About Us

MANDATE

The purpose of the charity is to empower and heal underprivileged youth to overcome racialized and impoverished situations through educational programs/initiatives, mentorship, and community engagement and interaction.

Objectives

To increase the success levels in the underprivileged communities and bring resources within reach of those who have no or limited resources

To seek and develop opportunities and routes for those in need throughout the GTA and surrounding areas

To create and promote connections between Shining Lighte Youth Charity and the education system, justice system and social system and other youth empowerment groups

Meet Our Team

KANDICE HENRY

Founder

Kandice Henry is a dedicated leader and entrepreneur who has founded and owned several businesses
in the last 15 years. She has also developed critical knowledge and discernment through education.

Born and raised in Brampton, Kandice earned a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from York University, followed by the completion of the Legal Assistant course at Centennial College. She later went on to
complete the Real Estate Professional Sales and Broker courses. She has also completed the Business Certificate Program at Schulichs School of Business, is Certified in Aboriginal Coaching Methods and has completed the NFP Board Governance Virtual Training.

Kandice has over 5 years of volunteer experience including working with high school students through Big Sisters Toronto, supporting youth within the juvenile criminal system and being involved and active with the Associated Youth Services of Peel (AYSP).

Working and volunteering in many different capacities has given Kandice the unique ability to bridge her professional endeavours with her passion for helping others. Kandice is deeply committed to social
impact work, with a focus on empowering and healing underprivileged youth and communities. Kandice has over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, having co-owned and served as Vice President of the LIFE Foundation up until 2023, where her leadership enabled her to help the organization make significant strides in improving the lives of marginalized communities.

In 2023, Kandice founded the Shining Lighte (Leaders in Generational Healing Through Empowerment and Education) Youth Charity, which seeks to empower and heal underprivileged youth who
face racialized and impoverished circumstances. Through educational programs and initiatives, mentorship, and community engagement and interaction, Kandice and her team are making a real difference in the lives of young people who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities. They aim to promote, and advocate for, the betterment of these youth challenged by systemic oppression to reduce barriers and increase exposure to beneficial and positive situations.

Michael Fenton was born in Scarborough Ontario, but spent most of his life in the region of Durham to a family of Jamaican decent.

Michael was brought into the world of non for profits by his mother. Ever since he was a little boy his mother has been involved in working with the community. With over 20 years of experience working with and building up the community Michael has grown up understanding what the community needs to better themselves and how do execute that.

In addition to his desire of being a part of the betterment of his community, Michael has been a Red Sea Carpenter for over 15 years and has 20 years of experience in event coordination with events such as parties, fundraisers, programming and stage shows.

Michael is a man with a true passion for helping others and making a difference.

MICHAEL FENTON

Vice President

KISHA ELLISTON- MULLEN

Secretary

Ms. Elliston’s passion is to help those in need and to assist in any way she can. This shows in her efforts where her clients feel the support and empathy that they deserve and need to reach their higher successful self and their goals.

Recognizing the necessity in education, Kisha has fulfilled a Masters in Social Work (MSW), alongside has an Undergraduate Degree in Honours Sociology, and a Diploma in Legal Administration.

Kisha Elliston, MSW has over 12 years of counselling experience including strong knowledge in working with youth, individuals, couples, families, and in a group setting. To name a few, not only has she worked with the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR) helping women find their grounding again, and regain their confidence and strength; she has also worked at CAMH with the Youth Urgent Care Clinic (YUCC), and Substance Abuse Program for African-Canadians and Caribbean Youth (SAPACCY). She has excellent knowledge of the Anti-Oppression approaches, and Anti-Black approaches. She is experienced and sensitive in dealing with members of different cultural and racial backgrounds, including visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity.

Kisha Elliston also is a strong voice within the community and all over the Greater Toronto Area being asked to participate as a panellist, and asked to be a speaker and share her knowledge at many mental health and wellness engagements.

She is a phenomenal speaker, panelist and workshop facilitator who is able to cover topics such as: Anti-Black Racism, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Youth Engagement, Mental Wellness and more.

Those who have been fortunate enough to meet Kisha Elliston can attest to being immediately captivated by her extraordinary interpersonal skills. She is pleasant, cheerful, amicable and unforgettable. Quite easily, Kisha Elliston has found her way into the hearts of those that love her.

In addition to all of this she is also the founder of the ACTS OF KISHA (AoK) Foundation which gives to those in the community who are in need through random “acts of kindness.” She is a presence that uplifts and inspires.