ABOUT US

Foundations First is a results-based organization at the forefront of addressing topics not adequately covered in traditional curriculum.

The one-size-fits-all approach to teaching, and even the content within the curriculum falls short of preparing secondary students for life beyond high school. It is not the fault of teachers or school boards, they are faced with the monumental challenge of providing a foundational education to hundreds of thousands of students annually. However, the prevailing methods used to teach aren’t resonating with all students, especially, those who are most under-supported. In addition, the actual content taught is merely theoretical and does not explain the practical, or in other words, how it can be used in real life and why it matters. This is leaving our most vulnerable youth disengaged from what is supposed to be their most transformative years.

Over the past few decades, mainly as the result of technological advancement, the way humans live their lives, communicate, spend their time and so much more has changed dramatically. Conversely, the curriculum being taught has remained generally static.

Foundations First aims to bridge these gaps by addressing contemporary critical content not being taught or adequately covered, and in a way which ensures everyone leaves with an understanding of these invaluable lessons.

We began our journey with a sharp focus on Financial Literacy. Many leave high school without an understanding of basic financial and economic concepts, practical budgeting skills, knowledge about investments, as well as understanding of relevant credit and tax information. The course Foundations First wrote and continues to present has received remarkable feedback on its ability to relay neglected financial knowledge to students in a way that allows everyone to comprehensively understand in theory as well as in practise.

The journey continues with Foundations First writing and rolling out further programs such as Critical Thinking, a paramount life skill often not taught or exposed to students unless they have the opportunity to attend university. Foundations First has also begun to speak at and host youth networking events to bring together our current and future leaders.

Most recently, as of the start of 2025, inspired by immense reflection, Foundations First has decided to turn all of its separate programming into a comprehensive and wide-ranging Academy. Youth sign up for the next available cohort and are taken through a 10-week transformational camp. Throughout the academy, youth will receive all FF educational programming and career awareness seminars accompanied by diverse professionals of all domains. Youth will also be required to complete a soul-searching project in which they must identify careers of interest, and structure a plan (using a framework we teach!) to enter that field. FF will then fully guide youth through an application process into that field, just prior to their formal Academy Graduation dinner!

Meet the Team

  • Amani Barnes

    CO-FOUNDER

    Amani is a passionate advocate for social change and community empowerment, with a deep commitment to creating opportunity and structure within the community.

    As a Co-Founder of Foundations First, Amani brings a wealth of theoretical and practical experience in community activism and the health sciences. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by an often overlooked, and opportunity deprived community, he was inspired to channel his passion into tangible action.

    “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth” - Muhammad Ali

  • Julian Sterns

    CO-FOUNDER

    Holding multidisciplinary degrees in both the health sciences and business, Julian at heart is a passionate and solution-focused entrepreneur and community activist.

    The belief that education, if accessible, inclusive, and is responsive to the true needs of our communities, has the power to change the trajectory of lives, was the catalyst for him to co-create Foundations First and serves as his primary motivator for the work he continues to do.

    Having seen many not reach their potential due to lack of a strong self and community-based support system also continues to be a key push for him to bring about change in the status quo.

    Through an empowerment-based methodology, one cohort at a time, Julian continues to help level the educational and opportunity playing feild for marginalized youth across the GTA and far beyond.

  • Alyssa Nurse

    BOARD MEMBER

    Alyssa Nurse, a University of Toronto economics and political science graduate, is fervently dedicated to community engagement initiatives and events.

    She brings with her over four years of experience in community event planning and execution with organizations such as the NATO Association of Canada, the University of Toronto’s Caribbean Studies Students’ Union, and Connections: A Group for Black Women. Alyssa, also a published author, has been awarded both provincial and national awards for her extracurricular involvement and contributions to Work-Integrated Learning.

    Beyond her professional endeavors, Alyssa's passion for community work stems from her upbringing in Guyana, where she actively participated in Interact Club, the youth subdivision of Rotary International. These experiences instilled her with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to service. Alyssa believes in the power of community engagement to effect positive change, recognizing its ability to unite diverse and often underrepresented voices while addressing pressing societal issues.

    She channels her passion for community work into every project, striving to create meaningful experiences that foster deep connections and inspire positive change.

  • Morgan Blackett

    BOARD MEMBER

    Morgan Blackett is a dedicated marketing professional driven by his vehement commitment to partnership and relationships.

    His journey into community advocacy ignited during his inaugural year at university in 2018, where his involvement in student groups sparked a deep passion for social engagement. Harnessing his innate talent for writing, Morgan became a vocal advocate for societal change amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, using his voice (and pen) to advocate for change in marginalized communities.

    Elevating his dedication further, during his MBA degree Morgan assumed the role of President at the Black Business Graduate Students Association within the esteemed Ted Rogers School of Management. In this capacity, Morgan orchestrated initiatives aimed at empowering young students and professionals, tirelessly seeking out opportunities to channel resources and foster growth.

    With an unwavering commitment to service, Morgan continues onward, striving to effect positive change and uplift those in need within his community.

  • Elijah Aedo-Castillo

    BOARD MEMBER

    Elijah Aedo-Castillo, was born and raised in Toronto to a Latino and West Indian family in and around the midtown/west end area. As a child he was deeply invested in athletics, acting and expanding his worldview, vocabulary, and imagination through avid reading.

    Currently, he is studying History and Philosophy at McGill University with the intention of pursuing JD and MBA degrees thereafter. At McGill he has served as an executive member of the Black Student Network and as an ambassador for Branches, a Community Outreach Program. In both roles he has worked extensively with youth throughout Quebec, empowering their academic and professional aspirations.

    Elijah is energized by this work because in his words, “informing and encouraging youth with respect to their goals has reverberating positive effects. One youth, with the right tools, environment, and support system has the power to completely change the trajectory of their entire family and community”. Elijah’s hope is that our work provides youth with the requisite information, network, and support to facilitate the courageous pursuit of their grandest goals.

  • Sonny Kim

    FINANCE SPECIALIST

    With a passion to help others, Sonny enjoys executing for and educating clients on diverse trading, investment, and wealth management strategies while dedicating his time at one of the top investment firms in North America.

    Sonny firmly believes in the need to start taking ownership of one’s finances early on, after a decade long experience of solely managing his own wealth at a young age. This is why he has decided to share his time and expertise to improve young people’s financial literacy across the country through Foundations First.

    “Whether we like it or not, we all have to make financial decisions in life. Often people make costly mistakes that set them back from building generational wealth. I do not want others to make the same mistakes as I did, at least.”