ABOUT THE SHINING L.I.G.H.T.E
The SHINING LI.G.H.T.E (Leaders in Generational Healing Through Empowerment and Education) YOUTH CHARITY (S.L.Y.C) is a charity that provides educational programs and initiatives to underserved youth to allow access to successful futures while changing generational cycles. We offer professional development, keynote or motivational speaking and programs.
The SHINING L.I.G.H.T.E YOUTH CHARITY provides education with targeted strategic support that is transformative to the community and to the youth it serves. At S.L.Y.C, we believe that educated, employed, engaged and healed young people possess the power to solve the world’s toughest problems. We take pride in connecting young people with opportunities to transform their lives and are dedicated to helping them achieve their goals.
Our mission is to help the youth pursue their passions and purpose and ensure that they receive the opportunities and resources to actualize them.
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OUR MISSION
To increase the success levels in the underserved communities and bring resources within reach of those who have no or limited resources.
To seek and develop opportunities and routes for those in need throughout the GTA and surrounding areas
To create and promote connections between Shining Lighte Youth Charity and the education system, justice system and social system and other youth empowerment groups
OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
KANDICE HENRY
FOUNDER / PRESIDENT
Kandice Henry is a dedicated leader and entrepreneur who has founded and owned several businesses in the last 15 years. She has also developed critical knowledge and discernment through education. Born and raised in Brampton, Kandice earned a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from York University, followed by the completion of the Legal Assistant course at Centennial College. She later went on to complete the Real Estate Professional Sales and Broker courses. She has also completed the Business Certificate Program at Schulichs School of Business, is Certified in Aboriginal Coaching Methods and has completed the NFP Board Governance Virtual Training. Kandice has over 15 years of volunteer and community outreach experience including working with high school students through Big Sisters Toronto, supporting youth within the juvenile criminal system and being involved and active with the Associated Youth Services of Peel (AYSP) amongst other things. Working and volunteering in many different capacities has given Kandice the unique ability to bridge her professional endeavours with her passion for helping others. Kandice is deeply committed to social impact work, with a focus on empowering and healing underprivileged youth and communities. Kandice has over 13 years of experience in the non-profit sector, having co-owned and served as Vice President of the L.I.F.E Foundation up until 2023, where her leadership enabled her to help the organization make significant strides in improving the lives of marginalized communities. In 2023, Kandice founded the Shining Lighte (Leaders in Generational Healing Through Empowerment and Education) Youth Charity, which seeks to empower and heal underprivileged youth who face racialized and impoverished circumstances. Through educational programs and initiatives, mentorship, and community engagement and interaction, Kandice and her team are making a real difference in the lives of young people who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities. They aim to promote, and advocate for, the betterment of these youth challenged by systemic oppression to reduce barriers and increase exposure to beneficial and positive situations.
MICHEAL FENTON
VICE PRESIDENT
Michael Fenton was born in Scarborough Ontario, but spent most of his life in the region of Durham to a family of Jamaican decent. Michael was brought into the world of non for profits by his mother. Ever since he was a little boy his mother has been involved in working with the community. With over 20 years of experience working with and building up the community Michael has grown up understanding what the community needs to better themselves and how do execute that. In addition to his desire of being a part of the betterment of his community, Michael has been a Red Sea Carpenter for over 15 years and has 20 years of experience in event coordination with events such as parties, fundraisers, programming and stage shows. Michael is a man with a true passion for helping others and making a difference.
