Team Bios

Hi! I'm a Nigerian-Canadian with big dreams to tackle the big problems in the world. I am a third-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology at the University of Alberta, where I am actively involved in community engagement.

 

I am a Student Representative on the Arts Faculty Council and sits on the executive team of the Undergraduate Psychology Association and Black Students Association. I am also a member of the SDG HUB 2021/22 Cohort, where I collaborate with my peers, mentor and co-founder, Nancy, on Canada Confesses.

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I aspire to continue my education at Law School (Human Rights or Public Interest Law), so when I'm not busy studying, you may find me designing, reading and writing articles, listening to podcasts, drinking tea, or advocating for sustainable change in her my communities and beyond.

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I have 100+ collectible postcards of the Studio Ghibli feature films from 1984 - 2014. I'm also building my collection of Junji Ito works! I have 5 of his horror mangas so far.

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Socials:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscilla-ojomu/

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Faces of Canada

Hi everyone, my name is Nancy and I am one of the co-founders of CC. As a lifelong leader, I am interested in promoting SDG #3: Good Health and Wellbeing and SDG #4: Quality Education through my work as a student, researcher, and community member.

 

I am interested in executive function, language, and early education as a student. As a volunteer, I work to gain knowledge about the mental health of infants, children and adolescents through family-centered clinical services, education, research, and advocacy. In my professional role at the Canadian Psychological Association I am responsible for leading a working group alongside professionals in the specialty of ableism, disability, accessibility, and inclusion in psychology.

 

I helped create this project with Priscilla to promote social justice and to meet people who are passionate about online activism.

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I am trained as an artist and was once commissioned to make three 8ft tall murals.

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Socials:

Insta: @nancy12112

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytangon/

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Faces of Canada

Hi! My name is Kujtesa Beka and I'm the Executive Director at Canada Confesses. I was born in Kosovo and immigrated to Canada as a child, and now call Edmonton, AB my home.

 

I'm passionate about creating a more just, equitable, and respectful society for all. In the last 4 years, I've worked in the tech industry to enhance the way that we attract, recruit, and employ talent from diverse backgrounds.

 

As Executive Director of Canada Confesses, I look forward to mentoring and coaching other Directors as we work toward a more equitable and sustainable Canada.

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I have won a banana eating contest! I ate 12 bananas in 2 mins which made it on Global News =D

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Socials:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kujtesa.beka?r=nametag

Hello, my name is Oluwatoyin but it is too long so you can call me Toyin! My role in canada Confesses is the Director of Operations. I am from Nigeria and I am currently an international student here in Canada. I am in my second year at memorial university of Newfoundland.

 

I joined CC as a way to learm about the different situations people in marginalized community go through in Canada. CC also gave me the opportunity to participate in making a change in any way I could.

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I am obsessed with learning about mlm's. I also like to make werid music hehe.

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Faces of Canada

Hi everyone, my name is Delbert and I joined CC in January 2022. My background is in Biology (BSc and MSc), and I am particualrly interested in the intersection of technology, mathematics, and the life sciences. I joined CC because I was impressed by the organization's mission and work, and am hoping to use my skills to help people communicate effectively.

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Socials:

​Instagram: delbert_yip Twitter: @ydhaganeno

Hello folks! My name is Nicole and I'm a graphic design here at CC. I recently just graduated from my Bachelors of Education at the University of Alberta, where I studied secondary Social Studies and Drama teaching. I'm currently taking some time off, and figuring out what I want to do going forward. Besides graphic design and art, I really enjoy reading and binging netflix. Nice to meet you!

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I have a twin.

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Faces of Canada

I was a college instructor of marketing, communications, and entrepreneurship. I recently took an Antiracism course which made me realize how prevalent these issues still are in Canada. I'm married with two adult children and two cats.

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I speak a little German.

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Socials:

Facebook: Brigitte Kalenith

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Faces of Canada

I am a student at the University of Alberta, and hold a keen passion for social justice, land conservation, as well as video creation.

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​Crippling sugery drink addiction, my fridge is always full with ice tea or pepsi. :)

Hi everyone, my name is Mackenzie and I'm part of the resources team. I graduated with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from U of C in 2020 and have been taking some well deserved time off from school. My goal is to achieve a Masters in Public Health and work to advocate for a more equiable health care system. I am passionate about social justice and using education to bring about change.

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In the last 5 years I moved 10 times and lived in 4 different cities.

Hello! I am Andy Tonnes and I am a new outreach volunteer here! I am Edmonton born + raised and go to Jasper Place High School. I have many intertes such as hiking, dance and music (also a passion for making the world a better place.)

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I can juggle four balls blindfolded!

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Socials:

Instagram: pecan.andee

Discord: E G G Y#5832

Hi! My name is Jessica Huynh and I am a new outreach volunteer! I am 14 years old and a student at St. Rose Junior High School. I am a Chinese-Vietnamese Canadian and I was born in Vancouver, BC. I am interested in helping others, math, chemistry, drama, and biology.

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I am currently writing a book!

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Socials:

Instagram: imjessicahuynh

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Faces of Canada

What does Canada Confesses mean to you?

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It helps me to acquire a sense of achievement while pushing the project forward with a group of caring, ambitious coordinators and I am always excited to learn from other talented volunteers as well.

