General Information

Name	Dany Steve
Last Name	Deugoue Tchiaga
Nickname	dany

Background

Organization	Cambrian College/Association francophone de la région de York (AFRY) – in partnership with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Professional Title	Business Analytics Student/Community Tax Volunteer
Bio and Background	I am Dany Steve Deugoue Tchiaga, currently based in Toronto, Ontario.I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance, and a Master’s degree in Financial and Banking Management, with over five years of experience as an accountant in Cameroon(Central Africa). I worked in both the private sector and food industry, where I improved financial processes and advised on tax strategies. I relocated to Canada where I obtained a Diploma in Big Data Analytics from the Canadian College of Business, Science & Technology. Currently, I am pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics at Cambrian College and a Master’s degree in Information Technology (Data Science) at TELUQ University. I currently volunteer with AFRY through the Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), providing tax assistance to members of the community, where I assist newcomers, seniors, and low-income residents with their income tax returns, helping improve financial literacy and access to benefits in the Francophone community.
Why I am a Force for Health Member	I joined this network to support vulnerable communities through education, inclusion, and digital tools. As someone passionate about finance and data, I use my skills to empower people with the information they need to improve their well-being and make informed decisions. My goal is to contribute to a more equitable and healthier society.
How I use the Force for Health Network Tools	I use the Force for Health Network tools to connect with others in service roles, share best practices, and access learning resources. These tools help me stay organized as I balance my responsibilities as a student, volunteer, and aspiring data analyst working to make a positive difference.
My inspiration	I’m inspired by people who rise above difficult circumstances through education and community engagement, particularly immigrants who contribute meaningfully despite challenges. I also admire community leaders and volunteers who give their time to help others grow—they reflect the values I strive to embody every day.
Location	I am based in Toronto, Ontario, and my community includes the Francophone, newcomer, immigrant, and low-income populations of York Region and the Greater Toronto Area.
What would you like people to know about your community?	My community is full of resilience, ambition, and cultural diversity. Many face barriers related to language, access to services, and financial literacy but they also bring strong work ethics, family values, and a drive to succeed. With support and opportunity, they can and do thrive.

My Citizenship Health Factors

Some of the factors that have been challenging for me have been...	As a French-speaking newcomer to Canada, I had to overcome : The language barrier: studying, working and volunteering. Professional integration: transferring over six years of accounting experience from Cameroon to the Canadian market. The cost of living and studies: reconciling employment, graduate studies in analytics and volunteer work while ensuring my financial stability. Navigating services (health, taxes, immigration): quickly understanding complex systems so I can help my family and community.
It's important for me to be part of my community's health because...	Community health goes far beyond the medical: it encompasses financial, mental and social health. By sharing my financial and data skills, I can: -Reduce stress related to taxes and money, a key determinant of health. -Build bridges between French-speaking newcomers and local resources. -Inspire other immigrant students to get involved, strengthening Toronto’s social fabric.
Some of the strength of my community health factors are:	Cultural diversity and solidarity: numerous organizations (AFRY, community centers) offer linguistic and social support. Volunteer programs (CVITP tax clinics, food banks, sports activities) that encourage mutual aid. Public health care system and access to free or low-cost community clinics. Increasing digital literacy: more and more members are using technology to access health and financial information.
Some of the challenges in my community regarding certain health factors are:	Language and cultural barriers that limit access to health and financial information. Lack of financial literacy: many families are unaware of the tax credits and benefits to which they are entitled. Stigmatization of mental health: few services adapted in French or culturally sensitive. High cost of housing and transportation: a source of stress and insecurity for many low-income households.
I believe I can help improve my community's health by...	Using my data science skills to analyze local needs and advocate data-driven policies. Mentoring newcomers and international students, to accelerate their academic and professional integration. Collaborating with healthcare organizations to translate and simplify essential information to make it accessible to all.

Advancing the DREAM

Advancing the DREAM - What it means to me

For me, “Advancing the DREAM” means working concretely for a fairer society, where every individual – regardless of origin, language or socio-economic status – has equitable access to health, education and opportunity.

As a French-speaking African immigrant living in Toronto, I see every day the inequalities in access to care and resources that affect our communities, often due to language barriers, lack of information or precarious employment status. Many don’t dare ask for help, or don’t even know they’re entitled to it.

Through my volunteer involvement with AFRY and the Canada Revenue Agency, I help families better understand their tax rights, access benefits (such as the Trillium Credit, GST/HST, etc.), and regain control of their financial health, an essential condition for improving their overall well-being. For me, this means bringing Dr. King’s dream to life: reducing structural inequalities through education, support and solidarity.

Thanks to my studies in Big Data Analytics and Business Analytics, I’m also preparing myself to have an impact on a larger scale. I’m learning how to use data to identify gaps, create targeted solutions, and support public policies based on real equity – not just formal equality.

In short, I believe that justice comes through active inclusion. By getting involved, serving, educating, and connecting people to the right tools, I humbly participate in advancing the dream of justice and equity for all, as envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

My Action Pledge to Advance the DREAM?

In 2025, I am committed to using my experience in Big Data and business analytics to support low-income Canadians by making financial information more accessible and actionable. By analyzing data at the community level and identifying trends in benefit access and financial challenges, I aim to develop data-driven solutions that help individuals better understand and navigate the Canadian tax system.

Through initiatives such as the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), I will combine data with practical financial advice to ensure that vulnerable populations can access the credits and support to which they are entitled. My goal is to equip these communities with the knowledge and tools to promote long-term financial health and equity.

Dany