The BYSSI Team
Chenai Kadungure
Senior Manager
Chenai is a soldier for positive peace who has headed up multiple international economic and community development non-profit programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, The Caribbean and North America. With a passion for leadership, strategy, partnerships and sustainable non-profits practicing a culture of care, she is happy to serve Black Youth Success. She has extensive experience in research, leadership development, education, economic development and non-profit management. In her spare time she sits on various boards, mentors and coaches.
Chenai has been involved in non-profit work since she was a teenager in Zimbabwe. In high school she was an Interact member where she chose “Service Above Self”. This attraction to serving and empowering the world has never left her.
Chenai holds a BA degree in Media, Sociology and Gender Studies and an MPhil in Diversity Studies from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. She completed her MA in Global Studies with certification in International Development at Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill’s Peace Center. Her capstone Project focussed on transformational leadership, and she hopes this work will facilitate positive social change where she leads. Most recently, she was an Associate Director, Programs and Services at Skills for Change in Toronto where she headed Employment Ontario.
Sheldon Caruna
Youth Engagement Coordinator
Sheldon Caruana’s educational journey started at Sheridan College with completion of a 3-year Child and Youth Worker program. From there, he went to work as Youth Amplifier working for the Ontario Provincial Child Advocate for Children and Youth, advocating for systemic change of Ontario’s child welfare system to address gaps, inequities, and poor outcomes experienced by youth. Motivated by the courageous youth leaders, he went on to pursue his BA in Child and Youth Care at Ryerson University. During his studies, he deepened his understanding of research, racial inequities, and developed passion for community building through agriculture. Currently, he is focused on building the capacity of the Black community in Peel, through the development of a Black-led youth farming project in Peel and access to higher education. He hopes to continue to deepen his understanding of local issues that his community faces and uplift the next generation through access to leadership opportunities, the creation of safe community space and meaningful education..
Crystel Campbell
Youth Engagement Coordinator
Crystel studied at the University of Guelph-Humber and received an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Psychology and a General Arts and Science Diploma. After completing her bachelor's degree, she attended Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning and earned a Diploma in Community and Justice Services. Prior to becoming a Community Animator, Crystel served as a youth program coordinator overseeing after school programs. Crystel also developed and facilitated youth programs for Roots Community Services, a community organization that delivers programs and services to the Black and Caribbean communities in Peel Region. Crystel’s program facilitation focused primarily on arts, literacy, and tutoring.
Jeniece Parker
Youth Engagement Coordinator
Jeniece has always had a love and passion for working with youth. Her educational career started at Guelph University and finished at York University with an BA in Sociology. With past experience as a CYW in a Group Home setting, as well as an Educational Assistant/Behaviour Therapist for children with Autism, Jeniece has always prided herself on being that additional support system that children, youth and young adults can depend on. Growing up, as a female of colour, Jeniece has been exposed and motivated by her personal experiences as well as educated and an active participant in cultural programs/ activities. In addition, Jeniece’s personal understandings and life experiences have allowed her to further expand on her knowledge pertaining to current issues related to Anti-Black racism and anti-oppression. Jeniece looks to provide this knowledge and experience with the youth while continuing to support them as best as possible.
Emma Mauze
Administrative Coordinator
After graduating from Western University with a B.A. in English, Emma’s career led her to work with many social services organizations around the GTA. Having worked on a variety of projects, she’s excited to settle into a Black run and focused initiative. There is tremendous room for growth within the Black community and BYS itself, and Emma is looking forward to assisting the organization’s expansion