what would the world be like if we all chose to make our mark?
Would it be a world where we lived out our true calling and passion with absolute freedom? Where we rose above self-doubt and fears in the pursuit of realizing who we are and how we want to show up in the world? Where we chose to unapologetically believe in ourselves and awaken our potential?
The first step towards attaining such a world is to “dare to be YOU.” The Dare to be Youth Charity (DTBY) is a movement dedicated to empowering high school students and young people (14-24) in the Halton/Hamilton region, and beyond. It’s a platform to unlock their potential and empower them to make their mark and achieve the life they genuinely want to live.
Our core shared values are the deeply ingrained principles that guide all of dtby’s actions; they serve as its cultural cornerstones and reflect the spirit of who we are as an organization.
Our Core Values
Caring
Community
Impact
Commitment
Inclusive
Our shared values are the deeply ingrained principles that guide all of dtby’s actions; they serve as its cultural cornerstones and reflect the spirit of who we are as an organization.
Our Vision
To see a world transformed by bold, authentic, young leaders
Our Mission
To inspire 14-24 year olds to make their mark and drive community change.
DTBY is dedicated to supporting young people (14-24)
we inspire
We inspire highschool students and grads to build and grow a healthy foundation of resilience. To navigate through life’s noise and challenges, and create to a community of future leaders who motivate positive change.we mentor
We mentor individuals on how to develop their mental wellness, resilience and confidence through educational programming, peer to peer support and workshops offered throughout the organization.we build
We build community engagement through various volunteer and leadership opportunities. When youth grow and become better, they DO better and then go on to inspire and mentor others to do the same.operations team
Drew Simon
Drew Simon Bio
Drew joined DTBY in 2021 as the Director of Development, with the goal of helping DTBY grow its programs and impact in the community. Drew brings over ten years of leadership experience in the non-profit and higher education sectors. Drew holds a Master of Education Degree from Brock University, and a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University. He has served as a Senior Leader, Director, and Advisor for multiple non-profit and charitable organizations, and has helped charities working all over the world secure millions of dollars in funding to support their charitable efforts.
Anthony Busija
Anthony Busija Bio
Anthony is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), with over 20 years of experience working with various corporations and organizations, both big and small. He started nuAGE cpa, to put a different spin on the world of accounting. Anthony’s Firm is committed to leveraging the latest technology to help organizations simplify their processes so they can truly understand their ‘numbers’. He has also spent the last two decades working alongside other various non-profit and charitable organizations, helping them thrive and surpass their goals. Whether as a member of a Board, or by directly supporting a client, Anthony has a passion for helping organizations understand the needs of the community, and applying his skill set to help support those needs.
When not ushering his threes kids around or beating them in sports and video games, Anthony enjoys travelling, music and a little bit of golf.
Student Interns
Makayla Cherrett
Makayla Cherrett Bio
Hi, my name is Makaylaand I am super excited to be DTBY’s Event Coordinator for the summer.
I’m from Hamilton and currently attending Western University where I am studying Business Management with a major in Consumer Behaviour. After undergrad, I hope to attend law school and one day open my own law practice centered on servicing small businesses. When I am not working or studying I enjoy going to the gym, playing soccer, and hiking.
Megan Zalzal
Megan Zalzal Bio
My name is Megan and I am the Community Liaison at DTBY!
I have just finished my third year studying Life Sciences at Queen’s University and hope to pursue a career in medicine following my undergrad. This past semester I spent at the University of Leeds in England doing a semester abroad which was a life-changing experience for me! I had amazing opportunities to travel throughout Europe and the UK where I met so many amazing people. I am really looking forward to being a part of the DTBY family because it is an opportunity for me to share these experiences and I hope to inspire youth in my community!
Group Youth Mentor
Miranda Ayim
Miranda Ayim Bio
Miranda is a retired three-time Olympian in the sport of basketball and was flagbearer for Team Canada at the Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremonies. She is also a certified performance & wellness coach, motivational speaker and podcaster.
Quotes from Miranda
“DTBY is an organization that just gets it. They go beyond the superficial support we often offer our youth, and instead, seek to empower them with skills and resources that help them grow into their best selves. They provide the platform for lessons and relationships that will last a lifetime and set them up for personal and professional success.”
“One thing that sets DTBY apart is their emphasis on peer mentorship through the CYC. I first saw the council in action during Inspire Day 2021. They were engaged, thoughtful, prepared—even wise! I knew there was something special here. I look forward to supporting the amazing work they’ve done by sharing some of the skills, strategies and mindset shifts I’ve implemented throughout my Olympic career and beyond.”
alone we can do so little; together we can do so much
Thank you to our incredible volunteers. It takes a community to create massive change, and we couldn’t do what we do without you. Mentorship and volunteer initiatives play a vital role in helping young adults develop mental wellness, resiliency and confidence.
board of directors
Brittany Phillips
Brittany Phillips Bio
Brittany Phillips is a passionate marketing and communications professional. She serves as the Marketing and Digital Media Manager at SB Partners, a regional accounting and business advisory firm located in Burlington.
Brittany employs a “human first” approach to her career and is a strong advocate of community because when the community thrives, we all succeed!
Carolyne Rashford
Christian Mukendi
Kyla Devereaux
Kyla Devereaux Bio
Kyla Devereaux has spent her career working in Global Learning and Human Resources developing and implementing programs to support a great employee experience and exceptional service culture in recognizable brands such as Fairmont, Accor Hotels and most currently Scotiabank. Kyla has a passion for learning & leadership, loves to see others grow and develop. Kyla resides in Oakville with her husband and 2 kids.
