Michelle Brown is a registered Early Childhood Educator with the Durham District School Board, a devoted wife, and a nurturing mother to two remarkable daughters. Since the founding of ElLemuel, Michelle has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s direction and now serves as Chair of the Board. Her professional and personal passion for children’s development drives her work, emphasizing the nurturing of social and emotional skills from an early age. As a committed advocate for child welfare, Michelle strives to empower young minds to navigate life with confidence, empathy, and resilience. Beyond her leadership at ElLemuel, she engages actively in youth mentorship programs, fostering connection, belonging, and opportunity for the next generation. Michelle believes that collective action creates lasting impact. Guided by Helen Keller’s timeless wisdom, she champions unity as the foundation for meaningful change. Through her leadership and dedication, Michelle inspires others to join in building a brighter, inclusive future for all.

Victoria is a Licensed Behavior Specialist with a strong background in education, counseling, and behavioral health. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Temple University and dual Master’s degrees in Secondary Education and Counseling from Wilmington University. Victoria spent nine years teaching Chemistry and four years as a school counselor in Philadelphia before transitioning to behavioral health in 2017. She now leads a team providing individualized behavior plans for children with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental delays throughout the Philadelphia area. Committed to advocacy, Victoria recently completed law school and is preparing for the bar exam to expand her impact on behalf of children and families. She is also an ordained Deaconess and enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and son.

Jewel is an innovative leader with a diverse professional background. As a CPA and CGMA with over 15+ years of experience in financial reporting, governance, internal controls, compliance, and internal/external audit, she brings a unique blend of expertise to our board. She is dedicated to enhancing financial literacy, empowering underrepresented communities, and promoting economic independence. Jewel's passion for creating positive community impact makes her a valuable asset to our organization.

Zakiya McGregor-Ricketts is a dedicated community service leader with over 14 years of experience supporting diverse and vulnerable populations across Toronto's public and nonprofit sectors. She currently serves as a Support Assistant with Toronto Public Health, where she plays a key role in providing equitable access to health information, social supports, and community resources. Zakiya brings extensive expertise in administrative leadership, client services, and cross-divisional coordination, along with a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and service excellence. Her background includes frontline work with underserved communities, project coordination, and a long history of supporting collaborative, community-driven initiatives. As Board Secretary for Ellemuel, Zakiya applies her organizational skills, strategic mindset, and deep passion for community empowerment to strengthen governance, enhance communication, and support the organization’s mission of uplifting women and families.

Christine is a multidisciplinary creative professional with a passion for people and purpose. As a graphic designer, painter, and photographer, she brings a unique artistic vision to everything she touches. She is also the founder and owner of an online apparel (PeaceOut Apparel) store that offers a wide range of graphic design–inspired products—blending creativity with entrepreneurship. With a heart for community and a disciplined approach to her craft, Christine is known for her work ethic, humility, and deep commitment to equity. She is a talented creator who values all individuals equally, bringing integrity and inclusivity into every space she enters. Her drive and dedication has garnered her respect in both the creative and business communities. As a member of the advisory board, she offers not only her creative insight but also a grounded, people-first perspective—aligning perfectly with the nonprofit’s mission to provide affordable housing and holistic, wraparound services.

Thea brings a bold, global perspective and a diverse professional background to the board. Originally from New Zealand, she has called Canada home for over 12 years, with experience in both Vancouver and Toronto. With more than six years in the real estate industry, Thea began her career as an Office Manager before becoming a licensed agent in 2025. Her early exposure to the industry, paired with mentorship and hands-on leadership, laid the foundation for her success in Toronto’s competitive market. Prior to real estate, Thea held roles in both the medical-legal field in British Columbia and as an ITIL Asset Manager at Gen-i, one of New Zealand’s leading telecommunications and IT firms. Her eclectic career path reflects her adaptability, strategic mindset, and commitment to excellence. Known for her energy, quick wit, and creative problem-solving, Thea brings a fresh, entrepreneurial spirit to every endeavor. She is passionate about community, innovation, and making meaningful connections that drive growth.