About us

To foster success among our youth in all facets of society, we must confront the discrimination, challenges, and inequality they encounter daily. At Realize Your Potential Youth Society, we aspire to be the sanctuary where young members of the African Diaspora can access vital support, cultivate resilience, master emotional regulation, and develop indispensable life and career skills. Together, we strive to establish a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where our youth can flourish.

Our Mission

To provide a safe, supportive, and empowering space where descendants of the African Diaspora can foster relationships, overcome obstacles, build confidence, and gain opportunities they can use to enrich their lives.

Our Vision

Give descendants of the African Diaspora the power to realize their potential, so that they can excel in all areas of society.

Our values

Realize Your Potential Canada RYP father and son

We get you

Because we are you.
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We are inclusive

We celebrate differences.
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We are passionate

About empowering young people.
Realize Your Potential Canada RYP wear team people in front of a laptop

We are a team

We work together
to make a social impact.

Meet the RYP team

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DESIREE HENRY
FOUNDER

DIRECTOR, PROGRAMS DEVELOPMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Desiree Henry is an individual passionate about mental health and community engagement. Desiree is a Mount Royal University Broadcast Media graduate with a diverse educational background that includes television broadcasting, entrepreneurial experiences, and mental wellness coaching. Desiree is responsible for developing our RYP NewLife Program© with tenacity and dedication.

Desiree’s unwavering commitment to community service and youth empowerment is a cornerstone of her professional journey. Driven by purpose, she has helped build transformative spaces for youth of the African Diaspora—spaces rooted in dignity, access, and opportunity—reflecting her unwavering dedication to meaningful change.

Realize Your Potential Canada RYP sharon

SHARON CORNWALL
CO-FOUNDER

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT
With over three decades of experience in Human Resources and entrepreneurship, Sharon Cornwall brings a wealth of expertise to her endeavours. Sharon Cornwall is a dedicated advocate and community leader driven by a genuine commitment to empowering youth and promoting diversity across various domains. Notably, as the founder of The Black Achievement Awards Society of Alberta and The Canadian National Griot Awards, she has played a pivotal role in acknowledging and nurturing the potential of black youth, facilitating the disbursement of over 200 bursaries to bolster their educational pursuits.
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David Bradshaw

RYP Strategic Leadership Advisor

David Bradshaw serves as RYP’s Strategic Leadership Advisor, where he brings a passion for mentorship, governance, and creating opportunities for youth. His guidance helps strengthen the NewLife Program© and elevate the voices of young leaders across the African Diaspora.

David is also the President of the Calgary Black Chambers and Co-Founder of BradshawBolton, a firm dedicated to building stronger client experiences and organizational cultures. With over 25 years of leadership in customer experience and operations, including senior roles at ATB Financial and ING Direct (Tangerine Bank), his teams have earned national and global recognition for service excellence. He combines this proven track record with a deep commitment to youth development and community impact.

Realize Your Potential Canada RYP krisha

KRISHA FRANKLYN
CO-FOUNDER

CO-DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
Krisha Franklyn is an experienced teacher who believes in the importance of relationships to student success, achievement, and happiness. She has taught in the Calgary Board of Education Public Schools for twelve years. She has a diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education with a minor in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. Krisha has worked with underprivileged children, predominantly English Language Learners, and currently teaches grade eight Math and Science at George Stanley Middle School.
Realize Your Potential Canada RYP steve

STEVE SHAKES
CO-FOUNDER

CO-DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL LITERACY CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
Steve is a knowledgeable professional with 20 years of experience in stock investment. He has provided coaching, counselling, and mentoring and conducted investment education classes and workshops. He is passionate about self-development, coaching, and mentoring within his community. Steve also volunteered as a martial arts instructor and obtained a Certificate in Adult Education and Staff Development in 2018.
Realize Your Potential Canada RYP kywana

KYWANA BONAPARTE
CO-FOUNDER

CO-DIRECTOR of the NewLife STEAM Bridge Program

Kywana Bonaparte is a graduate student in Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of British Columbia. She earned her Bachelor of Biological Sciences with Distinction from the University of Calgary. As a first-generation Canadian of Jamaican and Grenadian descent, Kywana's experiences with systemic racism in education inspired her to volunteer with minority youth. With seven years of tutoring at the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, she mentored immigrant youth and coordinated cultural acceptance events. Passionate about helping others navigate academic challenges, she is dedicated to sharing her knowledge to support academic success.

Realize Your Potential Canada RYP edna

EDNA CORNWALL-SHADD
CO-FOUNDER

CO-DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT
Edna is a mental health care coordinator with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Developmental Service Worker Program Diploma. She has over 30 years of experience working in the mental health field and is passionate about education, training, and youth mentorship.
Realize Your Potential Canada RYP grace

GRACE POTTINGER
CO-FOUNDER

Community Liaison Event Support
Grace is a respected community leader who advocates for children with traditional values and quiet dignity. She co-founded the Alberta Black Achievement Awards and led many organizations, including the Jamaican Association of Northern Alberta.
Realize Your Potential Canada RYP anthony

ANTHONY HEADLEY
CO-FOUNDER

IT, AUDIO AND PRODUCT DESIGNER
Anthony Headley is Co-Founder and Director of IT, Audio and Product Design. Anthony is a Certified Computer Administrator and seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in IT, tech support, audio, and product design. With a solid commitment to excellence and a drive for innovation, he applies his expertise to enhance digital infrastructure and product development.