Meet our staff

Executive Director

Alejandro Mayoral Baños is a dedicated activist and academic with a passion for bridging the worlds of Indigenous peoples and digital technologies. Through a holistic approach that encompasses community engagement, research, software development, and education, Alejandro is actively contributing to a more inclusive and equitable digital tech landscape.

As the Executive Director and Founder of the Indigenous Friends Association (IFA) in Canada and President of Magtayaní in Mexico, he works diligently to promote tech equity, digital sovereignty, and sustainable career pathways for Indigenous communities. Beyond his primary roles, Alejandro has an extensive background in volunteering, leading, collaborating, and participating in various projects centred on Indigeneity and social action. His work has spanned countries like Canada, Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Chile, Bolivia and the United Nations.

With a Ph.D. from the Joint Program in Communication and Culture run by York University and Toronto Metropolitan University, Alejandro's academic pursuits explore the intersections of decolonial computing, digital decoloniality, and Indigenous media. His approach is distinct, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems and ethical principles in digital design and education.
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Fundraising Manager

Paavneet is a result-oriented development professional with over thirteen years of experience assisting charities and non-profits in various geographies. Her expertise is in fundraising, research, grant writing, donor reporting, monitoring and evaluation and program development.

She has extensive exposure to working with multiple stakeholders, including government, corporates, foundations, small, medium, and large-scale non-profit organizations. She has experience in writing successful Federal, Provincial and Private Foundation Grants.

Paavneet holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

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Social Media Engagement Coordinator

Cody is an Activist, Actor, published author, Community organizer and very much into language and culture revitalization. He is a also public speaker that was able to speak at various universities across Canada about indigenous rights and sovereignty, Spreading awareness on indigenous that has directly effected his family and community but is willing to speak out to seek Justice for his oyate (people).

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IndigiTECH Program Manager

Katelyn is of mixed Irish, Mohawk and Italian ancestry. She currently resides in Ontario and carries a strong passion for traveling. She is a York University graduate with a focus on Indigenous Studies, Visual Art and History, eventually graduating with her Bachelor’s of Education with specializations in Native Studies and Visual Art. Katelyn has taught as an elementary and secondary school teacher while residing in northern First Nations Communities throughout Ontario. Her professional interests include the arts as well as land based learning and teachings.

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Indigital Manager

Alina holds a Masters in Information Technology and has been at IFA since 2018.

Her work focuses on creating inclusive technology while centering Indigenous voices and worldviews.

As the manager of the Indigital program, Alina connects leaders in the worlds of digital technology, art and healing to Indigenous communities. She aims to bring light and life to every circle she is a part of.

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Research Manager

Sarah Emily was born in Mindanao, Philippines. She studied Psychology and Law, which led her to a university-based Legal Aid Center where she worked on Access to Justice Programs advocating for the vulnerable sectors, including women and children, farmers, and Indigenous communities in the insurgent provinces of southern Philippines. Sarah joined the U.S. Department of Justice in Manila for Rule of Law initiatives in Human Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Cybercrime, co-organizing training programs for various stakeholders in the Justice sector throughout the archipelago. She also joined the State Department's Federal Benefits Unit before finishing her Social Service Worker Program in Toronto. She worked with Indigenous communities in the Northeastern part of Ontario in assisting contractors and community leaders in drafting grant proposals for Renewable Energy projects, Tiny Homes through youth development programs, and Women's Shelter on community reserves.

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Visual Illustrator

Tehatsistahawi Kennedy (Tsista) is an Anishnaabe Onyota'aka artist from Beausoleil First Nation, and Oneida Nation of the Thames. He creates woodland style artwork through various mediums, advocating for and communicating what he believes in through his perspective as a young indigenous man.

Aside from his artwork, Tsista Kennedy has also placed himself in the role of the Thames Valley District School Board's first Indigenous Student Trustee; advocating for indigenous youth across the board and beyond, as well as speaking for the importance of the integration of indigenous culture within classrooms at various conferences.

Tehatsistahawi wishes to one day teach indigenous youth how to express themselves through fine art as he believes it will help combat the trauma we have faced and continue to face as nations.