CARDEEN WILLIAMS
TREASURER
Cardeen Williams is a dedicated CPA and Insurance Strategist committed to empowering communities by building strong financial foundations—one family, one business at a time. With a passion for fostering growth and resilience, Cardeen hosts impactful workshops that serve a diverse audience, including business owners, youth, and newcomers to Canada. Cardeen’s approach is rooted in the belief that financial literacy and strategic planning are critical for the well-being of families, the strength of communities, and the prosperity of the nation. Through engaging workshops and personalized advisory services, she equips individuals, teens and businesses with the tools to thrive financially and contribute meaningfully to society. Whether supporting entrepreneurs in achieving sustainable growth or helping newcomers establish financial stability, Cardeen’s mission is clear: to create lasting change by building empowered, financially secure communities.’ Thank you
KISHA ELLISTON- MULLINGS
SECRETARY
Kisha 's passion is to help those in need and to assist in any way she can. This shows in her efforts where her clients feel the support and empathy that they deserve and need to reach their higher successful self and their goals. Recognizing the necessity in education, Kisha has fulfilled a Masters in Social Work (MSW), alongside has an Undergraduate Degree in Honours Sociology, and a Diploma in Legal Administration. With over 12 years of counselling experience including strong knowledge in working with youth, individuals, couples, families, and in a group setting she is able to help those in a variety of situations. To name a few, not only has she worked with the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR) helping women find their grounding again, and regain their confidence and strength; she has also worked at CAMH with the Youth Urgent Care Clinic (YUCC), and Substance Abuse Program for African-Canadians and Caribbean Youth (SAPACCY). She has excellent knowledge of the Anti-Oppression approaches, and Anti-Black approaches. She is experienced and sensitive in dealing with members of different cultural and racial backgrounds, including visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity. Kisha also is a strong voice within the community and all over the Greater Toronto Area being asked to participate as a panellist, and asked to be a speaker and share her knowledge at many mental health and wellness engagements. She is a phenomenal speaker, panelist and workshop facilitator who is able to cover topics such as: Anti-Black Racism, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Youth Engagement, Mental Wellness and more. Those who have been fortunate enough to meet Kisha can attest to being immediately captivated by her extraordinary interpersonal skills. She is pleasant, cheerful, amicable and unforgettable and quite easily finds her way into the hearts of those around her. In addition to all of this she is also the founder of the ACTS OF KISHA (AoK) Foundation which gives to those in the community who are in need through random “acts of kindness.” She is a presence that uplifts and inspires
BOARD MEMBERS
GLORIA KAPUKU
BOARD MEMBER
Gloria Kapuku is a highly accomplished tax and accounting professional with dual CPA designations as a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Public Accountant. With a strong background in finance, taxation, and business advisory, she is the founder and principal of Nuages Consulting Inc., a firm dedicated to providing expert personal tax return services, business tax return preparation, bookkeeping, and comprehensive accounting solutions. Beyond her professional practice, Gloria is deeply committed to community service. She actively contributes her expertise by serving on various boards, demonstrating her dedication to leadership, governance, and financial stewardship. Her passion for helping individuals and businesses navigate financial complexities makes her a trusted advisor in her field. Gloria’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and community engagement continues to shape her career, solidifying her reputation as a distinguished financial professional.
YOUTH BOARD MEMBERS
ELIJAH MENSAH
YOUTH BOARD MEMBER
Elijah Mensah is a third-year Health Sciences student at Ontario Tech University, specializing in Human Health Science. In addition to his studies, he is also a researcher at Ontario Tech University, where he has contributed to interdisciplinary projects focused on data analysis, sustainability, urban energy material flows, and energy science. With intentions to pursue a career in medicine, Elijah is dedicated to community engagement and giving back and encouragement, with his ultimate goal being growing the next generation of well-rounded thinkers and developing an innovative and efficient society. His work includes supporting learners by simplifying concepts in like math, science, systems and design thinking, helping them build a strong foundation for deeper learning and understanding. Throughout the years, examples of his initiatives include leading workshops on technical and digital literacy, tutoring, mentorship, and community volunteering. Through his efforts, he is actively working to do his part in making STEM accessible and engaging for BIPOC youth. Elijah believes that by fostering literacy across disciplines people can develop the ability to engage with the world in a deeper, more meaningful way; understanding complexity, seeing patterns, and making sense of what they encounter from a variety of perspectives.
SAMERA FRANCIS
YOUTH BOARD MEMBER
Samera Francis is a highly dedicated learner, who is passionate and hardworking. Born in Toronto but spent most of life in Brampton to a family of Jamaican descent. she attended Seneca college earning a Diploma in Social Service work and looking to further on in earning her BA degree in SSW. Samera’s passion is to help those in need and to assist in any way she can, which has been ignited from her past experiences. While growing she always have the drive of helping individuals, it is her goal to contribute to a more equitable justice system, by using her experiences and education. Thus, empowering and being a voice for youths and her community. Volunteering at many non-profit organizations has given her more deeper understanding of community needs, in addition she hopes to be a part of making a difference all over the GTA. Further expanding her knowledge by working with like-minded individuals to dismantle visible and non-visible oppression within the system.