CAGP GTA Mentorship Breakfast

This FREE, in-person event will create a meeting place for the mentees and mentors of CAGP GTA's 2024/25 Mentorship Program. We will hear from Maxine Aku Brown and Ziadah Nakayima on "Mentorship from an African-Centered Perspective: Embracing Tradition and Shaping Leaders".

The presentation will explore mentorship from an African-centered perspective, focusing on the traditional wisdom and values that have been passed down through generations. It will delve into the role of elders and community in shaping the mentorship dynamic, highlighting the interconnectedness and interdependence that characterizes African societies. Additionally, the presentation will discuss the oral tradition and rites of passage in nurturing the next generation of leaders and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Moreover, it will examine the importance of cultural continuity and resilience in mentorship practices, emphasizing the need to honor diversity and inclusivity within the African context. Overall, the presentation aims to offer a culturally grounded approach to mentorship that is rooted in African-centered principles and values.

Maxine Aku Brown is an experienced professional in the field of Social Services and Program Development, with over 20 years of experience. She currently holds the position of Director of Youth Programs and Supports at WoodGreen Community Services. Maxine has a Graduate Degree in Environmental Studies, focusing on Womanhood, Resilience, Decolonization, Gender, and Identity. Her educational background and extensive career experience have enabled her to successfully develop programs and training for marginalized youth and families in the areas of mental health and identity formation, both in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and internationally. Maxine's work is grounded in African-centred principles and values, which she has acquired through years of extensive mentorship.

Maxine Brown, Director of Programs and Supports,
WoodGreen Community Services
 

Ziadah Nakayima  is an experienced Rites of Passage Practitioner who plays a crucial role in providing programming support and leadership at a community services organization. With over a decade of experience in various youth leadership capacities, Ziadah is deeply committed to serving young people. She leverages her expertise in Rites of Passage processes to guide youth of African descent as they embark on a path of self-discovery and personal growth. In addition to her work as a youth leader, Ziadah also holds a strong interest in promoting health, wellness, and fitness.

Ziadah Nakayima, Rites of Passage Program Facilitator,
WoodGreen Community Services

A special thanks to our new Presenting Sponsor for our Mentorship Program and our Mentorship Breakfast!