WOODBRIDGE, ON

Abi is a 4th-year business and legal studies student at Western University.

With a proven track record of success in leadership roles and a deep understanding of political systems, she is dedicated to driving positive change in my community and beyond. She is always seeking new opportunities to challenge myself and grow as a leader. Still having so much to learn, she loves meeting new people and learning about their stories.

Most recently, she worked at Rothman, Benson & Hedges Inc. as Lead of Net Satisfaction Scores & CX Analytics.She is also an External Affairs Coordinator on the University Students Council at Western University, focused on maintaining and building relationships with the community and government to best represent students’ concerns to decision-makers at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels.

FONTHILL, ON

Abigail Loewen is a sustainability champion and project manager. Passionate about sustainability and community engagement, she plays a key role in ESG projects across non-profit, corporate, and academic sectors.

Abigail's dedication to community engagement and volunteerism began in high school, where she chaired Pelham’s Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council and served on town committees. She graduated with distinction from Wilfrid Laurier University with a degree in Business and Sustainability. During her studies, Abigail co-founded SheCycle, a social enterprise focusing on menstrual hygiene management.

At Ecojustice, Canada’s largest environmental law charity, Abigail successfully managed fundraising campaigns and projects in annual giving. Currently at the University of Waterloo, she leads a project integrating sustainability skills into undergraduate programs.

With a Graduate Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Abigail excels in project management, stakeholder engagement, and driving positive impacts in local and global communities.

GEORGETOWN, ON

Anna is a first-year Health Sciences student at the University of Western Ontario and is completely a dual degree with Ivey School of Business. As former equity lead at her high school board where she represented over 200,000 students, Anna is a firm believer in serving others and having the courage to advocate for minorities in spaces of power and privilege.

As a second-generation immigrant and woman of color, Anna reflects her intersectional identity through her advocacy to create meaningful change in the lives of others.

OSHAWA, ON
Marthe Bakana has recently completed her first year at university, where she is studying animation. Coming from a Congolese background, Marthe identifies as a black Canadian, navigating the complexities of connecting with a culture she hasn't directly experienced. Through her art and activism, she endeavors to bridge the gap in shared experiences among first-generation immigrant children, aspiring to make a lasting impact on her community.

Marthe is deeply passionate about bringing artistic visions to life and has committed herself to empowering others. She actively coordinates events for Girl Talk and fosters community engagement. As a freelance artist, Marthe collaborates with clients to produce customized artwork and promotional materials, recognized for her creativity and meticulous attention to detail.

Currently enrolled in Animation and Digital Production at Durham College, Marthe is motivated to leave a positive imprint on the art and design world. She is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of creativity and inspiring others through her work.

WINNIPEG, MB

Clèche is a human rights and gender equality advocate. She contributes to gender equality advocacy as the Co-chair of a youth working group for women’s and children’s health and as a delegate of the Canadian delegation to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW).

Clèche worked with the University of Manitoba on recommendations to improve the campus experiences of BIPOC students and as a Research Assistant looking into gender-based violence during times of war. She completed two fellowship programs focused on addressing systemic gaps and barriers marginalized communities face.

In 2022, Clèche was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch for her advocacy initiatives and community work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with distinctions from the University of Manitoba and is currently pursuing her legal studies at McGill University as a McCall MacBain Scholar.

MONTREAL, QC

Emilee Bews (she/her) is a member of the Batchewana First Nation of Ojibways. She graduated with distinction from the University of Calgary in 2022 with a degree in English Literature, focusing on Indigenous stories and storytelling. She attended McGill University as a McCall MacBain Scholar, graduating with a master's degree in Education & Society in 2024. Emilee will begin her Ph.D. in Educational Studies at McGill University this fall.

Her work focuses on strategies to support Indigenous student success through culturally relevant learning opportunities; Future work seeks to develop a decolonial curricular framework through an Anishinaabe lens. Additionally, she works with the Participatory Cultures Lab within the Education Department, focusing further on decolonizing educational spaces.

TORONTO, ON

Fadumo holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Queen’s University and is passionate about advocating for inclusive environments, promoting diversity, and addressing health inequities. Her dedication extends to volunteering and leading projects such as "She Means Business," where she amplifies the voices of women entrepreneurs in Toronto.

