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🌺 S.H.E. West Indian 🌺

Strength • Healing • Empowerment

A culturally specific nonprofit organization serving Indo-West Indian women and girls across generations.

We create culturally grounded spaces where identity is affirmed, healing is supported, and heritage is preserved.

Where heritage blooms.

Where voices rise.

More Аbout Тhe Оrganization

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🌿 WHO WE ARE 🌿

S.H.E. West Indian is a registered nonprofit corporation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

We serve Indo-West Indian women and girls navigating identity, intergenerational trauma, gender-based violence, and cultural marginalization in diaspora.

Our work is rooted in healing, strengthened by advocacy, and guided by cultural preservation.

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🌺 OUR VISION 🌺

To cultivate visible, culturally affirming spaces where Indo-West Indian women and girls thrive — emotionally, socially, and generationally.

We envision a future where:

• Our identities are named with clarity
• Our histories are acknowledged with dignity
• Our voices are amplified with confidence
• Our presence is recognized without explanation

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🌿 OUR MISSION 🌿

S.H.E. West Indian is a culturally specific nonprofit organization that empowers Indo-West Indian women and girls facing barriers related to identity marginalization, gender-based violence, intergenerational trauma, and systemic inequities.

Through culturally grounded programming, advocacy, and community engagement, we work to reduce barriers, promote healing, preserve heritage, and strengthen intergenerational resilience.

🌺 WHAT WE DO 🌺

We create intentional spaces for:

🌿 Healing-centered workshops & reflection circles

👧🏽 Youth identity & leadership programs

🎙 Thoughtful cultural conversations & podcast dialogue

🌺 Women’s visibility forums
📖 Storytelling & narrative amplification

🤝 Community gatherings & cultural preservation initiatives

Our approach is intergenerational — because healing does not happen in isolation.

🌿 OUR STORY 🌿

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Founded in 2025, S.H.E. West Indian emerged from a shared recognition:

While West Indian culture carries resilience and pride, there have been limited intentional spaces created specifically for Indo-West Indian women and girls to explore identity, mental health, healing, and leadership — without explanation or compromise.

Our experiences exist at the intersection of:

  • Indo ancestry and West Indian identity
  • Migration and generational transition
  • Cultural pride and cultural silence
  • Strength and unspoken trauma

S.H.E. West Indian was created to name that intersection — and transform it into visibility, belonging, and leadership.

Founded in community.
Rooted in culture.
Guided by care.

🌺 Support S.H.E. West Indian 🌺

Strength • Healing • Empowerment

S.H.E. West Indian is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering West Indian women, youth, and families through culturally meaningful programs, education, wellness initiatives, and community connection.

Our mission is rooted in three powerful words: Strength • Healing • Empowerment.

Your donation helps us create and expand programs that address the real needs within our community, including women’s mental health and wellness, support and resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, youth development and mentorship, educational workshops, leadership and empowerment programs, support for seniors and families, and cultural and community initiatives.

We are also developing new programs such as Rewrite Your Story™, Healing Through Writing, Empower S.H.E. virtual wellness sessions, youth workshops, and S.H.E. Talks – Giving Voice to the Voiceless, creating safe spaces for education, conversation, healing, and connection.

Every contribution, regardless of the amount, helps us continue this work and reach more people in our community.

When you support S.H.E. West Indian, you are helping us build a community where people feel seen, heard, supported, and empowered.

Together, we can create stronger individuals, stronger families, and a stronger community.

Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting the work of S.H.E. West Indian. ❤️

Strength • Healing • Empowerment

DONATE HERE

🌺 SUPPORT OUR WORK 🌺

Supporting Members help sustain culturally specific spaces for Indo-West Indian women and girls.

Annual Supporting Membership: $25

Your contribution strengthens:

  • Healing initiatives
  • Youth leadership programming
  • Cultural visibility
  • Safe gathering spaces
  • Community advocacy
👉🏽  Become a Supporting Member 
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Member Benefits

✨ Priority Invitations to Signature Cultural Events & Heritage Experiences

✨ Private Members-Only Gatherings & Curated Community Spaces

✨ Access to Healing Circles Rooted in Culture & Collective Strength

✨ Leadership & Visibility Opportunities Within the Organization

✨ Founding Member Recognition within the S.H.E. West Indian community

✨ Early Access to Announcements, Programs & Collaborations

✨ 10% Member Savings on S.H.E. West Indian Workshops and Retreats

This is more than membership.
It is cultural preservation.
It is belonging.
It is standing proudly in who we are.

Annual Membership: $25

👉🏽  BECOME A MEMBER

🌿 PARTNER WITH US 🌿

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Organizations and community leaders can partner with S.H.E. West Indian to support:

• Mental health and healing initiatives
• Gender-based violence awareness
• Youth empowerment programs
• Cultural preservation efforts

For partnership inquiries and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us below.

🌿 CALENDAR 🌿

🗓️ UPCOMING EVENT

🌿 CORE AREAS OF SUPPORT 🌿

Financial
Rebuilding & Stability

Helping women regain financial confidence and independence after separation, abuse, or major life transitions.

Support may include:

  • budgeting and financial planning
  • rebuilding credit
  • employment and career guidance
  • resume and interview support
  • entrepreneurship and small business guidance
  • financial literacy workshops
  • navigating separation and financial transitions

Financial Independence & Empowerment

Empowering women to confidently make decisions for themselves and their future.

Topics include:

  • understanding personal finances
  • creating long-term goals
  • building savings
  • career mentorship
  • returning to school or training
  • developing confidence in independent decision-making

Building
Healthy Support Systems

Helping women reconnect with safe, positive, and empowering communities.

