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.

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Ebenezer Belayneh

National Coordinator of Programs

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.

Nicholas Aboagye

Policy Coordinator

Nicholas Aboagye

Nicholas Aboagye is completing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in French at the University of Waterloo. On campus, he has played a significant role in strengthening student leadership and civic engagement. He helped rebuild a dormant student Liberal campus club into one of the most active political and public-affairs focused clubs in the country, and previously served as President of the French Society, where he supported francophone and francophile students while promoting academic and cultural programming.

A 2023 alumnus of the 1834 Fellowship, Nicholas co-led a national policy pitch examining how Canada’s Sustainable Jobs Plan could be strengthened to better reflect the needs and experiences of Black communities. This work reinforced his interest in policy development that centers equity, labour, and economic inclusion.

Nicholas has extensive experience in community organizing and public-interest campaigns. In 2022, he managed a school board trustee campaign that resulted in the election of the youngest trustee in Waterloo Region’s history. He has also worked extensively during federal elections over the past decade, gaining practical experience in outreach, stakeholder engagement, and campaign operations across rural, suburban, and urban ridings.

Through the Government of Canada’s Summer Leadership Program, Nicholas worked on regional affairs at a Ministers’ Regional Office in Kitchener before serving as a communications and parliamentary affairs intern in the office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development. In 2024, he joined the Prime Minister’s Office as a digital communications intern, where he supported public-facing communications and online engagement initiatives. His work included contributing to the development of a Reddit engagement strategy, mapping digital communities, monitoring emerging online narratives

Simona‐Maria Williams

Mentorship Coordinator

Simona‐Maria Williams

Simona‐Maria Williams is a policy and community engagement professional who currently serves as a Briefing Advisor at Global Affairs Canada. She has built a diverse portfolio across federal departments and the House of Commons, developing expertise in policy research, briefing preparation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications.

Simona‐Maria is completing an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Political Science at the University of Ottawa. Alongside her studies, she has taken on leadership roles that advance equity, advocacy, and student support, contributing to initiatives that strengthen community programming and enhance the student experience. She also supports research in collaboration with non‐profit organizations and academic institutions, advancing work centred on refugee, newcomer, and diaspora communities in Canada.

Her connection to the 1834 Foundation began as a Fellow in the 6th cohort, where she was selected as Valedictorian. This experience deepened her dedication to expanding access, representation, and meaningful professional development for Black youth pursuing pathways in policy and leadership. As the Mentorship Coordinator for the 1834 Fellowship, she is committed to building intentional mentorship networks and fostering a community where emerging Black leaders can thrive.

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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

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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.

Snit Abrha

1834 Debates /Program Coordinator

Snit Abrha

Snit Abrha is currently pursuing a Master of Environmental Studies at York University. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science in International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Climate Risk Management from the University of Waterloo. Currently, she serves as a Program Development Assistant at Environment and Climate Change Canada, leveraging her prior experiences at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, as well as her previous research assistantships at the University of Ottawa. Beyond her professional pursuits, Snit is deeply committed to education and leadership development. She recently completed the CanStudyUS fellowship with the Dais, and she was a part of the inaugural 1834 Global cohort, where she and her team delved into climate change adaptation strategies in Small Island Developing States. With a multifaceted background in environmental studies, international development, and climate risk management, Snit Abrha is poised to drive positive change in the fields of environmental sustainability, international relations, and education respectively.