With a background in community engagement, technology, and sustainability, Fadumo brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to her work. Fadumo strives to contribute meaningfully to her field, inspire the next generation, and make a positive impact on lives.

TORONTO, ON

Iqra Erum, an Associate Product Manager at a consulting firm, is renowned for her advocacy for community building. Her passion for bridging work insights with societal challenges has been instrumental in her success. In her leisure time, she actively contributes to volunteering and mentorship, utilizing her empathetic approach to establish a women's mentorship group, addressing the challenges of networking.

Joining Fora, Iqra is eager to hone her skills further, aspiring to create a positive impact on causes close to her heart.

CALGARY. AB

Ivana Okaro is a young leader spearheading transformation in diverse societal domains. Her pioneering efforts in neuroscience have reshaped the landscape of medical research, highlighting novel therapeutic targets for autonomic dysreflexia and infantile spasms syndrome. Committed to fostering inclusivity in healthcare, Ivana collaborates with the Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured to advocate for marginalized survivors' access to neurorehabilitative therapy. Okaro’s dedication extends to community engagement, with roles ranging from providing comfort to newborns in neonatal intensive care units to empowering youth as a mentor at the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association and member of the Refugee Student Program Committee. Ivana's journey as a Black woman navigating systemic challenges led her to co-found life changing initiatives including The Canadian Black Science Student Network, For the Diaspora, and the Calgary chapter of the Canadian Association for Girls in Science.

As a spoken word poet, she harnesses the power of artistic expression to expose others to the wonders of creative activism. Through her wig business, Crowned by Ivana, she combines her artistry with outreach, offering support and handcrafted hair pieces to clients facing cancer, alopecia, and trichotillomania. Recognized as a McCall MacBain Scholar, Ivana's leadership potential shines on the global stage.

RICHMOND HILL, ON

Judy Chau is an advocate, community organizer, social worker, and researcher, currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Toronto’s School of Social Work, specializing in Children and Families. She holds an Honors Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, with a specialization in Public Health and a major in Sociocultural Anthropology, focusing on Medical Anthropology. Judy's professional experience spans roles including Event Assistant for TESL Ontario, and Wellness Ambassador Team Lead at the University of Toronto Mississauga Campus.

Active in volunteerism and advocacy, Judy serves as the Executive Director for Volunteer Coordination and Curriculum Design at a nonprofit focused on education equity. Additionally, she is a Student and Family Advocate at the Delta Family Resource Centre, supporting Black students and families in navigating the education system.

Her academic work includes research on culturally engaged care and children’s health history, presented at conferences and published in journals. As a proactive community leader, Judy ensures families access essential resources for success. She champions education equity, promoting safety, transparency, and enjoyment in academic pursuits. Judy aspires to enhance her contributions in nonprofit leadership and advocacy for educational justice, maintaining principles of equitability and transparency in governance.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA

Kanisha Lala is a dedicated and ambitious student committed to leveraging her skills for impactful initiatives. With a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from the University of Alberta, she has excelled in various leadership roles and research endeavors. During her scholar abroad research opportunity tenure at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Kanisha contributed to groundbreaking research in neurology under Dr. Rita Cowell in a NIH lab, exploring mechanisms of neuronal cell death in neurodegenerative disorders. She demonstrated proficiency in and neuroanatomical methods, gaining invaluable research experience.

As a Generation Sustainable Development Goal Ambassador for the United Nations Association in Canada, Kanisha spearheaded projects focused on quality education and cultural competency. Her leadership led to collaborations with global stakeholders and attendance at prestigious events like the 2022 COP 15 in Montreal.Selected as an Ambassador for UNITE 2030, Kanisha showcased her commitment to sustainable development by developing innovative solutions for quality education, including establishing STEM education centers in underserved communities like Caracas, Venezuela.

Kanisha's advocacy extends to organizations like Girl Up Canada.Her contributions have been recognized through awards such as the United Nations Association Participation Recognition Award and the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship. Additionally, her team's innovative STEM education initiative earned them the Solve for Tomorrow grant from Samsung Canada.Driven by a profound passion for service and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Kanisha Lala continues to make remarkable strides in advancing global goals and fostering positive change!

