About us
Meet our team of dedicated professionals who are working for young people.
Jeffrey L. Orridge
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Jeffrey L. Orridge is an accomplished executive who has held a variety of leadership roles in the private and public sectors as well as with non-profit organizations, spanning the education, entertainment, sports, media, digital, consumer products, and legal domains. He has been responsible for building brands, businesses and teams with globally renowned organizations in the U.S. and Canada such as Mattel Inc., Reebok Intl., USA Basketball, Right To Play, Canadian Broadcasting Corp., Canadian Football League, Canadian Tire Corp. and TVO Media Education Group.
Jeffrey’s career reflects a desire and aptitude for making meaningful impact through successfully navigating complex stakeholder landscapes, transforming organizational cultures, and modernizing business practices and processes. He has contributed his expertise as a board member and advisor to various public, private, and non-profit institutions, providing guidance on organizational strategies, leadership development, and performance optimization.
A graduate of Harvard Law School and Amherst College, Jeffrey has been the recipient of numerous awards in Canada and the U.S., including being recognized by the Pinball Clemons Foundation as among the “30 Black Legends in Canadian History”, National Bar Assn. “Sports Attorney of the Year”, and Historica Canada’s “Trailblazer Award”.
In addition to being a featured speaker at Harvard Law School, Stanford University, Ted Rogers School of Management, Lincoln Alexander School of Law among others, Jeffrey also addresses high school age programs in marginalized communities. He resides with his family in Toronto, Ontario.
Alexandra Samoyloff
Manager, Programming
She/Her
Manager, Programming
She/Her
Alexandra is a Manager, Programming at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, she held positions at the Alma Mater Society as Vice President (Operations) and the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society as Community Outreach Commissioner leading projects centered around budget oversight and financial health, empowerment of student voices, and cultivating a strong, collaborative community. Alexandra has a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree from Queen’s University.
When not at work, Alexandra enjoys visiting new restaurants, listening to music, and baking.
Alicia Smith
Senior Manager, Fund Development
She/her/hers
Senior Manager, Fund Development
She/her/hers
Alicia Smith is the Senior Manager, Fund Development at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, she held positions at Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, Campfire Circle and the AIDS Committee of Toronto leading donor stewardship and reporting as well as data best practices. She also worked on a successful capital campaign.
Alicia has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Queen’s University, a fundraising diploma from George Brown College, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive.
When not at work, Alicia enjoys weightlifting, taking in audiobooks at 2.65 speed and is a Girl Guide leader.
Beth Uptegrove
Senior Manager, Program Communities
Senior Manager, Program Communities
Beth is the Senior Manager, Program Communities at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, she held positions at Si Systems leading federal government RFP proposal response and strategic business development and in academics as a sessional lecturer on dispute resolution and conflict management in business. Beth has a BA Hons in Political Science from Brock University.
When not at work, Beth enjoys taking hikes with her dog, eating at hidden gem restaurants and making everyone around her laugh.
Christine Doyle
Manager, Programming
She/Her/Hers
Manager, Programming
She/Her/Hers
Christine is a Program Manager at the King’s Trust Canada. Previously she held positions at the YMCA of Greater Toronto leading a National Youth Service Program called the YMCA Community Action Network. Christine has a Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology from McMaster University.
When not at work, Christine enjoys running on the waterfront trail, trying new restaurants, and going to concerts.
Connie Foo
Coordinator, Finance & Operations
Coordinator, Finance & Operations
Connie is the Coordinator of Finance and Operations at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, she held positions at Oxford Properties and LA Fitness, leading in customer service. Connie has a degree in Business Administration from George Brown College.
When not at work, Connie enjoys gaming, listening to K-pop and getting involved with the Cadets.
David Masse
Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff
Appointed Chief of Staff at The King’s Trust Canada in December 2025, Masse previously served as Director of Corporate Operations and HR at Grand Challenges Canada. Before that, he spent 34 years at the CBC in multiple leadership roles, including two decades in Sports. A committed lifelong learner, he holds degrees in Communication Studies and Commerce from the University of Windsor and an LLM from the University of Toronto, and has taught leadership with Colorado Outward Bound for 20 years. He also brings extensive nonprofit board experience, including Save the Children Canada, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Yellow Brick House.
