Sumera Garcia-Quadri

The creation of empowering opportunities for disadvantaged individuals is perhaps the sole reason why I find charity work inspirational. My first philanthropic experience was at the age of 16 years-old when I volunteered at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to meet my high school’s graduation requirements. Since then, I have never thought twice about lending a hand for a good cause and I believe much of this has to do with being raised by a grandmother who worked tirelessly in a homeless men’s shelter. Qualifications include: a B.A. Honours Degree from YorkU and Fundraising Certificate from George Brown College (in progress). 3,200 volunteer hours and 3 years of work experience in development-focused positions in the nonprofit sector, from humble beginnings at Movember Canada, to interning under the Champions Giving Program at Right To Play, to my latest position as the Interim, Philanthropy Officer at the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. As part of the steering committee of the, Get Moving First Program, at the Afghan Women’s Organization, I have taken the initiative to launch summer fitness programs for newcomer women and girls living in the Jane/Finch and Flemingdon Park neighbourhoods. At this time, I work in higher education while simultaneously growing my fitness business and its philanthropic initiatives. To chat/connect, please add me on Linkedin.