Meet the UPlifters
We believe strongly in visibility and representation. Our team members share lived experience with the communities we serve.
Founder & President
Shelly-Ann Skinner
Anti-oppression educator, community builder, activist and recipient of numerous awards in Business and Activism, Shelly-Ann Skinner is UPlift Black's founder and president.
Wellness Coordinator
Shadrack Jackman
Local artist and yoga instructor Shadrack Jackman started their journey at Uplift Black in Sept’23. An advocate for mental health, recovery, and overall health and wellness with an affinity for all things dance, music, art, and self expression, Shadrack feels at home with UPlift Black exploring their identity as a BIPOC, queer person living in Simcoe County.
YOUth Community Advocacy Coordinator
Naesiah Shannon
Although Nae, Georgian College Social Work student, just kicked off her student placement at the UPlift Black Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion, she has been a vibrant and integral part of our community since 2021. An advocate for Black excellence in Simcoe County schools, Nae brings passion, energy and a fresh perspective to her roles within our organization.
Centre Support Worker
Cecil Williams
Cecil holds us down at UPlift!​ As a core member of our UPlift Black events team, Cecil is committed to cultivating community and ensuring the safety of all those who enter our space during our community events. Cecil is also a sponsored student in the UPlift with Bliss education program and is completing his Yoga Teacher Education with Ann from Ann Green Yoga!
Director of Communications
Jess Kelly
A member of the original community team that started UPlift Black, Jess is passionate about using the written word to further UPlift Black's mission, vision and purpose. Jess tackles all things communications and systems inside the organization.
Our Events Team
Our events team is always changing and evolving, but the one constant is that we can count on a dynamic and energetic pool of UPlifters to show up and make all the magic happen behind the scenes and on stage.
Our Board of Directors
Our operations are governed by a board of directors that includes local artists, educators and business owners. The majority of our directors share the lived experience of those we serve: our leaders are BIPOC 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, many of whom are neurodivergent or have other accessibility needs.
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Board members include: Honey Johnson, Laura Northcote, Sarah Downey, Ramona Deane, Lisa-Marie Wilson, Thandi Ndiwani, Ryan Osman & Shelly Skinner