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Human Resources Manager

Paolo is a Human Resources Professional with over 10 years of experience in real estate and start-up companies in the Food and Beverage and Hospitality Industries in the Philippines. His career focuses mostly on creating and implementing HR policies and processes and managing end-to-end HR functions. He supports IFA in all day-to-day HR and Administrative matters.

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Tech Manager

Jacob Shuman is a non-Indigenous software developer currently working on the IFA app. He is also a facilitator of the INDIGItal Program.

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Junior Developer

Hansol is non-Indigenious software developer who currently working on the IFA app. He has a passion for helping people and communities with his knowledge and experiences.

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Marketing Coordinator

Karmveer is a non-Indigenous ally who helps organizations elevate their marketing and web strategies. He is deeply passionate about creating meaningful content, improving brand awareness, and fostering community engagement through social and digital media. He enjoys being outdoors by the water, watching sports, and the latest movies.

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Research Assistant

Keith G. Sujo is the Research Assistant at Indigenous Friends Association. Originally from Nicaragua, Central America, Keith has a background in international development studies and political science, with almost a decade of experience working with not-for-profit organizations, focusing on Canada and Latin America. Currently, he is a PhD. student at York University in the Department of Politics.

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Lead Technology Facilitator

JC is a front-end developer with a wealth of experience in different service roles. They graduated from the University of Toronto with majors in Cognitive Science and Linguistics, and a minor in Philosophy. They are deeply interested in the different ways people learn, and they are passionate about cultivating learning environments that are engaging and accessible. They're constantly thinking about the best way to bridge communication gaps between different people and between different disciplines. They have facilitated academic discussions and workshops, and have provided teaching assistance to web development courses.

Being an immigrant to Canada from the Philippines, JC is familiar with the uneasy feeling of not fully belonging anywhere. They recognize that giving people space and autonomy to be themselves, acknowledging pain as well as joy, can go a long way in cultivating comfort and acceptance.

When they have the energy, JC likes to build model kits and to play tabletop role-playing games. They're also currently raising a golden doodle named Pretzel.

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Lead Technology Facilitator

Gurjeet is a non-indigenous aspiring software developer interested in the fields of Application Development, Embedded Systems, and user facing software. He is a recent graduate from Simon Fraser University in Burnaby BC, Completing the Software Systems program in the Faculty of Applied Sciences. Gurjeet has been volunteering, organizing and teaching children's day camps for 10 years, has been involved in community organization for the last 5 years, and is experienced in event production.

Gurjeet takes the approach of exposure and providing resources to students so that they may come to their own conclusions about how to learn, topics they take interest in, and streams of knowledge they hope to pursue. He has taught STEM topics and led STEM camps catered to youth, and has taught classes and workshops on topics of philosophy and history.

Gurjeet hopes to learn more about how he takes space as a non-indegnous individual while teaching and tutoring students.

In his free time, you might find Gurjeet on a hike, covered in dirt underneath a jacked up car, or advising the tech set up or recording for a non profit event.

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Research Assistant

Vanessa is a non-Indigenous ally dedicated to amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities. Vanessa's personal mission is to inform future education programming and policy changes that empower Indigenous youth to enter the tech sector. She holds a Masters Degree in Global Health from McMaster University and is currently enrolled in the Project Management Certificate program at the University of Toronto. Outside of work, she enjoys playing violin with the Oakville Chamber Orchestra, swimming lengths and traveling to unfamiliar places.

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Fundraising Coordinator

Marie-Josée is a result driven professional. Born and raised in Montreal by bilingual parents, both born in Québec. Most of her studies were done in Montréal with a few trainings abroad. Most of her professional life has been in business and market development, and philanthropy/fundraising. Her expertise are research, grant writing, donor reporting and partnership/sponsor agreements including fundraising events.

She has a vast experience in different types of non-profit organizations ranging from grassroots to national coverage. She has had the privilege to work partnerships with some of the largest corporations in Canada and Québec.

Involved in networking for almost 20 years as well, she has been implicated in different associations as a member or as its president and manager. Such associations as the Woman’s business network of Québec, The AFP-Québec chapter (AFP) and the AFESAQ (fundraising) to name a few.

