About Us

FUEL is an authentic community for young changemakers, where they are invited to rest, given opportunities to grow, and can find meaningful connections with like-minded individuals.

At FUEL, we want to surround ourselves with people who are bringing new ideas into the world - new ways of tackling entrenched issues - those who are not held back by the status quo or “how things have always been done”. To us, that means working with young changemakers.

We strive to create a space where young changemakers can be valued as individuals, where they feel loved for who they are, including and beyond their changemaking work.

Annual Report 23.24

Our Values

At FUEL, we lead by their example. As followers, we trust that youth are drivers of critical change and it's their voices that need to be at the forefront of addressing their own needs.

We are driven by youth voice. Everything we do, we do with youth.

We succeed together through authenticity, kindness and trust.

We aim to bring out the best in all those around us.

We embrace the joy of changemaking.

Meet Our Team

Erica Procter

Founder & Executive Director

My passion is building amazing cultures, where people feel seen, valued and trusted. I embody my mother’s love of people and my father’s love of learning. I have brought my people-centered leadership to roles in large institutions, focused in the youth, equity and data sectors. Throughout my work, I have built authentic relationships to shift culture and challenge the status quo.

I am now bringing my love for others to support young changemakers. I want to work with those passionate about making our world a better place. I see the best in others, move forward with intention and embrace failure. And don't be surprised if I pull out a game along the way!

erica@fuelchange.org

Patrick de Belen

Community Development Manager

Patrick de Belen is a storyteller, poet, filmmaker and youth educator.

Patrick has delivered keynote performances and facilitated art-based programming in various institutions and spaces across the world. Navigating themes of mental health, social justice and youth empowerment, he is deeply committed to uplifting voices that need to be heard.

In this part of his journey, Patrick brings his passion to the development of platforms and opportunities for young change-makers to inspire, empower and motivate positive and sustainable change in their communities.

patrick@fuelchange.org

Monique Pitt

Programming Lead

Monique Pitt is a Social Worker and Community Builder based in the Greater Toronto Area with over 8 years of experience. Known for her innovative programming initiatives that center culture and promote community wellness, she has successfully led projects enhancing access to essential services and resources to those in diverse communities.

Monique is committed to inclusivity and empowerment through facilitating creative events and specialized services that celebrate diversity, aiming to empower individuals and foster community well-being.

Monique infuses her role with a deep passion for youth development and wellness. She is committed to creating opportunities that empower young people to thrive, fostering growth in entrepreneurship, mental health, and social well-being. Through her dedication, she aims to equip youth with the tools and support they need to succeed.

monique@fuelchange.org

Tayyaba Shahzad

Operations Lead

Tayyaba Shahzad is a dedicated professional with a strong background in non-profit work, focusing on youth empowerment, civic engagement, and community development for over 6 years. Her passion lies in building partnerships and organizing communities to foster youth potential and create opportunities for skill development. Alongside her professional endeavors, Tayyaba runs "Spreading Memories," a project aimed at inspiring creativity and self-expression through transforming cherished moments and activism into expressive scrapbook spreads.

Tayyaba's approach is characterized by innovation and a deep commitment to human-centric solutions in the social impact space. She also embodies a deep appreciation for processes, organization, and structure, recognizing their pivotal role in fostering thriving communities and organizations.

tayyaba@fuelchange.org

Erica Procter’s Story of the Founding of FUEL

In 2019, I left my government job after 12 years. My family had planned to travel for 6 months, starting in March 2020, but Covid came along and that was that. Months were spent sitting at our dining room table helping my kids with school work - or finding parks where the 4 of us could play football. Once the kids were through the worst of it, I turned back to work - and felt a deep sadness.

I missed my team, but there was something more. I had love to give—love that didn’t fit into family or friendship or partnership. This love needed a home - and so my search began.

I attended conferences and applied to nonprofit jobs. I kept meeting young people who were “building the plane while flying it.” Their experience was so different from mine - bold, refreshing, full of possibility.

In 2021 and 2022, I started new jobs, filled with hope. I quit both within a year. These workplaces didn’t have a home for the love I had to give. After quitting the second job, I had nothing left to lose and set out to build this home myself.

I didn’t start FUEL to inspire or help young changemakers. I wanted to work alongside them—to be surrounded by people pushing boundaries and creating ripples of change. At FUEL, we built a culture rooted in love, honoring lived experiences and allowing people to show up fully as themselves. Our work is grounded in the voices of these young people - placing changemaker wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.