STEM Catalyst: Expanding Reach & Access

Zarah is an educator with a decade of experience in a variety of youth-centred settings. She joined Visions after being inspired by the organization’s mission at a conference in 2021. Starting as a Program Manager, she has grown into her current role, focusing on program strategy and expanding equitable access through new and existing partnerships. Zarah is moved by nurturing collaborations that amplify community impact and deepen experiences for the youth. She loves working at Visions because she is surrounded by talented, passionate individuals who consistently “show up and show out” for the communities we serve.

Isahaq is a community-first leader with 7 years of experience supporting the growth and mentorship of Black and racialized youth in the city of Toronto. Drawing on his experience of STEM education and community engagement, he creates spaces where youth feel supported, confident, and curious in STEM. His journey is rooted in his own experience navigating STEM with limited access to opportunities, which drives his commitment to creating pathways he once had to find on his own. Isahaq is most moved by seeing youth grow in confidence and recognize their potential. He loves working at Visions because of the team’s shared dedication to equity and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation.

Tres-Von brings three years of professional community engagement experience and deep lived experience to his role. Having grown up in the communities Visions serves, he connects authentically with youth and parents alike, drawing on his perspective as a professional and a parent. His journey began as an Elevate STEM Camps Coordinator in 2022 before moving into Community Engagement and STEM Sparks, where he quickly became a trusted face in the community. Tres-Von is most moved by helping parents find resources to support their children’s academic and leadership journeys. He loves working at Visions because the team feels like a family working toward a mission he truly believes in.

Tatyana’s journey with Visions began as a high school volunteer with a passion for youth advocacy. She grew into a facilitator role, leading programs, and is now a Coordinator overseeing program delivery and community connections. With formal training as a community worker, she creates engaging and inclusive programs that empower the youth she serves. Tatyana is most motivated by seeing youth grow in curiosity and confidence as they discover their potential. She loves working at Visions because it allows her to combine her passion for youth development with meaningful, community-focused work alongside a committed team.

Alejandro brings a deep passion for education and community development to his role, holding degrees in Sociology and Education. He is dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to build confidence and a sense of belonging through STEM. His work focuses on providing youth with the tools they need to thrive in a changing society and contribute positively to their communities. Alejandro’s favourite part of his role is connecting youth to educational experiences they might not otherwise access. He loves working at Visions because the organization’s core values align perfectly with his own.

Nzinga brings over fifteen years of experience in community leadership and youth engagement, with a focus on designing programs that centre equity, belonging, and opportunity. She specializes in building inclusive learning ecosystems and developing culturally responsive curricula that empower young people to thrive academically, culturally, and personally. Her work is grounded in the belief that education should be accessible, affirming, and rooted in possibility. Nzinga is inspired by the moment a young person recognizes their potential. She loves working at Visions because the organization plants “seeds of possibility,” helping youth realize their futures can be bigger and brighter.

Sandroll has been a pillar of the Visions community for a decade, starting as a high school volunteer. Over the years, he has held numerous roles, including facilitator, site lead, and senior manager, contributing to curriculum development and programmatic implementation. He is moved by watching the real-time progression of the youth and seeing how the organization’s work has evolved to create a deeper community impact. Sandroll loves working at Visions because it allows him to collaborate with people who share his vision of a more diverse and inclusive future for STEM.