Teacher and Co-Founder, Youth Association for Academics, Athletics and Character Education (Y.A.A.A.C.E)

CONTRIBUTION
Tired of witnessing the loss of bright young minds to the lure of the street, Devon Jones decided that something had to be done to connect on a deeper level with kids in the Jane-Finch corridor. His response was to co-create Y.A.A.A.C.E, a program aimed at creating social, academic and athletic opportunities for youth.

INSPIRATION
“My inspiration stems from the amount of at-risk youth that I’ve seen fall through the cracks. I want to create opportunities that I feel are missing. By looking at their social reality, I’ve realized that if given some chance or alternative, these kids would not fall victim to their circumstances. I want to give them that chance.”