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Boss MAGAZINE
Superhero
By Justina Opoku-Ware
Tasheka Mason (TASHEKA meaning; Wisdom, prone to selfsacrifice
and peacemaker. MASON; from an old French word
of German origin meaning “to make or stone worker”) is the
third child of four on both of her parents’ sides. According
to the Akan day names, her day name is Adjua which is
connected to the day she was born, Monday, which means
“peacemaker, humorous, devoted to helping others, and
responsible.” With that being said, Tasheka is devoted to
helping the young people around her achieve excellence and
to helping her community grow. A resident of Scarborough,
she is currently the volunteer executive director at
Healin’Scars, the 2013 Youth Legacy Award recipient at
YCF (United Way), a selected member on the first Premier’s
Counsel On Youth Opportunities, the chair of the board at
Redemption Reintegration Services, and is in the process
of holding an exclusive event for her new company TM3;
A Vintage vs Modern Wear Night Out Networking/Launch
event. Boss caught up with our latest Superhero to ask her
a few questions.
What is your superhero motto?
Humility is key. Always be a life long learner.
In order to lead, one must know how to strategically follow.
A struggle that started years ago and a journey that has just
begun.
What are you most passionate about making happen in
your community?
I am most passionate about building and restoring
my community. However I am very passionate about
minimizing the violence, unemployment rates and the
amount of at risk youths within these underserved and
marginalized communities. After which I will see more
young entrepreneurs in my community and change-makers.
What or who inspired you to get involved in your community?
Ever since I made that discovery, the journey began. I started
volunteering within non-profit organizations and then I
started my own Healin’Scars Non-Profit Organization whose
mandate is to heal through the arts. Through this program, I
have held three successful Fashion/Talent shows within the
last two years. However, there are a few folks who when
the times got rough, inspired me to stay in community
work; my mother (Fredericka Thompson), Victor Beausoleil
(Mentor) and my best friend (Jemelia Hosannah-Grant).
There were times when the work was overwhelming. I
worried about my clients and a lot of other things I had no
control over and these folks made sure that I understood
my purpose. Victor being the outstanding community
leader he is always made sure to steer me in directions
that I would fully utilize my skills and expertise, because
like my mother and my best friend, he believed in me.
What have you been most proud to be a part of in your
community?
I have been a part of a lot of things in my community. I do
motivational speaking in multiple organizations, schools and
community events. However, with all that, I am most proud
to have been granted the opportunities to sit at multiple
tables and impact the policies that affect my community.
Which superhero (real or fictional) inspires you the most?
In order to inspire one must not only have achievement, one
must also posses similar or the same journey, morals, and
characteristics as those who are inspired by him/her. I met
this man a few years ago and ever since our first encounter,
he inspired me. From the way he accepts challenges, to the
way he executes them. He always says, “Tasheka, don’t be
good be great, because good is the most that is expected
from you,” and since then I have been trying to be great.
This man is experienced in what he does. However, he is by
far one of the most humbled souls I know. He is never afraid
to challenge me or tell me that what I am doing is wrong.
He always lets me know I need to revisit my actions step by
step and fix the issue without missing a step. He pays keen
attention to details and there is nothing ever too good for
him to teach me. I am honored to call Danavan Samuel my
real life Superhero.
BOSS MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE
96
I was inspired by my story to get involved in my community.
I was born In Tivoli Gardens and raised in Cassava Piece
Kingston, Jamaica by a single mother of three. When I
arrived in Canada, I was bombarded with the idea that
this is a land of opportunity. After a year of navigating the
Canadian culture and seeking the opportunities available to
me, I utilized them because I knew exactly what it felt like to
not have. After which I discovered my ability to effectively
lead my peers, I realized that my teachers and adult allies
were right when they said I was a born leader and a helper.
WINTER 2013
BOSS MAGAZINE
97