About us
Meet our team of dedicated professionals who are working for young people.
Cynthia Caron Thorburn
Interim CEO | Board Member
Interim CEO | Board Member
Originally from Montreal, Cindy has a BA Hons. from Trinity College, University of Toronto, and a Master of Arts from the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London, England. Her professional life has focused on the retail financial services industry and she has held positions at both Toronto Dominion Asset Management and Trimark Mutual Funds. Currently, she is President of her own consulting practice, CynTactics Communications Inc., and she serves as a Vice President and Director of a privately-held family corporation.
Cindy’s volunteer work and philanthropic board appointments have centred largely on education, the arts, and the environment. In addition to many grassroots volunteer initiatives, she was Chair of the London Goodenough Association of Canada (an alumni association that grants scholarships for Canadian graduate students to live at Goodenough College, London); she served on the boards of Trinity College (Toronto), Canada’s National Ballet School, and the Association Council of Upper Canada College; and she completed a four-year term as a civic appointee to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. As President of her local residents’ association and in other capacities, she has supported and actively led advocacy on such environmental initiatives as Toronto’s pesticide ban, preservation of Toronto’s urban forest, and land-use of local green space. She obtained her ICD.D at the Institute of Corporate Directors in 2015.
Kevin Uchikata
Interim CEO | Controller & Director, Operations
He/Him/His
Interim CEO | Controller & Director, Operations
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Kevin Uchikata is the Controller and Director, 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.
Alexandra Samoyloff
Coordinator, Programming
She/Her
Coordinator, Programming
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Alexandra is a Coordinator, 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
Manager, Donor Impact
She/her/hers
Manager, Donor Impact
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Alicia Smith is the Manager, Donor Impact 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, Partnerships
Senior Manager, Partnerships
Beth is the Senior Manager, Partnerships 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
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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.
Gaston Calzato
Senior Manager, Public Affairs
Senior Manager, Public Affairs
Gaston Calzato is the Senior Manager of Public Affairs 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.
Habon Ali
Manager, Programming
Manager, Programming
Habon Ali is the Manager of Strategic Initiatives at the King’s Trust Canada, she previously held positions at Right to Play International, McMaster University, and the Ontario Legislature. Habon has degrees from the University of Toronto, McMaster University, and Tsinghua University.
When not at work, Habon enjoys spending time with her big family, reading and trying different cuisines in the city.
Jaspal Kaur
Coordinator, Human Resources
Coordinator, Human Resources
Jaspal is the Coordinator, Human Resources at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, she held positions at The City of Toronto and CBI Health, leading initiatives in employee relations, recruitment, and talent development. Jaspal holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Panjab University.
When not at work, Jaspal enjoys being outdoors, yoga and exploring all things food.
Jeevan Ghataore
Coordinator, Public Affairs
He/Him/His
Coordinator, Public Affairs
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Jeevan Ghataore is the Content Coordinator for Public Affairs at The King’s Trust Canada. He has previously worked in freelance and contract roles in Digital Marketing, as well as various roles in administration and customer service. Jeevan holds a Management with Marketing degree from Royal Holloway, University of London.
When not at work, Jeevan enjoys soccer, men’s fashion and making music.
Jennifer Connolly
Executive Assistant to CEO
Executive Assistant to CEO
Jennifer is the Executive Assistant to Farah Mohamed – CEO at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, she held similar positions at Pixomondo and Beneplan and has over 25 years of client-facing communication and administration. Jennifer attended Algonquin College.
When not at work, Jennfer enjoys live music, and spending time with friends and family.
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.
Kathleen Ko
Senior Manager, Programming
Senior Manager, Programming
Kathleen Ko is a Senior Manager, Programming at The King’s Trust Canada. Previously, she held positions at South Riverdale Community Health Centre, Student Nutrition Ontario, and Windfall Ecology Centre, leading community development programs and interventions for diverse communities. Kathleen has a Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Western Ontario.
When not at work, she enjoys getting closer to our local flora and fauna, consuming and creating arty things, and puttering around her allotment garden.
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
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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
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Project Manager, Programming
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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.
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.