Dima Farsoun
Senior Coordinator, Partnerships & Fund Development
Senior Coordinator, Partnerships & Fund Development
Dima Farsoun is a program and development professional with extensive experience in youth empowerment, corporate partnerships, and community-focused initiatives. She holds a Master’s in Tourism Planning and Development from the University of Surrey and a Bachelor’s in English Literature from Boston University. Her career includes key roles with UNICEF’s global Corporate Partnerships team and nearly a decade at Youth Employment Services YES in Toronto.
Outside of work, she enjoys working out, reading historical fiction, traveling, and sharing dinners with friends and family.
Gaston Calzato
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
Gaston Calzato is the Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, he held positions at Enactus Canada as well as industry-leading public relations agencies Citizen and Ketchum, where he executed on Canadian PR campaigns for some of the world’s largest brands.
Gaston has an associate’s degree from Sheridan College.
When not at work, Gaston enjoys sports, music and fashion.
George Louis Go
Coordinator, Program & Special Events
Coordinator, Program & Special Events
George is a Coordinator, Programming with The King’s Trust Canada. George is an events professional with experience leading large-scale events and pop-ups designed to create meaningful, engaging experiences that bring people together. Most recently, he served as Events and Promotions Coordinator at Humber’s Student Union, where he managed events and campaigns that enhanced campus life and student engagement.
Outside of work, George enjoys gaming and exploring the city in search of unique experiences and great food.
Jade Riley-Grant
Coordinator, Programming
Coordinator, Programming
Jade is a Coordinator, Programming at The King’s Trust Canada. They have previously served as a Youth Mentor with the Boys and Girls Club, and as a Program Officer with the Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Health. Jade holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Carleton University and is dedicated to creating environments where young people can thrive, lead, and reach their full potential.
Outside of work, Jade enjoys brunching with friends, listening to music, and discovering hidden gems around the city.
Jenny Pang Cho Wing
Coordinator, Programming
Coordinator, Programming
Jenny is a Coordinator, Programming with the King’s Trust Canada. She has worked with Toronto Community Housing and BGC Canada, leading initiatives that support young people through workshops on topics such as mental health and digital literacy. Jenny holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and pursued additional studies in Curriculum Development and Instructional Design at OISE, which informs her approach to meaningful youth programming.
When not at work, Jenny enjoys arts, travelling, pilates, café hopping, and getting lost in a good book.
Joy Samuel
Manager, Programming
Manager, Programming
Joy Samuel is a Manager, Programming at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, she held positions at two non-profits, Clean Foundation and the Employer Advisor Nova Scotia Society, as well as St. Mary’s University, leading a provincial internship program, supporting employers and businesses with labour and employment matters and driving growth and increasing opportunities for young people. Joy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from St. Mary’s University.
When not at work, Joy enjoys swing dancing, writing, and coming up with new projects to connect others to their communities.
Karen-Luz (KL) Sison
Manager, Digital Content & Communications
Manager, Digital Content & Communications
Karen-Luz (KL) is a communications and content professional with a passion for telling good stories and generating meaningful conversation. Before coming to The King’s Trust Canada, she worked as a writer and content specialist in a variety of nonprofit organizations, including, most recently, World Vision Canada, where she created and led on high-performing content informing the public about urgent global issues. She graduated from Carleton University with a degree in journalism.
When she’s not in the office trying to convince coworkers to be in TikToks, she loves to cook meals for friends or improve her dancing at the gym.
Kevin Uchikata
Director, Finance & Operations
He/Him/His
Director, Finance & Operations
He/Him/His
Kevin Uchikata is the Director, Finance & Operations at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, he held the position of Manager, Assurance at KPMG, leading assurance services with clients in the charitable, non-profit and government sectors. Kevin has a Bachelor of Business from George Brown College.
When not at work, Kevin enjoys spending time with family, traveling and watching K-dramas.
Nadine Metwaly-Duguay
Director, Partnerships
Director, Partnerships
Nadine Metwaly-Duguay is the Director of Partnerships at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, she held positions at UNICEF Canada and WE Charity, leading high value partnerships with multi-national organizations to deliver sustainable impact on a global scale. Nadine holds a Master of International Relations and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Queen’s University.
When not at work, Nadine enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring vibrant cities, and enjoying nature through outdoor walks.
