Our Team
Absane Ibrahim, Founder
Absane “Abbie” Jama is the Founder and Executive Director of Dare to Rise. A passionate community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for families, Abbie has spent more than two decades empowering women, youth, and underserved communities across Canada and beyond.
Her journey—from single motherhood to award-winning entrepreneur and nonprofit founder—has shaped her belief that resilience is not built alone, but within the strength of a village. Drawing on her 25 years as the founder of JamaFaceBeauty and her lifelong commitment to community service, Abbie brings a unique blend of creativity, compassion, and strategy to everything she does.
Abbie has spoken at conferences, led workshops, and partnered with organizations at local and national levels to amplify voices too often left unheard.
Through Dare to Rise, Abbie is building what she always wished existed: a safe, healing, and empowering space for families to access the support they need to thrive. Her leadership is guided by one simple truth: when one of us rises, we all rise.
Chika Oh, Co-founder
Visual Artist, Curator, and Beauty Entrepreneur
Chika Oh is a Nigerian-Canadian visual artist, curator, and beauty industry entrepreneur based in Toronto. With over a decade of experience, she uses painting, textiles, and mixed media to foster self-expression and healing, especially in underserved communities. Through her platform Create With Chika Oh, she hosts Sip & Paint nights, art therapy sessions, and cultural exhibits to make art more accessible. Her Born to Create exhibit at Stackt Market celebrated Black excellence through art, music, and live performance. She’s been featured in the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper and received the 2024 LEGUP Arts & Sustainable Community Award. In beauty, she runs a successful hair business and mentors new entrepreneurs. Her future goals include launching online art courses, expanding her beauty brand internationally, and curating Afrocentric exhibits worldwide. Chika continues to bridge creativity and community, using art and beauty to inspire, heal, and empower.
Wendy Comer
I was born in Newmarket and have proudly called the Keswick area home for more than 40 years. My roots here run deep—I’ve built my life, friendships, and career in this community, and it’s where I feel most grounded.
Away from work, you’ll often find me reading a good book, enjoying the peace of nature, or spending time with animals. Those quiet moments remind me of the importance of balance and joy in everyday life, something I encourage others to make space for, too.
My journey with money hasn’t always been simple, and that’s why I’m so passionate about the work I do now. I know what it’s like to feel unsure, overwhelmed, or even intimidated by finances, and I’ve learned firsthand how clarity and small, consistent choices can completely change your outlook.
Today, as an independent financial representative with Primerica, I focus on helping others experience that same shift—from confusion to confidence.
I work with individuals, families, and business owners, guiding them through the building blocks of financial literacy: budgeting, protecting loved ones with life insurance, saving and investing for the future, and offering group plan solutions for workplaces. My approach is always down-to-earth and practical—I believe money should empower, not complicate.
Connection is at the heart of everything I do. Whether it’s through a coffee chat, a community event, or a workshop, I strive to create conversations that are open, judgment-free, and even a little fun. I remind people that every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
At the end of the day, my motto sums it up best: “Dawn of a new financial day.” Because each sunrise is a reminder that no matter where you’re starting from, there’s always an opportunity to take a fresh step toward the life you want.
Magda Juliana Diaz
Magda Juliana Diaz is a Women’s Empowerment Mentor and Business Strategist with over 25 years of experience in leadership, partnerships, and organizational development. She is the Founder of Elemental Truth Mentorship & Business Strategy Consulting and Co-Founder of UpSkill Hub, a social enterprise creating employment and educational opportunities for immigrant women and underserved communities.
Magda is also a proud Founding Member of Immigrant Women in Business (IWB), where she has been instrumental in amplifying the voices and leadership of immigrant women across Canada. Her mentorship and consulting work are rooted in resilience, reinvention, and authentic leadership — guiding women through life transitions such as midlife identity shifts, perimenopause, divorce, loss, and career reinvention.
As a Board Member of the Dare to Rise Foundation, Magda brings her holistic, heart-led approach and her extensive community network to help further the Foundation’s mission of empowerment, resilience, and impact.
Andrea Macleod
Andrea has always been a strong advocate for public service and serving others. She began her law enforcement career at the young age of 19 and eventually earned the rank of Corporal and forensic specialist with prestigious organizations like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Ontario Special Investigations Unit. A decorated veteran, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her community. Now retired from law enforcement, she continues to serve others as a Professor of Forensic Science, where she mentors and inspires the next generation of forensic practitioners.