Ignite Mentoring Programs

!mpact Boys Mentoring:

!mpact Boys Mentoring Program is a group-based gender specific mentorship program designed to engage boys in grades 6 through 8 in Toronto. The program works to tackle issues such as toxic masculinity, high violence in the city, and positive self identity in young boys. The program runs for roughly 24 sessions throughout the school year where adult Mentors facilitate discussions and activities with the mentees. The !mpact program provides a safer space for participants to build life skills, confidence, resiliency and covers topics such as bullying, gender and masculinity, anti-violence, problem-solving and conflict resolution. The program aligns with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto’s thriving indicators to allow the mentees to feel empowered.

Contact Kayne Rivers, Youth Empowerment Specialist at kayne.rivers@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca to learn more!

! Belong Girls Mentoring

! Belong Girls Mentorship Program is a group-based gender-specific mentorship program designed to engage girls in grades 6 through 8 in Toronto. Through discussions and activities around healthy living, balanced eating and feeling good about themselves, the program works to break down barriers and building positive identity in young girls. The program runs for roughly 24 sessions throughout the school year, where adult Mentors facilitate discussions and activities with the mentees. The ! Belong program provides a safer space for participants to build life skills, confidence and covers topics such as healthy relationships, bullying, social media, and positive self-esteem. The program aligns with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto’s thriving indicators to allow the mentees to feel empowered and build resiliency.

Contact Monique Nanjari, Youth Empowerment Specialist at monique.nanjari@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca to learn more!

! Thrive Black Youth Mentoring Program

The ! Thrive Black Youth Mentoring Program is a culturally specific initiative focused on empowering Black students in grades 6 through 8 in Toronto. Through meaningful mentoring relationships with Black mentors, we address cultural and racial barriers while nurturing self-identity. Our program is grounded in an Anti-Black Racism lens, recognizing the daily impact of racial injustice on Black communities. Inspired by Afrocentric values, we bridge the gap between Eurocentric perspectives and Black mentees. Our curriculum explores culture, heritage, assertiveness, Black mental health, and more, fostering a safe space for shared experiences. We align with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto’s thriving indicators to empower mentees, helping them overcome barriers and build resiliency.

Contact Kayne Rivers, Youth Empowerment Specialist at kayne.rivers@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca to learn more!

!Thrive Indigenous Mentoring Program

The ! Thrive Indigenous Mentoring Program is a group-based non-gendered program designed for students in grades 6 through 8. The program works to engage students in discussions and activities around self-esteem, bullying, positive relationships with oneself and their peers. The program runs for roughly 24 sessions throughout the school year where adult Mentors facilitate discussions and activities with the mentees. The ! Thrive Indigenous Mentoring Program covers topics such as healthy relationships, self-esteem, bullying, resiliency and more. All programs are delivered through an Indigenous-focused lens aiming to support students in understanding and embracing their identity.

Contact Tara Hartley, Manager, Group Programs at tara.hartley@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca to learn more!

!Grow 2SLGBTQIA+ Mentoring

Our ! GROW group-based mentoring program extends our commitment to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+
youth by providing a dedicated space within our !GNITE mentoring framework. The following highlights
some key features of this program:
• Aimed towards students in grades 6-8, this program offers opportunities to explore identities,
develop coping skills, and envision positive futures through mentorship.
• This program is curriculum based and facilitated by trained volunteers from the queer community.
• Partnering with TDSB schools with a high 2SLGBTQIA+ youth population, we empower students to
embrace authenticity and forge meaningful connections within a supportive community.

Siobhan Calderbank's Bio

Siobhan Calderbank is an award-winning keynote speaker, leadership strategist, and Talent & Human Resources Executive with more than 20 years of experience transforming organizations, building inclusive cultures, and developing diverse leadership pipelines. Currently serving as Vice President, Talent & Performance Management at Element Fleet Management, she is recognized for leading large-scale organizational transformation, advancing talent and leadership strategies, and helping organizations build high-performing, future-ready teams.

Recognizing the need for greater access to mentorship and leadership development, Siobhan is dedicated to empowering women and youth, particularly those from underrepresented communities, through coaching, career development, networking, financial aid, and leadership-building opportunities. Her commitment to creating pathways for others to succeed is reflected in her extensive mentorship, community leadership, and advocacy efforts focused on supporting youth, women, newcomers, and emerging leaders.

As a globally recognized speaker, Siobhan has inspired audiences from more than 70 countries through conferences, corporate events, and leadership forums. She is a published author and contributor featured alongside influential thought leaders including Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, John Lewis, and Deepak Chopra. Her thought leadership on leadership, change management, inclusion, and talent development has been featured across numerous publications and media platforms. Her voice has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and CW, and she has appeared on Reuters and Nasdaq billboards in Times Square, as well as Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

Siobhan has held several leadership and advisory roles supporting diversity, inclusion, mentorship, and community development initiatives. Her contributions have been recognized through numerous honours, including being named one of the Top 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, receiving the Women of Inspiration Award for Diversity and Inclusiveness, and being recognized as one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada.

She holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University, a Certificate in Advanced Human Resources from Queen’s University, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Technology Management from Toronto Metropolitan University. Through her professional leadership and community service, Siobhan remains committed to helping individuals realize their potential and creating opportunities that enable future generations to thrive.