Candies Kotchapaw is a Social Work Master and Bachelor degree holder with a Diploma in Child and Youth work. She is a passionate change maker with a focus on amplifying the excellence within Black communities. Kotchapaw uses her expertise to address intersectional barriers to employment, and social advancement specifically for Black young professionals. Her work currently centers around education, training, and mentorship in careers where Black talents are stereotypically under-represented.

Over the course of the last three years, she has spearheaded the development of two community-based leadership development programs. The first is the early intervention #LeadLikeAGirl program for Black girls ages 8-17, and the second is the Black Diplomats Academy for young professionals interested in careers in diplomacy and negotiation. Her goal is to dismantle entry point barriers and socio-economic inequities historically faced by Black communities.

Kotchapaw has been an Executive Director at DYLOTT (Developing Young Leaders of Tomorrow, Today) in the past, and a founder of the organization. She has also worked as a Political Party Provincial office election period reception and communication assistant, Legislative Assistant, Constituency Assistant, Delegate, Project Manager, Small Business Owner, Research Assistant, DSW/CSW Instructor, Teaching Assistant, Graduate Assistant, and Residential Facilitator. She uses her experiences to provide mentorship and create programs that help Black youth excel in various industries of societal influence.