This may include:

  • peer support circles
  • mentorship opportunities
  • wellness and healing workshops
  • community networking
  • confidence-building activities
  • emotional wellness resources
  • healing through writing sessions

Safety, Communication & Boundaries

Providing education and support around personal safety, communication, and healthy relationship dynamics.

Topics may include:

  • safety planning
  • co-parenting communication
  • setting healthy boundaries
  • recognizing emotional manipulation
  • rebuilding self-worth
  • navigating difficult conversations
  • accessing community resources and supports

🌺 Board of Directors 🌺

Sandy (Shobha) Maeck

Founder & Chair

Sandy (Shobha) Maeck is the Founder of S.H.E. West Indian and the CEO & Founder of Empower You by Sandy Maeck, where she proudly serves as Chair.

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Sue Ann Baksh-Lorray

Treasurer

Sue Ann Baksh-Lorray is a seasoned Project and Business Development Manager in the healthcare industry, bringing extensive experience in operations.

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Tasneem Yassen, RSW

Director of Cultural Development

Tasneem Yassen, RSW, is a registered social worker and practicing counselor with a strong commitment to supporting youth and community well-being.

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Kevin Shah

Entrepreneur

Kevin Shah is a Toronto-based entrepreneur, marketing executive, and creative strategist known for building brands at the intersection of culture, media, and entertainment.

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Shauntelle Sims

Director of Outreach & Community Engagement

Shauntelle Sims is a dedicated youth leader and educator with over 15 years of experience working with children and young people through dance and mentorship.

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GET IN TOUCH AND JOIN US

Whether you are here to connect, collaborate, support, or grow — there is space for you at S.H.E. West Indian.

S.H.E. West Indian Volunteer Form

Strength • Healing • Empowerment

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with S.H.E West Indian. Our volunteers play an important role in helping us create spaces where Indo-West Indian women and girls can connect, celebrate culture, and support one another.

Please complete the information below:

Personal Information
FOR OFFICE USE
Availability
Areas You Would Like to Volunteer
Skills or Experience
Interest
Consent
I understand that volunteering with S.H.E West Indian may involve participating in community events and programs. I agree to support the organization’s mission of Strength, Healing, and Empowerment.
🌺 Thank you for becoming part of the S.H.E. West Indian community. Together we celebrate identity, preserve culture, and uplift one another.

Become a Supporting Member

Strength • Healing • Empowerment

About You (Optional)
🌺 Thank you for becoming part of the S.H.E. West Indian community. Together we celebrate identity, preserve culture, and uplift one another.

Sandy (Shobha) Maeck

Founder & Chair

Sandy (Shobha) Maeck is the Founder of S.H.E. West Indian and the CEO & Founder of Empower You by Sandy Maeck, where she proudly serves as Chair.

She is also the Founder and Artistic Director of STCC, where she has worked with Indo-West Indian youth for over 26 years—using dance, culture, and mentorship to build confidence, identity, and connection.

Her professional background spans both the corporate and public sectors. She began her career with Bell Canada as a Junior Manager, went on to work with the Government of Canada as an Executive Assistant to a Director General, and later worked with Rogers Communications as a Business Analyst. She is also a Registered Condominium Manager.

Today, Sandy is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, and life coach. Her work is rooted in creating safe, empowering spaces where women and youth can heal, grow, and reconnect—with themselves and their culture.

Everything she is building through S.H.E. West Indian is grounded in lived experience and a deep passion for community.

Sue Ann Baksh-Lorray

Treasurer

Sue Ann Baksh-Lorray is a seasoned Project and Business Development Manager in the healthcare industry, bringing extensive experience in operations, planning, and financial leadership. Known for her structured and solutions-driven approach, she excels at managing complex projects with precision and accountability.

As Treasurer of S.H.E. West Indian and a dedicated Board Member, Sue provides financial oversight, strategic guidance, and operational support – helping to ensure the organization’s sustainability and long-term growth.

Tasneem Yassen, RSW

Director of Cultural Development

Tasneem Yassen, RSW, is a registered social worker and practicing counselor with a strong commitment to supporting youth and community well-being. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and brings a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to her work, grounded in both professional experience and genuine care for those she serves.

In addition to her work in social services, Tasneem has over 15 years of experience in dance and choreography, using the arts as a powerful tool for cultural expression, healing, and identity.

As Director of Cultural Development for S.H.E. West Indian, she plays a key role in shaping programs that celebrate heritage, empower youth, and foster meaningful community connection..

Kevin Shah

Entrepreneur

Kevin Shah is a Toronto-based entrepreneur, marketing executive, and creative strategist known for building brands at the intersection of culture, media, and entertainment. As the founder of DJ Kevin Music and owner of Prime Media Group, he has built a reputation for turning ideas into influential brands through music, live events, and forward-thinking marketing. With work spanning Toronto and major markets across North America, the Caribbean, the UK, and beyond, Kevin is recognized as a marketing mogul with sharp business instinct, creative vision, and global cultural reach.

Shauntelle Sims

Director of Outreach & Community Engagement

Shauntelle Sims is a dedicated youth leader and educator with over 15 years of experience working with children and young people through dance and mentorship. Through her long-standing involvement with STCC, she has coached and guided youth, helping to build confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of cultural identity.

She is also a Registered Early Childhood Educator (ECE) working within a Montessori setting, bringing a strong foundation in child development and nurturing care.

As Director of Outreach and Community Engagement for S.H.E. West Indian, Shauntelle leads youth-focused initiatives, creating programs that support growth, identity, and empowerment while fostering meaningful community connections.