Meet our team

​Angela Simo Brown

(she/her)

Lead Executive, MyStartr

A highly experienced and accomplished leader, Angela has won wide recognition for her success in executing innovative, multi-sector social impact programs. In senior roles with companies such as LoyaltyOne and Air Miles, she helped drive sustainable and scalable societal benefit while ensuring that all outcomes aligned with strategic business goals. Angela was among the Top 100 Canada’s Most Powerful Women recognized by the Women’s Executive Network in 2014, in the category Trailblazers & Trendsetters

Andre Bravo

(he/him)

Senior Manager, Data Analytics and Insights

Over the last 5 years, Andre has provided data-driven insights and created custom self-serve data tools for internal reporting & analytics capacity for companies like Loblaw, GFL Environmental, and Aurora Cannabis, having also worked as an economist for IHS Markit’s Canadian Economics team and as a Policy Analyst for the Government of Alberta. Andre holds a Master’s degree in Economics from McGill University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Alberta.

Emily Rowland

(she/her)

Director, Marketing, Communications & New Employers

With nearly 20 years' of international experience in marketing and communications, Emily is an effective leader who specializes in brand strategy and full-funnel marketing across a variety of industries. Also a former high school teacher, Emily is passionate about helping young people find a path to success, and making a positive social impact in Canada.

Tristan Morris

(he/him)

Coordinator, Youth Employment

Tristan Morris is a McMaster University graduate, with a Social Psychology degree, and a minor in Health and Aging. He is passionate about using his education to tackle larger scale societal issues, congruently using statistics and the human experience to find solutions to these big questions. Tristan will be working on our MentorU Mentor ME program, and is looking forward to helping young professionals and executive members bridge the social gap within the working environment.

Matthew Augustine

(he/him)

Coordinator, Youth Employment

Matthew Augustine is a Sports Management graduate from the University of Regina. Where he also went on to play USport basketball for four years. Matthew has a strong diverse background in coaching & mentoring. Matthew ran after school basketball programs, basketball clinics, and was an advanced scout for the Hamilton Honey Badgers (CEBL). Throughout his journey in basketball and building relationships with youth in the non-profit sector. He developed a passion and dedication to creating equal opportunities for young people. As a Youth Employment Coordinator, he looks forward to fostering new relationships and helping others throughout their employment journeys.

Hassan Hassan

Coordinator, MyStartr

Hassan is a York University graduate who majored in International Development. He comes from a background in product building and user research in the Web 3.0 space. Hassan is currently supporting in leading the road map of the Early Talent Engine. He is extremely motivated for designing enhanced customer experiences and developing strategies that will help individual reach their goals.

Marjan Beikzadeh

Marjan has extensive experience working with and advocating for multi-barriered individuals such as children, youth in care, immigrants and refugees, and Indigenous communities. She is the Supervisor for the MyStartr team in BC, helping youth in Canada obtain meaningful work by reducing barriers to employment. Marjan is passionate about giving a voice to vulnerable populations and providing them with resources to help strengthen resiliency and increase well-being. Her fascination with mental health drove her to get her BA in Psychology, and her love for empowerment and education led her to obtain her Certified Leadership Coach designation. Marjan takes a comprehensive approach to trauma-informed care when providing support and leads with an intersectional and strengths-based approach to coaching to empower others and build stronger relationships.

Trina Pacey

With a BA in Psychology, a BFA in Theatre (UBC) and a Career Development Practitioner Certificate (SFU), Trina is passionate about studying, creating, and performing stories as well as helping others as they write their own. She authors a blog where she offers performance-inspired practices, empowering others to share their voice and have the confidence to be their authentic selves. As a MyStartr Youth Coach and BC Coordinator, Trina is passionate about helping youth discover their personal brand and build their interview/pitching skills. A resource hoarder, content creator, and writer of fiction and film, Trina is also a nature lover, gym enthusiast, and dedicated mom.

Jahbari Shaw

(he/him)

Associate, Digital Marketing

Jahbari is a Wilfrid Laurier University graduate who studied Business Administration and Marketing. He comes from a startup tech sales and marketing background, always looking at new and innovative industries. Jahbari is passionate about connecting with young people through social media and creating relevant content that resonates with their job-seeking experiences.

Alexander McAvoy

(he/him)

Manager, Marketing

Alexander is a graduate of Carleton University & Algonquin College's degree for Interactive Multimedia & Design, with a focus in marketing, communications, and digital design. With over 7 years experience working within the not-for-profit sector he has raised awareness as well as millions in funding for important causes near and dear to his heart. He is using his experience and expertise to continue making a positive impact and changing lives at MyStartr.

Arnold Chan

Arnold is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University, with a Bachelor's degree in Technology. He has over 6 years of experience in software and web development, specializing in the finance industry. Arnold is currently focused on developing innovative solutions for the MyStartr Portal, with the aim of making a difference in the lives of youth.

Christine Ung

Christine found her start freelancing as a graphic designer in high school eventually finding a specialization in website design. Terrified by headlines of millennials graduating without jobs, this was a means of building a portfolio. She decided to round out those skills studying Marketing and Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. She grew passionate about how dehumanizing job-hunting can be and appreciates that MyStartr begins to address some of the issues.