2026 RISE UP MENTORS
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Aleena Domingo
Toronto educator and assistant coach for college women's basketball, and a retired professional athlete.
Alittle about me
Toronto educator and assistant coach for college women's basketball, and a retired professional athlete.
Love basketball, fashion, and teaching! I’ve been to Philippines 7 times. I played professionally basketball in France but came home early because of COVID. My team and I are the only team from Ontario to win a Canadian National championship.
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Andrew Perucho
Publishing & Film Media Founder of Layered Butter, a Toronto-based publisher of collectible film books and merchandise for cinephiles.
A little about me
For most of my career, I worked in the corporate world while pursuing creative projects on nights and weekends. During the 2020 lockdown, I founded Layered Butter, an independent publishing company born from a passion for film, storytelling, and design. What started as a side project has grown into a business that connects artists, writers, and film fans around the world. My journey taught me that meaningful success comes from persistence, embracing uncertainty, and learning from setbacks. I'm passionate about helping the next generation of creatives build confidence and create opportunities for themselves.
Fun facts
1. I founded Layered Butter
2. Huge movie enthusiast
3. One of the highlights of my career was seeing a Barbenheimer poster I helped create go viral online. -
Anna Carina
Visual Artist
A little about me
Anna Carina is a Toronto-based visual artist and muralist whose work blends bold colour, pop art influences, and expressive storytelling. A self-taught painter, she found her artistic voice after transitioning from a career in makeup artistry, discovering that painting offered the freedom to tell stories in a way words never could. Through murals, live art, and commissioned works, she creates vibrant pieces that invite curiosity, connection, and emotion. As her artistic practice continues to evolve, she is intentionally exploring her Filipino heritage, using art to celebrate culture, build community, and create spaces where people feel seen.
Fun facts
1. I’m a self-proclaimed mermaid.
2. Cooking has become one of the ways I’ve reconnected with my Filipino culture.
3. Despite co-hosting a podcast and speaking at live events, public speaking still makes me nervous. It’s taught me that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s choosing to show up anyway. -
Ariel Abrazaldo
Food & Hospitality Owner/ Operator of Lakay Kusina Inc.
A little about me
First job was a stock boy, worked my way up to sales then management, and eventually corporate. Just before Covid my company filed for chapter 11 before bankruptcy. Unfortunately I was laid off. I used some of my severance to purchase my godfathers restaurant in hopes that I can set up my parents in business. Fortunately no one was hiring and take out was booming. I decided to commit and from there I poured everything I had to make it work.
Fun facts
I learnt cooking from my grandma (Inang) My resto is inspired by and dedicated to my Inang, having a restaurant wasn't part of the plan
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Brandon Benzon
Financial Advisor/Educator Primerica Financial Services
A little about me
For the last 12+ years Brandon Benzon had dedicated his focus on helping over 103 families making the conversation about money easier to through dedicated 1on1 consultations and doing workshops with various organizations from Job Skills Ontario, For Youth Initiative, TNO (The Neighbourhood Organization) , and FSAY (York University. Partnered with Primerica Financial Services Brandon Benzon provides the best resources and financial planning to ensure that all his clients are in the path to turn their money goals and dreams to a tangible reality
Fun Facts
Competed in a poetry slam in front of 50-100+ people and helped over 103 families make the conversation about money easier
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Czarina Campo
Finance & Community Organizing Kamalyan Konsciousness
A little about me
In my 9-5, I am a Financial Analyst and the lead of Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Primarily, I am an activist and community organizer for the National Democratic movement in the Philippines. I also support as a volunteer for Kamalayan Konsciousness - an organization that aims to uplift and inform young people so that they may move forward responsibly, conscious of their power and their crucial role in creating change. Kamalayan’s regular workshops and events take a critical look at Philippine history, culture, and current events to encourage dialogue, awareness and consciousness as a foundation for youth empowerment.
Fun facts
1. Most of my free time outside of work is being a community organizer with Filipino youth and migrant workers.
2. A unique and life changing experience I had was when I went on an exposure trip in the Philippines to live with Jeepney drivers and the urban poor to learn about the struggles of our kababayan back home.
