Editorial & Branding

Christine believes that clear storytelling builds trust. As the daughter of immigrant parents who sought better opportunities for their children, she is committed to being part of a bigger change and understands how access and dignity can shape the direction of a life.

With extensive experience in editorial leadership, digital content strategy, and project management, Christine leads content teams globally and shapes brand voices. At ITL, she focuses on refining content and strengthening the organization’s verbal identity. She works to ensure that ITL clearly and consistently communicates its mission to relieve poverty by removing barriers to school participation.

Since the early days of #BringASmile in Cambodia, Christine has contributed to lesson design, website development, and foundational storytelling. She brings discipline and heart to the way ITL shares its impact.

When she’s not waxing poetic about the AP Stylebook and Chicago Manual of Style, Christine enjoys curling up with a good thriller and searching for the perfect tamale.

Connect with Christine on LinkedIn to learn more about our story.

Development & Expansion

Mark is a seasoned IT professional with over three decades of experience across the manufacturing, training, and retail environments. Known for his pragmatism and steady judgement, he is often a trusted voice of reason when decisions about growth and direction arise.

ITL began with Mark, the actual founder! In 2015, a simple “what if” conversation during a trip to Cambodia sparked what would become the organization’s foundation. What started as a grassroots effort evolved into a sustained project - #BringASmile to Cambodia – supporting children facing financial hardship.

At ITL, Mark focuses on development and expansion, identifying responsible growth opportunities while ensuring the organization remains disciplined and aligned with its commitment that 100% of public donations directly support its program. For Mark, growth must be thoughtful, measured, and true to the purpose.

Raised by hardworking parents who balanced multiple manufacturing jobs to make ends meet, he learned early the importance of perseverance and generosity, values that continue to shape his leadership.

Outside of ITL, Mark enjoys travelling, forming genuine connections with people from all walks of life, gardening, baking, cycling, and long walks.

Connect with Mark on Facebook | Instagram on development and expansion ideas.

Education & Community Engagement

Rizwana has spent more than four decades in education as a teacher, Vice Principal, and Principal. Throughout her career, she has worked in urban communities to ensure students have safe, supportive environments where they can rise above adversity.

Having immigrated from Pakistan to Canada as a teenager, Rizwana witnessed her father’s sacrifices to secure educational opportunity for his daughters. That experience shaped her lifelong commitment to removing barriers that limit access for marginalized and racialized youth.

At ITL, Rizwana focuses on education-sector engagement and community relationships. Drawing on her decades of leadership and trusted networks, she helps broaden awareness of the organization’s mission and advocates for equal access to education by addressing the social-economic related barriers that prevent students from fully participating in school. Rizwana brings empathy, credibility, and steady leadership to the team.

Beyond her professional life, she is a proud mother and grandmother who enjoys travelling and spending time with family. She believes meaningful change begins with compassion and the courage to act.

Connect with Rizwana on LinkedIn for community engagement ideas.

Strategy & Operations

Thai brings over 12 years of experience in Human Resources and 24 years of combined corporate experience within the financial services industry, where he has led strategic initiatives and company-wide HR program, advised senior leaders, and delivered complex programs with disciplined execution.

His HR background plays a critical role in building ITL’s foundation. From organizational design and governance structures to stakeholder engagement and operational planning, Thai applies corporate-level discipline to ensure the charity remains focused, sustainable, and accountable as it grows.

As co-founder, Thai shapes ITL’s strategic direction and oversees its operations. He builds the frameworks that reinforce transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and long-term stewardship, critical foundations for a registered Canadian charity dedicated to relieving poverty.

Having immigrated to Canada with his family, Thai understands the importance of access to opportunity and basic needs. That perspective continues to ground his leadership and commitment to ensuring no child is left behind due to financial hardship.

Outside of ITL, Thai enjoys running in the East York neighbourhood, cycling, and long walks.

He welcomes conversations about ITL’s purpose and impact. Connect with Thai on Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn.