Meet Our Team Of Talented Individuals
Driven, passionate, and purpose-led, we’re the people behind the mission, working together to create real impact.
Treasurer
Asif Kasim
Asif A. Kasim is the Founder and Principal of Integrity Tree Financial Inc., a Canadian financial services firm dedicated to helping individuals, families, and small businesses achieve long-term financial clarity and stability. With over two decades of experience in the insurance and financial services industry, Asif specializes in cash flow optimization, investment strategies, and wealth protection solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client. He brings a passion for financial literacy and community empowerment into every client interaction, with a deep understanding of how education can change lives. His work is rooted in ethical advice, transparency, and building relationships that stand the test of time.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Asif is deeply committed to giving back. He founded the Integrity Tree Foundation to create meaningful change in the lives of youth, seniors, newcomers, and the underserved. Whether through mentoring programs, charitable events, or financial education initiatives, he is focused on creating pathways to opportunity for those who need it most. A proud family man and lifelong learner, Asif blends his love of people, purpose, and progress into everything he does.
President
Saeed Khan
Saeed Khan is a Toronto-based product leadership expert with over 25 years of experience in B2B technology. He brings deep expertise in strategy, team development, and community building to his role as a director Integrity Tree Foundation. As the founder of Transformation Labs and co-founder of ProductCamp Toronto, Saeed has a long track record of creating spaces for learning, connection, and leadership development. His passion for mentorship and collaboration makes him a strong advocate for mission-driven impact and organizational growth.
secretary
Ashley Crichton
With over 15 years of professional experience in various social and educational industries, joining the Foundation as a Board member is a natural extension. I am excited to bring my genuine passion of helping people by sharing knowledge and building connections to social and community resources to help guide our foundation’s mission and make a tangible impact in our community. I am passionate about sharing financial literacy knowledge to help our youth and newcomers prosper in today’s world, and am honoured to contribute my skills to this cause. When I’m not networking around Durham Region, you can catch me sipping coffee and reading a great book, cheering on my daughter at her gymnastics classes or jiu jitsu competitions, or enjoying special time with my family.
Board member
Nicole Benedetto
Nicole Benedetto is a dedicated community advocate and passionate supporter of youth and vulnerable populations, with over 10 years of marketing experience, including working alongside nonprofit charities that support youth and families. Nicole serves as Chair of the Parent Council in the Kedron community for three consecutive years now, where her leadership and collaborative approach have helped strengthen engagement among families, educators, and local partners. In recognition of her contributions, she was honoured with the Volunteer of Distinction Award from DDSB.
Deeply committed to fostering connection and celebrating community, Nicole also founded and published a local community paper in Durham for eight months. Through this initiative, she highlighted small but meaningful wins, from neighbourhood soccer games to city festivals, while championing local businesses and bringing residents closer together. In recognition of this work, she was nominated for the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce GOCC Intrapreneur of the Year 2025.
Nicole believes strongly in the power of collaboration and collective impact. Her work is guided by a genuine desire to make a difference and uplift those around her, helping to build a stronger, more connected community for all.
Board member
Silvana Mello
As the Founder of Talent Balloon, an early talent recruitment and career development company, I have built my career over the past 15 years across both the private and education sectors, with experience in HR, Talent Management, Campus Recruitment and Career Coaching. I am passionate about building bridges between youth and the job market, and I have developed an inclusive and diverse approach through tailored recruitment strategies, workshops, and career development support that help both employers and early talent navigate the workforce.
My commitment to community also extends to educational institutions and non-profits, where I work with organizations and individuals to deliver career services and support professional growth across sectors. Joining the Integrity Tree Foundation board is important to me because I believe in supporting initiatives that create meaningful impact, expand access, and help individuals and families feel seen, supported, and empowered in our local community.