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Who
Are
We
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Anchored Minds Foundation (AMF) is a community-based charity that raises money to help fund non-profits, collectives, and initiatives in under-resourced communities. We seek to close the gap between the philanthropic sector and grassroots social enterprises–devoted to serving underserved racialized communities in the GTA.
Our work is to ensure community-centered social enterprises and members from underserved racialized communities are funded properly and sustainably by the philanthropic sector.
OUR PURPOSE
Our charity aims to provide funding to organizations, collectives, and initiatives that are community informed, community driven, and rooted in underserved environments.
what we care about*
our team
Our diverse team blends non-profit and educational backgrounds–connecting and supporting you through shared experiences and expertise. Together, we empower and guide you, creating a supportive community that understands your journey.
Joseph Smith
Chair
Hons BA. B.Ed. M.Ed. PhD
Joseph Smith holds a doctorate in the Humanities–focusing on self-consciousness philosophies in the West and the intellectual background of black consciousness. He is a TDSB Vice Principal and the co-founder of Generation Chosen, a non-profit breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma and poverty.
Joseph founded the Anchored Minds Foundation, supporting emerging B3 mental health non-profits as well as providing scholarships and hardship funding. He also runs Anchoring Minds Inc., a boutique consulting agency, and is a founding member of the Foundation for Black Communities–which adjudicates grants, develops policy, and supports Black-led non-profits and charities.
Dwayne Brown
Vice Chair
Spec. Hons. BA, B.Ed., M.Ed., PhD (c)
Dwayne Brown is a social entrepreneur and educator currently pursuing a PhD at York University. His research focuses on the impact of anti-black racism, mental health, and emotional intelligence on the educational success of BIPOC youth in Toronto, Canada. With qualifications to teach from kindergarten to grade 12, Dwayne is dedicated to empowering students and youth to acquire the confidence necessary to lead change in their community.
He is the co-founder of Generation Chosen, a non-profit organization fostering the development of culturally-relevant emotional intelligence in underserved communities. Dwayne also founded After Sc-Kool (A.S.K.), a S.T.E.A.M. education program guiding BIPOC youth toward science careers. Additionally, he is the co-founder of Anchoring Minds Inc., Anchored Minds Foundation, a board member for Beam Green Retrofits, a consultant/community liaison in Toronto's vibrant Jane-Finch community, and a proud father.
Nadie Dowie
Treasurer
B.Com, OCAD
Nadia leads all financial operations and oversees our fundraising initiatives. Her commitment spans the full spectrum of financial management: from budget planning and financial reporting, to record-keeping and fund management. Nadia's self-driven nature ensures that our financial processes run seamlessly. She is dedicated to community-oriented projects to make a meaningful impact.
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Passionately devoted to community empowerment, personal growth, and financial stewardship, Nadia brings a wealth of experience garnered over a decade in retail and business management. Yet, her true calling lies in mentoring Black youth and young adults in Toronto. Nadia's mission is to empower the next generation by fostering friendships, imparting essential life skills, crafting exceptional resumes, and guiding them through the dynamic world of careers. Nadia's mentorship is characterized by her unique sense of humour, no-nonsense approach, and down-to-earth personality–creating a secure and inclusive space for her mentees to authentically embrace their unapologetic selves.
Kimarie Smith
Secretary
With more than a decade of dedicated experience in youth and community development, Kimarie has acquired a strong foundation in Community Mental Health Promotion. As Secretary, Kimarie is excited to embark on her journey of continued work in enriching spaces–this time at the charity level. She brings with her a robust history of collaboration with renowned charitable organizations. Kimarie is committed to leveraging her skills and expertise to provide invaluable support to community groups–nurturing the leaders of the next generation.
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A natural-born leader, Kimarie embodies a unique blend of creativity, boldness, wit, and meticulous attention to detail. With over 12 years of mentorship under her belt, she is well-equipped to inspire and guide others. As a vital member of the team, Kimarie will actively seek out fresh opportunities and resources, enabling community organizations to not only thrive but also bloom and flourish.
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Where
the
margin
is the
center.
Asterisks* force us to focus on and include something that is important but often overlooked in the main text. They remind us that the margin* contains information that may not be deemed essential but still holds significance.
Unfortunately, we often marginalize racialized communities, rendering their experiences and voices unimportant. By centering what is in the margin, we affirm that what is marginalized deserves consideration and should be valued–just like an asterisk does.