HALIFAX, NS

Keiran Andrews, born and raised in a rural area of Prince Edward Island, has been actively engaged in community service from a young age. Inspired by her parents' emphasis on kindness and helping others, Keiran volunteered with her church, hospital, and various non-profit organizations outside of school. Alongside her community involvement, she pursued competitive hockey and achieved a place on the provincial team until multiple concussions prompted her to pivot towards neuroscience.

Keiran recently graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science in neuroscience, focusing her thesis on molecular brain changes post-concussion. She now works as a Resident Manager at Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic, where she has witnessed firsthand the healthcare disparities affecting families. This experience has sparked her interest in pursuing a career in health policy to improve the healthcare system.

In her leisure time, Keiran enjoys reading, crocheting, and training for marathons.

NIAGARA, ON

An individual driven by her passion to make an impact in the world through roles, big and small, Khadija Farooq brings over six years of leadership experience and social advocacy to the table. In response to pressing community challenges like rising gun violence and food insecurity, she founded a grassroots movement called Youth of East York that earned the prestigious Mayor's Community Safety Award in 2021.

At Queen's University, Khadija has trained 2000+ peers and orientation leaders in anti-oppression strategies and inclusive leadership. Her passion for humanitarian action led her to establish the campus' Islamic Relief chapter and assume the role of Social Issues Commissioner with the Alma Mater Society, championing equity and justice through the creation of workshops, overseeing 20+ staff, and managing a working budget of $90,000 at the fresh age of 21.

Now graduating with a degree in Health Sciences, Khadija's advocacy is grounded in the belief that all systems of oppression are interconnected—a philosophy she explored during her research on food insecurity under Dr. Luann Good Gingrich. In her free time, you can find her teaching underserved children in rural villages in Pakistan or reading cozy books.

EDMONTON, AB

Lakshmi is a grade 12 student currently studying at Lillian Osborne High School and will be attending Western University in the fall for Business Management and Organizational Studies. She is a passionate entrepreneur, community leader, and speaker who is heavily involved in her community. Currently running her second youth-founded company as the CEO, she hopes to become the representation she wants to see in the business world. Lakshmi is also the current Executive chair for the City of Edmonton Youth Council, where she is working to empower and uplift youth voices at the municipal level. Working with the Edmonton Youth Economic Ecosystem Collaborative, she is also invested in breaking down barriers to youth employment to create equitable access to opportunities.

Within school, Lakshmi is very involved through leading Lillian Osborne's Mental Health club, HSMUN team and representing her school in EDI summits. She is also working with the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate as a consultant for their youth advocacy toolkit, along with many more exciting opportunities around her community! Lakshmi truly believes in the power of youth voices and takes inspiration from the incredible people around her because our collective voices are what shape the future.

OTTAWA, ON

Maria Paula, originally from Colombia, holds a diploma in Logistics Management and is completing her Bachelor's in International Business Management, having won a full scholarship for excellence in Sustainability and Innovation. Her leadership journey began as High School Class President in 2020, where she spearheaded projects benefiting over 1,000 families and earned recognition as the Best Youth Leader. She later served as a Youth Councillor in her city before relocating to Canada. Here, she is actively engaged in various youth initiatives, including the Ottawa Youth Engagement Committee for Youth Ottawa, Youth Advisory Committee for YouthNet/CHEO, ambassador for Apathy is Boring, and Global Shaper for the World Economic Forum.

Currently, Maria serves as a Project Officer at Incubator13, focusing on developing the first Community-based social innovation lab in the region. Her interests revolve around promoting gender equality, youth activism, and enhancing Latin American representation. She aspires to further her education with a Master's in Global Development Policy, aiming to contribute meaningfully to global social and economic development.

BRAMPTON, ON

Myera has a background in psychology and management from the University of Toronto and is completing a masters in health equity and sustainability from Western University. Myera has several years of expertise in advisory work, equity and inclusion research, and lived experience engagement.

Myera has supported a range of mental health and wellbeing services including peer support, crisis response, and multiple projects to advance the delivery and access of services. With her passion for addressing resource and knowledge gaps, she has supported several research and community projects aimed to reduce barriers for marginalized communities. Some notable projects include implementing digital literacy workshops, leading an equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) committee, and working at a research lab to explore employment discrimination and EDI organizational practices. She enjoys exploring new food spots, attending concerts, and resting.

