About Us
Pwrforward is a non-profit incubator on a mission to close the opportunity and wealth gap for Filipino-Canadians. We're building the ecosystem and resources entrepreneurs have been waiting for.
The Mission
To advance the entrepreneurial and economic success of the Filipino diaspora in Canada.
Through culturally-relevant business training, mentorship, and pathways to capital, we empower founders to launch, grow, and sustain their ventures, ensuring that talent and creativity translate into lasting community impact and generational wealth.
Our Vision
A Canada where Filipino-Canadian founders are funded, represented, and celebrated.
Where our community has the confidence, skills, capital, and network to turn ambition into sustainable impact. A future in which our community's legacy is defined not by how hard we worked, but by what we built.
Our Goal
$10M
Invested into Filipino-Canadian founders and businesses by 2030.
Our community has the talent, drive, and ambition. What we're missing is the capital and the ecosystem to back it.
Our Team
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Charmaine Ramirez
Executive Director, Programming & Operations
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David Candelaria
Director, Marketing & Community Engagement
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Tim Mercurio
Director, Strategic Partnerships
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Claire Santonia
Operations & Events Lead
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Cyrus Zadeh
Social Media Manager
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Toni Leyble
Communications Lead
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Samantha Maquera
Communications Specialist
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Sisa Llesses
Technology Lead
Pwrforward is guided by exceptional leaders who bring deep expertise across finance, tech, public service, education, and business. Our advisors ensure strategic direction grounded in both organizational excellence and cultural competency.
Our Advisors
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Michael Herrera
Chief Financial Officer
George Brown Polytechnic -
Aleah Longaphie
Assistant Vice President, Business Banking, TD Bank Canada
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Angelo Casanas
Director of Innovation, Elevate Conference