies to support their journey toward healing.
- Haze teaches 7 yoga classes a week (Power Yoga and Chair Yoga)
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazeschepmyer/
Education
- Honours Bachelor of Science (Psychology, French), 2000, UTM
- Registered Yoga Teacher (200HR), Power Yoga Canada
Chris Thompson (HBA 2012 UTM)
Founder and Executive Director, Skills For Life Inc.
Executive Director, Federation of Black Canadians
Founder, Chris’ Consulting Group
Looking to Mentor: Looking to mentor lower or upper-year students interested in learning about how to maximize their schools and develop life skills for success who know or do not know what they want to do with their lives.
About Me
- Self-employed running my own businesses
- Manage over 15 staff employees
- Never knew what I wanted to do going to University
- Open to new opportunities and life learning
- Loves sports (basketball), comedy, dominoes, sporting events and traveling
- Jamaican descent but born in Canada and grew up in Peel Region
- Sports was my focus until post-secondary school where I found a passion for community development
Industry: Entrepreneur, Non-Profit Organizations
Languages Spoken: English
Location: GTA
Experience
- Chris is a social entrepreneur who founded the Skills For Life non-profit organization that helps prepare youth for real-world success through learning life skills.
- He also serves as the Executive Director for the Federation of Black Canadians, a non-profit organization that advances the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent.
- Chris founded Chris’ Consulting Group to help non-profit organizations adapt and build for success.
- He previously worked for the United Way of Greater Toronto as the Community Investment and Black Community Advisory Council Leader.
- As an alumnus, Chris served as President on the UTM Alumni Association Board of Directors.
- During his time at UTM, Chris was President of UTMSU, VP Finance for Caribbean Connections, and Director of Intramurals for the UTM Athletic Association.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-thompson-40a34861/
Education
- Honours Bachelor of Arts (Political Science, Criminology), 2012, UTM
Community Safety and Well-being
About Me
My education and professional career has been far from linear. I still have a hard time answering that age old question, "What do you want to be when you get older?", but there is one thing I know for sure – do what you love! This will never steer you wrong.
My background includes: Public Service/Bureaucratic roles (Municipal, Provincial and Federal), Researching, Not for Profit and Community Service Agencies. I started in a Temp Agency position (4 weeks) at the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. I used my networking skills to cultivate a relationship and later found myself re-hired a few months later. Almost all of my positions have been through word-of-mouth, and I strongly believe in the importance of a first impression.
I can share my government and industry experience and insight to help give you advice to achieve your professional goals. I am skilled in Public Inquiries, Policy/Program Analysis, Office Administration, Research, and Community Outreach. I appreciate mentees who come to meetings prepared with questions and will follow through on our discussions. I’m excited to be part of this program and I’d be happy to chat!
Industry: Community Engagement; Community Development; Government Administration
Location: Toronto, Canada
Languages: English, French, American Sign Language (ASL)
Experience
- Désirée currently works as the founder and lead researcher at Kaunda Consulting.
- She also works as a coordinator for Correctional Services of Canada at the Downtown Toronto Parole Office.
- Previously, Désirée worked as a coordinator with the City of Brampton where she focused on community safety and well-being.
- She also worked on the Black Community Vaccine Plan for the City of Toronto, and at the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
- View Désirée's LinkedIn Profile
- Read a UTM story about Désirée's career here
Education
- Master of Public Health (Social and Behavioural Health Sciences), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, U of T, 2021
- Honours Bachelor of Arts (Criminology, Sociology, French), 2017, UTM
- Pre-Interpreter, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studies, American Sign Language and Communications, 2010, George Brown College
- Police Foundations Diploma, Criminal Justice and Corrections, Canadian Law Enforcement Training College, 2007
Sophia Hamilton (BA UTM)
Business Analyst, Housing Secretariat Strategy & Policy, City of Toronto
Industry: Government Administration
Languages Spoken: English
Location: Mississauga
Experience
- I rejoined the Housing Secretariat as a Business Analyst and I’m excited to be supporting the HousingTO Action Plan.