Her personal passions include community involvement, physical activity, and travel.

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UX/UI Design Instructor

Nick’s background includes over a decade in automation and electrical project management roles on two of the worlds leading yacht builds. Based in Germany and The Netherlands where he managed large projects with leading edge technology. In 2018 he pivoted his career into User Experience Design and began solving problems with a design thinking mindset. This lead him to co-found and lead agile design and development teams for a non-profit organization Here2Help Community. Here2Help was created to increase resourceful connections in local neighbourhoods. In 2021 Nick discovered his passion for teaching when joining Workforce Institute as a UX/UI Design Instructor. Most recently Nick has been leading multiple research and design projects for an Ed Tech startup Hoot Reading. Hoot connects emerging readers and experienced teachers to develop reading skills over video chat.

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Administration Coordinator

Stephanie Egloff was born in Nairobi, Kenya of mixed Filipino and Swiss heritage. The significance of community was gained at a young age from being a member of the Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa for nearly two decades and a mixed voices choir throughout high school.

She joins the IFA with a broad range of technical and soft skills, acquired over several years of having worked in various sectors, including non-profit, government and hospitality. She more recently obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Arts Administration with a Concentration in Music at Bishop’s University, situated on the traditional and unceded territory of the Abenaki people, where she continues to reside today. The equal weight of music and business courses helped her become not only a better musician but an entrepreneur as well, which is a hat every musician must wear nowadays. The arts administration-specific courses have taught her the inner workings of successful arts and culture non-profit organizations.

Stephanie’s raison d’être is in providing assistance to others and is excited to be of service to Indigenous youth and communities.

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Finance Coordinator

Dominick Mitchell is a Finance Coordinator at the Indigenous Friends Association, where he provides support in financial management of operations and programs. With 6 years of experience in finance and international development, Dominick is passionate about Sustainable Finance and its potential impact on the environment and economy.

Apart from his professional commitments, Dominick spends his spare time volunteering for organizations such as Junior Achievement, taking adventurous walks, and writing. He has authored a book on Sustainable Finance and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Analysis designation to advance his career.

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Mentorship Coordinator

Melissa Granovsky is a Jewish and Metis educator, researcher, and artist from Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg, Manitoba), now based in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal. They recently joined IFA as the mentorship coordinator and are excited to connect and learn alongside the mentors and mentees in future cohorts.

Alongside their role as a Mentorship Coordinator, they are a second-year PhD student in the Arts Education program at Concordia University. Their research focuses on finding ways to Indigenise and decolonise qualitative research practices, particularly within a research method called photovoice.

They enjoy reading, travelling, listening to music, cooking and fashion and hanging out with their favourite sidekick Bella the Bulldog, in their spare time.

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Partnership Coordinator

Caroline Leony Santos is a seasoned professional in the education and social work field. She has more than a decade of experience in the industries in both private and public institutions. Caroline has a diverse skill set and has experience in training staff, teaching students, and developing partnerships and educational programs. Having worked in multiple countries such as Spain, Brazil, Germany, and Canada. Caroline has developed a unique global and humane view and valuable multicultural sensibilities.

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Curriculum Developer and Learning Success Facilitator

Pamela Nicholas has worked in the field of education for over 20 years. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum Design and Instruction. Pamela has experience developing curriculum for primary through post-secondary education and has also worked in both web development and graphic design. Throughout her many years working in education, Pam has had the honor and privilege to work with students from many backgrounds including indigenous youth, other youth from underserved communities, those with learning differences, twice exceptional students, LBTQIA2S+ students, and those healing from trauma. She also is very active in doing her part in pushing forward positive environmental change and social justice with regard to the climate crisis serving as a Regional Organizer for the Lower BC Mainland and Vancouver Island Climate Community Hubs for the Climate Reality Project.

Always growing with students and other educators, the creation of curriculum is an ongoing, fluid process where it takes a team effort of open communication to find effective ways to reach each and every individual student. Creating inspired curriculum that allows students to reach their personal, academic, and professional goals in an engaging and meaningful way is something that she is extremely passionate about.