SURREY, BC

Nicole is a committed environmental professional and a recent Bachelor of Business Administration graduate with a double concentration in Management Information Systems and Entrepreneurship from Simon Fraser University. As Solastalgia’s Co-Founder and Strategic Engagement Director, Nicole spearheads outreach initiatives focused on eco-emotions, climate justice, and eco-engagement among youth. The flagship initiative Solastalgia Zine was featured across influential platforms such as the Yale University Forum of Religion & Ecology and the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America. Beyond Solastalgia, she has helped secure compensation for First Nations’ historical land claims as a Junior Financial Analyst in the Government of Canada, advancing progress for reconciliation.

She has also been actively involved in various social impact initiatives such as the Impact Consulting fellowship and the Leaders of Tomorrow Outreach Committee at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. These initiatives have led to her recognition for her work, receiving the Starfish Canada Top 25 under 25 award, Scotiabank's Student Award in Social Innovation, and a scholarship for Yale University’s Global Environmental Justice Conference where she shared her insights on climate justice with other climate leaders.

GATINEAU, QC

Nouria is a dynamic organizational transformation analyst with a background in management and operations. She is committed to making a positive impact in the community through her involvement in various volunteer activities, but also her past role as an executive for the University of Ottawa students union, where she has been reelected by students twice. She has also been working towards achieving sustainable development goals in organizations such as AIESEC Canada.

In February 2023, she organized alongside partners, an impactful Black History Month gala where Leaders and community builders such as the right honourable Michaëlle Jean, Wes Hall, Terrence Floyd ( brother of the late George Floyd) and many more have given speeches to empower the community and encourage resilience and change. She has also been a delegate for the 67th Commission on the Status of Women at the UN to learn and advocate for women's empowerment. In her free time, Nouria loves to read, dance and cook. She is an adventurous person and has travelled to 25+ countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, where she has worked on a research project in Brazil.

VICTORIA, BC

Olivia Woods (she/her) is a dedicated advocate for gender equity, mental health, and sexual violence prevention. Originally from Victoria, British Columbia, the unceded territory of the Esquimalt and Songheese people, she now attends Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Quebec. As a third-year double major in applied psychology and political science with a minor in gender, equity, and diversity studies, Olivia has served on the Bishop’s University Student Representative Council for three years, previously holding the position of Vice-President of Student Life.

She has championed initiatives such as drink spiking prevention, inclusive policy writing, and improving campus accessibility and inclusivity. Notably, Olivia founded a menstrual equity project at Bishop’s, securing over $12,000 in funding to provide accessible single-use and reusable menstrual products and created educational platforms to de-stigmatize menstruation. In addition to her advocacy work, Olivia enjoys reading and volunteering in the community recently participating in a charity fashion show. Her commitment to helping others drives her work, and she looks forward to continuing in this field.

SCARBOROUGH, ON

Panuya is a PhD student in the Molecular and Cellular Biology department at the University of Guelph where she is specializing in microbiology. Her work focuses on the impacts of human milk oligosaccharides found in breastmilk and the novel antimicrobial effects they against opportunistic pathogens found in the gut microbiome of individuals with chronic gut and metabolic diseases.

Outside of the lab, she is passionate about education, STEM, and inspiring the next generation of young girls to pursue their ambitions in the STEM field. Her work experience complements this passion as an advocate for the scientific community through teaching, research, and science communication. Panuya volunteers with several STEM outreach organizations to introduce various topics in the field and empower youth through the delivery of science content.

She is an advocate for science literacy skills for all ages and uses her time to encourage and educate individuals about these skills and how they can actively incorporate it into their lives. She designs lesson plans to equip marginalized communities with science literacy skills that will allow them to critically engage in conversation and make informed decisions for themselves and their community. In her free time, you can find Panuya attempting to bake new recipes for treats, running, volunteering for sporting events, and reading.

LASALLE, ON

Rajaa (she/her) is a business student specializing in finance at the University of Windsor. She is an active member of the Outstanding Scholars Program and a dedicated student researcher. Recognizing the importance of activism and advocacy, she founded the University of Windsor Environmental Policy Association to foster environmental awareness and sustainable practices on campus. Additionally, Rajaa is a fellow at the Mosaic Institute, where she engages in dialogue and conflict resolution initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion.