LinkedIn Profile: I rejoined the Housing Secretariat as a Business Analyst and I’m excited to be suppoting the HousingTO Action Plan.
Education
- University of Toronto Mississauga, BA, Sociology
Sophia N. Johnson (BA, MA, PhD)
Higher Education Leader
Her new book, So, You Want to Be An Economist?, is forthcoming from Columbia University Press.
About Me
Who has power? How do you succeed? Should I get a Ph.D.? These questions are of enduring
importance to every young scholar, and I’m here to share and listen.
I am a purpose-driven executive and thought leader in the field of political economy with an excellent
record of field research in emerging markets. I enjoy exploring complex economic issues from a
global perspective.
My research examines issues in international and development economics, including the strategic
response of non-state actors to market reforms and increased international competition in the South
Asia region. This entails understanding, not just economics at the non-state actor level, such as
evaluating the costs and benefits of expanding engagement, but also understanding contemporary
market-based reforms within a political economy framework that centers on gender, caste, class,
race and ethnicity.
I am deeply committed to building inclusive economies, at times moderating and directing high-level
conversations, and periodic convenings of scholars and other industry experts to guide policy dialogue.
If you aspire to create, build, and lead in the academy, let’s connect. I am thrilled to be of service as a
Mentor supporting Black inclusion and excellence at UTM.
It really does take a village.
Industry: Higher Education, Political Economy
Languages Spoken: English, French, Hindi
Location: New York, USA
Experience
- Dr. Johnson recently led Columbia University’s Program for Economic Research, one of
the world’s leading economic research programs. In this role, she led strategic
engagement with key public and private partners, developed an institutional
grant-making framework, and spearheaded a major campaign to diversify and enrich the
field of economics. - She has taught at New York University, Columbia University’s School of International and
Public Affairs (SIPA), and Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International
Affairs. - She has also served as Visiting Scholar at the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS),
the Developing Countries Research Centre at Delhi University, Population Research
Centre at the University of Kashmir, and the Centre for Development Studies, also in
India.
Learn More:
- Website: www.drsophiajohnson.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsonsophia/
Education
- Rutgers University, PhD, Global Affairs
- Rutgers University, MA, Political Science
- Humber College, Post-Graduate Diploma, Journalism
- University of Toronto Mississauga, BA, Political Science and History
Toni Allen (BA, MBA) she/her
Founding Partner and Head of User Experience (UX) & Service Design, R3VE
About Me
I’m excited to be a Mentor because it offers me an opportunity to guide and inspire the next generation of leaders. This program aligns with my passion for fostering growth and sharing knowledge, especially in a space that uplifts and supports students in their academic and professional journeys. Being a mentor allows me to not only share my experiences and insights but also to learn from the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas of the mentees, creating a mutually enriching experience.
Industry: Technology, Information and Internet
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish (advanced), French (intermediate), Malagasy
Location: Toronto
Experience
- I am the Founding Partner and Head of UX & Service Design at R3VE Business Design, a digital business consulting and design firm that works with forward-thinking brands, agencies and start-ups.
- In this role, my responsibilities and skills include Leadership and Team Management, User Experience Design and Strategy, Project Management, and Client Management.
- I am a Program Coordinator at the George Brown College School of Design for three programs, Design Management (post-grad), Interactive Media Management (post-grad) and Interaction Design.
- As a Professor at George Brown College School of Design, I teach courses in:
- Design Management (Postgraduate Certificate): Managing Innovation & Creativity; Managing Design Projects; Case Studies & Applications; Major Project/Thesis
- Bachelor's Experience Design: Digital Entrepreneurship; Introduction to Design Management
- Interaction Design (Advanced Diploma): Humans, Design & Technology, Portfolio
- Interactive Media Management (Postgraduate Certificate): Studio Entrepreneurship
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonichrisallen/
Education
- Imperial College London, MBA, Customer-Focused Strategy
- University of Toronto Mississauga, BA, Economics and Political Science
More About Me
- In my free time, I contribute visual design and photography to The Coachhouse Music Label, and volunteer as an Advisory Board Member at U of T's Hatchery NEST.
- Fun fact: I compose music using the biorhythms of plants
Matthew Smith (BBA UTM)
Strategy & Operations Manager, Uber
About Me
I'm an enthusiastic Strategy & Operations Manager at Uber, where my evolving skills drive tangible results. Throughout my career, I've discovered a deep-seated passion for problem-solving and enhancing the customer experience. As a proud UTM graduate with a degree in Business Administration and double minors in Political Science and Philosophy, I've cultivated a holistic skill set for effective leadership in the business world.
Currently on the path to further master business fundamentals through graduate studies, I am driven by a commitment to continuous learning and growth. Beyond the professional sphere, I thrive on connecting with new people, learning, and sharing ideas.
Excitingly, I am participating as a Mentor in the Black Alumni Mentorship program. This role aligns with my dedication to fostering Black inclusion and excellence at UTM. I aim to provide the kind of support and guidance I received during my early career journey. Let's connect and explore the possibilities together!
Industry: Technology/Internet Marketplace Platforms
Languages Spoken: English
Location: Toronto
Experience
- A seasoned professional with a diverse background in strategy, operations, and customer retention.
- Currently contributing to Uber's strategic initiatives with a focus on operations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Played a pivotal role at Rogers Communications, leading the design and execution of regional discount strategies.
- Demonstrated expertise in data analysis, utilizing tools such as SQL, Excel, PowerBI, and SAS.
- Proven track record in customer retention, emphasizing revenue growth, margin-based approaches, and collaborative stakeholder engagement.
- Experience in project coordination, managing RAID logs, schedules, and building strong relationships with cross-functional teams.
- Implemented Lean Six Sigma methodologies for continuous improvement, resulting in enhanced customer experiences and cost savings.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewterrancesmith/
Education
- University of Toronto Mississauga, BBA, with Distinction
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Stuart Philip (HBSc 2000 UTM)
Sergeant, Transnational Serious & Organized Crime, RCMP
About Me
If you asked me almost 25 years ago if I wanted to be a police officer, I would have said no. The thought of policing had never crossed my mind. The one thing I did know about myself was that I was always up for a challenge.
My student experience at UTM was absolutely amazing, and I am proud to say I still have very close friends that I met while there. I am thankful to my peers, university staff, TAs and Professors who pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone.
When I graduated, I applied for a forensic science position in California. After passing a state exam, I travelled to Fresno and was interviewed by a lab manager who was a retired RCMP Officer from Winnipeg. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the job, but in my feedback, it was suggested that I join the police to gain law enforcement experience and then reapply. I joined the police and the rest is history. I am not sure where my journey will take me, but I know that I have a responsibility to give back to my community and to the university. I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a mentor, and hopefully, I can encourage someone to achieve their potential.
Industry: Law Enforcement
Languages Spoken: English
Location: GTA
Experience
- While at the UTM I was the President of the Caribbean Connections social club.
- While at the UTM I travelled to Vietnam as part of a Biology field study.
- As a Police Officer, I have worked in a variety of roles from frontline policing, major crime, homicide investigation, northern policing, gang units, and currently organized crime.
- I have worked Security details for three Canadian Prime Ministers, and three Presidents of the United States of America.
- In 2020, I founded the Ontario RCMP Black Employee Network (BEN). An employee-led network providing a safe space to foster the inclusion, development and support of employees who identify as Black or African descent.
Education
- University of Toronto Mississauga, HBSc, 2000
Jamila James
Manager, Measurement and Analytics, Mosaic North America
About Me
I'm a data enthusiast with a natural curiosity and interest in sharing compelling data-driven stories.
