Team Bios
Randell Adjei
Founder, Executive Director
Randell Adjei is an entrepreneur, speaker and spoken word practitioner who uses his gifts to Empower the message of Alchemy. Randell is a decorated and well sought out speaker who has shared his message across many corners of the globe. In April of 2020, he was appointed Ontario's first Poet Laureate.
Randell, is the founder and Executive Director of one of Toronto's largest youth arts initiatives; Reaching Intelligent Souls Everywhere (R.I.S.E Edutainment). R.I.S.E seeks to create safe and inclusive spaces for youth to express themselves in a positive way.
Randell is the author of “I am Not my struggles,” and was also named CBC’s Torontonian of the Year in 2015. In 2020 Randell opened up for President Barack Obama at the Economic Club of Canada. In September of 2022, Randell was inducted into the Scarborough Walk of Fame.
Elle de Lyon
Project Director
Elle de Lyon is the Project Director of Projects & Strategy at R.I.S.E Arts & Community Services, where she directs organization-wide programs, and events focused on community engagement, youth empowerment, creative placemaking and sustainability. She is an award-winning arts administrator, speaker, facilitator, and spoken word music artist.
Elle first connected with R.I.S.E, in 2012, as an audience member and volunteer before joining the project management team in 2019 and being appointed as the Program Director in 2021.
Elle is the author of Think Like a L.Y.O.N: Lift Yourself Over Negativity. Her leadership and community service have been nationally recognized, including being named a Top 100 Event Professional by BIE Network in 2021, CIBWE Foundation’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2023 and 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2026.
Jason De Mata
Operations Director
Born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, Jason has a BA in Criminology and Social Sciences and Humanities. Jason is RISE Edutainment's Operations Director, and VIBE Art's Mentorship & Projects Manager. He is an avid supporter of local Toronto artists. Jason has previously served on the Board of Directors for UNITY Charity, and has contributed to the City of Toronto’s Youth Equity Strategy, and helped to expand Nuit Blanche to Scarborough.
Anastasia de Lyon
Program Manager
As a seasoned Project Manager, Child and Youth Worker and Art Enthusiast, Anastasia brings over a decade of experience developing programs, events, and experiences for youth and organizations like Nuit Blanche, City of Toronto, ArtworxTO, Sandbox Studios and countless others.
In 2019, Anastasia co-founded MAdeWELL Productions - a project and event management business that is passionate about working within the art, culture and wellness industries to bring clients visions to fruition. She is also passionate about creating events and programs that address mental health and use art as a tool for social change.
Anastasia brings all of the experience from her cross section of corporate and community learnings to her role as Program Manager at RISE Edutainment. Developing learning materials and tools that maintain the integrity of creativity while commercializing its value. Once crowned Miss Black Beauty Canada, Anastasia spends the time she's not developing programming - modeling and acting in Toronto and abroad.
Kajaea Robertson
Program Coordinator
Kajaea Robertson is the Program Coordinator at RISE Arts and Community Services / RISE Edutainment, where she oversees the Open Mic series, volunteer team, and vendor markets. She is also a Spoken Word artist, MC, and vocalist, focusing her art on empowerment, mental health, and advocacy for Black youth.
In addition to her work in the arts, Kajaea is the owner of OMAINE Beauty, a personal care business, and is passionate about creating environments that share resources, uplift communities, and foster growth.
MOH
Social Media/Marketing Manager
Mohamed is the Social Media/Marketing Manager at RISE Edutainment, where since January 2023 he has led the organization’s social presence, overseeing content creation, digital strategy, marketing, and sponsorship initiatives. A Toronto-based video producer and content creator with a Master’s in Finance and Marketing, he is known for blending storytelling with sharp visuals. He gained recognition through viral digital content exploring music and culture, and continues to expand RISE’s visibility through impactful campaigns that connect community, creativity, and storytelling across social platforms.
In addition, Mohamed has worked on projects involving talent such as Issa Rae, Will Smith, and Shenseea, gaining experience across high-level entertainment and cultural campaigns. This perspective continues to inform his creative and strategic approach.
Abigail Wedderburn
Event Coordinator
Abigail Wedderburn is a Toronto-based creator, arts enthusiast, and community builder. As Event Coordinator at RISE Edutainment, she plays a key role in producing meaningful, youth- and community-driven events that amplify creativity and connection. Beyond her work with RISE, Abigail is a jewelry designer and photographer, blending artistry and storytelling through her creative practices. Grounded in a strong commitment to community care, she is passionate about fostering inclusive spaces and supporting the growth of artists and creatives in her community.