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Faces of Canada

Hello everyone, my name is Helen Nguyen, and currently in the third term at University Canada West (UCW) with MBA program. At the present, I am the Founder of International Student Club, Peer Leader and Peer Tutor for Business Analytics. Moreover, I am joining as the volunteer for Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB), and Canada Confess (https://www.canadaconfesses.ca/). I aspire to continue my career path in digital marketing, business analytics and ecommerce in Canada and wanna look for teammates to explore this amazing and beautiful Vancouver together!

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I could live a day without water but at least 3 cups of coffee.

 

Social:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nguyen-thi-phuong-thao-040a05156/

Instagram: @nguyen.thaohcm084

Some of my favourite things are my dog (Albus), books, and coffee. However, I would choose homemade chai over coffee any day! As a student in an intense program, I’ve really enjoyed my work with Canada Confesses because it helps me develop my interests outside of school. I also like to think that I’m making some change in the issues that I see and experience in this world as a woman of color. In the future, I hope to become a lawyer so I can fight for what I believe in.

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I am a huge Star Wars nerd!

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Faces of Canada

I came from Thailand 4 months ago to study UI design diploma program in Vancouver. I want to learn more about Canada so I start looking for volunteer opportunity. However, as I’m studying UI design, one of my goals is to be able to move forward with a related volunteer position in the future. Hoping to be able to help more with my abilities.

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I don’t like playing sports, but I had 2 major incidents from playing sports.

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Hello, my name is Alice and I’m currently attending University of Alberta. I am the type of person who always applies myself, and fully commits to each task or goal I am working on, and I’m enthusiastic about social justice issues, health, food, basically everything that involves people!

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I don’t drink coffee!

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Socials:

Twitter: @bjalil7

Instagram: @mellifluouslyak

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I'm a student at the University of Toronto studying Sociology and Political Science. Travelling and living internationally instilled in me a passion for social justice work, and I have a goal of working in investigative journalism.

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I've lived in four countries.

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My name is Sophia Xiao and I’m currently a high school student. I live in Ontario with both my parents and a dog named Clover. I enjoy listening to music and going out with my friends. My hobbies include swimming, skateboarding, and playing the piano.

 

I would like a Ragdoll in the future.

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Social:

Sophia._.Xiao

I am a criminology student at the University of Alberta, but my greatest passion is creating art. I am a textiles artist with a focus on embroidery and needle felting. My artwork plays a large role in my social activism, as I incorporate themes of feminism and racial discrimination in my pieces.

 

I am a cat person!

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Social:

@neo0Oo0Oo0O on twitter

I am a criminology student at the University of Alberta, but my greatest passion is creating art. I am a textiles artist with a focus on embroidery and needle felting. My artwork plays a large role in my social activism, as I incorporate themes of feminism and racial discrimination in my pieces.

 

I am a cat person!

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Social:

@neo0Oo0Oo0O on twitter

I’m from Ontario Canada. I found this server on the application form, as I wanted to volunteer for this association. I enjoy video editing and skateboarding during my free time.

 

I like listening to clocks ticking.

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Social:

filmsbyjanice on instagram

Hi, I'm Umaiza but most people call me Uma. I like to read and play piano!

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My favourite colour is purple

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Social:

@damselxinxdisgust

Hi! I am currently in grade 10 and live in Ontario. I enjoy doing sports such as tennis or swimming. I also love reading, genre doesn't matter as long as they're captivating. Piano also requires a lot of my time commitment but mainly because I've played for a long time and don't want to quit. Last year I got into debating(taking classes-wise) and really enjoy advocacy. My future major is not yet decided but I'm leaning towards law, psych, or astronomy.

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I've only lived in Canada for five years and three of them was in Vancouver, then I moved to Toronto. Changed about six or seven schools so far.

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Social:

insta: catherinel_yx

Hello, I'm Samson (of course)! I am a Calgary-born Chinese Canadian who is an avid fiction reader and loves to cook Asian cuisine on my free time. My favourite book series would be the Red Rising series and the cuisine I enjoy trying to cook the most would probably be Japanese and Korean food. I am also extremely passionate about non-profit work since high school and have volunteered with various organizations such as Youth Central, Salvation Army, the Calgary Drop-in Center, and UBC Hope.

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I have won two silver medals at an international martial arts competition in Osaka!

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I am working as a marketing strategist with marketing agency in Mumbai, India. I also work as a freelance social media marketeer and graphic designer. I am also a professional artist, specializing in acrylic paintings. When I'm not working, I'm either in the kitchen trying new recipes or binge-watching a show online. I love to travel to new places, experiencing new cultures and trying new cuisines.

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I love cooking food. I try at least 4 new recipes every week!

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Socials:

Instagram: @shwetamehta_

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Faces of Canada

I am a third-year undergrad student with a Psychology (Hons.) Major and Sociology Minor. My hobbies include indoor gardening, video games, and music (piano and choir). My go-to Starbucks drink is the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.

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I like plants! I am learning how to propagate the plants I currently have, and am interested in learning how to grow vegetables and herbs!

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Socials:

Instagram: ktlpangan

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Faces of Canada

Mika is a multimedia artist based in Treaty 6 (Edmonton). She works with ceramics, sculpture, drawing, photography and video, and digital/interactive media. She has exhibited in many group shows and recently had a solo exhibition in Calgary at Gallery 505 as the result of her Artist in Residence through the Calgary Allied Arts Foundation. Mika lives in a housing co-operative that is self-governing and that maintains 3 houses in Edmonton. She loves sharing food with her 4 housemates, gardening, nature, and authentic relating.

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Mika is a multi-instrumentalist (guitar and recently drums) and she writes her own songs.

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Socials:

kahousemi