My distinct and diverse qualifications, alongside my 7 years of digital marketing experience, has helped marketers and communication specialists develop strategies, measure KPIs, and optimize performance.
I've obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, focused on Marketing with a Psychology minor from the University of Toronto.
I love everything plant-related too!
Industry: Marketing
Languages Spoken: English
Location: Brampton, ON
Experience
- Manager, Measurement and Analytics, Mosaic North America
- Analyst, Digital Marketing, Region of Peel
- Manager, SEO Specialist, Blue Ocean Interactive Marketing
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamila-james-marketing/
Education
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Specialist; Psychology Minor) University of Toronto Mississauga,
- Masters in Management Analytics, Smith School of Business, Queen’s University
Irene Duah-Kessie (MScSM)
Founder and Executive Director, Rise in STEM
About Me
I founded a grassroots organization to address systemic barriers to STEM education among Black and underserved youth.
I completed my undergrad in Life Sciences at McMaster University and then a Masters of Science In Sustainability Management at UTM.
My research and evaluation experience centers on the social determinants of health, with a focus on youth and young professionals.
I am excited to mentor students because I’m passionate about empowering the next generation, sharing insights from my journey, and helping them navigate opportunities to achieve their full potential.
Industry: Non-Profit, Education
Languages Spoken: English
Location: Toronto, ON
Experience
- Founder and Executive Director, Rise In STEM
- Manager, Research and Evaluation, Research Impact Canada
- Research and Evaluation Associate, Youth Research and Evaluation eXchange
- Research Coordinator, Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre
- Program Manager, Across Boundaries
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenekessie/
Education
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Master of Science in Sustainability Management
- McMaster University, Bachelor of Science, Honors Life Science
- BrainStation, Data Analytics Certificate
More About Me
- I have a passion for all things beauty such as clothes, makeup and hair care
- I actively support a family-run beauty supplies business
- I enjoy spending time in nature, whether hiking and walking along scenic trails
- Staying active is important to me, and I like participating in yoga and fitness classes
Mya Moniz (HBA 2023 UTM)
Workshop Facilitator, Writers Collective of Canada
About Me
Hello friends!
Graduating from the University of Toronto might be my proudest moment because there were many times along the way where I didn’t think it would happen.
Being a mentor is a great honour to me. If I can do anything to lower the barrier to knowledge, to provide even a hint of a playbook in a game no one’s taught how to play (that is, life! haha), I’m more than happy to try!
I was quite involved in the UTM community in my final years at the school, and I think it made me a better student as a result! Not only did it give me a well-rounded experience of academic and social community, it gave me a lot of skills and opportunities that helped me out a bunch.
I’ve worked in the community and social service sector for over three years! I’ve combined my literature studies, sociological knowledge, and professional writing skills to develop unique approaches to community care. I’ve done journalism and podcasting, program development and facilitations, strategic planning, peer support and mentorship, academic tutoring, and more! As for now, I’m in the process of going to grad school! Ask me about applications, getting references, building professional experience, and finding the right program for you!
I’m very experiential in my approach. I definitely don’t have all the answers and maybe not even the best advice, but together, we can look at all the factors at play so you can make informed decisions about what’s going on in your world. I hope my mentee will find the courage to take themselves out of their comfort zones, seek independence but ask for help when they need it, and look at life through a creative lens. I’m excited to work with a mentee who knows that learning is a life-long process without a finish line–and is ready to enjoy the ride! Most importantly, I look forward to working with a mentee who is ready to prove their critics wrong–even if that critic is themselves.
Industry: Community Work, Youth Work (Adolescents and emerging adults), Storytelling, Non-Profit
Languages Spoken: English
Location: Brampton, ON
Experience
- Mya is a Volunteer Workshop Facilitator for the Writers Collective of Canada.
