Coordinator, IT, Communications & Social Innovation
Kevin Tesoro
Industry: Non-Profit & Community Services
Upon relocating to Canada, Kevin joined the Busby Centre in Barrie, contributing to its emergency shelter operations during challenging times. Drawing from his own experiences with trauma management, and through the lenses of others, he became deeply immersed in the stories of the local community members who navigated the shelter system. This experience underscored the urgency for a compassionate, unbiased approach by essential services to initiate positive change for those facing diverse hardships. The transformative work at the grassroots level – often unsung yet profoundly meaningful – resonates with him. It’s the collective, incremental efforts that can swiftly alter lives, an enlightening aspect of community service that propelled him further into this field.
Captivated by the pilot program “Rapid Rehousing”, he found his niche at Redwood Park Communities, collaborating with a handful of familiar teammates from his time at the Busby Centre. Their collaborative efforts in providing comprehensive support facilitated successful transitions for numerous individuals, reinforcing his interest in Redwood’s strategic aims. Leveraging his innate affinity for technology, he seamlessly integrated his skills into this leading charitable organization.
As part of Redwood Park Communities, he manages IT and communication projects while fostering social innovation to augment the capabilities of their teams. These teams diligently oversee a portfolio of transformative community projects alongside their valued neighbours and service partners. A new, and exciting extension of his role involves engaging and onboarding interested investors with their Redwood Community Housing Bonds campaign, coming soon in a neighbourhood near you! This social finance initiative generates critical funds for expanding affordable senior living options in Barrie, marking yet another step toward their commitment to inclusive community growth. Beyond his work, he is an avid music producer and DJ, as well as an event technical director, for events such as Elevate Festival in Toronto, and by renowned production groups such as Strategy Institute, and Spark Conferences in the healthcare space.
Fun Fact: “In 2020, I moved to Canada from New Jersey, where I previously worked numerous years in the emergency management sector, as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher, Medic, and Firefighter. Currently, in my free time, I produce media content and manage event technical operations for numerous corporate summits locally and across North America. You can also find me occasionally providing DJ services between Barrie and Toronto.”
Team Cat or Dog? Team Dog
What is special about your business?
“At Redwood Park Communities, our business goal transcends traditional housing development, focusing on fostering sustainable and inclusive communities where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. Our distinctive approach integrates social support and community engagement, ensuring we don’t just build houses, but nurture homes filled with hope and opportunity. Our collaborative spirit and partnerships amplify our impact, making us leaders in creating transformative change. By embracing these values and driving forward our causes, we’re not just constructing buildings; we’re laying the foundations for a brighter future for all.”
Can you share any exciting projects or initiatives your business is currently working on?
“Our Redwood Community Housing Bonds campaign (launching soon) will be a groundbreaking initiative that seamlessly blends social impact with financial returns, empowering investors of all sizes to play a crucial role in supporting the building of affordable, inclusive communities, where they are needed most. These bonds will directly fund a new affordable housing project for seniors, which deep in the works with more news to come soon!”
What’s Your Favourite Thing About the Sandbox?
“Sandbox fuels our passion for innovation and collaboration, offering a vibrant network of professionals and resources that inspire and enhance our work at Redwood Park Communities. It’s a place where our commitment to social impact is mirrored in the collective drive for growth and change, energizing our team to explore new possibilities in affordable housing and other social enterprise solutions. By embracing Sandbox’s spirit of community and entrepreneurship, we are constantly motivated to push boundaries and create meaningful, lasting impact.”
If you see me at the Sandbox, ask me about…
“How you can transform lives through the Redwood Community Housing Bond campaign, and let’s explore the powerful impact you can make through volunteering with our dedicated teams—because every action you take weaves strength into the fabric of our community!”
Kevin’s Top Picks
