- About Us
When girls know their power, they can live their purpose.
Young women with socioeconomic barriers face a proven disadvantage in their future prosperity. GEM was founded in 2012 from a vision that all young women should have the opportunity to succeed despite where they’ve come from or what barriers they’ve faced. We believe that women mentoring girls is essential in fostering the success of the next generation, and critical to creating gender equity in Canada.
How We Do It
Early intervention
GEM’s programming is unique from other professional mentorship programs as we focus on girls in high school. GEM provides high school girls with mentorship and career guidance before they go to college or university, helping them to be better prepared and understand the career they want to pursue, widening their horizons before and after they graduate.
Research and thought leadership
GEM’s research and advocacy helps to continuously improve its programming in identifying the needs and gaps of the young women we serve and the communities they come from, and in providing resources for others working in this space.
Focus on girls with the greatest need
GEM focuses on outreach with low-income neighbourhoods in Toronto where its support is needed most, while other organizations focus on broader geographic regions and groups.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Rochelle De Goias-Jackman
Founder & Board Chair
Joanna Agnello
Treasurer
Christine Andrew
Mentee Chair
Cameron Bossert
Engagement Chair
Peggy Doe
Mentor Chair
Melissa Krishna
Governance Co-Chair
Mary Lee
Strategy Chair
Jennifer Lockwood
Communications Chair
Ashley Payette
Secretary
Ayesha Singh
HR Chair