FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jackee Kasandy
Jackee is a seasoned expert in retail, marketing, procurement, and strategic business practices — with over two decades of corporate advertising and marketing experience and a decade as a successful entrepreneur.
Founder and Executive Director of the Kasandy Foundation, and Global President & Board Chair of the Black Entrepreneurs & Businesses of Canada Society (BEBC).
Founder & Executive Director
Jackee Kasandy
As the founder and CEO of Kasandy Inc., a thriving 7-figure lifestyle brand, Jackee has applied her expertise to advertising, marketing, growth, and transformational strategy across diverse industries including retail, food, consumer products, and hospitality. Her flagship brick-and-mortar store has operated at the historic Granville Island in Vancouver, BC since 2016.
A recognized leader in procurement strategy and supplier diversity, Jackee created a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind procurement course designed to help suppliers become certification-ready while enabling corporations to diversify their supply chains.
The Vancouver Economic Commission recognized her as one of the “23 Black Leaders in Vancouver” for her advocacy, education, and leadership in supporting women and business owners. Her thought leadership has been featured in Montecristo Magazine and national and international media.
Current Roles
- ·Founder & Executive Director, The Kasandy Foundation
- ·Global President & Board Chair, BEBC Society (est. 2020)
- ·Founder & CEO, Kasandy Inc.
- ·Board Commissioner, BC Housing (appointed by Minister Ravi Kahlon)
- ·Board of Directors & Governance Committee, Union Gospel Mission
Recognition
Featured in Montecristo Magazine · Vancouver Economic Commission “23 Black Leaders in Vancouver”
Areas of Expertise
The Team
The people behind the work.
Left to right: Deress Asghedom · Jackee Kasandy · Nadine Umutoni · Raphael Machalani
Founder & Executive Director
Jackee Kasandy
A seasoned expert in retail, marketing, procurement, and strategic business practices — with over two decades of corporate advertising and marketing experience and a decade as a successful entrepreneur. Founder and CEO of Kasandy Inc., a thriving 7-figure lifestyle brand operating from Granville Island since 2016. Global President & Board Chair of the Black Entrepreneurs & Businesses of Canada Society (BEBC). Board Commissioner, BC Housing. Board of Directors & Governance Committee, Union Gospel Mission.
Operations & Technical Lead
Deress Asghedom
A seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in supply chain management, branding, and operations. He has led teams of 500+ and managed millions in inventory across North America. Founder of Vaster, Deress brings deep expertise in data-driven decision-making, customer-centric systems, and technology innovation — all applied to building KCEI's manufacturing and logistics infrastructure.
Team Member
Nadine Umutoni
Nadine brings lived experience and professional expertise to the Kasandy Foundation team.
Project Coordinator
Raphael Machalani
A strategic leader, consultant, and humanitarian specialist with over 10 years of international experience across development programs. He has led multi-country monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) systems in partnership with UNICEF, the EU, and Global Affairs Canada. Founder of Kronowl, a strategic consultancy for social impact organizations, Raphael brings deep expertise in grant writing, program design, and equity-centred strategy.
Research Partners
Academic and institutional team behind KCEI research.
Through a formal ten-milestone MOU with Emily Carr University of Art + Design, the Kasandy Foundation has embedded academic rigour into the KCEI pilot. ECUAD research leads are integral to the material science program beginning July 2026.
ECUAD · Faculty Lead
Ellen [Surname]
Faculty lead and grant applicant for the ECUAD–Kasandy Foundation research MOU. Leads the academic side of the circular textile R&D program.
ECUAD · Facilities
William [Surname]
Oversees equipment and lab access for the KCEI pilot, including shredder installation scheduled June 2026.
ECUAD · Researcher
Annika [Surname]
Postgraduate researcher embedded in the KCEI pilot. Leads material testing and circular product development under the ECUAD MOU.
Advisory Inquiry
Join our advisory network.
Experts in circular economy, textile science, Indigenous land stewardship, education policy, social enterprise, and impact investing are welcome to inquire. The Kasandy Foundation believes in building with, not around.
Get in touch →Press & Speaking
Jackee is available for media.
Available for print, broadcast, podcast, and online media interviews.
Panel discussions, keynotes, workshops, and community events.
Expert commentary on circular economy, inclusive employment, supplier diversity, and Black entrepreneurship.