Youth Program Coordinator

Ali brings in a passion for social change, is currently immersed in the pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Toronto Metropolitan University. His academic journey is not merely about acquiring knowledge; rather, it serves as a stepping stone towards a profound mission that resonates with his deeply rooted convictions.

Beyond the confines of textbooks and lectures, Ali harbours a fervent desire to destigmatize men's and boys' mental health. For him, this is not just a professional objective; it's a personal commitment to fostering a society that is not only inclusive but also prioritizes the holistic well-being of every individual.

Administrative Support

Angela is a virtual assistant and business & branding photographer. As an auntie of two young nephews, she looks forward to a future where boys and men are encouraged to be empathetic allies and prioritize their mental health with the support of their community and peers.

A proud Kiwi import from provincial New Zealand via Australia and then Toronto, she's now loving the Vancouver lifestyle, living it up in yoga pants and a messy bun in Kitsilano with an addiction to Hoyas & rescue kitties.

Community Lead

Charlotte has recently made the move to Vancouver from Scotland after spending 6 months volunteering and travelling in South America. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Philosophy from the University of Glasgow.

Since graduating in 2020, her passion for social justice and equity has continued to grow exponentially, and she remains committed to making an impact in these areas. Her previous work includes business development, project management, and mentoring within the social enterprise space in the UK.

She is driven by the goal of bringing people together to solve complex problems in meaningful and innovative ways, and she firmly believes in adopting a people-centric approach to foster genuine, impactful change. She is also an advocate for more inclusive and people-centric workplaces and is passionate about empowering those around her in both her professional and personal life.

Executive Director

As Next Gen Men's Executive Director, Jake is a passionate speaker and facilitator focused on gender-based issues related to the social and emotional development of young men, the health and well-being of men in communities, and gender equity in workplaces for a future where boys & men experience less pain, and cause less harm.

Jake was named one of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, as well as having earned recognition from Ashoka, the British Council, and the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. He has spoken at the United Nations as part of the Canadian Delegation, and participated in the UN Women Safe Cities Initiative Global Forum. He is also a proud advisor to the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association, Canadian Women & Sport, as well as the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter.

Research and Evaluation Director

As Next Gen Men’s Research and Evaluation Director, Jason leads the evaluation of all our programs, supports our facilitation team, and leads our advocacy efforts and social media outreach. Get in touch with Jason if you want to talk about the latest news and research in gender and masculinities!

Jason completed his graduate studies at the University of British Columbia’s School of Population and Public Health and has experience in research, program evaluation, and creative facilitation for mental health, sexual health, youth leadership and development, and gender equity in Canada, Jamaica, and the United States. Jason loves how music, art, and stories can bring people together and start a conversation…and also thinks statistics and research design are pretty cool too. Jason is committed to social justice and building a strong and supportive network and community that shares Next Gen Men’s values and vision.

Director of Programs

Jonathon (BA, BEd, MEd) sustains NGM’s reputation for reliable and high-quality program delivery within the field of gender justice, and contributes to NGM’s expertise on boys and masculinity through ongoing research, knowledge translation, and advocacy.

He started out as a teacher before realizing that he was uniquely passionate about supporting boys’ well-being and challenging gender-based violence. In 2017, Jake, Jermal and Jason helped him launch the Breaking the Boy Code podcast—now part of the NGM Podcast Network—and a year later, hired him to take the lead on NGM’s youth programming. The rest, as they say, is history.

Jonathon also loves adventure sports and is currently most excited about leading Next Gen Men’s Rite of Passage Expeditions Project, taking masculine-identifying youth on wilderness-based transformative journeys through the waterways of Ontario and the Rocky Mountains.

Director of Operations

Lauren is an equity-driven leader with over 15 years of experience building and scaling social impact programs in the non-profit sector. With a background in research, organizational strategy, and community-based initiatives, she specializes in developing the infrastructure and relationships needed to advance systems-level change.

 She holds a Master’s degree in Indigenous Governance, where her studies focused on allyship, racial justice, and accountability within systems of power. Lauren designs and implements the systems and processes that enable mission-driven organizations to grow their impact and operate sustainably.

Youth Program Lead

Stephanie completed her Bachelor of Science degree in psychological science from the University of Toronto. With a background in youth program management, outdoor experiential education, and mental health skills facilitation, Stephanie works in partnership with youth, and their families, to identify their needs — meeting them where they are at. Stephanie is determined to foster safe communicative spaces for youth to conscientiously navigate topics of mental health, healthy relationships, and gender equality.

Outside of the office, you can most likely find Stephanie in the wilderness paddling a canoe or singing Believe by Cher at karaoke with friends.

Equity Leaders

Trevor is a diversity, inclusion and violence prevention consultant who focuses on transformative projects around the world. Trevor works with government and corporate partners on deconstructing gender norms and creating innovative violence prevention programming. He possesses unique expertise from working with professional sports, hospitality, technology, extractive and post-secondary organizations internally and externally to help foster more inclusive, safe and successful environments. Trevor is a regular commentator on Newstalk 1010 programs and has been featured in numerous print, radio and television media throughout North America.