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Administration Coordinator

An accomplished Operations Manager with over a decade of experience in administration, Chase has a passion for solving problems and finding inefficiencies. He is a creative and critical thinker with a talent for project management, logistics and process improvement; specifically, when it comes to technological solutions.

Chase understands the importance of creating an inclusive and diverse workplace and has implemented strategies that foster a culture of equity, respect, and inclusion. He is well-versed in identifying and addressing unconscious biases and is committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.

He has honed his skills across diverse industries including game development, performance consulting, construction, legal, and logistics.

At IFA, Chase is responsible for the day-to-day bookkeeping duties.

He is a creative and critical thinker who excels at identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing effective solutions. He is dedicated to achieving the highest level of performance in all his endeavors and is committed to delivering exceptional results.

When he's not at work, Chase spends most of his time with his family, and enjoys hiking, engineering, economics, reading, learning, gaming, and camping.

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Community Engagement Advisor

Judy is a well known community member. Born and raised in Prince Rupert, BC. Judy is not only a true student of the land but also an advocate for environmental sustainability.

Judy comes from the Ts’msyen, Tlingit and Tahltan Nations. She is very proud of her ancestry and where she comes from.

Judy comes to Indigenous Friends with a full realm of professional experience and a wide array educational accolades. She has experience working in many fields including management, leadership and non-profit.

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Web Designer

Colman is a UX/UI designer from the Greater Toronto Area, he is currently helping with various projects at IFA. His journey in design has been in-between various industries including startups, solar race-car teams, and government.

He strives to grow as a designer who is able to learn new ideas and open up to new experiences while being able to adapt to whatever life brings at him. In his free time he enjoys playing strategic sports like tennis, and occasionally plays Catan.

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Application Tester

Isaac is a software developer with a passion for creating innovative solutions born and raised in Windsor, Ontario. Isaac has developed his skills in various programming languages and frameworks. His expertise extends across web development, mobile app development, and software engineering.

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Technology Facilitator

Solivan is a Toronto based developer who is passionate about creative problem-solving and digital education. As a conversationalist, he is interested in exploring how cross-functional communication and collaboration can deconstruct educational biases and foster an accessible learning space.

Holding a degree in Music Education at the University of Toronto, Solivan has worked with a variety of music ensembles in the Greater Toronto Area for over 5 years as music director, project manager, and mentor. Digitally transforming musical productions over the pandemic sparked a love for digital integrations with arts education, where he now works to combine creative ideas with innovative technologies.

Solivan is eager to contribute to the IFA as a non-indigenous ally and hopes he can share his experiences to further foster an inclusive and space in the IFA’s education sphere.

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Operations Manager

With a career spanning multiple sectors and a deep commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, Keshav Kant is an accomplished DEI Consultant and Operations Specialist. She has designed DEI Fundamentals and evolving Operations systems, expanded global hiring strategies, and orchestrated successful marketing campaigns for independent creators, authors, and businesses domestically and internationally and in non-profit organizations.

As the Executive Director of Off Colour, Keshav has steered the organization toward incredible growth, expanding global operations across North America, LATAM, EMEA, and APAC and establishing pivotal relationships with prominent companies in the entertainment and publishing sectors. Alongside her work in DEI and Operations, Keshav is also a published writer, coauthoring X Marks The Spot, an anthology on the non-binary gender experience. Her words have been featured in Paper magazine, Buzzfeed, Guardian, Metro UK and ColorBloq.

With an academic background in Psychology and Creative Writing from the University of Toronto, Keshav hopes to bridge the divide in artistic and intellectual endeavours to further the holistic pursuit of one's passions. Through her person-first approach to problem-solving and Operations Management, Keshav strives to champion diversity and foster inclusive workplaces, guiding organizations toward sustainable growth and positive social impact.

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Digital Marketing Officer

Matija Krunic HBA HBFA PMP is a highly skilled Marketing Professional, Seneca College Marketing Professor and Project Manager, dedicated to supporting Native American social causes. Matija brings a wealth of experience in SaaS marketing and project management.

