Who We Are

Our Vision

We envision a future where every young person in Canada has the skills, tools, resources, and opportunities to lead change in their communities and beyond. Our vision is a world where youths are seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Our Mission

To inspire, educate, and empower youths and young adults to reach their full potential through leadership, mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement.

We are committed to empowering a generation of youths who are not only prepared for the future but shaping it.

Why It Matters

The challenges facing young people today from social inequities to emerging technologies require creativity, resilience, and strong leadership. That’s why we’re investing in programs that prepare youths to learn, lead, and thrive, while inspiring them to live out their full potential.

How We Do It

Leadership Development

Build leadership and self-confidence by providing mentorship, experiential learning, and opportunities to take initiative.

Workplace & Career Readiness

Equip young people with practical life and career skills, from communication and financial literacy to digital and entrepreneurial competencies.

Innovation & Future Readiness

Prepare youths for the evolving future by supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.

Gender Equality & Respect

Advance gender equality and prevent gender-based violence by promoting empathy, healthy relationships, and positive masculinity.

Community Engagement

Encourage youths to take an active role in improving their communities through volunteering, advocacy, and civic participation.

Equity & Inclusion

Promote fairness, respect, and inclusion in all spaces where youth learn, work, and lead, ensuring that every young person feels valued and supported.

Together, these initiatives form the foundation of our mission: to equip youth with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to build better futures for themselves and their communities.

Our People

Meet the people behind Youth Buildup

Together, we bring diverse experiences, creativity, and dedication to every program we deliver. Every decision we make ensures our work remains impactful, inclusive, and sustainable, helping youths learn, lead, and succeed.

Franklin Bouguep

Executive Director

Franklin is passionate about human rights, diversity and inclusion and has worked in various industries, including international development and education. He has extensive experience in business development, strategic management, operations and supply chain management and has led teams of over 300 employees. Franklin has held leadership positions across industries in the United States, Europe and Africa for the past 20 years and is an agile communicator who is fluent in English, French and conversational Portuguese.

Daisy Gobina

Director, Youth Programs

Daisy, a graduate of the University of British Columbia (UBC), is a multi-talented entrepreneur and professional with a passion for making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young people. She is dedicated to investing in and supporting their professional advancement and entrepreneurial initiatives. Among her many endeavors, Daisy is the Co-Founder of Bizksills Academy Inc., a virtual platform designed to cultivate young entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs in emerging markets — empowering them to create the future of work and generate a billion jobs. She brings this same passion and commitment to her work with Black Build Up.

Anointing Momoh

Director, Monitoring and Evaluation

Anointing is a Project Manager, Economist, Public Policy Analyst, Researcher and Data Analyst with experience in developing, supporting, and implementing policy research projects in various policy areas, from migration to transportation to education. He holds a Master of Public Policy from Simon Fraser University, where he received the program’s two most prestigious merit-based awards, a Master of Economics from the University of Ilorin, and a Bachelor of Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin.