Who We Are

Ashton Dickson Youth Empowerment
Nonprofit Organization

ABOUT THE ASHTON DICKSON YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

The Ashton Dickson Youth Empowerment (ADYE) was founded in February 2020 to emphasize the need for resources for racialized youth in Ottawa. Founded by his mother, Donna Dickson, along with her family, together they aim to build a legacy in Ashton’s memory in honour of the life he was eager to live.

As Ashton’s family, friends and sport community continue to grieve, they are united in making the ADYE mission be part of the much needed change we are all seeking by developing more innovative and inclusive programs for youth at risk.

ADYE intends to work steadily towards having an impact on eliminating gang violence and culture, building closer networks and access to resources, and leading marginalized youth to succeeding in reaching their dreams and potential through the pillars ADYE has set forth.

ASHTON DICKSON YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Donna Dickson

President

Jennifer Gonzalez

Secretary

Denzel Dickson

Treasurer

Brandon Weekes

Spokesperson

Michael Weekes

Program Director

Tim Baines

Media Relations Director
Founder

Donna Dickson

Donna Dickson, founder and CEO of Ashton Dickson Youth Empowerment
is committed to her son, Ashton Dickson, and his legacy to empower youth facing challenges and adversity. With over 30 years in the travel industry, she has demonstrated her attention to task and results. Jamaican born and raised in Ottawa for over 49 years. Athletics played a big role in Donna’s life and that of her family growing up. While in attendance at St. Pat’s Jr. High, she set athletics records in track & field, flag football, volleyball, and basketball, leading the way becoming the first female student to receive her 10pt letter. Donna’s awareness and focus on the importance of the family unit, and the power of youth development through engaging in sports and education has always been the foundation she has stood on. As a result of her commitment to child development, she passed on her love for athletics to her 4 sons who all played junior football. Donna believes that young people engaging in sports will help them to develop leadership skills and self-confidence. This mother has become an advocate for bringing an end to gun violence, she engages in this by interacting with the Ottawa community and government to promote bringing an end to gun violence. Donna believes that God is great, and likes walking and having family BBQ’s

Trust professionals

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Donna Dickson, founder and CEO of Ashton Dickson Youth Empowerment, has built a strong team to lead and guide ADYE

Ron Omara

Advisor

Ron Omara

Advisor
I am a St. Francis Xavier University graduate, where I received a joint major in Sociology and Psychology. After graduation, I was humbled with the opportunity of being drafted into the Canadian Football League by the Hamilton Tiger Cats, and also spent seasons with the Ottawa Redblacks and British Columbia Lions respectively.

Merrit Blair

Advisor

Merrit Blair

Advisor
I am a graduate of StFX University where I studied Business Administration and played varsity rugby. StFX is also where I met Ashton. After graduation I moved back to my hometown, Ottawa, and began my career as a analyst with Employment and Social Development Canada.

Renee Taylor

Advisor

Renee Taylor

Advisor
I was born and raised on the South Shore of Nova Scotia and attended STFX university, where I met Ashton. Being a student athlete, I understand the value of sport, leadership and academia.

Paul Howard

Advisor

Paul Howard

Advisor
Paul, from growing up and volunteering in Heron Gate understands both the challenges faced by the youth and their vast potential. This volunteerism and youth advocacy was recognized by the NFL as 2014 Youth Coach of Year.

Tim Baines

Advisor

Tim Baines

Advisor
A sports columnist with Postmedia, Tim has been with the Ottawa Sun since its birth in 1988. Tim, who played football at Wilfrid Laurier University and Sheridan College, has written about the Ottawa Redblacks since they became a CFL expansion team in 2014.

Gary Waterman

Advisor

Gary Waterman

Advisor
Gary Waterman just completed his 11th season as head football coach at St. Francis Xavier University, and his 14th season overall with the X-Men.

Dr. Chris Raynor

Advisor

Dr. Chris Raynor

Advisor
Dr. Chris Raynor has been a practicing orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician for over ten years. He is on staff at the Cornwall Community Hospital and the Ottawa University Sports Medicine Clinic.

Daniel Tshiamala

Advisor

Daniel Tshiamala

Advisor
I am a graduate of StFX University with a BA in International Development and Economics. While at STFX, Ashton and I played varsity Football, where Ashton and I won Conference Championship. After graduation, I moved back to Ottawa and began my career with Export Development Canada. While I’m Ottawa I also had a short stint with the Ottawa Redblacks. I am grateful to have been chosen as advisor with the Ashton Dickson Youth Empowerment. Ashton and I spent a lot of time together, training, sharing knowledge and lots of childhood stories. Ashton was a hard working, focused and goal oriented individual. My personal goal is to share a little piece of Ashton work ethic with every youngster we come in contact with.

Jacqueline Britto

Advisor

Jacqueline Britto

Advisor
Jacqueline Britto, MA Communication Studies is a licensed Minister, and the Executive Director for the Lighthouse Community Development Corporation. She has more than 15 years of business and ministry experience.

Gord Gallimore

Advisor

Gord Gallimore

Advisor
Gord Gallimore is a math teacher in the Peel District School Board for the past 5 years, 3 years in Nova Scotia. His current role is with the OSSTF Peel District Union as a Racism Reporting Officer, with the intention s of disrupting Anti-Black racism in the union and in the board. He has 15 years of minor football league coaching: Mississauga Warriors, Halton Cowboys, Durham Dolphins, including 2 years as president of the Antigonish Minor Football program. He also has 6 years of coaching USports football for the institutions of StFX University and U of Toronto. Gord also is a Masters of Education candidate via StFX University. As a player, he played 4 years as a Mississauga Warrior before attending playing and graduating from Acadia University in Nova Scotia.