Uthish is a graduate from the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus and from OISE’s Master of Teaching program. Uthish was raised in an underserved community, labeled as a Neighbourhood Improvement Area (NIA) by the City of Toronto, which influenced him to pursue a career in education to better serve his community and communities alike. He is currently teaching in his community at Winston Churchill CI and is grateful for what has been a rewarding experience over the last three years. Uthish also has experience working with youth as an educator with custody programs, mental health and addiction units, and through volunteering opportunities as a mentor in NIAs. These experiences have complemented his teaching practice as his classrooms have all material co-created with students. Uthish has also extended his experience in leading professional development sessions and Professional Learning Communities with staff that focus on equity, power, and race as well as enhancing relationships with students and building resilience. As a strong community advocate, Uthish plans on pursuing leadership roles to break barriers that marginalize student success inside and outside of school. He will also continue to give back to the communities that helped shape who he is today.