About 1834 Coordinators: Shaping Leadership and Policy

The Program Coordinators at the 1834 Foundation play a vital role in developing and executing initiatives that support civic engagement, community outreach, and educational programming. With a hands-on approach and a deep commitment to the Foundation’s mission, they ensure that each project empowers young people, fosters inclusion, and reflects the values of equity, civic responsibility, and historical understanding.

1834 Fellowship

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Robyn Taylor

National Program Coordinator

Robyn Taylor

Is the Program Coordinator for the 1834 Fellowship. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, she is passionate about municipal politics, economic policy and Black community empowerment. Through her work, she hopes to see more young Black leaders in decision-making spaces, pursuing equitable policy measures with a strong community focus. She is extremely delighted to be working with such talented Fellows.

Smiling man in a light gray checkered blazer and white shirt.

Ebenezer Belayneh

Policy Coordinator

Ebenezer Belayneh

Is a Policy Analyst at Natural Resources Canada, where he helps shape policy initiatives that support Canada’s transition to a net-zero economy. Ebenezer recently completed his Masters of Public Policy with a specialization in Energy and Climate Policy at the University of Calgary. Prior to this, Ebenezer obtained a combined B.A. (First Class Honours) in Regulatory Economics and Global Development Studies.

Ebenezer's commitment to community engagement is evident through his current role as Chair of the African Studies Expansion Taskforce at the University of Calgary. In this capacity, he works with all levels of University leadership to enhance the African Studies minor program while continuing to support the academic and professional development of African students at UCalgary.

Ebenezer's engagement with the 1834 Foundation began during his role as a Fellow in the 1834 Fellowship's 3rd cohort. This experience fuelled his passion for promoting Black excellence and delivering sound policy solutions. He currently serves as the Public Policy Coordinator for the 1834 Fellowship and the Program Coordinator for the 1834 Global Fellowship. Ebenezer is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of Black policy professionals, fostering their overall growth within the programs he oversees.

Ebenezer Belayneh

National Program Coordinator

Ebenezer Belayneh

Eunice Oladejo

Program Coordinator

Eunice Oladejo

Eunice Oladejo is a Government Relations Policy Specialist at UNICEF Canada, where she advocates for policies that advance the rights and well-being of children and youth in Canada.

She began her academic journey at Western University, earning an Honours BA in Political Science with a minor in Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction. She went on to complete a master's degree in International Affairs at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, with a specialization in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy. Eunice’s work is rooted in her passion for diplomacy, equitable foreign policy, and conflict resolution. Previously, she represented Canadian youth on the global stage as a delegate to the G20's youth engagement forum (Y20), and Chair of the G7's youth engagement forum (Y7).

In addition to her international advocacy work, Eunice has served in Canada’s federal public service, including roles at Global Affairs Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. She joined the 1834 Foundation in 2024 through its Global Fellowship Program, where she co-authored a strategic report for an international NGO on how to deepen their engagement with the African Diaspora

Jordan Gray

Policy Coordinator

Jordan Gray

Jordan Gray is a social policy change-maker and historian with over 13 years of experience in public policy, international advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. He currently leads national housing funding for First Nations communities at Indigenous Services Canada, where he focuses on closing the housing gap on-reserve through strategic investment and interdepartmental coordination.

Jordan has served as a special advisor to the 1834 Global program since its launch in 2022, supporting African and Caribbean-Canadian youth in global affairs and civic leadership.

Throughout his career, Jordan has helped advance education curriculum reform in Ontario, contributed to the creation of the Accessible Canada Act, shaped policy to combat environmental racism, and supported Indigenous rights recognition at the United Nations. He brings a collaborative, community-driven lens to every role and is a strong advocate for racial equity, reconciliation, and youth empowerment.

Jordan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Global and International Studies from Carleton University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Calgary. He is also a recipient of the Lincoln M. Alexander Award, recognizing his leadership in eliminating racial discrimination in Ontario. In addition to his public service work, he chairs the Board of Directors for Indigenous Youth Roots and serves on the Board of Imagine Canada.

Naomi Samuel

1834 Debates /Program Coordinator

Naomi Samuel

Naomi holds a B.A (Honours) in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Queen’s University and will be returning in Fall 2025 to pursue her Masters in Sociology. She will focus on identifying barriers to equitable health care for newcomer families in Canada.

Naomi served as an Advocacy Coordinator for the Queen’s Black Academic Society, where she worked to strengthen students’ connection to the local Kingston community and advocate for equity-seeking students. She led the creation of a winter clothing and food drive to support Kingston’s Integrated Care Hub and advocate for its presence as a vital community resource.

As a member of the 1834 Fellowship’s 6th cohort, Naomi has worked with a team of fellows to develop a policy proposal to improve Black maternal health outcomes in Canada. She is interested in how data-driven policies can address barriers and advance a more equitable healthcare system. Naomi is excited to support emerging Black leaders in building the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to strategically advocate for causes they are passionate about.