Meet the TLC Team
Laney Lui
Executive Director
laney@thelocalcharity.com
I was inspired to start The Local Charity after having gone through many trials in my own life. Having experienced abuse and being estranged from my father (10+ years, though rebuilding now), I can relate to those who have experienced despair and hopelessness. The journey has taught me how to be strong, how to be independent, how to forgive, and how to love.
I had also experienced being a single mother, and the journey had been challenging, but it has given me perspective on what it takes to overcome rough patches in life (though now I am happily re-married). I hope to contribute and inspire the folks I cross paths with towards living their best lives.
My parents have both exemplified qualities that contributed to my charity work. My mother modelled benevolence, and I’ve learned to be kind and grateful from her (I also acquired her sense of humour 😉 ). As an illegal immigrant, my father persevered through adversity and built an empire; I got my curiosity, strength, and entrepreneurial spirit from him.
For me, charity can be so impactful. The effort put in goes a long way in helping to improve lives. It’s often easy, usually inconvenient, but always necessary.
Odina Rennie
Community Development Manager
odina@thelocalcharity.com
As a child, I was shown the importance of service and community. For me, it was common practice to see my family members and neighbours helping people in need within our community. However, it was only until I left my community that I realized that type of behaviour was not present everywhere.
Consequently, now as an adult, I am committed to making a positive change in the world. Previously, I have held various volunteer roles at non-profit organizations. But I recently made a career and educational change. As this change reflects my growing awareness of the racial, economic, and environmental issues surrounding us.
Thus, I look forward to continuing my work toward creating positive change through educating the next generation of leaders to think critically, to respond with integrity, and to view our world holistically.
Joy Wang
Strategic Operations & Project Manager
joy@thelocalcharity.com
I am extremely grateful for having a support system full of phenomenal mentors, teachers, and loved ones while growing up. I believe that everyone has a right to belonging and being part of a supportive community, which is what brought me to TLC. I am passionate about continuing the impact of mentorship and equipping underserved communities with this type of access.
My INFJ personality type and my background in public health and public policy have instilled in me a deep-seated passion for alleviating systemic inequities through policy advocacy, community engagement, and most importantly through empowerment at an individual level.
Laissa Kethllin Leitao Dias
Graphic Designer
laissa@thelocalcharity.com
I have the best example of generosity and compassion with my mom. She is a nurse in Brazil, and do not think twice before stepping out of her comfort zone to help those in need. While growing up, she taught me the importance of being humble, resilient, of listening to others, and observe.
Back in Brazil, I would always look for opportunities to be a volunteer, at the university, at church, or even on my personal side hustles; and when I heard of TLC for the first time, I immediately felt it perfectly aligned with my principles and values.
As a dedicated young professional, with a passion for Interactive Media and Graphic Design, I am thrilled that I can be of help with my creative skills to make a positive impact on the lives of many young people.
My mission is to help out hundreds of individuals through engaging and meaningful design.
Madot Bekele
Marketing Manager
madot@thelocalcharity.com
I am deeply passionate about giving back to my local community. This passion took root in grade school and continued to flourish through high school and university. Volunteering has always been a fundamental part of my life, driving me to seek opportunities where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Over the years, I have dedicated my time and skills to various causes, consistently finding fulfillment in helping people. Whether it’s through supporting local charities, or mentoring youth, I am committed to fostering positive change and building stronger communities.
I am thrilled to contribute my experience and enthusiasm to an organization that shares my values of unity, inclusion, and service. Together, we can continue to create impactful programs and initiatives that uplift and empower those around us.
Neha Menon
Marketing Manager
neha@thelocalcharity.com
A deep appreciation for the power of connection and community development drives my passion for giving back to the local community. Our community is rich with stories, traditions, and potential, and I believe that strategic marketing can amplify these elements, fostering a sense of unity and pride. I am committed to developing and implementing strategies that enhance visibility, foster engagement, and drive sustainable growth.
My motivation to give back stems from a desire to create meaningful change and foster a sense of unity among community members. By volunteering my time and skills, whether through organizing fundraising events, managing social media campaigns, or directly assisting in program implementation, I aim to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Through my involvement with The Local Charity, I hope to inspire others to join in building a more compassionate and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Theingi Zaw
Web Operations Coordinator
theingi@thelocalcharity.com
Believe in The Local Charity and Success Accelerator mission, and want to give back to my newly built community in Ontario, Canada.
Ingrid Salvador
Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator
ingrid@thelocalcharity.com
Helping people without receiving something in return has always been one of my passions, the satisfaction of having done a worthy cause and bringing happiness to another person fulfills me. From helping someone on the street, my family or friends.
Giving back to the local community fills me with happiness, it helps promote my personal and professional growth. Understanding firsthand the social problems and dynamics of the community fosters such growth and social responsibility.
Contributing to make this world a better place gives me a sense of peace and wellbeing, because it means that I am doing something meaningful for the development of society.