ABOUT US

Learn about who we are, why we do this and the people behind Get REAL

Our Story

 

Get REAL began as a small student project in 2011, at Western University. As O-Week volunteer leaders, we saw excellent results combatting homophobic, transphobic, and racist language and attitudes one-to-one with our first year students: countless students changing their language within a matter of days, and countless others coming out to us and telling us they felt comfortable being themselves. We wanted to see if our approach – friendly, honest, diverse, and personal-story driven – could be translated into a workshop for some of our old high schools, and the idea for Get REAL was born.

 
 
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Our People

Chris Studer - he/him

  • One of the founding members of the organization, Chris got involved in Get REAL because of the success he was having speaking to first year students about homophobic, transphobic, and racist language during his time in the Western Orientation “Welcome Week” program. He found he had an ability to get through to kids who reminded him of himself at a younger age by sharing his own experiences of friends coming out to him, embracing his own differences as a Black man adopted from South America, and learning from others to be a supportive friend. He helped found Get REAL as a small student group with three other friends, and has been a leader in the organization ever since.

    Chris currently oversees fundraising, sponsorship, finances, legal, social media, web development, merchandise, new partnerships, events, the university chapter program, and is one of the lead speakers at the organization, having spoken everywhere from Ted X Youth, to Amnesty International’s youth summit, to 20,000 youth at We Day Toronto. Born in Lima, Peru, Chris currently lives in Toronto and loves playing drums, listening to podcasts, reading biographies, and consulting with younger organizations looking to make an impact on the world.

Wren Bond - they/them

  • Wren Bond is our Education & Corporate DEI Manager. A genderqueer educator with a Bachelors of Education degree from Mount Saint Vincent University, Wren first joined Get REAL as a speaker having seen firsthand the need for 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and education in classrooms and schools.

    Wren brings with them multiple years of teaching experience, an in-depth and evolving understanding of intersectionality, anti-oppression, and 2SLGBTQ+ realities, dedicated involvement with queer youth, and leadership and coaching positions in and out of schools.

    As a millennial who grew up without queer role models they desire to spread queer joy and empower students to be who they are and fight injustices of all kinds.

    An athlete and hospitality industry veteran, Wren is also passionate about advocating for trans and queer inclusion in these and all spaces. Wren currently lives in Tkaronto and loves cycling around the city, taking care of their houseplants, camping with their partner, and cuddling with their dog, Shark.

Charlie Eckert - they/them

  • Charlie Eckert is a Queer, Trans Non-Binary person of colour. During the week, Charlie works with early years students in a wonderful school. They love connecting with and celebrating all of their students throughout their many successes in their lives! When they are not working, they enjoy walking their Great Pyrnees, Jasper, singing karaoke, and thrifting gender affirming outfits for themselves! They also compete for a local track team, Flying M where they throw weightoss, hammer and shotput.

Calvin Campos - they/them

  • Cal Campos is a photographer, videographer and 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate from Toronto, Ontario. They've been speaking openly about their story online since 2013 and in 2019 they started an online web series called “Trans Talks”.

    They have shared their lived experience on CBC's Metro Morning with Matt Galloway, with Humber College, Seneca College, and with Marching Arts Education in the US. Cal has happily connected with folks through several podcast episodes tackling the intersections of being a person of colour as well as a queer, trans individual.

    When they're not producing content or speaking, Cal is playing video games with friends, doing yoga or reigniting their relationship with karaoke. They hope to continue making more online content to create more spaces where people can feel less alone, whether that's on a personal level or through their career in media.

Saidat Vandenberg - she/her

  • Saidat - "Happiness Infuser" is an award-winning community leader, children's entertainer, artistic director, and motivational speaker. Her program, "The Saidat Show," was born from a desire to make people smile and a wish to build confidence in the younger generation. Saidat has now reached over 800,000 students across Canada.

    “I am passionate about speaking with Get Real because of our message's lasting impact on young people. “ - Saidat

Joseph Enriquez- he/him

  • Joseph was born and raised in Toronto's Driftwood neighbourhood. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Indigenous Studies with plans to return to his home community as an Educator. He believes that every kid has the potential to be something great with the proper resources behind them. Being an Afro-Latino trans man, he hopes to empower youth through sharing his story and eventually make an impact for students who need it the most.

Marley Bowen - she/her

  • Marley Bowen is the dynamic force behind Get REAL’s expansion over the past three years, and a proud leader of the organization. Hailing from Gros Morne, Newfoundland, Marley got involved with Get REAL while she was in university on the east coast, because she felt like her high school environment wasn’t a place that people felt comfortable coming out and being themselves.

