People committed to
creating opportunity.
29 Roots is led by people who know our communities, understand the barriers participants face, and are committed to turning training into real careers.
Founder
Founder & President
Michael Laidley
Michael founded 29 Roots to create real pathways to work for young people and adults facing barriers across the GTA. He has spent years facilitating youth programs in Toronto’s inner-city communities, work that goes back to 2007, when he served as a motivational speaker and life coach with the Breaking the Cycle: Stop the Violence Tour, an initiative started by the Toronto District School Board.
A former Youth Board Cabinet member in the Lawrence Heights community, Michael was selected in 2018 to speak for the TDSB Safe Schools gang intervention program. Today he leads the organization’s vision, program design and employer relationships, including the Fast-Track to Construction program and co-op placements with construction employers.
“Your current circumstances do not define your destiny. Keep going. Keep growing. Keep believing.”
Guiding strategy. Delivering programs.
Ken Gray
Vice-President
Ken is a founding officer of 29 Roots and serves as Vice-President. He provides strategic direction for the organization, leading marketing, communications and digital strategy, and building the external partnerships that connect 29 Roots with employers, funders and community organizations.
Ken also supports program delivery as a facilitator, helping make sure what we teach reflects what employers need.
Yvonne Togue
Programs Manager
Yvonne manages the day-to-day delivery of 29 Roots programs. She coordinates participant intake and assessments, supports facilitators and partners, and keeps each program on track from the first session to the participant’s next step.
Yvonne also helped lead the planning of the 29 Roots Skilled Trades Summit as assistant project manager.
Karen Mighty
Head of Client Advocacy and Wrap-around Supports
Karen leads client advocacy and wrap-around supports at 29 Roots. A Certified EDIAR Consultant with over two decades of experience in social services, she has supported individuals, families, organizations and communities through equity-focused and culturally responsive practice grounded in anti-oppression, anti-racism, cultural humility, psychological safety and belonging.
Karen brings extensive experience in leadership, clinical practice, training and facilitation, and a practical, relational and trauma-informed approach. She is also the founder of MIGHTY2GETHER™, a platform focused on advocacy, courageous conversations and creating belonging through intentional dialogue and action.
Rooted in community.
Focused on outcomes.
Lived Experience
We understand the barriers our participants face because we come from, and work in, the same communities.
Community First
Strong relationships with employers, educators and agencies are how opportunities get created.
Outcomes That Matter
We measure success by the next step: a job, an apprenticeship, a business or more education.
Let’s build opportunity together.
Whether you’re an employer, a funder, a community partner or someone looking for a new path, our team would like to hear from you.