Having developed an extensive network and friendship within the Ojibwe community, Matija is deeply committed to his role in promoting Native American social causes. His strategic mindset and proficiency in digital marketing, SEO, and project management have yielded tangible results throughout his career.

With a strong focus on driving positive change, Matija's dedication is evident in his support for Indigenous Friends and their mission. His ability to build successful campaigns and foster awareness demonstrates his unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of Native Americans.

Matija Krunic HBA HBFA PMP's career is defined by his passion and expertise in marketing and project management. With a genuine connection to the Ojibwe community and a dedication to supporting Native American social causes, he continues to make a significant impact in creating a more equitable society.

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Web Development Instructor and Curriculum Developer

Max Harris is a web developer and instructor based in Vancouver. He began his career in Silicon Valley and worked in the startup industry for over 10 years, gaining expertise in frontend engineering and web marketing. He has also taught web development and to learners from diverse backgrounds through courses and workshops.

While Max is of African American heritage, his wife is Nuxalk/Onondaga, and their children represent a harmonious fusion of those cultures. Their active involvement in the Indigenous community has instilled an appreciation for the role education plays in the lives of Indigenous youth. This motivation has led Max to continue his career in teaching, with a focus on providing culturally sensitive and holistic education.

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Administrative Assistant

Tori is Anicinape/Algonquin from Kebaowek First Nation. She is a mother, advocate, artist and retired Veteran of the Canadian Forces. Her professional background lies in HR/Finance and recently graduated from Anishininabek Educational Institute in Community Support - Traditional Healing methods. Beyond her professional and educational endeavors, Tori is committed to lighting up the spirits of Indigenous youth and folks, encouraging them to believe in themselves and go further than they ever thought possible, just like our ancestors dreamed of.

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Technical Curriculum Developer and Instructor

Chloe is a Software Engineer who has been teaching coding and STEM to youth for over 7 years. Currently, she is completing her Engineering degree with a focus on Software and Artificial Intelligence in Toronto. With previous roles in Software Engineering and AI Research in Seattle and Toronto, Chloe has developed strong skills in UX and Full-Stack Development.

In addition to her technical background, Chloe is deeply involved in community engagement and education. She regularly participates in panels and workshops aimed at empowering and educating the next generation of innovators. With her technical proficiency and passion for mentorship, Chloe stands to make impactful contributions in both the software engineering industry and academia.

With her background of building and connecting communities in tech, she is excited to contribute to IFA's mission and continue her passion for teaching. Outside of work, she loves to travel, bake desserts, and skateboard.

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Data Analytics & Volunteer Program Coordinator

Joanna is a dynamic professional dedicated to leveraging data analytics and community engagement to drive positive social change. With a background in Engineering and a minor in Philosophy, Joanna brings a unique blend of technical expertise and ethical understanding to her role.

Prior to her position at the IFA, Joanna gained extensive experience in data analytics and process engineering as well as in the management of large scale projects at Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) in Geneva, Switzerland.

With a passion for education and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Joanna also developed skills in tech education as she served as a Data Science Teacher at Le Wagon in Montréal, Québec. She understands the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of today's digital landscape and is dedicated to the IFA’s mission to empower Indigenous youth through tech education.

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Communications Consultant

Charlie Amáyá Scott is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and spends way too much time on social media inspiring joy and justice. She believes that people are innately change-makers and aspires to remind Indigenous Peoples, especially our Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Relatives, of our brilliance, beauty, and strength.

She’s also an educator working on completing her doctoral program in higher education. Her current research interests include (but is not limited due) settler colonialism, decolonization, gender and sexuality, Indigenous feminism, and social media.

You can find her sharing and celebrating Indigenous Queer and Trans joy across social media: @dineaesthetics.

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Community Engagement Manager

Rosie Digout, a Thompson Salish and community member of the Lytton First Nation Band, brings nearly 20 years of experience in leading programs empowering Indigenous communities. Skilled in program development, implementation, and evaluation, she has a proven track record of building partnerships, advocating for resources, and fostering strong working relationships with stakeholders. Additionally, Rosie has a background in strategic development, fundraising, and operations management.

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