YOUR JOURNEY | OUR STRENGTH
Strength In Me is a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community empowerment and inclusivity through diverse representation and collaborative initiatives. Our leadership team is a rich tapestry of backgrounds, comprising individuals from various ethnicities, including Black, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Italian, and Bangladeshi heritage. This diversity is not only reflected in our senior leadership but also in our Board of Directors, which includes members who reside in the Don Mills community.
With a unique age spread of 25 years among our leaders, we bring together a wealth of perspectives and experiences that enhance our ability to address the needs of our community effectively. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals from all walks of life can thrive, access resources, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to uplift voices, promote understanding, and build a stronger, more connected community for everyone.
Kevin Velinor
President & Managing Director
Kevin Velinor, serving as the President of the Board of Directors and Managing Director of Operations at Strength in Me, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to youth development and community engagement.
With a Bachelor of Commerce in Management and Enterprise and 18 years of teaching experience, Kevin currently holds the position of Head of the Business department at Bill Crothers Secondary School in the York Region District School Board.
Kevin's commitment to teaching extends to coaching, with a passion for sports that has led him to a 22-year background in football. He coaches for the Scarborough Thunder, specializing in Defensive Line, and is an active member of the PSO Football Ontario. He serves as the District Football Coordinator for the area of GTA East and on the coaching staff for the U16 Football Ontario Team.
Kevin is a certified NCCP Level 1 Boxing Coach accredited by Boxing Ontario. He looks forward to bringing his expertise and commitment to coaching to Strength in Me's community.
Serving as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors, Ian Velonza is a Portfolio Construction Analyst at RBC PH&N Investment Counsel. Ian holds a Master of Business Administration in Investment Management and brings a wealth of financial expertise and strategic insight to his role.
His experience in investment management equips him with the skills necessary to oversee the organization's financial resources effectively and ensure transparency and accountability in financial matters.
Ian's commitment to excellence and dedication to supporting the organization's mission make him a valuable asset to the Board of Directors, contributing to the continued success and growth of Strength in Me.
Ian Velonza
Treasurer
Carla Gamboa
Secretary
Carla Gamboa, a valuable asset to Strength in Me, brings a wealth of experience from her professional role as a Legal Assistant at Evangelista LLP and a team manager for the Scarborough Thunder football team.
As the Secretary of Strength in Me, Carla's leadership skills and collaborative approach make her well-equipped to manage administrative tasks and uphold legal and ethical standards within the organization. In her leisure time, Carla actively participates in recreational boxing to maintain her fitness and well-being.
At Scarborough Thunder, Carla oversees team communications and serves as a liaison between coaches, the community, and board members. She coordinates practices and game day operations with precision and dedication.
Carla's dedication to supporting the community and passion for empowering youths through sports make her an exceptional member to the team, driving the mission of Strength in Me forward with passion and commitment.
Dr. Jeyanthan Elaguppillai (Jey Elagu) is a dedicated professional in the medical industry and a visionary leader serving as the Executive Director at Strength in Me. With a solid foundation in medicine and a passion for empowering individuals through physical activity, Jey brings a distinctive blend of expertise and compassion to his role.
In his capacity as the Executive Director of Strength in Me, Jey embodies the core principles of leadership in advancing health and wellness within the community. His ability to motivate and guide individuals towards a shared vision exemplifies his leadership qualities.
Jey's commitment to motivating and empowering others, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change is instrumental in cultivating a culture of holistic health and well-being.
His leadership exemplifies integrity, empathy, and resilience, fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the Strength in Me organization, leading to a significant impact within his immediate sphere of influence and a positive ripple effect throughout the broader community.
Jeyanthan Elaguppillai
Executive Director
Marco Attanasi
Managing Director
Marco Attanasi serves as the Managing Director of Financial Operations at Strength in Me. A dynamic leader with a passion for empowering youth through recreational sports, Marco combines his expertise in finance and management to drive initiatives that foster personal growth, resilience, and well-being.
​
Holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Global Management, Marco brings strategic thinking and leadership to his role. His diverse experience across the financial and educational sectors has equipped him with the skills to navigate complex challenges and implement effective solutions.
​
Beyond his work at Strength in Me, Marco is a manager at Knowledge Academy, where he demonstrates leadership and a results-driven approach. His ability to motivate and inspire his team fosters a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and growth.
​
Through his coaching and leadership, Marco is committed to helping young athletes build confidence, embrace challenges, and unlock their full potential. His dedication to fostering a sense of community and belonging within Strength in Me reflects his belief in the transformative power of sports, ensuring a lasting impact on the lives of those he mentors.
​
Marco is also a certified Level 1 coach with Boxing Ontario, further strengthening his ability to guide and develop athletes within the program.
Pauline Ng, serving as the Managing Director of Technology Operations at Strength in Me, is a dynamic and versatile leader whose diverse background uniquely positions her for this role. She is a Supervisor in Emergency Response for the Canadian Red Cross' Emergency and Disaster Services in the GTA Pauline oversees the delivery of emergency social services and provides support to vulnerable sectors to cultivate resilience within a safe and supportive community.
With over 20 years of experience and expertise in Information Technology within the Financial sector, Pauline possess a wealth of knowledge in Legal and Corporate Compliance, Fraud, and Anti-Money Laundering. Her professional expertise enables her to be an effective leader, guiding teams and organizations towards success in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and ensuring operational integrity.
Pauline holds certifications in Personal Training specializing in Corrective Exercises and in NCCP level 2 Boxing Coach accredited by Boxing Ontario, demonstrating her dedication to the sport and her commitment to coaching and developing athletes within the boxing community. Her profound passion for boxing, combined with her vast professional background, positions her as a valuable asset to Strength in Me as she leads the organization in empowering individuals through the sport and advocating for holistic health and wellness.
Pauline Ng
Managing Director
Sean Wang, the Director of Programming and Curriculum at Strength in Me, is a seasoned athlete with a deep-rooted passion for martial arts and a diverse background in fitness.
Starting his athletic journey at the age of 14, Sean quickly transitioned into coaching at a remarkable 17 years old. With an impressive 22 years of coaching experience, Sean has evolved into a personal trainer with extensive training in various martial arts disciplines and a broad expertise in multiple fitness areas including body-building, weight-training, calisthenics, and plyometrics, all aimed at promoting holistic physical fitness for mental well-being.
Possessing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sean's academic foundation enhances his understanding of human behavior and motivation. His unique coaching method, developed through years of athletic pursuits and coaching experience, focuses on a comprehensive development and empowerment of individuals, offering a distinctive approach to understanding fundamental movements and biomechanics.
Drawing from his professional experience in security, along with his martial arts and psychology disciplines, Sean has extensive practical knowledge in life skills, self-defense, and mental preparedness for various scenarios. This combination of athletic skills, academic insight, and real-world expertise positions Sean as an ideal fit for the role of Director of Programming and Curriculum at Strength in Me.
Sean's holistic training approach goes beyond physical fitness, focusing on overall development and empowerment. By integrating various disciplines and leveraging his diverse expertise, Sean's comprehensive curriculum for youth development offers skills enhancement and overall well-being through the recreational boxing program at Strength in Me.
Sean Wang
Director