The People Behind the Purpose

At The Local Charity, we don’t just talk about transformation — we live it. Our team is made up of individuals who bring personal experience, professional insight, and unwavering compassion to the work we do. From lived realities of adversity to a shared belief in what’s possible, each member of our team is here because they’ve seen the impact of opportunity — and are committed to creating it for others.

Discover our mission driven approach

We break the cycle of poverty by equipping youth with the mental health support, essential life skills, and technology access they need to thrive.

We believe that every young person should have the resources, mentorship, and mindset to rewrite what’s possible.

Our work is rooted in lived experience. Many of us know firsthand what it means to face systemic challenges – and what it takes to overcome them. We bring that understanding into every program, every conversation, and every youth relationship.

Our work is powered by people who care deeply – and show up boldly.

Each member of The Local Charity brings their own story, perspective, and purpose to the mission. Many of us have lived through the very barriers we now work to dismantle – and we carry that experience forward with humility, compassion, and a fierce belief in what’s possible.

We are united by more than role titles – we’re united by shared values, a commitment to equity, and a vision for the next generation. Together, we work to break the cycle of poverty by helping youth build confidence, resilience, and the skills to lead their own future.

Why Our Team Makes the Difference

Our people are the heart of The Local Charity. Their passion, experience, and shared commitment to youth empowerment are what set us apart.

Our team members are here because they believe in the mission — many with lived experience and a shared commitment to breaking cycles and building opportunity.

 

We design and deliver programs that meet youth where they’re at - accessible, adaptive, and built with the realities of our communities in mind.

 

As a primarily volunteer-led organization, we operate with trust, collaboration, and clarity - ensuring that every role contributes meaningfully to lasting impact.

The People Behind the Mission

The Local Charity is more than an organization - it’s a movement powered by people with purpose. Our team brings lived experience, professional passion, and deep empathy to the work of breaking the cycle of poverty for marginalized youth. Each united by a belief that every young person deserves the tools, support, and mindset to shape their own future.

Laney Lui

Founder & Executive Director

Laissa Kethllin

Graphic Designer

Afraa A

Illustrator

Profile picture of Odina Rennie, Operations Coordinator

Odina Rennie

Community Development Manager

Neha Menon

Marketing Specialist

Joy Wang

Strategic Operations & Project Manager

Rakshath Jain

Project Manager - Marketing

Priyanka Karki

Project Coordinator

Sippy Shah

People Coordinator

Josh Grant

Video Editor

Sonika Kunder

Email Marketing Specialist

Becoming a valued team member

Join our passionate community to support impactful projects, advocate for change, and collaborate for a brighter future.

  • Project Coordinator Keep programs running on track.
  • Marketing & Communications Coordinator Amplify our mission and impact.
  • Volunteer Coordinator Recruit, train, and support volunteers.
  • Fundraiser Build relationships that power change.