MEET OUR
TEAM

Each Team Member has Inspirational Life Stories that Empower and Enlighten the Hearts & Minds of Youth Today so They Can Become Positive Leaders of Today and Tomorrow.

Orlando Bowen

Executive Director

Orlando is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of today’s youth. From motivational speaking to rigorous athletic training programs, there is no limit to what he is prepared to do to reach today’s generation.

Orlando’s mission is to motivate youth to see beyond their circumstances, believe they have more to offer their community and to take action. He engages audiences by using his uplifting story and innovative approach gained from years as a competitive athlete in the Canadian Football League.

His heart for youth and his desire to see them reach their fullest potential has made him a sought after inspirational speaker.

Sherri Sanjurjo

Strategy & Business Development Director

Sherri Sanjurjo is a take-charge business-woman, and dynamic Inspirational speaker who expertly balances, career, serving and family, expertly.  In 2019 Sherri released her first book “The Metamorphosis… A Dymond Story” in the hopes the reader would be able to see themselves in the main character ‘Dymond’ and be inspired to hope in hopeless situations. 

Her candid way of speaking truth, mixed with love and hope allow others the mirror they need to see themselves clearly and to be inspired enough to make real transformational change.  

Prior to becoming an entrepreneur she held positions such as project manager, executive recruiter, marketing manager, executive assistant, and program delivery specialist.  Today Sheri continues to develop professionally as our Business Development Director here at One Voice One Team. 

Sherri’s mission and mandate are to inspire people to awaken their most authentic selves, so they can have a meaningful experience in their lives holistically. She does this through keynote speaking events, authenticity coaching, 1-on-1 mentoring, corporate training, business developing, and serving her community.  Her down-to-earth yet vibrant style of speaking and connecting with others keeps her audiences engaged and her clients empowered.

Jermaine Frazer​

Program Director

Jermaine is motivated to aid youth in understanding their purpose and living through it. Since 16 years old, Jermaine has always been driven to help young people by being a positive role model for them, similar to teachers he had in his youth.

Winner of the 2018 United Way Youth Leadership Award, he has been the successful mentor for many young men and is the creator of our young men’s program LEVEL UP! His no nonsense, practical common sense thinking mixed with his gentle heart touches the youth in a meaningful way.

Jermaine believes his purpose is to inspire youth to see better for themselves, their families, and their community.

Brevna Balachandran

Program Manager

Brevna is committed to helping others and creating an impact! She graduated from Brock University with a degree in Community Recreation and Leisure Studies. Brevna started with our team as a high school co-op student with our S.W.O.L.E. Summer Camp. Since then, she has been involved in S.W.O.L.E. camp in various capacities ranging from a volunteer, camp counselor to even coordinator!  

Brevna lives by the motto, “A life spent helping others is a life filled with purpose.” Her purpose is to make an impact on our future generations!  Her goal is to impact young people in a positive manner that shows them their potential and supports them to find their purpose so they can share that with others. 

She aims to create a safe environment where people feel comfortable enough to share their stories that will impact even more people! Brevna stays motivated knowing that we are touching and impacting a lot of lives. She wants young people to know there is no judgment with her, and that her goal is to support youth however she can!

Wayne Shaw

Program Manager
Wayne Shaw has dedicated his life to the guidance and empowerment of young people. Throughout the various stages of his life—childhood, youth, young adulthood, and into his roles as a man, father, husband, and friend—he has consistently returned to his passion for engaging with youth.
 

In his current role as a Youth Program Manager, Wayne emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding the unique needs and aspirations of those he works with. His approach is grounded in a genuine desire to help and guide young individuals to the best of his ability.

Wayne’s involvement with OVOT has been a significant chapter in his professional journey. He was part of the inaugural team in Oakville, Ontario in 2007 and has since returned to continue his mission. With a rich background and a heartfelt commitment to youth engagement, Wayne continues to make a positive impact in the lives of young people.

Victoria Gonzalez

Program Coordinator (Winnipeg)
Victoria immigrated to Manitoba in 2019 to pursue a career in Child and Youth Care. She graduated in 2021 while working with children and youth in care, and joined our team in March of 2022. A certified flight attendant, her professional background has been a fun journey, ranging from the Fashion Design to the Food & Beverage Industries, where she enjoyed leading teams and assisting customers.
 
She is a strong advocate for human rights and centers her work around giving children and youth a safe environment to heal from trauma. She emphasizes the importance of learning life skills, breaking harmful cycles and starting new healthy habits, that can help children and youth become future game changers in their communities and beyond.
 
Victoria is curious by nature, and lives by the motto: “The mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it’s not open”. As a true servant leader, she works as our Program Coordinator in our Winnipeg office.

Hasina Qaderi

Program Coordinator (Ontario)

Hasina Qaderi is a dedicated program coordinator with a passion for creating positive, uplifting environments. She thrives on staying active, practicing Muay Thai, and recently taking up volleyball. Her enthusiasm for fostering inclusive spaces extends beyond her professional role, as she genuinely values learning from people’s lived experiences and the insights they offer.

Growing up in a family committed to service and community, Hasina has always been driven to make a difference. She aspires to return to Afghanistan, where her parents migrated from, to impact the lives of women and children, ensuring they have equal opportunities to build sustainable and happy lives.

Hasina’s connection to OVOT stems from her commitment to creating a difference in the lives of youth. She values the organization’s transformative impact on young people, encouraging them to harness their talents and make meaningful contributions to the world. Through her journey with OVOT, Hasina has seen the broader impact of their work, affecting not just the youth, but also educators, parents, siblings, and community members, reinforcing her dedication to the cause.

