our team
Meet the team behind the redseven charitable foundation. We work hard and we play hard. Scroll over our pictures to see us at play!
Interested in joining us? We’d love to have you! Check out our opportunities here.
jay hamilton – founder & executive director
sabrina sdao – founder & director, engagement
sarah tilly – founder & director, operations
lisa kendrick – web mistress
foujan ziadlou - digital media guru
stan rodos – sponsorship
mallory craigmile – eventista
stuart watts – eventist
taryn lipschitz – eventista
peter hayward – eventist
chris reynolds – founder & external advisor
dave nugent – founder & charity liaison
eric tribe – business strategy
leanne bowden -operations pilot
amber matthews – fundraising coordinator
jay hamilton founder & executive director
jay@redseven.ca
Why did you start redseven?
We started redseven because we wanted to empower young adults to change the world. We found there was a missing link between young adults desire to give and the opportunity to do so. redseven was created to bridge this gap by providing an opportunity for youth to affect measurable change regardless of the size of their contribution. We believe you don’t need to have a lot of time or money to change the world and we take personal responsibility for helping solve our world’s greatest challenges. We believe that education is the catalyst to solving these challenges. We will not rest until every child has access to an education giving them the opportunity to live their dreams. We’ve got a lifetime to do this. I hope you will join us.
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
I’ve been fortunate to have many exceptional teachers, coaches and mentors in my life. A couple that really set the foundation for my life are Brian Lee, Carol Pollock, Mary Heisz and Denis Shackel. All went beyond the classroom or the court to teach me countless life lessons. The three most important values they all instilled in me are respect, discipline and hard work. I learned that with discipline and hard work there is nothing in life you can’t achieve.
Favourite YouTube video?
Don’t Worry | Playing for Change | Song Around the World
sabrina sdao founder & director, engagement
sabrina@redseven.ca
Why did you join redseven?
After working for a non-profit student government, I wanted to continue to contribute to a community that fosters educational experiences for youth. I know that everything I have learned through formal education, music, teamwork and athletics has enriched my life. And so, I believe change is required so that all children globally can have access to education so their lives can too, be enriched through learning. Forming the redseven charitable foundation, comprised of a dynamic team driven to advocate for youth education globally, is a powerful way to try to bring about this change.
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
The best teacher I have ever had is my mom. She always emphasized the importance of treating people with kindness and respect and I think that is the most important piece of learning I have had to date.
Favourite YouTube video?
President Obama’s National Address to Students
sarah tilly founder & director, operations
sarah@redseven.ca
Why did you join redseven?
Nelson Mandela once remarked that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. As a Canadian citizen I have been fortunate enough to experience this truism first hand. Regardless of the form it comes in, education gives a person the agency to shape their life’s trajectory irrespective of the circumstances they were born in to. To be able to help youth gain the education they need to improve their lives is incredibly empowering. What’s more, the opportunity to use this tool to create a more equitable and peaceful world is the very reason I am involved with the redseven foundation.
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
While studying at McGill University I was fortunate enough to be taught by Professor Rex Brynan. Professor Brynan inspired me to begin a career in Political Science and International Development.
Favourite YouTube video?
Google’s ‘Paris Love’ Advertisement
lisa kendrick web mistress
lisa@redseven.ca
Why did you join redseven?
I am who I am, where I am and what I am today because of my education, both inside and outside of the classroom. I joined redseven because I realized that not everyone in the world has access to solid educational opportunities and I want to help change this. It also helps that the team I’m working with is extremely inspiring, driven and fun!
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
My favourite teacher of all time has to be Mrs. Facecchia, a remarkable woman I had the pleasure of being taught by for grades 2 and 3. Mrs. Facecchia showed me that creativity should never be underestimated: a lesson I’ve always kept near and dear to my heart.
Favourite YouTube video?
foujan ziadlou digital media guru
foujan@redseven.ca
Why did you join redseven?
I joined redseven because the global education cause is very close to my heart. Having immigrated to Canada as a child, I am very aware of how fortunate we are as Canadians – and it saddens me that the world’s youth don’t have the same rights to primary education that we, as Canadians, do. This cause is extremely relevant, appropriate and vital to our generation. How can the global youth live to their potential tomorrow if no one takes a stand for their greatness today?
