Our Story

Across many Nova Scotia communities, young people face limited access to mentorship, culturally relevant spaces, and opportunities that support personal growth and leadership development. For BIPOC youth in particular, these gaps are often compounded by underrepresentation in leadership, arts, STEM, and other pathways that shape future possibilities.

Uncover Your Essence (UYE) exists to address these gaps by creating spaces where youth feel seen, valued, and supported. We recognise that confidence, self-belief, and access to role models are foundational to long-term success, yet too often these elements are missing from traditional systems and programs.

UYE bridges this gap by offering transformative, community-based learning experiences that centre identity, self-love, and empowerment. Through year-round programs and partnerships, we connect youth to mentors, community organisations, and practical pathways that help them explore their potential, build leadership skills, and envision futures where they belong.

Mission Statement

Empower individuals, families, and communities to confidently embrace their identity, uncover their potential, and leads with purpose
Foster environments and initiatives that promote personal growth, self-care, and self-love

CORE VALUES

How We Create Lasting Impact

Empowerment

We design programs that help young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, and recognize their strengths. Through mentorship, learning experiences, and exposure to new pathways, we support youth in taking ownership of their futures.

Representation

We create spaces where BIPOC youth can see themselves reflected in leadership, creativity, and innovation. By amplifying diverse voices and role models, we challenge underrepresentation across arts, STEM, and community leadership.

Community

We bring people together through year-round initiatives that foster connection, collaboration, and belonging. Our work is rooted in partnerships with families, educators, and community organisations committed to collective growth.

Self-Love

We centre self-care, identity, and well-being in everything we do. UYE encourages young people to embrace who they are, value their experiences, and grow with confidence and purpose.

Our Team

Gabriella Gittens

Tiffani Young

Team Members

Board Members

Joan Curtis

Grace Akene

Fejiro Nwankwo

Emmanuel Itiveh