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."
Director of Human Resources
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."
Director of Youth Events
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."
our team
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."
Workshop Manager
Sasha Smith
"I am passionate about education and empowering young minds through creativity and literacy. Inspired by Ripple Foundation's mission, I’m eager to contribute meaningfully and support its initiatives, hoping to make a lasting impact on youth and foster growth and innovation in their learning journeys."
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. "
Email Marketer
Rachel Nguyen
"I volunteer with Ripple Foundation because I care deeply about helping young people find confidence in their words and believe every voice deserves space. Through email communications, I amplify programs that encourage creative expression and inspire young writers."
Public Relations Specialist
Victoria Ott
"Reading and writing are central to my own story - personally and professionally. Storytelling builds confidence, empathy, and possibility, and by volunteering with the Ripple Foundation allows me to help others explore their voices, strengthen their creativity, and experience the transformative power of the arts."
SEO Specialist
Rosemarie Sugatan
"I advocate for my own children in every way, and I see volunteering with Ripple as an extension of my life’s work—supporting a mission for young voices to be heard, empowered, and celebrated through creativity and the kind of encouragement that lasts a lifetime."
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”
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."
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."
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."
Outreach & Editorial Assistance
Andrew Bald
"I’ve loved a story and diving into worlds of writing. Working with Ripple Foundation has been amazing, giving me the experiences I needed—and more I didn’t even know I needed. You never stop learning—and neither will I."
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 Copy Editor
Gale Wang
"In this modern age of technology, it's increasingly important for youth to develop robust critical reading and writing skills. I'm honoured to give back to the community by helping Ripple empower youth."
Wave Blog Copy Editor
Carla Myers
"I believe we all have stories to tell and wisdom to share, and my goal as an editor is to help writers get their message across as clearly as possible. I look forward to helping young writers grow in their craft."
Wave Blog Copy Editor
Nadia Ivanova
"In the world of accelerating progress, my passion lies in encouraging young people to think and write their hearts out. Ripple Foundation is a perfect place to channel my love for writing, educating, and encouraging."
Wave Blog Illustrator
Hope Cerbo
"Volunteering with Ripple Foundation fills my heart with purpose. Through creativity and literacy, we can create ripples of change that will echo through generations."
Wave Blog Illustrator
Rachel Lee
"Illustration has always been one of the best ways to connect with children, revealing their creativity and unique perspectives. Through my work, I strive to explore and express their imagination in a way that speaks directly to their hearts and minds."
Wave Blog Illustrator
Dhwani Gosalia
"As an illustrator, it is exciting to be a source of encouragement to the youth. I collaborate with Ripple Foundation and contribute to storytelling through attractive visuals. I believe today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, and nurturing their curiosity is key."
Wave Blog Illustrator
Iryna Lytovka
"I’m Ukrainian and believe we each have the power to change the world. Volunteering as an illustrator lets me bring hope and warmth through art, even in the darkest times."