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
I’ve been fortunate to have quite a few memorable and influential teachers in my life, but Mrs. Daly started it all – she was my first grade teacher but has stayed in my heart ever since. She taught me the importance of asking questions, that it was okay to be different as long as you were being true to yourself, and she helped me find my love for reading at a very early age.
Favourite YouTube video?
The New Dork – Entrepreneur State of Mind
stan rodos sponsorship
stan@redseven.ca
Why did you join redseven?
I joined redseven with the desire to make a positive impact on the world around me and the belief that effective early education is a fundamental building block of any successful society. After joining, this belief resonated loud and clear when I volunteered abroad for an NGO focused on youth education in South America. This experience combined with the opportunity to work with exceptionally talented and passionate people made redseven an obvious choice.
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
My high school rugby coach. Education is about more than just numbers, dates and punctuation. My coach taught me the value of hard work, integrity and accountability and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without these.
Favourite YouTube video?
mallory craigmile eventista
mallory@redseven.ca
Why did you join redseven?
Being an active member of the community is a vital part of my life and provides me with an outlet to share my passion with others. I joined the redseven charitable foundation to work with an energetic team who has come together to engage youth and support charitable organizations focused on youth education. Growing up I reaped the benefits of numerous youth programs that had a profound impact on my life. I believe that all children should have access to education and extra-curricular activities that will help expand their mind and build our future leaders.
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
I’ve had a lot of really great teachers, but the one who stands out as the most influential in my life was my Grade 7 and 8 teacher, Mr. Mack. He challenged me in and out of the classroom, taking me beyond my comfort zone and helping me find my voice. From impromptu stories of his past business ventures and his life growing up in Australia, to an English syllabus that rivalled Grade 12 curriculum, I credit Mr. Mack with helping develop my love of learning and expanding my horizons.
Favourite YouTube video?
Young artists for Haiti – Wavin’ Flag
stuart watts eventist
stuart@redseven.ca
Why did you join redseven?
Youth education is something that has been very close to me for several years. As a teenager I was exposed to the unbelievable poverty in south-east Asia and was really taken back by the appalling conditions at local schools. I immediately developed a desire to help the youth of the developing world and have been a strong advocate of education. I wanted to join redseven so I could work along side some amazing and inspirational young professionals to help make a difference in the lives of children around the world.
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
Although she wasn’t my teacher, I would have to say my favourite “school-person” was a (again, not my) high school guidance counsellor, Mrs. Quennell. “Quenny” as she was known to the students always found a way to encourage and motivate her students, and always found a way to help students reach their potential.
Favourite YouTubevideo?
taryn lipschitz eventista
taryn@redseven.ca
Why did you join redseven?
I joined redseven because we’re reaching out to those who care about others just as much as we do. After traveling in South Africa and Southeast Asia, I really understand the need for education and I think it’s important to stop taking it for granted. Let’s share the knowledge, both figuratively and literally.
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
A professor I had while on exchange in Hong Kong, Professor Ali, was my favourite teacher. I took two of his classes and both were comprised of students from all over the world. The greatest thing he taught us was to learn about how different we all were beyond the citizenship on our passport. He encouraged us to learn as much about other cultures beyond how they would influence business decisions. His passion for learning, exploring, and wearing slippers to class will forever remind me to see the world from someone else’s point of view.
Favourite YouTube video?
Tropicana Commercial – Arctic Sun: Brighter Mornings for Brighter Days
peter hayward eventist
peter@redseven.ca
Why did you join redseven?
I first became involved with redseven solely to help organize an event. It was not until after meeting many of the redseven directors that I saw how passionate they were about youth education that I, too, began to feel compelled by the cause. After seeing the statistics in developing countries’ education levels, I realized how serious the problem was. It was the global concern of youth education and my fellow redseven colleagues’ commitment and values that made me want to take part in this charitable foundation.
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
Without a doubt my favourite teacher was Mr. Berringer – Grade 13 Physics. He made the class so interesting and entertaining through various demonstrations rather than just straight from the textbook lecturing – which many of my teachers had fallen prey to. It was his passion towards teaching that made me decide to major in engineering at university.
Favourite YouTube video?
chris reynolds founder & external advisor
chris@redseven.ca
Why did you start redseven?