    After coming out as gay herself, she wanted to give back and help others who may be struggling accepting their sexuality. After flying to Toronto for a high school speaking tour, she took on the second ever full-time staff position and has been growing the program ever since. Her unwavering optimism and unparalleled work ethic has enabled Get REAL’s workshop program expand to one of the largest in Canada, impacting 8 provinces (and 3 states), and over 150,000 young people to date.

    As Executive Director, Marley manages all of the organization’s workshops, keynotes, and other speaking engagements year-round, in addition to being a prolific speaker herself. She is the key player in Get REAL’s social media growth, merchandise designs, fundraisers, and new partnership development -- really, anything that helps the organization grow. Her instincts for the Get REAL brand have helped define the organization internationally, and carve out its unique place in the LGBTQ+ non-profit landscape, and her fearlessness and her belief in the organization’s results have navigated Get REAL through the many challenges a non-profit organization faces.

    Born in Newfoundland, Marley currently lives in Toronto and loves exploring the city (good food and hip coffee shops), spinning, meeting new people, and spending far too much time at the dog park with the newest (and furriest) member of her family.

Tiff Kriter - she/her

  • Tiff Kriter (she/her) from London, Ontario is taking on a new role with Get REAL as Ontario After-School Program Coordinator! A graduate from Western University where she studied Anthropology and Dance, Tiff has been a part of the Get REAL team since 2012. Outside of Get REAL, she works as a professional tap dancer, teacher and choreographer.

    Tiff was a coordinator of the Western Chapter for three years, and organized and executed various events including first-year residence workshops, social events, fundraisers, and our participation in the Pride London festival. She also worked as the University Chapter Manager for three years, overseeing Get REAL chapters across Canada.

    “I am passionate about Get REAL and working on campaigns and initiatives that combat discrimination because it is something that I was not exposed to at a young age, until I went to university. I truly believe in the statement, "Be who you needed when you were younger." As a queer woman myself and as someone who works with youth on a daily basis, I am very passionate about being a positive role model for younger generations and working to instill love, kindness and respect for all.” - Tiff

Raia Carey - she/her

  • Raia “Coach” Carey is our director of partnerships, facilitating new corporate funders, celebrity endorsers, and event sponsors. A 2x certified Life Coach and motivational speaker in her own right, Raia also helps with facilitation, which is how she got involved with the organization in 2017. Her personal story of losing over 300 lbs, and persevering through bullying and adversity faced due to her weight, her race, and her sexual orientation continues to resonate with students and corporate audiences alike.

    Raia currently ensures Get REAL has the right partners in place to enable growth, and so she is always on the look-out for new companies, events, and new ambassadors to collaborate with. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Raia currently lives in Toronto and loves fitness, delicious food, practicing self-care, and assisting people discover their hidden confidence through her profession as a Life Coach. Oh, and her dog Jax!

Judah Cunningham - he/him

  • Judah is a passionate child and youth worker, he studied at George Brown College and is dedicated to support young people find their potential. Judah is the Co-founder of Instrumentors, a music based youth program that use a two pronged approach. Bringing music education and mentorship together, their goal is to eliminate barriers to music education by providing free music instrument and lessons to youth who don’t have access

    When Judah was young music was a tools to guide him on his journey to self love and self acceptance. Being a Get Real speaker has taught him there always an opportunity to learn, listen, grow, be inspired and heal.

Rachael Berwald- she/her

  • Rachael is a current university student working toward her Bachelor of Social Work. After a long career working in customer service and sales, she decided to pursue her passion for social justice by leaving her career, getting involved in her community, and returning to school to upgrade her education.

    Born and raised in the Niagara region and the GTA, Rachael is passionate about making a difference through activism all the way from the busy city to the small-town life. Rachael is a proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and is also of mixed Indigenous descent.

    Growing up without any positive queer representation was difficult for her, and through community work and activism Rachael hopes to make a difference for others who may be struggling with their own identities.

Kamau Peterson - he/him

Monica Henao - she/her

  • Monica Henao is our Content Manager and Lead Speaker. She is a Media Communications graduate from the University of Guelph-Humber and has brought her multifaceted experience to Get REAL.

    Born in Colombia, and raised in Canada, Monica embraces all parts of her identity and wants youth to do the same. Her passion for human beings - hearing their stories, their experiences, their struggles, & their triumphs gives her the drive to continue to create and amplify content that highlight the voices we don’t hear everyday.

    In her downtime, she loves to hang out with her family and friends, rollerblade, play basketball, watch sunsets, travel and dance in her living room.

Max Denley - he/him

  • Max Denley is the coordinator of the Get REAL Ontario After-School Program and one of the Registered Social Workers in Get REAL's 2SLGBTQ+ Virtual Counselling Program, working on the ground to ensure that our service as an organization is delivered effectively, responsibly, and is of the highest caliber possible.

    As a Registered Social Worker, Max has extensive experience supporting 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, and families on their journeys, and is excited to provide creative programming to engage youth participants in the program.