3.My hobbies include any arts and crafts or playing video games with friends.
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Daniel Cancino
Head Chef and Owner of Mineral Restaurant
A little about me
Daniel Cancino is a Filipino-Canadian chef, restaurateur, and one of the key figures shaping modern Filipino cuisine in Toronto. Born in Hong Kong and raised partly in the Philippines, Cancino moved to Canada as a child—first to British Columbia, then to Ontario. His early exposure to Filipino food culture, combined with his upbringing in Canada, became the foundation of his culinary identity. He trained formally at George Brown College’s culinary program and began his career working in various Toronto kitchens before gaining recognition as head chef of Lamesa Filipino Kitchen, one of the city’s pioneering contemporary Filipino restaurants. Cancino later went on to become the chef-owner of Mineral, a Toronto restaurant known for reimagining Filipino cuisine through a Canadian lens. His cooking emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced ingredients while maintaining the essence of Filipino flavors. His philosophy is often described as a balance between heritage and adaptation—drawing flavor inspiration from the Philippines while applying techniques and ingredients shaped by Canada. Throughout his career, Cancino has contributed to the growing visibility of Filipino cuisine in North America, helping position it within contemporary dining while staying rooted in cultural storytelling.
Fun facts
Cooking, chess, biking, travelling, community work
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Diane Vallesteros
Film & Media Composition
A little about me
Just within a few months of my family moving to Canada from Saudi Arabia at the age of 6, I was placed into piano lessons and immediately grew attached to the instrument. I became classically trained up until my undergrad, then I discovered my passion for storytelling through screen composition. During this time, I was usually part of only a handful of POC- and women-identifying individuals from my composition and production classes. I found it daunting, but weirdly, it became my reason to show up more and continue learning this craft. After earning a graduate certificate in screen composition, my music has since obtained placements within various genres of meaningful projects across film, from documentaries, animation, short and feature-length films.
Fun Facts
1. My hands are more of an actor than me as a whole–being a pianist has its perks of expanding my opportunities to be a hand double for other actors (you can find my hands somewhere on Netflix).
2. Travelled to Italy and had the opportunity to have a string quartet record one of my pieces at an old church built in the 12th century.
3. Outside of creating music, I love to build legos to pass time and turn off my brain (I have a whole collection at this point).
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Denys Gamotin
Holistic Wellness & Traditional Chinese Medicine
A little about me
It took time to get here - shaped by depression, the weight of others' expectations, and the quiet fear of severe imposter syndrome. Making a career pivot in my 30s took courage. Learning to act for myself instead of for approval took even more. In my work, I look for the root cause behind a patient's pain, women's health concerns, and autoimmune conditions. More often than not, what I'm really treating is depression, anxiety, complex PTSD, and suppressed emotion. We share stories and trust in the safety of the treatment room. Prioritizing my own mental health, after a lifetime of masking and people-pleasing, taught me how to truly hold space for people who aren't used to being seen.
Fun facts
1. I believe karaoke is a sacred art — a practice of deep expression and exposed authenticity. For some, it's a night of debauchery. For me, it's church. 2
2. I'm learning to speak Tagalog with Ate B. Long overdue, but an important part of my decolonization work.
3. I love my job with my whole heart. I don't think I've felt that before. It's a beautiful feeling to sit with.
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Eunice Fernandez
Fitness & Boxing
Isa Pa BoxingA little about me
I was such a tomboy and loved playing sports growing up as a little girl. Sometimes you're always the only girl on the team of boys, or you're not girly enough for the girls but that never stopped me from playing the sports I loved and just being myself. In the martial art world, you're always having to prove yourself as a woman and sometimes you're preyed upon men. My parents hated that I was boxing & fighting Muay Thai. My parents would always say it wasn't woman like and to become a trainer there isn't money in that industry. However I knew something was missing in the industry, and that drove me to train so much harder, and eventually create a space where woman and people like me can be themselves. This sport for me was boxing and my partner and I created Isa Pa. Despite all the doubting noise around me, I listened to my gut and followed my instincts. This brought me so much fulfillment in the end.
Fun facts
I love to sing, and I've played the drums since I was 13 years old. Craziest experience I've had was teaching the Toronto Raptors how to box.