When I was growing up my Mom would always stress to me the importance of education. She’d routinely say “Nothing is more important than your education.” Looking back now, she couldn’t have been more right. Everyone involved in this foundation has benefitted from the gift of an excellent education and would not be achieving the success they are today without it. All of us hope that we can help children around the world improve their lives and the lives of their families by receiving the education they deserve.
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
I’ve had so many great lecturers I can’t just pick one. Dr. Neil Bradford (UWO), Dr. Alfred Chan (UWO), and Bud Patel (SGS High School) are just a few individuals who have had a profound impact on my life. The knowledge, passion, and dedication each of them, and many others, have for education is a reason why I feel like one of the most privileged people on the planet. Everyone, regardless of social circumstance, should be able to experience the feeling of being in a classroom with a Neil, Alfred, or Bud.
Favourite YouTube video?
Maybe – New Michael Jordan Commercial
dave nugent founder & charity liaison
dave@redseven.ca
Why did you start redseven?
I started redseven because education has played a monumental role in my life, giving me opportunities to succeed I never thought possible both through formal education and athletics primarily. I want to afford young children globally the ability to experience success the same way I’ve been able to both in the classroom and out. I want to help foster the necessary skills for tomorrow’s leaders today.
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
I had some great teachers through primary and secondary school. However, nothing compares to the experience I had with Colleen Sharen, a business professor at the University of Western Ontario. She was the first person who truly challenged me both in and out of the classroom, allowing me to grow as a person. Her leadership has taught me some important lessons that I’ve been able to take into my career and would like nothing more then to pass on her words of wisdom to other young aspiring entrepreneurs (children).
Favourite YouTube video?
Aries Spears Imitates DMX, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J & Jay Z
eric tribe business strategy
eric@redseven.ca
Why did you join redseven?
Having recently joined the working world, I was actively seeking creative opportunities outside of the office to pursue additional interests. I jumped at the opportunity to come together with friends and take on such a huge challenge. Asking “How can we change the world?” excites me. We hope to truly improve youth education globally.
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
I’ve had so many great teachers in my life, all contributing valuable different lessons to help shape who I am today, it’s impossible to pick just one. I’m so grateful to them because I can constantly find examples of how they’ve shaped who I am years after impacting my life, taking the lessons they taught as a part of who I am.
Favourite YouTube video?
Steve Nash’s Vitamin Water Infomercial
leanne bowden operations pilot
leanne@redseven.ca
Why did you join redseven?
The transition from full time student to full time employee left much to be desired. It’s a tough change from being a care free student with life ahead of you to being a responsible adult with life decisions to be made. The opportunity to join redseven came along and it was the cliché “perfect fit”. It allowed me to continue fulfilling my philanthropic interests while providing a goal to strive towards and spice up daily work life. The redseven vision and mission statement aligned with my interests. I am forever grateful for the development opportunities and life experiences I have been privileged enough to encounter . I am thrilled to be part of an organization that helps other young and determined individuals pursue similar opportunities!
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
My favourite teacher would have to be my grade 7 teacher, Mrs. Wilke. Mrs. Wilke encouraged students to step outside of their comfort zones. As a current CA candidate, needless to say, I wouldn’t exactly be categorized as a ‘creative’ or ‘artsy’ individual. In grade 7 I was challenged to venture outside of my comfort zone and give the right side of my brain some exercise. Through creative writing, poetry and speech contests, I developed skills and talents that I hadn’t yet tapped into. The self confidence gained through public speaking has proven to be an amazing asset. I have my grade 7 teacher to thank for helping me develop the confidence I have today.
Favourite youtube video?
amber matthews fundraising coordinator
amber@redseven.ca
Why did you join redseven?
I joined redseven because education has given me the tools to live my dream and make a difference in the world. I wanted to give this to others and redseven is the perfect avenue to do so. Its commitment to universal education is inspiring and I’m proud to be a part of a movement dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to an education and a means to a better life.
Who is your favourite teacher? Why?
My favourite teacher would have to be my first year university global studies professor. Not having been familiar with the subject before then, she literally opened up a whole new world to me and inspired me to take a more active role addressing problems in the world. From that moment forward, I have been compelled to leave a smaller environmental footprint and do what I can every day to make the world a better place.
Favourite YouTube video?