New staff bring fresh perspectives, skills and energy as ICSN continues building a more inclusive future for Canadian sport
Whitby, ON — September 18, 2026 — The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is pleased to welcome five new members to its growing team as the organization looks ahead to its next chapter of programming, partnerships and impact across the Canadian sport system.
Joining ICSN are Kenza Derkaoui, Marketing & Communications Coordinator; Janae McKay, Accounting Specialist; Sharelle Samuel, Showbiga Buvanendran, and Ismail Hassan, who will join as Programs & Operations Interns; Taijon Graham, who will join as the Marketing & Communications Intern.
Each new team member brings their own experiences, perspectives and strengths to ICSN. Together, they will support the organization’s work across communications, programming, operations and community engagement while contributing to ICSN’s continued growth.
“We are excited to welcome Kenza, Sharelle, Showbiga, Ismail and Taijon to ICSN,” said Shauna Bookal, President & CEO of ICSN. “As our organization continues to grow, so does our ability to bring new voices and perspectives into our work. We’re excited about what this team will contribute and what we can accomplish together as we continue building a more inclusive and equitable sport system.”
Meet Our New Team Members
Kenza Derkaoui | Marketing & Communications Coordinator
“As an archivist at heart, I see communications as a way of preserving the moments and people that shape our collective future. ICSN is doing that work in real time by creating important spaces of celebration, advocacy, and connection in Canadian sport, and I’m honoured to help document and amplify that impact.”
Janae McKay | Accounting Specialist
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with an organization that is actively fighting for change and challenging the sports system to be more equitable and inclusive. ICSN has played a vital role in my own development as a BIPOC athlete, and I am proud to work with the team making a difference.”
Sharelle Samuel | Programs & Operations Intern
“I am thrilled to join ICSN and contribute to building a more inclusive, equitable sporting landscape. So many of the formative opportunities and paths in my life stem directly from my involvement in athletics. Having the chance to give back to this community and ensure everyone has equal access to those transformative experiences is a privilege I am deeply looking forward to.”
Showbiga Buvanendran | Programs & Operations Intern
“I’m excited to be part of the ICSN team. As someone who has grown up within a racialized and diverse community, being involved in sport, such as tennis, through community-based programming has shaped who I am today. As a result, I am inspired to give back to other communities on a systemic level by promoting inclusion, diversity, and representation in all levels in sport – from participation to leadership. I look forward to learning new lessons and making new friends! :)”
Ismail Hassan | Programs & Operations Intern
“ICSN has been instrumental in my own development as a BIPOC individual. I am extremely excited for the opportunity to be a part of an organization doing exceptional work in creating similar opportunities for others”
Taijon Graham | Marketing & Communications Intern
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to join ICSN, an organization that has supported my growth as an emerging BIPOC leader in the sport industry. I’m looking forward to contributing to the amazing work that ICSN does, while continuing to learn and develop my skills to help serve racialized communities.”
As ICSN looks toward the future, the organization is excited to continue strengthening its team and creating opportunities for the next generation of professionals and leaders to contribute to a more representative, inclusive and equitable Canadian sport system.
Welcome to the team, Kenza, Janae, Sharelle, Showbiga, Ismail and Taijon. The future of ICSN is bright, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.
