Meet the Beehive Leadership Team

The Beehive Leadership Team: Janice, Soni, and Toby

The Beehive is being developed and planned by a small but mighty team of volunteers — Janice, Soni, and Toby — each bringing their own passions and skills to the table. As we get closer to launching our first community dinner, we wanted to introduce the team behind the buzz! 

🌟 First up: Toby

Toby is 15 and in Grade 10 at Earl Marriott Secondary. He loves playing rugby, is endlessly curious, and always has thoughtful questions about the world around him. Toby is our Beehive visionary — full of big ideas about what this initiative can become — and he’s doing a fantastic job spreading the word among his friends.

Here’s what Toby had to say about why he wanted to get involved:

“I’m excited to volunteer at The Beehive so I can gain important real-world experiences and help grow and connect our community. I can’t wait to work with our team to create an environment that’s positive, exciting, and fun — one that makes people want to come back and tell their friends and family to visit The Beehive too!”

🌟 Next: Soni

Soni brings warmth, creativity, and a deep love of community to The Beehive team. With her knack for bringing people together, she’s helping shape the welcoming, inclusive spirit we want every Beehive dinner to have.

She’s our steady hand — the one who reminds us to dream big but start small. She keeps us grounded and aligned with our vision so we can build something sustainable and meaningful.

Here’s what Soni had to say about why she’s giving her time to The Beehive:

“What excites me most about the Beehive is the ongoing opportunity for intergenerational connection, whether that involves sharing a meal or learning a new activity together.

Food has always been a central and important part of my life. This appreciation began early, spending time in the kitchen while my mother would share stories of her family in India and give me roti dough to play with. The kitchen was always a special place. This love of cooking together continues today, whether I am baking with my own daughter or incorporating the favourite dishes of loved ones who are no longer with us. Sharing meals together has a unique way of forging and maintaining connection, reminding us of particular times and places while satisfying our taste buds”.

🌟 Finally: Janice

You’ve probably already heard from Janice — she’s been the voice behind our posts and updates so far! Janice and Soni have been friends for over 25 years and are thrilled to be collaborating on The Beehive. She’s also delighted that her kid Toby is so enthusiastic about jumping in and helping out.

As our resident details person, Janice is busy figuring out the logistics, budgets, and requirements that will help turn The Beehive from an idea into a thriving community dinner series. She keeps all the moving parts humming — like any good queen bee should! 🐝💛 

She shares:

“I’ve always loved feeding the people I care about. Good food, good company, and meaningful connections have brought me a lot of joy.  I think this is why The Beehive concept resonates so deeply with me. I’m really looking forward to feeding and connecting with others in my community.

I’ve also always valued spaces where people of different ages and backgrounds can come together. Having people who aren’t your family in your corner – cheering you on and supporting you – has been such a gift in my life, and I want others to experience that too.”

And of course, a big thank you to the rest of the members of our families — Cameron, Chad, Mya, and Eric — who will be helping out at the hive too! 🐝💛