Our Team

Akosua is the Executive Director of First Work. Prior to joining the organization, Akosua worked as a senior public affairs professional, primarily focused on policy affecting marginalized communities and youth. During her tenure with the Provincial Minister of Children and Youth Services, Akosua led the Youth Justice and Youth Opportunity policy and also worked directly with multiple agencies, as well as frontline staff, to advocate for marginalized youth. As a senior policy advisor with the Provincial Minister of Finance, Akosua effectively advised on policy and legislation spanning a diverse portfolio, including labour, children and youth services, community and social services, correctional services, and Indigenous relations. With over six years of experience in government, combined with seven years as the board representative for the Region of Peel Women’s Centre – Interim Place, Akosua is an established driver of effective policy-making, communications, public and government affairs, and community engagement.

Akosua currently sits on the board of the Canadian Coalition of Community-Based Employability Training, MabelleArts, and GoodWill Amity.

Carmine is the Operations and Finance Manager at First Work. Originally on-boarded through the Canada Summer Jobs Program as a Youth Engagement Coordinator in 2017 as her first entry level job. She continued to work part-time while pursuing her Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting at Ryerson University. First Work reignited her passion for social equity, leading her to pursue a full-time opportunity with the team following graduation. Like many young people and recent graduates exploring career opportunities, Carmine continues her artistic passion as a Graphic Designer in her spare time.

Sophia is the Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager at First Work, joining in June 2020. Forever a recovering staffer, Sophia previously worked for the Ontario Minister of Finance as Issues Manager and Legislative Assistant, following years of political work at the municipal, state (US), provincial, and federal (US) levels. Most recently, she was a Senior Consultant at a government relations firm, focused on strategic communications and Ontario government mandates. In joining First Work, Sophia revisits her experience on the frontline working with homeless and at-risk youth in downtown Toronto.

Samira is the Digital Lead at First Work, bringing her passion for to create meaningful change for marginalized youth in all her work. She holds over a decade of experience in web development and digital engagement, previously working in the non-profit and private sector as a freelancer for organizations both large and small. Samira manages the design of all First Work’s social media platforms and sites. She also manages the development of digital media campaigns, conference materials, and weekly member updates.

Ashley is the Operations Coordinator and Executive Assistant at First Work. She recently graduated from York University with a Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology. Previously, Ashley worked for Canada’s Wonderland as the Merchandise Operations Supervisor. During her time there, she worked with the youth while also gaining administrative and management skills. Ashley’s background in leadership roles and involvement with youth has grown into an interest for helping young people entering the workforce. She looks forward to developing her knowledge in the non-profit sector and field of youth employment. When she is not working, Ashley likes to spend her free time watching movies, listening to music and practicing the ukulele.

Ikram is the conference coordinator at First Work. She recently graduated from OISE (UofT) with a Master of Education. She has worked in sales, customer service, administration, admissions, and more recently, as an English language instructor. She is passionate about education and utilizing her lived experiences to connect with and support people. She is very excited to engage with and contribute to the employment sector. In her free time, Ikram enjoys reading, watching shows/movies and road trips.

Kathleen is a Community Outreach Coordinator at First Work, joining in June 2021. Kathleen has experience working in non-profit organizations in the areas of volunteer management, outreach, and intakes. Her most current role was at the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work as an Employment Facilitator supporting job seekers with disabilities with accommodation planning, training opportunities as well as job search and retention supports. Kathleen is passionate about advocating for others and ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities in the workplace.

Tanweer Shahid is an internationally experienced Operations, HR, and Admin professional currently serving as the Operations Coordinator at First Work. With a tenured background in defense, Tanweer Shahid brings a robust academic and professional foundation in operations, research, policy, and human resources. Driven and passionate about inter-faith harmony and human rights, Tanweer is deeply committed to forging societal transformation through First Work’s commitment to supported employment and workforce development. He enjoys freelance writing, volunteering, book reading, and music.