    Max got involved with Get REAL while at Acadia University in 2013, where he began sharing his story of perseverance and self-discovery through mental illness and transition, with the goal of inspiring youth to embrace themselves and build confidence in their own stories and lives. Max quickly emerged as a prolific public speaker and quickly moved up to take the lead on facilitation across the organization, and then managing the after-school program.

    Max currently lives in Toronto and loves playing music, hockey, video games, donuts, and his dog, Bowser. Max has a passion for mental health and diversity, and embraces the notion that we all have many facets to our identities and that each person’s individual combination of pieces is not only what makes us beautifully diverse, but is also what connects us to one another as fellow human beings.

Garrison Thomas - he/him

  • Garrison is an active member in his community and organizes basketball training clinics with local health & wellness organizations. These experiences help youth see their value and worth, through positive coaching and skills training. As a biracial man, Garrison brings unique perspectives to the current racial climate, and breaks down the many stereotypes and biases facing people of colour today.

    Garrison earned his Honours English & Communications BA at Wilfrid University in Waterloo, Ontario. He also has a post graduate degree in Sport & Event Marketing and is currently pursuing his Bachelors of Education at Brock University. He is a dedicated mentor to youth and gives them confidence to be the best version of themselves on and off the court.

Noah Jeydon - he/him

  • Noah is a specialized honours student at York University, currently pursuing a degree in psychology. He uses academia as a way to advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community through conducting research and educating others in the field. Noah hopes to obtain training in the area of clinical psychology, work in a practice treating youth who identify with the 2SLGBTQ+ community and eventually become a professor to educate other potential psychologists on 2SLGBTQ+ topics.

    When he was first discovering his own identity, he had the privilege of attending a Get REAL conference at his high school. That day was truly life altering for him and from that day forward he knew that he was not alone in his journey and that there are others like him that are living happy and healthy lives. And now, Get REAL has provided him with another avenue to continue his work with the community.

    Apart from advocacy and academia Noah enjoys spending time with his family, his partner and of course, his pets. His favourite ways to take care of his mental health are listening to music, being outdoors, working out and watching movies.

Francesca Mendaglio - she/they

  • Francesca is a multimedia artist and writer making the world a better place with love, laughter and a fierce interest in life long learning. Working with the Get Real movement has provided an opportunity for them to continue their work advocating for 2SLGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. Students being able to see themselves represented in the stories Francesca shares, shows how important opening up to each other is.

Courtney Allain - she/her

  • An ardent learner and community builder, Courtney has been speaking with The Get REAL Movement for over a year. In that time she has reached thousands of students, staff and parents across Canada.

    Courtney is passionate about working with people to help them understand the world around them. She uses her story and experiences as a Black woman in the 2SLGBTQ+ community growing up in predominantly white neighbourhoods to explain the intersectionality of discrimination and inspire listeners to make positive changes for themselves and those around them.

    “Getting to speak with young people across Canada, as well as parents and teachers has been the ultimate privilege. I have always wanted to have a more direct impact on communities and getting the chance to be in the classroom (even virtually) and speaking with students has been so special and rewarding to me.”

    When not speaking with Get REAL, Courtney works for another non-profit as a program coordinator, where she supports student volunteers in their goal to provide free music education programs to vulnerable children across Canada.

Tiffani Sawatzky - she/they

  • Tiffani Sawatzky is one of our After-School Manitoba Coordinators! Tiffani is a legal articling student on their way to becoming a lawyer, and they couldn’t be more excited to be involved with Get REAL. Tiffani has been involved in activism and community organization for about 7 years, and proudly identifies as queer and neurodivergent. She enjoys spending time with her partner, kids, two dogs, and going to local dog parks, sewing, cooking, hiking, gardening, teaching makeup lessons, and generally connecting with their community!

Clem Moudiongui - he/him

  • Clem has been a Get REAL Speaker for the past year, and has spoken to hundreds of students across the country. Working at Get REAL and the connections made with the students has allowed Clem to learn so much about himself and the power of vulnerability. Outside of Get REAL Clem is a francophone cultural activities coordinator for one of 12 fully French school boards in the province of Ontario .

    “I hope that by sharing my story, this will empower all those who hear it to re-learn empathy and ways of helping others. I am so thrilled to meet you all, and hope that together we get to plant seeds of change for the future!” - Clem

Alyssa Jeffrey - she/her

  • Alyssa is one of our newest Get REAL Speaker. Outside of Get REAL, she likes to play guitar, read a lot (especially biographies), and dance! She recently completed her Master's Degree in Information Studies which is a combination of library, museum, archives, and records management studies.