Nisani Gnanasoorian
Manager, Programming
Manager, Programming
Nisani is a Manager, Programming at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, she held positions at youth organisation in the UK such as Restless Development and UpRising, leading program development and delivery of youth employment and leadership programs. Nisani has a Biomedical Science from St George’s, University of London.
When not at work, Nisani enjoys trying out new recipes, going for walks and travelling.
Ovie Emakpor
Coordinator, Programming
He/Him/His
Coordinator, Programming
He/Him/His
Ovie Emakpor is programming coordinator at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, he held positions at Oxford Property management, as well as supporting volunteer initiatives in his local communities. Ovie has a Bachelors Degree from York University.
When not at work, Ovie enjoys photography, being active and anything film related.
Praan Misir
Project Manager, Programming
He/him/his
Project Manager, Programming
He/him/his
Praan Misir is a Project Manager, Youth Employment at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, he held positions at the Ontario Library Association and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, leading software implementation and digital optimization projects.
Praan has a Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University, as well as a Bachelor of Sciences degree from the University of Toronto.
When not at work, Praan enjoys travelling, visiting new bakeries, and a good book.
Rashad Saad
Director, People & Performance
Director, People & Performance
Rashad is the Director, People & Performance at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, he held positions in employment and staffing services, as a non-profit consultant, and as an Advisory Council Member for the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers.
Rashad holds an HBA from the University of Toronto and a Diploma in Human Resources Management from McMaster University. He is currently a Professional Master of Industrial Relations candidate at Queen’s University, focusing on HR and labour relations. Rashad is designated through the HRPA as a Certified Human Resources Professional.
When not at work, you can find Rashad on a tennis court, exploring new haunts, or discussing current events.
Sarah Vickery
Director, Programming
She/Her
Director, Programming
She/Her
Sarah Vickery is the Director of Programming at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, she held positions at the Canadian council for Youth Prosperity, MaRS Discovery District and AMANDLA Social enterprises, building and scaling various youth initiatives. Sarah recently completed a post graduate diploma from St Micheal’s College at the University of Toronto in Social Responsibility and Sustainability.
When not at work, Sarah enjoys sports (go Blue Jays!), travelling and dinner parties.
Sheila Carabine
Executive Assistant to CEO
Executive Assistant to CEO
Sheila brings extensive experience supporting senior leaders across the public, nonprofit, and media sectors. Most recently, she served as Executive Assistant to the COO and Board Secretary at TVO Media Education Group. Prior to her time at TVO, Sheila held executive assistant and advisory roles with Re:Sound Music Licensing Company, Dentons Canada LLP, and the Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. Sheila is also an accomplished singer-songwriter and recording artist, and is a Canadian Folk Music Award winner and Juno Award nominee. When not at work, she enjoys running with her run club, watching SNL, and spending time with friends and family.
Stacy Johnson
Senior Manager, Programming
Senior Manager, Programming
Stacy Johnson (she/her) is a Senior Manager of Programming at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, she held positions at Lumenus Mental Health, Developmental and Community Services as a Clinical Manager overseeing the mental health counselling team, and at Griffin Centre both as a youth mental health counsellor and lead training facilitator in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Stacy has a Master’s in Social Work degree from the University of Waterloo, a Bachelor’s in Social Work degree from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), and diplomas in Social Service Work and the Assaulted Women and Children’s Counsellor/ Advocate program from George Brown College.
When not at work, Stacy enjoys listening to 90’s R&B, travelling, and spending time with her loved ones.
Tien Nguyen
Assistant, Programming
Assistant, Programming
Tien Nguyen is a programming assistant at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, he served as Global Learning Advisor at George Brown College and worked at IBT College and Up Language Center, providing inclusive student support and coordinating logistics for in-person and virtual events.
When not at work, Tien enjoys swimming, exploring global education trends, and discovering new cuisines.
Valentina Cotes Ebratt
Coordinator, Digital Content & Communications
Coordinator, Digital Content & Communications
Valentina Cotes is the Coordinator of Digital Content and Communications at The King’s Trust Canada. Before joining the team, she held positions at York University where she managed different national and international digital marketing campaigns as well the university’s Career Centre social media channels. Valentina has a Business diploma from Centennial College and a Bachelor of Commerce with honours in Marketing from York University.
When not at work, Valentina enjoys trying out new restaurants, traveling and being around friends.