Furthermore, she serves as a member of the ECOP Advisory Board, contributing to advancing environmental conservation efforts. Rajaa is also passionate about ocean conservation and serves as a member of the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council, advocating for the protection of marine ecosystems. In her commitment to human rights and climate justice, Rajaa is a member of Amnesty International's National Youth Action and Advisory Committee, where she advocates for human rights and actively participates in climate justice campaigns. She also holds a position as an OCIC Youth Policy Maker, contributing to shaping policies for global development and sustainability.

TORONTO, ON

Razan Mohammed is a law student in her final year at Western Law, with a strong passion for justice, governance, and community involvement. Her recent role as a Director on the Board of Directors for Western’s University Student Council showcased her strategic-decision making abilities across legal, financial, governance, HR, and risk management areas, impacting over 33,000 students.

Previously, Razan served as the National Chair of the Black Law Students' Association of Canada (BLSA), where she co-managed a diverse team of law students, coordinated with numerous volunteers, and significantly increased the organization's budget and reach, earning BLSA the BlackNorth Initiative Community Champion Award.

During her undergraduate tenure, Razan led impactful anti-racism initiatives as President of Western's Black Students' Association, contributing to the establishment of the university’s Anti-Racism Working Group. As a member of this group, she contributed to a report outlining recommendations for systemic change on Western's campus. Razan's internship at the United Nations (UN) further underscored her commitment to driving change, supporting the development of a strategic action plan to address racism within the UN.

Razan is also an incoming articling student at McCarthy Tétrault, where she previously completed two summer internships, gaining valuable experience in various areas of law.

CALGARY, AB

Riti is a young professional currently working in Deloitte Consulting. Having graduated from the University of British Columbia (UBC) with an interdisciplinary studies degree, she possess academic knowledge in political science, gender studies, and Asian studies.

Their journey is marked by extensive volunteering endeavors, contributing hundreds of hours to organizations like Plan International, YMCA, YWCA, and RCMP. These experiences have nurtured a deep sense of empathy, teamwork, and community engagement, shaping her worldview.

At Deloitte Consulting, she merges her social sciences background with business acumen, offering a unique perspective to problem-solving and strategic planning. As a young woman in a competitive industry, she embodies adaptability and resilience, navigating professional challenges with confidence.

With a dedication to social impact and a commitment to inclusivity, they aspire to contribute meaningfully to boards, bringing fresh insights and a passion for driving positive change.

WOODSTOCK, ON

I'm Roshaydia, a dedicated advocate for equity and social justice with degrees in Social Justice and Peace Studies, as well as Gender and Sexualities Studies from Western University. As the former President of the King's University College Student Council, I led initiatives to address systemic issues and amplify student voices. My leadership was instrumental in organizing events like the Black Trailblazers Panel and Indigenous Fundraiser Concert, promoting inclusivity and community engagement

At Young London, I served as a Program Coordinator, developing inclusive programs and fostering collaborations with partner organizations. My role included overseeing programs, leading grant writing efforts, and mentoring participants to empower marginalized voices.

In my current role as a Research Coordinator, I focus on anti-racism education, securing grants, and implementing strategies to promote diversity and inclusion. I excel in strategic problem-solving and collaborative relationship building, aiming to drive positive change through research and advocacy.

TORONTO, ON

Sal Sabila recently graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelors in Sociology. After immigrating from Bangladesh at the age of 10, Sal Sabila was immediately occupied in dismantling every barrier, that stopped her from being the best version of herself through volunteer work. She is an outstanding young leader and inspiring advocate for youth empowerment. Since the age of 16, she has dedicated herself to supporting the passions and initiatives of young people to improve their communities.

She has founded her own grassroots organization called Youth Gravity. Youth Gravity advocates for amplifying racialized youth voices in decision making spaces. Her journey in creating Youth Gravity was born in part out of the realization that racialized young people do not have the same access to leadership roles or opportunities for community engagement and development that adults or non-racialized youth older adults typically do. Youth Gravity works to fill this gap by providing a supportive framework of human resources and skills to help young people plan, fund, and execute ideas to make changes that reflect the needs of youth in their communities.

