About the Kasandy Foundation
“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
— Jackee Kasandy
Our Story
The Kasandy Foundation was founded in 2020 as the non-profit arm of Kasandy Locally Global, a fair trade brand working with artisans and ethical producers worldwide.
From our early work in artisan development, we quickly saw the interconnectedness of poverty, environmental injustice, and systemic exclusion. That’s why we shifted toward solutions that address the root — starting with how the global economy treats both people and the planet as disposable.
We believe in re-designing systems to be circular, regenerative, and just.
Our Mission
To build equitable futures by investing in:
Circular innovation that transforms waste into economic opportunity
Educational access for Black girls and women
Family-building and adoption support that centers care and justice
Our Values
Sustainability – Waste is a resource, not a burden.
Equity – We prioritize communities that have been systematically excluded.
Community Ownership – We work with, not for.
Transparency – We measure and share our impact.
Hope – Every life has potential worth investing in.
Our Latest Project
Born From Purpose, Built by Community
The Kasandy Circular Economy Initiative was founded by social entrepreneur Jackee Kasandy as an extension of the Kasandy Foundation’s commitment to inclusion and dignity of work. After years of working with artisans globally, Jackee saw an urgent need to address the growing crisis of waste in our own communities—while supporting people pushed to the margins of the workforce.
Inspired by models like FabBrick in France, and aligned with the City of Vancouver’s Zero Waste and Equity Frameworks, we created a system where discarded materials become tools for transformation.
The Project aims to :
100+ metric tons of waste diverted per year
50+ sustainable jobs created in 3 years
30+ partnerships with businesses and institutions
Countless lives transformed through inclusive employment
The Team
Jackee Kasandy
Founder & Executive Director
Jackee is a social entrepreneur, speaker, and community advocate whose lived experience as an immigrant woman has fueled her passion for creating inclusive systems of opportunity.
Through the Kasandy Foundation and its social enterprises, she champions education, sustainable development, and the empowerment of women around the world.
Nadine Umutoni
Social Entrepreneur
Nadine Umutoni is the founder of Neza Foundation Society, where she leads initiatives focused on empowering women and families through mentorship, skill-building, and inclusive community support. Her work fosters resilience and belonging while promoting equity and leadership at the grassroots level aligning powerfully with the Kasandy Foundation’s mission to build inclusive and sustainable communities.
Deress Ashgedom
Social Entrepreneur | Community Advocate
With over 20 years of experience in supply chain, branding, and operations, Deress combines his leadership in tech innovation with a deep commitment to building inclusive networks for newcomer and racialized communities.
Raphael Machalani
Entrepreneur & Advisor
Raphael Machalani is a multidisciplinary strategist with expertise in branding, social impact, and digital innovation. He supports mission-driven organizations in building sustainable models, clear narratives, and systems that drive equity and measurable change.