Kym Niles
Founder / Mentor
Kym Niles is on a quest to bring Black representation into classrooms, quench the thirst of Black youth mental health and ignite ALL students to make their mark!A Social Entrepreneur, Magnetic mentor and Holistic Wellness Advocate with over 15 years of experience in the wellness industry, Kym yields a wholesome approach to wellbeing with a robust background in physical training, mental conditioning and self-regulation.xOnce considered an “At-Risk” youth, Kym defied expectations and worked tirelessly to achieve success, fuelled by a determination to shatter negative stereotypes.
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An unapologetic catalyst for systemic change, Kym acted on her philanthropic duty in 2016 and co-founded Selflove Youth Wellness & Empowerment a Toronto District School Board Educational partner. Her organization aims to supply Black youth with tools and resources to support their mental wellbeing, overcome obstacles and improve educational outcomes.
Dear to her heart is Kym’s signature Make Ur Mark: Resilience & Restoration workshop a program she so desperately desired as a young adult navigating life in a nonconventional way. Each year these workshops positively impact thousands of students from Elementary to Post Secondary institutions by bringing visibility to Black professionals in classrooms, showcasing multiple pathways to success, breaking the bias of poverty, dispelling Anti-Black racism myths and connecting Black youth to mentors.
Committed to exposing underserved youth to possibilities and improving socio-economic outcomes, Kym developed The Make Ur Mark Student Success Conference in partnership with George Brown College, creating an elevated experience for
marginalized students to see themselves in a post secondary environment. The conference boasts a day of creative engagement for diverse learners, Mental Health support, unlimited resources to pursue Post Secondary education and breakout sessions in a Culturally reflective environment.
With representation as the cornerstone, Kym designed and launched the first of its kind Black Canadian Pioneer wall, now a staple in Toronto’s second-oldest secondary school Weston Collegiate Institute established in 1857.
Kym has been recognized with several leadership awards and has been featured as an expert on Global TV, CBC News, CP24, CTV and City news.
A light with a high level of consciousness, Kym continues to deliver one mission and that is “To leave you better than she met you”.
Jacqueve Colaire
Program Director
Jacqueve’s journey is truly remarkable, rooted in a rich family tradition of creativity and a deep connection to his homeland, Dominica. His upbringing in such an artistic environment undoubtedly shaped his perception and ignited his passion for creating. From an early age, he was immersed in a world where music and visual arts intertwined seamlessly, providing him with a fertile ground for his talents to flourish. The lush landscapes of Dominica served as both muse and backdrop for Jacqueve’s burgeoning creativity, imprinting vivid images in his mind that would later find expression through his camera lens. His familial support and innate drive led him to explore various artistic mediums, eventually leading him to photography in 2016.
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With each click of the shutter, Jacqueve found a medium through which he could communicate his unique perspective and share stories that resonated across diverse audiences. His journey behind the camera was not just about capturing moments but about understanding the essence of storytelling through imagery. Through his collaborations with a diverse array of individuals, from media personalities like Stephanie Henry to influential figures like Hon. Jean Augustine and artists such as Tory Lanez, Valiant, and Popcaan, Jacqueve has honed his craft and expanded his repertoire.
His ability to capture the essence of his subjects and convey their stories with authenticity speaks volumes about his skill and dedication. For Jacqueve, the power of storytelling lies in its universality, transcending boundaries of background and ethnicity. It’s about creating narratives that resonate with people on a fundamental level, forging connections and leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.In essence, Jacqueve’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and the profound impact that storytelling can have in bridging divides and fostering understanding. Through his lens, he continues to weave narratives that celebrate the beauty of diversity and inspire others to see the world through a more empathetic and inclusive lens.