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Gelica Tatarenko
Mental Health & Psychotherapy
Growth PsychotherapyA little about me
As a first-generation Filipina-Canadian, I know what it feels like to carry family expectations while trying to discover your own identity and purpose. My journey has taken me from working as a psychiatric emergency nurse to becoming a registered psychotherapist, where I now help others navigate trauma, stress, and personal growth. Along the way, I learned that success is not just about achievement, but it’s also about authenticity, courage, and staying connected to your values. I’m passionate about empowering Filipinx-Canadians to embrace their unique stories and create lives that feel meaningful to them.
FUN FACTS
I love to travel and have travelled to more than 40 countries. I speak Spanish. I am a mom to a 4 year old boy.
info@growthpsychotherapy.ca
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Gian Sebastian Villa
Entertainment & Business Development
YYZ CompanyA little about me
Gian Sebastian Villa is the Founder of YYZ Dance Company and Executive Producer of Prelude Toronto, OUCH Dance Competition, and the Toronto Fall Classic High School Dance Competition—three platforms dedicated to elevating dance culture, youth development, and community engagement across Canada. Professionally, he serves as a Business Development Manager in the automation and robotics industry, helping organizations leverage emerging technologies to drive growth and innovation. Gian is a Provincial Post-Secondary and National Marketing Case Study Champion, an award-winning public speaker, and recipient of the 2022 Julia Ferreira MBA Scholarship to the University of Windsor. Whether in business or the arts, his work is rooted in creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and building spaces where culture and people can thrive.
FUN FACTS
I love reading! Highlights include back to back World of Dance titles and back to back sold out Prelude Toronto events. At my core, I am a true momma’s boy!
instagram: @gsebastianv
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Jada Abrazado
Brand Marketing Manager
Tita Salita PodcasterA little about me
Growing up in Scarborough as a proud Filipino-Canadian, I learned the value of community, resilience, and creating opportunities where they didn’t always exist. My journey has taken me from retail floors to producing community events, storytelling platforms, and leading brand experiences in sport and culture. Along the way, I’ve discovered that success isn’t about having the perfect path—it’s about showing up, staying curious, and lifting others as you grow. I hope my story encourages the next generation to embrace who they are and create space for others to do the same.
Fun facts
I love going on photo walks, I'm an October Libra, and have a lolo baby doggy named Sumo
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Jay Augustin
Founder/ CEO of JUNGLE:TO
A little about me
Growing up in a single-parent household and facing poverty at an early age taught me resilience, patience, and the value of hard work. From living in roach-infested apartments to building my own path, I learned that your circumstances do not define your future. Today, I am the founder of JUNGLE:TO, a wellness facility focused on longevity through mobility, strength, and boxing. I take pride in creating something from nothing while staying grounded in integrity and community. I hope to inspire the next generation to believe in themselves, stay patient, and keep showing up for their goals.
Fun facts
2 kids (boys), Movement Tech for Nike + other brands, launching a book
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Jessica Lagman Karry
Labour & Social Justice Advocacy Tita Salita Podcaster
A little about me
I’m a storyteller, cycle breaker, and advocate passionate about creating space for voices that are often overlooked. I became a young mom and learned early how to build a life on my own terms. From working alongside some of Toronto’s top chefs and running my own catering company, to rediscovering my Filipino roots through food, every chapter shaped who I am today. Now, I work in the labour movement advocating for healthcare workers and co-host Tita Salita, a podcast reimagining what it means to be a modern Filipina Tita while challenging toxic cultural norms.
Fun facts
1. I have a black belt in Taekwondo
2. I had my own catering business
3. I want to publish a book one day.jessicamlagman@gmail.com
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Julia Bulie
Architecture
A little about me
As a Filipino woman, we are extremely under-represented in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. I have known since a young age that I wanted to develop my creativity and also have an impact on my community and the world as a whole. As I work towards my architecture license, I have found my interests in social advocacy, affordable housing and sustainability. My role within architecture allows me to achieve all of these dreams, and I want to provide insight on how younger generations can directly impact the world with their interests through architecture.
