Utcha Sawyers
Utcha Sawyers is a dedicated leader, compassionate listener, and fervent advocate for
communities, with a rich blend of personal experience navigating financial poverty and a deep
understanding of the social inequities facing racialized communities in Toronto. Utcha’s journey
as a life skills coach and traditional wellness steward has been instrumental in fostering
balance, grounding, and heightened insight throughout a robust career in community and social
development services.
Having served as Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of East Scarborough since
2017, Utcha oversees the operational direction and delivery of vital programs and services to
over 3600 young people, families, and seniors across East Scarborough. Under Utcha’s
leadership, the organization has experienced remarkable growth, including the expansion to
include a standalone youth center and spearheading the animation of the Yemoja Village
Affordable Housing Initiative, prioritizing the needs of Black and Indigenous youth.
Leading the direction of the Social Enterprise revenue streams at FoodShare Toronto from 2011
to 2017, Utcha led all food justice management roles, managed community development
components, and provided mentorship to colleagues within the organization. She has served on
the boards of various organizations, including Food Secure Canada and Sankofa Cultural
Literacy & Development. Utcha’s commitment to social justice and community empowerment
has been recognized through awards such as the Vital Peoples Award from Toronto
Communities Foundation and acknowledgment from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation
for her accomplishments within the food security and sovereignty sector.
Utcha’s passion for community empowerment, coupled with her extensive experience and
expertise, make her a valuable asset to BGC East Scarborough, an organization committed to
fostering equity, justice, and resilience within communities.