- Before that, Mya worked for REST Centres (Restoration and Empowerment for Social Transition) as a Peer Support Worker; Program Support Worker; and Writer and Host for the “Homelessness in Hiding” podcast.
- With REST Centres, she designed and led “My Story, My Power: Strength in Storytelling,” an arts-based program which enabled youth to process traumatic experiences from a place of strength.
- Mya is a founding member and former strategic planner for Literature is Alive! (LIA), a UTM Department of English & Drama event series on the career and societal benefits of studying the Humanities.
- Mya is also a Professional Speaker. She has given talks and spoken on panels about podcasting, youth homelessness, professional writing, and how to use an English degree.
- Listen to Homelessness in Hiding
Learn more about My Story, My Power
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mya-moniz-489993232/
Education
- Honours Bachelor of Arts with High Distinction (English, Professional Writing and Communications, Sociology), 2023, UTM
More About Me
- Mya is a neurodivergent Black Woman and a Former Crown Ward of Peel Children’s Aid Society. She was in the system for twenty-one years!
- In her free time, Mya enjoys reading, cooking, video games, jigsaw puzzles, and—you guessed it—writing!
- Mya really… REALLY likes the colour green.
Shanna-Kay Stephens (HBSc 2005 UTM, MSW, RSW)
Co-Founder, Social Worker & Counsellor, Brampton Literacy Centre Corp.
About Me
My name is Shanna-Kay. I am the co-founder of the Brampton Literacy Centre and the Therapy Table. I am a wife and mother of three young children.
As a social worker and counsellor, the heart of what I do is create the space for relationships and communities to be nurtured and replenished.
I help communities, families, and individuals to overcome life stressors, thrive, and begin to heal.
At our company, we also provide students with the opportunity to remain competitive in the post-secondary arena, regardless of their ability, language capability or other academic challenges. We recognize that academic and relationship challenges can make it difficult to cope and manage your life. Thus, we uniquely provide academic and mental health support to our various client populations.
We recently helped to begin the grassroots Dufferin-County Black Parent Advisory Council to centre the voices of Black parents and students and to collectively effect change and action within the school system, and the broader community.
I’m excited to be a Mentor in the Black Alumni Mentorship program because I, too was in your shoes many years ago. Although the labour market landscape has changed, the UTM Alumni Mentorship Program helped to connect me with a professional in the field I was interested in and gave me hope that my dream to become a helping professional was possible. I’m also grateful to be part of this pilot project which recognizes both the uniqueness and barriers that Black students encounter and to create the space for Black students and alumni to come together and build community, network, and engage in knowledge exchange.
I would like to work with Mentees who are curious about the pros and cons of being a labourer versus an entrepreneur, those who would like to move from being in the background to being a leader who makes a difference or impact but may not know how, those who would like to know how to balance a business or career, family, marriage and one’s life purpose, and lastly, those with an interest in community-building and mental health, entrepreneurship, and developing creative solutions to solve problems.
Industry: Social Work, Entrepreneur, Professional Facilitator & Speaker, Personal Statement/Resume Coach, Learning Consultant
Languages Spoken: English
Location: Orangeville, ON
Experience
- I have experience learning and overcoming the challenges of work-life-family balance
- I have experience practicing social work in urban, marginalized, and rural communities such as Jane-Finch, Dufferin-County Region, and Peel Region
- I have experience transitioning from a worker to an entrepreneur
- I have a private counselling practice where I provide individual, couples, and family counselling
- I have experience building and managing a tutoring and editing company
- I have experience delivering workshops on topics related to parenting, mental health, entrepreneurship, and Black History Month
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanna-kay-stephens-a06b87b6/
Education
- York University, Master of Social Work (MSW)
- University of Toronto Mississauga, HBSc, Psychology Specialist and Philosophy Major
More About Me
- I enjoy spending time with my family and community, walking, praying, fashion arts, and doing my hair.