Rose Kantiono

Co-Founder and President

Rose Kantiono, originally from Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, has built an impressive academic and professional journey across Africa, Europe, and North America. She earned a Licence ès lettres in German Language & Literature from the Université de Ouagadougou, followed by a Master’s in German Studies at the Université de Montréal in 2006. Rose later completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education in 2023 at the University of Ottawa, specializing in French as a Second Language, Special Education, and Leadership. She holds multiple Ontario College of Teachers certifications, including Principal’s Qualification.

Professional Career

Rose Kantiono is an accomplished educational leader whose professional journey spans several continents. Originally from Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, she pursued higher education in German Studies at the Université de Ouagadougou before relocating to Germany. After immigrating to Canada in 2003, she continued her academic pathway, earning a Master’s degree in German Studies from the Université de Montréal and later a Master’s in Education from the University of Ottawa. She also holds principal certification from the Ontario Principals’ Council, reflecting her strong commitment to educational leadership.

Rose began her teaching career in Ontario in 2005. She served in Catholic school boards before joining the Peel District School Board, where she taught French and English as a Second Language for over a decade. Her excellence in teaching earned her the Teacher Award of Distinction twice, in 2013 and 2020. In 2022, she transitioned to school administration, first as Vice-Principal with Conseil scolaire Viamonde and later with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. In these roles, she has championed inclusive education, intercultural pedagogy, and anti-racism initiatives that uplift diverse learners and communities.

Humanitarian Work & Community Engagement

Rose’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. She has demonstrated strong leadership in nonprofit development and community engagement, serving as Director, Advisor, Volunteer, and Project Coordinator for Canadian Samaritans for Africa, where she supported humanitarian and educational initiatives in Burkina Faso, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Uganda, and Kenya.

Her commitment to global education strengthened further during her tenure as Chair of the International Assistance Standing Committee of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO). She played a key role in supporting Project Overseas, a partnership between the Canadian Teachers’ Federation and teacher organizations across Africa and the Caribbean designed to strengthen professional development and promote global solidarity in education.

Rose dedicated more than five years to the community organization People of Motherland, where she coordinated volunteers, organized cultural events, and helped raise awareness of African heritage in the Greater Toronto Area.

Since 2010, she has served as a judge for the provincial Concours d’Art Oratoire, supporting bilingualism and excellence in French public speaking. As a community leader, she has supported newcomers and new teachers, and served as President of the Burkinabé Community in the Greater Toronto Area, where she helped international students, refugees, and newcomers integrate successfully into Canadian society.

Her faith is central to her service. She has volunteered internationally at the Marian Sanctuary in Lourdes, France, and held leadership roles in the Catholic Women’s League at St. Patrick Parish in Hamilton, Organization Chair, as Vice-President and President. She continues to support youth and individuals experiencing homelessness in the Hamilton community.

Leadership & Advocacy

Rose’s leadership is grounded in her passion for education, equity, and cultural empowerment. Her administrative work is rooted in inclusive education, intercultural understanding, and anti-racism. Her advocacy extends to global education partnerships, newcomer support, women’s empowerment, and community development.

In 2025, after celebrating 20 years in education, Rose founded the Kantiono Foundation, a federally incorporated nonprofit created to support marginalized and underserved students and educators. With the support of Amadou Kienou and Elizabeth Ikundi, she launched the organization to empower learners in the Greater Toronto Area and across Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. The foundation provides resources, mentorship, and opportunities that promote dignity, equity, and academic success.

Recognition & Philosophy

Rose’s work has been recognized through multiple awards, including two Teacher Awards of Distinction. She is known for her compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to service. SRose was also recognized by Hamilton Civic in 2026 as a distinguished figure of Black Excellence in Hamilton.

Fluent in French, English, and German, she brings a valuable intercultural perspective to every aspect of her work. Her philosophy is shaped by her deep faith, her immigrant experience, and her belief in the transformative power of education.

Her guiding principle is captured in one of her favorite leadership quotes:

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” — John Quincy Adams

Rose embodies this belief through her lifelong dedication to learning, community, and service.

Contacts