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High5 Foundation (H5F) is a designated 4B (Black-founded, Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving) registered charity in Canada. H5F was founded in honour of Ephraim Brown -the late brother of our Co-Founder/Executive Director who tragically lost his life to a stray bullet at only 11 years-old. Through our curriculum-based programming we offer innovative community arts, sport development, recreation and education programming to children, youth and women in Ephraim’s memory.
Our year-round programming are aimed mainly to residents of the Black Creek, Glenfield-Jane Heights, Humbermede, Oakdale-Beverley Heights, Rustic, South Parkdale, and Regent Park Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIA’s), as well as, the City of Vaughan and the Fort-York/Spadina, Harbourfront communities.
Our programming is evidence-based and intentionally designed for our program participants. It focuses on removing barriers to access and participation by providing quality programming experiences in structured, developmentally-appropriate, and culturally inclusive programming environments.
Our programming is led by experienced staff and volunteers committed to and passionate about helping children, youth and women hone their social skills, build relationships with their peers and develop life-skills that positively impact the overall lives.
To develop and facilitate innovative, inclusive, quality sport and educational experiences for under-served and under-represented children, youth and women.
Jeremiah has been working in the charitable sector for 10 years working specifically with 6 to 24 year old under-served and under-represented children, youth and adults. Beginning in the Jane and Finch area Jeremiah has developed and facilitated countless sport development and art programming in each of the Neighbourhood Improvement Areas across the GTA.
Jeremiah graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and endeavours to encourage Canadians to respect the diversity of Canada’s multi-racial and multicultural society. He often works as a basketball consultant for motion picture film and is the Co-Founder and Convenor of the “Phoenix Basketball” brand – one of Ontario’s largest basketball event-planning organizations in Ontario. His success is built on his ability to develop highly collaborative relationships at all levels as well as providing effective support systems and basketball mentorship and development opportunities for BIPOC children and youth province-wide.
As a Jane and Finch area native, Jeremiah is intimately aware of the ongoing challenges of the under-served and under-represented BIPOC community and is committed to providing experiences, activities and learning opportunities for children and youth. As the Co-Founding Executive Director of H5F, he looks forward to using his experience as a former semi-pro athlete, community arts program facilitator, basketball coach and trainer to be a positive role model in the lives of the youth he serves.
Amiga Wheatle is a highly accomplished and result-oriented professional with extensive management and coordination experience in the charitable, arts & culture and sports & recreation sectors. As a Co-Founder and current Co-Executive Director of the High5 Foundation, she provides year-round specialty arts, sport development, physical fitness and education programming to underserved and under-represented groups residing in under-served and under-represented BIPOC children, youth and women. She is engaged in both individual and community level practices through mental health first aid, HR consulting, program and content development, facilitation and development initiatives and research.
Amiga received her Bachelor degree in Radio and Television Arts, and her Masters degree in Media Production from Ryerson University. With over 15 years of professional practice, Amiga has developed and led the execution of countless social justice initiatives and projects that have landed her features on MTV Canada and ‘CBC News’ as an aspiring Black Canadian entrepreneur. She is the 2019 recipient of the Violet King Henry Award for being an active leader in the Black community and is the recipient of the former Governor General’s TD Michaëlle Jean award for excellence in using the arts to address issues that concern disadvantaged communities in Canada.
Amiga’s leadership and commitment to encouraging Canadians to live, work and learn together in a spirit of fellowship and mutual support is repeatedly proven. She looks forward to continuing her positive contributions to the lives of members of the BIPOC community for years to come
Andre Dwyer works in the field of Transportation at the Toronto Public Service. With the help and guidance of the other members of the Board, he is excited to lead this organization to heights far beyond their wildest imaginations. Andre has always been considered a leader amongst his peers. His attention to detail matched with his ability to self-manage and work with a team are just a few of the many skills he has acquired while working for some of the most reputable businesses in Canada. Most importantly, Andre hopes his time with H5F will help change the narrative for the people in the BIPOC community while being the example that so many of them need to believe that they too can not only earn but also thrive in high ranking business positions.
Shakima Phillips is also a Mortgage Agent, with over 15 years of experience in the Real Estate Industry. Shakima is an advocate for communities with disadvantages. She educates her clients on how to earn wealth through Real Estate, how to enter the market and how to access equity. Shakima’s strong organization and administrative skills have allowed her to maintain records and file important documents effectively. As a team player Shakima has an eye for detail, financial control and budgeting. As Secretary and Treasurer of the High5 Foundation she is thrilled to be one of the members of the board, as our visions and goals are aligned. Shakima is committed to supporting the High5 Foundation to provide communities with services that promote healthy lifestyles through physical activities at an affordable cost.
Yomi Adegboruwa is a husband, father, and entrepreneur. The Toronto native is the founder of Certified Iconic, a multifaceted enterprise established to bring change and transformation through various means such as music, media, design, and athletics. Led by his strong Godly convictions, Yomi directs majority of resources and efforts to marginalized, underserved, and underprivileged communities and people groups. Having narrowly escaped the harrowing grip of streetlife and it’s allure, which consumed so many of his peers, Yomi understands the essentiality and value of organizations such as H5F and the need for unhinged support that will unquestionably berth unequivocal and lasting impact and support for those who need it most.
