Kandice Henry – Shining light on youth in our community

The journey from the rigid corridors of property law to the heart of global philanthropy is rarely a straight line. For Kandice Henry, known affectionately to her community as Kandi H, the path was paved with the specific kind of grit required to navigate both the Toronto real estate market and the foundational needs of the city’s youth.

She initially set sights on a career in law, yet the universe had other plans, steering her instead toward the intricate world of business operations and real estate. These professional origins provided a mechanical necessity for what would eventually become her life’s work. She spent a decade serving as the Vice President of The Life Foundation, an organization rooted in the belief that learning is for everyone. It was here, working on the ground, that she developed the blueprint for managing a non-profit. She combined her Caribbean heritage (her father hails from St. Lucia) with a sharp mind for logistics to connect the dots for those often left out of the traditional success narrative.

The year 2020 served as a profound catalyst for change. Henry traveled to Tanzania, initially intending to focus on her natural herbal company and real estate ventures. However, the trip evolved into a life-changing personal experience that expanded her vision far beyond the borders of Ontario. She felt a persistent, spiritual pull toward a much more global mandate. She recognized a deep-seated need to bridge the gaps between the Western world and the African continent, passing on values, customs, and traditions that are often lost in translation. Her existing organization was not aiming for a global reach, she branched off to start her own charity, Shining Light Youth. She used the same structural skeleton she had meticulously crafted for her previous work to birth this new vision. Her faith remains the anchor that keeps her motivated through the inevitable challenges of leadership, driving her to connect the good found over here with the good found over there.

The objectives of Shining Light Youth are nothing short of revolutionary. Henry envisions a global organization that mirrors the scale of the Salvation Army but stands as the first melanated owned work of that extent across the world. Her goal is the creation of a private school system running from senior kindergarten through to the university level. This system would educate children in a more sensitive, culturally aware way, complemented by robust after-school tutoring and extracurricular programs. In the short term, the organization is aggressively expanding its national reach. Programming in Toronto is slated to begin this spring through a partnership with Toronto Community Housing. Beyond the GTA, Henry is exploring opportunities in Ottawa and Durham, effectively scaling her model to meet the high demand for consistent youth support across the country.

Managing a rapidly growing charity brings a unique set of logistical hurdles. Funding remains a constant struggle, specifically the search for consistent revenue to sustain programs that often have long waiting lists. Most available grants are temporary and program-based, which makes hiring consistent, permanent staff a difficult feat. Henry fights this by being resourceful, leaning on dedicated volunteers and school placement students to keep the gears turning.

She has focused heavily on structuring departments and delegating tasks to trusted individuals to ensure the organization becomes self-sufficient. The rewards of this labour are found in the quiet victories of the students. She recounts the story of a girl who arrived shy and timid but bloomed into a confident, expressive leader. There is profound satisfaction in seeing a child who once struggled with mathematics now speaking the language of numbers with ease. The organization’s growth reflects this success, with revenue increasing from sixty-two thousand dollars to over one hundred thousand dollars within a single year.

The upcoming charity gala serves as a vibrant celebration of this momentum. Designed as a dinner dance, the event will prioritize networking and community building. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of a five-hundred-dollar scholarship to a standout participant in the Youth of the Month program. Attendees will also hear a powerful testimonial from a student whose life was directly impacted by the charity’s work.

The Mississauga Rotary will be on hand to present a one-thousand-dollar donation, further cementing the organization’s local support. Recognition will also be given to the employee of the year and two outstanding volunteers, with awards presented by a Member of Parliament. While political figures like Mayor Patrick Brown of Brampton will be in attendance to show support, the focus remains firmly on the youth and the sponsors who make the work possible.

The evening promises to be a sensory feast that honours Henry’s roots. The menu is strictly Caribbean-themed, featuring jerk chicken, rice and peas, and macaroni and cheese. Entertainment will span the diaspora, featuring a young poet, a spoken word artist from New York, and a high-energy performance from Whala School involving traditional drums and singing.

In a unique fusion of styles, a violinist known as Ka will perform alongside a DJ, blending classical strings with the pulse of reggae and Afro beats. Giveaways ranging from Raptors tickets to spa days will be distributed, but the true takeaway is the sense of purpose Henry has cultivated. Shining Light Youth is not just a charity; it is a global bridge built on the belief that when we teach each other, we all shine brighter.