    “I am very passionate about the Get REAL Movement and being part of giving to younger folks the vocabulary, understanding and overall discussions of these topics that I never had as a child growing up. To be able to spread positivity, love, and acceptance, and provide tools to others to do the same, is a privilege that I acknowledge and look forward to every time I speak.” - Alyssa

Max Farr -
he/him

  • Max , was born and raised in Pakistan is currently based in Toronto. He works in Customer Success at a Technology firm and is also a speaker at The Get Real Movement. As a trans man, immigrant and person of color, Max is committed to spreading Get Real’s message of diversity and inclusion. In his free time, Max loves to cook, watch documentaries and listen to Coldplay!

Impact Report 2023

 

Get REAL’s Impact Report 2023

Click here to read all about our journey last year and the wonderful community behind it all!

Our Board of Directors

Our Partners

Get REAL is fortunate to work with corporate and organizational partners who care deeply about supporting the work that we do.

 

Why we partner:

Our partners are a core part of Get REAL’s impact and success, both through funding and amplification of our work (Workshops, Chapters, After-School Program, Speaker Training, and our Summits), as well as inviting us into their workplaces to provide education and promote acceptance, in the form of staff trainings.

Who we partner with:

We partner with companies who align with our values as an organization, who show a genuine commitment to helping us fulfill our mission, and who have been vetted and approved by our Executive Team and our Board of Directors. 

What our partnerships look like:

Partnerships with Get REAL take many forms, but they all help achieve one or more of these goals: to increase funding for our core programs, to expand our ability to reach further into communities and schools, and to ensure 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion is a priority within corporate cultures in Canada.

Thank you for believing in us. We could not do it without you. Want to get in touch to support our work? Please email us at info@thegetrealmovement.com!

  • Our longest-standing key partner, Air Miles has been a lead supporter of our Workshop Program since 2017. Air Miles currently supports our Inclusivity and Anti-Racism Workshop programming in middle schools and high schools across Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan.

  • We are grateful for our partnership with Shaw Communications. Shaw's annual support of our Workshop Program enables us to reach high schools and middle schools across British Columbia and Manitoba, and their support of our After-School Program enables 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies aged 13-17 to take part in this amazing program in Manitoba, at no cost.

  • We are proud to have Purdys Chocolatier team as our Lead Summits & Trainings Partner. Purdys’ support enables us to bring together Black, 2SLGBTQ+ and ally team members and volunteers for our three annual summits; allows us to train new speakers for both our Inclusivity & Anti-Racism Workshops; and empowers us to produce impactful educational campaigns and resources, such as our Small Acts Every Day video series!

  • We appreciate the support of Kiehl’s! This partnership has enabled us to bring our Inclusivity Workshops to New Brunswick and PEI, as well as train two 2SLGBTQ+ speakers in 2021!

  • We are thankful for TikTok ‘s support of our "Pride In Our History" educational video campaign, as well as our virtual Ontario After-School Program in 2021-2022!

  • We are grateful for Muskoka Brewery's ongoing support of our 19+ programming, including our Corporate Speaker Training Module, our University Student Workshops, our University Chapter Program, and our annual University Chapter Conference.

  • We appreciate Somersby’s funding commitment to our 19+ programming, including our Steps of Pride Speaker Series, our University Chapter Program, and our annual University Chapter Conference.

  • Get REAL is grateful to the amazing team at Blakes for providing pro bono legal counsel since our incorporation as a non-profit organization, in June of 2012! We are proud to call Blakes a founding partner of our organization, whose support has meant so much to us, for almost a decade. Thank you Blakes for believing in us; we could not have done it without you!

  • Get REAL gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the MacDonald Family Foundation at the Oakville Community Foundation, a registered charitable public foundation serving the Oakville Community.

  • We are grateful for the support from Recipe Unlimited, and their support of our Inclusivity and Anti-Racism Workshops, allowing us to provide this programming to high schools and middle schools free of cost. We could not reach the amount of students that we do without this funding. Thank you Recipe Unlimited for supporting our work!

  • We are grateful for the support of Bijoux Birks. Their funding has made it possible for us to produce our online educational resource “Unconditional Love”, as well as to provide our Positive Space Kits to 100 high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools across Canada free of cost, to help support and strengthen the efforts of 100 Positive Space Groups and GSAs, which have been proven to be crucial in creating safe and inclusive school environments for all.

  • Get REAL is grateful to be an official strategic charitable partner of Gore Mutual! Thanks to their support, we are able to provide our Inclusivity and Anti-Racism Workshops, and our Positive Space Kits, free of financial barrier, in the Waterloo and G.T.A. regions.

  • We are proud to welcome McDonald's Canada as a partner! McDonald's Canada is proud to support our events, fundraisers, merchandise, and workshops through both in-kind and financial donations!

Have a question? Maybe someone asked it before. Check out our frequently asked questions!