Our volunteers
Ripple Foundation runs 100% on the efforts of dedicated volunteers who believe in our mission and are passionate about promoting creative literacy. If you are looking for a way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of children and youth? Get in touch.
Our Board
Founder / Publisher
Ivy Wong
"Using my knowledge to create and give back to a cause I believe in gives me an inner satisfaction that words cannot fully describe."
Director of Partnership
Lily Gutman
"When my son's face lights up as we read a book together, I'm reminded of the joy and excitement a story can bring. I hope to encourage that light in other children with the Ripple Foundation, helping to inspire a love of reading and writing in youth."
Treasurer
Andy Lee
"I'm honoured to be involved in an organization that aligns with my belief – advocating for creativity and education in youth has the potential to shape the leaders of tomorrow."
Chief Editor
Tamara Capar
"Books and reading have always been a huge and important part of my life. As a child, they gave me access to new worlds and taught me about all manner of things. Working with Ripple Foundation allows me to encourage and foster the same love of reading in today’s youth."
Workshop Manager
Zhala Taghizada
"I believe that fostering creativity through reading and writing helps children gain confidence, communicate effectively, be imaginative and "think outside the box". I believe that Ripple Foundation provides a space for children to express their creativity and explore their love of writing."
Human Resources Manager
Tracey Lee
"Using my skills and knowledge as a Human Resources professional, I choose to volunteer at Ripple Foundation because it embraces and encourages writing in children, which equips them with the communication and thinking skills that foster their ability to refine and explain their ideas."
our team
Public Relations Specialists
Shiryn Sayani
"I believe creative communication is key to making an impact and sparking change. I’m excited to help tell the world how Ripple Foundation’s work to foster creative literacy is changing lives across Canada by helping kids to discover new worlds and build their own."
Social Media Lead
Olivia Sonnenberg
"I am happy to be able to use my communications skills for good by spreading the word about Ripple Foundation’s transformational programming and getting more kids and youth involved so that they can develop their own communication and leadership skills."
Social Media Designer
Joanne Li
"I believe that we can make a positive impact in our communities by inspiring the next generation always to be curious and creative. I hope that those who join our programs can develop their unique voice and feel confident to run wild with their imagination."
Email Marketer
Thayanne Porto
"As someone who grew up in an environment that encourages the love of reading and self-expression, I know this type of support is crucial. I’m happy to be part of the Ripple Foundation and help children with the tools for their success."
Wave Blog Managing Editor
Monica Ledo
"As a kid, I would write up some of the wildest, imaginative stories in my journal that I carried with me everywhere. Which is why I volunteer for Ripple Foundation. I want to help create that same enthusiasm for reading and writing that I had, for the next generation of youth. "
Wave Blog Copy Editor
Janene Campbell
"The written word is innately special for the endless ways in which it connects people. I am thrilled to be involved with Ripple Foundation so that I can nurture a love for storytelling in Canada’s youth, and in turn help them hone their craft."
Wave Blog SEO
Trevor Popoff
"I volunteer with Ripple Foundation because I enjoy giving back to younger writers and reading the work of the next wave of great authors!"
Grant Researcher/Writer
Colleen Kenney
"Books introduce readers to new perspectives and experiences. My own passion for literacy began early and convinced me that reading produces creative and critical thinkers. I’m proud to support Ripple Foundation and contribute towards future generations of creative talent."
Youth Team Supervisor
Maddux Ma
"I believe that young people are some of the most creative and capable people. By volunteering with Ripple Foundation, I hope to equip the next generation with the necessary skills to be changemakers, now and in the future as tomorrow’s leaders."
Workshop Co-ordinator
Chloe Szeto
"I know I've done something right when I can help kids like me get creative."
Workshop Co-ordinator
Amira Preston
"I volunteer with Ripple because of my own personal love and passion for reading and writing, and knowing the importance of making reading and writing more widespread and accessible to all throughout all of their initiatives”
Data Analyst
Nimmy Philip Mathew
"My decision to volunteer with Ripple Foundation stems from my passion for reading and writing. I'm excited to contribute my skills to empower youth, fostering creativity, self-expression, and a lifelong love for literature within the community."
Grant Researcher/Writer
Shadi Ahmadian
"Finding the perfect word to fit in a sentence and the perfect sentence to fit in a story feels like finding a missing puzzle piece. It brings me a sense of accomplishment. I volunteer with the Ripple Foundation to help others discover that same joy."
Youth Team Lead (ON)
Christine Meng
"I volunteer because I enjoy what I do. I have lots of fun meeting new people and creating new memories. I’m thankful to be able to give back to my community, and I hope to help out as much as I can."
Youth Team Lead (BC)
Hanna Grover
"I believe youth are the strongest advocates for change. I aim to empower them to turn their words into sparks of transformation, witnessing them shape the world with stories that echo beyond the page, just as I once found my voice through literature."
Wave Blog Copy Editor
Marie MacDonald
"I have always believed in the power of the written word to challenge us, transport us, and to help us understand others. As a writer, I am pleased to volunteer with the Ripple Foundation to advance their important mandate of fostering creative literacy among children and youth."
Wave Blog Copy Editor
Nikki Holmes
"As a writer and former educator, it's a very rewarding feeling being able to enhance a student's writing confidence and help hone their craft. I'm glad I get to continue doing that with the Ripple Foundation."