Mariah Smith

Marketing Manager

Mariah Smith is the Marketing Manager at One Voice One Team, where she channels her passion for amplifying the voices of the unheard and underprivileged. With a deep commitment to storytelling, branding, and all things media arts, Mariah brings a creative and strategic approach to her role.

Mariah loves working at One Voice One Team not only because of the impactful work they do with helping youth but also because of the positive lifestyle that is both preached and practiced within the team. This organization has given her a voice and empowers her not just in her professional role but in her personal growth as well. The infectious positivity and supportive environment among the team members fuel their mission and drives success.

Mariah is dedicated to building strong relationships with youth, community supporters, partners, and donors, ensuring that the mission of One Voice One Team resonates far and wide.

Marshaye Francis

Social Media Coordinator

Marshaye Francis is the Social Media Coordinator at One Voice One Team. She is a vibrant soul with a zest for life, embodying the spirit of a globetrotter. Eager to immerse herself in diverse cultures, Marshaye loves forging connections with people from all walks of life and creating unforgettable memories across the globe.

Marshaye joined OVOT with a heartfelt mission. Growing up, she lacked an outlet like OVOT to guide her through her journey. Now, as part of this impactful movement, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to influence the lives of young people. Her passion for creativity drives her to bring fresh ideas and concepts to OVOT, enhancing the experience for everyone involved and empowering youth to reach their full potential.

Danielle Bimmer

Office Administrator

Danielle Bimmer is a dedicated and empathetic professional with a strong customer-centric focus. She consistently strives to understand the wants and needs of both customers and colleagues, ensuring clear and effective communication. Known for her personable nature, Danielle is easy to get along with and always considers the well-being of others. Her sympathetic approach allows her to deeply understand and support people, even if she hasn’t experienced the same situations herself.

Danielle was drawn to OVOT because of its mission and goals, particularly the organization’s commitment to providing youth with leadership opportunities. Reflecting on her own school years, she wishes she had access to such programs and is now thrilled to contribute to OVOT’s success from behind the scenes as an Office Administrator. Through her role, she leverages her skills to support the organization’s initiatives, ensuring everything runs smoothly and effectively.

Geoffrey Rutherford

Senior Virtual Program/Workshop Lead

Geoff is an engaging speaker that uses his gift of storytelling and humour to evoke genuine behaviours with participants. He has worked with One Voice One Team since 2016 and thrives on showing the connectivity between all people. Through his knowledge of history, theology and culture, Geoff challenges individuals to see different perspectives so they can learn from their own experiences.  For the last five years Geoff has been designing and facilitating leadership programs for high school students. He has worked with hundreds of students as a mentor and trainer for student mentors. 

Geoff remains active in the plight of young people defining their own paths and seeking to be their best selves.  Beyond his professional endeavours, Geoff is an experienced martial artist and instructor devoted to self-development and physical health.

Chalena Thomas

Youth Program Facilitator

Chalena Thomas is a dedicated youth program facilitator with a passion for curiosity and self-improvement. Driven by a constant desire to learn and grow, Chalena is committed to understanding the unique needs of the students in her programs. She continually seeks innovative ways to bring fun and meaningful activities into her programming, always aiming to uplift and support those around her.

A nature enthusiast, Chalena enjoys exploring trails and parks around the city, finding that time spent outdoors enhances both her physical and mental well-being—when her allergies allow it, of course. This love for nature informs her approach to maintaining a balanced lifestyle and serves as an inspiration for incorporating outdoor activities into her programs.

Chalena’s believes in the mission to empower students to achieve anything they set their minds to.  Each day, Chalena finds immense satisfaction in knowing she is making a positive impact on the lives of students and educators alike.

Keandre Japal

Youth Program Facilitator
 

Keandre Japal is a dedicated Youth Program Facilitator who brings enthusiasm and positivity to every interaction. Combining the names of his parents, Keandre’s unique identity reflects the strong familial bonds that shape his character. He loves playing basketball and passionately supports Manchester United, the soccer club he believes to be the greatest.

Keandre’s passion for laughter is at the heart of his work. He understands the profound impact that humor can have on someone’s day and strives to bring joy and laughter to all those he encounters. This passion helps create a welcoming and uplifting environment for the youth he works with.

Working with OVOT provides Keandre the perfect platform to spread joy and laughter. The organization allows him to share his positive energy and equips him with essential social skills. Keandre Japa is committed to making a difference in the lives of youth through laughter, sports, and meaningful connections, fostering an inclusive and supportive community wherever he goes.

Roy Pogorzelski

Youth Program Facilitator (Alberta)

Roy Pogorzelski is Métis/Cree from Saskatchewan, his family comes from the communities of Green Lake/Meadow Lake in the North. Roy is an Associate with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), an appointed Board member for the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF), a PHD student and Instructor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Lethbridge. 

Through his work with our team, he passionately educates Educators and young people about anti-racism, Truth & Reconciliation, and Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) while inspiring youth to maximize their potential.  Roy’s heart to empower youth & Educators to embrace and practice leadership skills with equity while striving for greatness in their own lives is what drives him everyday!

Board Of Directors
John Attrell - Director, Owner of Attrell Toyota in Brampton
David Griffiths - Director, IBM Senior Consultant
D'Antal Sampson - Director, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt Associate