Fun facts
I love making and drinking coffee, watching the WNBA (go Tempo!) and of course sustainable architecture!
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Maikaila Grossett
Baking & Media
Tita Salita PodcasterA little about me
Growing up I always prioritized formal education, and I still value it today. But throughout my life I've realized there's so much valuable learning to be had through lived experiences. Travelling. Joining different communities. Starting a business from something your passionate about. And constantly doing things that scare you.
Fun facts
As a Filipina, of course I love singing/Karaoke 😅. I've had some great career achievements in my baking business such as catering for Mondelez (Oreo) and attending several good festivals. And then iny first year of podcasting I interviewed Mayor Olivia Chow.
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Nikki Garcia
Sports Physiotherapy
Toronto RaptorsA little about me
Nikki Garcia is a physiotherapist currently working in the private sector and most recently worked for the Toronto Raptors. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science Kinesiology degree from McMaster University, as well as completing two Master’s programs from Western University in Physical Therapy and Advanced Healthcare Practice. In addition to 3 post-secondary degrees, Nikki completed a Sport Physiotherapy Fellowship where she gained extensive experience in clinical treatment and on-field coverage for high-level athletes. As a Filipino-Canadian, Nikki grew up playing basketball in Filipino leagues in the GTA and appreciates the sport's ability to unite and inspire communities.
Fun facts
I was the first physical therapist for the Raptors 905 (Toronto Raptors G League affiliate), I won a National Canadian championship with Fanshawe College Men's Volleyball, I'm working on attaining my scuba diving license
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Odette Bulaong
Naturopathic Medicine & Women's Health
A little about me
When I was 23 years old I was so stressed out over what I was going to do with my life. I had graduated from U of T and planned to pursue physical therapy, but after shadowing a physical therapist, I knew it wasn’t for me. That same year, I was diagnosed with a genetic condition and was completely dismissed by my specialist. That’s when I realized that conventional medicine didn't have all the answers. I knew I wanted to take a proactive approach to my health, and if I felt this way, so did others. This led me to study naturopathic medicine. As a naturopathic doctor, I now have the privilege of teaching my patients how they can take charge of their health and ensure they feel supported and validated on their health journey.
Fun facts
I love yoga. I'm a die-hard Raptors fan. I'll be celebrating 20 years as a naturopathic doctor next year!
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Patrick Richard Garcia
Hospitality & AI
Learning Disability ChampionA little about me
Patrick Richard Garcia is a Filipino entrepreneur, author, and advocate who transformed the challenges of living with a learning disability into a journey of resilience, growth, and purpose. After years of struggling with self-doubt and feeling misunderstood, he discovered that success is built through persistence, discipline, and believing in one's potential. Today, he is passionate about inspiring the next generation of Filipinos to embrace their unique strengths, overcome adversity, and pursue opportunities that once seemed impossible. His story is a reminder that limitations do not define a person's future—determination does.
Fun facts
Business Development, Public Speaking, & Being a Learning Disability Champion
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Philip Andrada
Data Analytics & Education
Sibol Canadian Pride NetworkA little about me
Philip Gabriel Andrada (he/him) is a data analytics and education professional with over a decade of experience transforming data into strategic business insights while empowering adult learners through language education. He has led enterprise analytics initiatives across industries specializing in business intelligence, KPI development, dashboard design, forecasting, and process automation. Alongside his corporate career, Philip is an Ontario Certified English Language Teacher. He combines strong analytical thinking, leadership, and instructional expertise to communicate complex concepts clearly, support evidence-based decision-making, and foster inclusive, learner-centered environments. Philip is involved with Filipinx identity organizations including Filipino-Canadian Educators Network and Sibol Canadian Pride Network.
Fun facts
I can speak five languages (English, Tagalog, French, Japanese, Korean) and learning Mandarin; I love travelling around the world; Cafes are my go-to relaxation spots in Toronto
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Rigel Jones
Healthcare Governance & Nonprofit Leadership
De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre
A little about me
As a Filipinx-Canadian, I started my career at 22 not knowing what I wanted to do. Fifteen years later, through corporate engineering, chambers of commerce in small-town Nova Scotia, and economic development alongside Mi'kmaq communities, I've found my way into Indigenous-serving healthcare in Ontario, and a BA at Brock I'm finishing as a mature student. What I'd want my younger self to hear: it's okay to not have it figured out. Pivots are valid. Going back to school isn't too late. The work most worth doing often takes the longest to find.
Fun facts
1. I lived in small-town Nova Scotia (Liverpool, on the South Shore) for over four years before moving back to Ontario.
2. I love roller coasters and last person standing in my friend group who will still ride them :)
3. My career has zigzagged across four very different worlds, corporate engineering at SNC-Lavalin, chambers of commerce, regional economic development, and now Indigenous-serving healthcare, and each pivot has been more mission-driven than the last. -
Ruth Susi
Brand Design & Muralism
Rvictoris StudioA little about me
Ruth Victoria Susi is a Filipino-Canadian brand designer, art director, and muralist whose work bridges culture, identity, and community. Born in the Philippines and raised across the Middle East before settling in Toronto, she draws on a deeply global upbringing to shape a creative practice rooted in belonging. Her studio, Rvictorias Studio, has served 50+ clients across brand and mural work internationally. Her sampaguita mural in Etobicoke is a love letter to the Philippines, a reminder that wherever we are, we are always carrying a piece of home with us and that art is one of the most powerful ways to remind us of the thread that connects us to our roots, ourselves, and each other, no matter the distance.
Fun facts
1. I used to run my own bakery called Sweet Palette by Ruth, specializing in French macarons and cupcakes 2. I grew up in the Philippines, Abu Dhabi, and Doha before calling Toronto home, and I spend part of the year in Hawaii whenever the Toronto winters get to be too much. 3. I'm currently learning ceramics and propagating plants in my garden because apparently one creative practice isn't enough!
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Taranee Ponjani
Movement & Wellness Education
A little about me
Growing up as a competitive gymnast, I believed strength meant pushing harder and never giving up. Living with endometriosis has taught me a different kind of strength.. one rooted in resilience, self-compassion, and listening to my body. Today, as a movement educator, entrepreneur, and teacher trainer, I create spaces where people can build confidence, connect with community, and discover joy through movement. I hope to inspire the next generation to know that leadership isn't about being the strongest person in the room. It's about showing up authentically, staying curious, and empowering others to do the same.
Fun facts
1. I am Filipina and Tamil, and I love exploring how different cultures shape the way we gather, move, and celebrate 2. I live with endometriosis, and it's one of the reasons I'm so passionate about helping people find movement practices that support, not punish, their bodies 3. Growing up I was a competitive gymnast and still love learning new movement skills - from aerial silks to hand balancing to boxing and beyond.
IG: @taranee.ponjani
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Vincent De Leon
Digital Marketing & Media
Butter BitesA little about me
I’m a first-generation immigrant who built a career in digital marketing through persistence, continuous learning, and taking chances on new opportunities. Since moving to Canada, I’ve worked both agency-side and in-house, earned two master’s degrees, started a Filipino dessert business, and navigated setbacks including layoffs and career transitions. Those experiences taught me that career paths are rarely linear. I’m passionate about sharing practical advice on breaking into marketing, building confidence, and creating opportunities for yourself even when things don’t go according to plan.
Fun facts
1. I co-founded a Filipino dessert business called ButterBites while working full-time in marketing. 2. I’ve attended concerts and music festivals across North America and always try to plan a trip around live music when I can. 3. I have worked both agency-side and in-house, which means I’ve experienced marketing from almost every angle — from managing media budgets to building a brand from scratch.
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Zarina Mazlan
DJ & Event Curation
INTROSPKTA little about me
Zarina Mazlan (INTROSPKT) is a Toronto-based DJ, creative, and lifelong learner whose journey has been shaped by resilience, reinvention, and a passion for bringing people together. Through music, she creates spaces for connection, joy, and self-expression while drawing inspiration from her lived experiences navigating change and uncertainty. Believing that growth rarely follows a straight path, Zarina hopes to inspire others to pursue their ambitions authentically, embrace new beginnings, and turn challenges into opportunities for creativity, community, and impact.
Fun facts
Fitness especially spin classes (DJing has brought me into the fitness world)