TORONTO, ON

Samara is a recent Political Studies graduate from Queen's University where she was an engaged student activist. She is passionate about politics, intersectionality and promoting positive social change within her community. As a student leader she has worked to address financial inaccessibility, sexual violence and over-policing on campus. While involved in student government, she expanded access to grants and bursaries while creating more opportunities for students to engage in anti-oppression work. She was recently an 1834 Fellow with Operation Black Vote where her research focused on advancing representation and inclusion within Public Policy spaces. She currently works for the City of Toronto while also doing Outreach and Communications for the Urban Alliance on Race Relations.

VANCOUVER, BC

Sara is a Senior Consultant with Monitor Deloitte, where she has spent the past few years helping governments, corporations, and nonprofits with their most consequential strategic choices. She graduated from a Dual Degree Program where she studied a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Economics at Sciences Po Paris and a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance at the University of British Columbia. Before working in management consulting, she has experience in development finance at the United Nations, value creation at Pension Funds, and economic development at the Embassy of Canada to the United States. In her free time, she can be found on a hiking trail, in the local bookstore, or discussing human rights and social justice.

Sara is a dynamic emerging leader with a multifaceted background that spans Fixed Income, Commodities, and Currencies, as well as consulting at a globally leading firm. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is deeply committed to social impact, exemplified by her role as the visionary founder of a youth-led organization dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth through financial literacy and career development. Actively addressing social issues, Sara collaborates with Health Canada as an ambassador to combat food insecurity on university campuses. Furthermore, she has served on various advisory councils advising the Minister of Education, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Deputy Prime Minister on ways to enhance the lives of young people.

Sara's active participation on the Health and Wellness Committee, where she advises university leadership, underscores her commitment to inclusive improvements for all students in health, wellness, and accessibility. Recognized as a Youth Accessibility Leader, she collaborates with the government to enhance accessibility nationwide.

Her outstanding contributions have garnered both national and international acclaim, including the prestigious International Diana Award for young changemakers and the title of National Terry Fox Scholar. Additionally, Sara's passion for the arts is reflected in her success as an internationally recognized poet and her enthusiasm for learning new languages, currently speaking five. Her journey continues to exemplify a commitment to excellence and positive change on a global scale.

TORONTO, ON

My name is Sarah Elkhalifa, and I am in my last year of nursing school at the University of Toronto. I also completed an undergraduate degree in Health Studies at University of Waterloo in 2022. I love learning about life sciences and human health, and from my studies, I came to appreciate all the ways social factors shape our health, and broader systems impact healthcare delivery. When considering my future career options, I found that several key aspects of nursing, such as scholarship, advocacy, and leadership, aligned perfectly with my values and what I sought in a profession. I have always felt strongly about social justice, and learning about disparities in health care and outcomes compelled me to learn more and do more in that area. My interest in JEDI comes from this knowledge and my lived experiences. My long-term aspiration is to advance JEDI for women in healthcare, particularly those with disabilities.

TORONTO, ON

As a recent graduate of The University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Economics, Shyla Gheek brings a diverse background in research, grassroots activism, and community engagement. With fluency in four languages and a passion for social justice and sustainability, she has demonstrated leadership through co-founding a non-governmental organization focused on providing meals and support to underprivileged children in India. Shyla's experience as an Economic Researcher in Uganda and as a Program Facilitator in Canada has equipped her with strong analytical skills and a global perspective. Committed to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles, she is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments and advocating for marginalized voices. As a prospective board member, Shyla is eager to leverage her skills and experiences to contribute to positive change and strategic decision-making within the organization.

TORONTO, ON

Sidra Anjum is a passionate and driven student at McMaster University, where she is pursuing a Double Major in Economics and Environment + Society. Her extensive firsthand experiences in both rural and urban settings across North America and Asia have shaped her unique perspective and fueled her dedication to this mission. Fluent in four languages, Sidra's multicultural background allows her to connect with diverse communities and foster inclusive environments around the globe!

Sidra was recently involved as a data manager for a project under Green Jobs for Youth Pact, a collaborative initiative by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Generation Unlimited, working with young people, governments and other partners to create meaningful green opportunities for youth by 2030. Additionally, Sidra enhanced her skills in legislative analysis and constituent engagement while serving on the provincial youth council board of her riding, solidifying her commitment to public service and policy advocacy. She continues her role as a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy Advisor as an Alumna of the Halton Catholic District School Board, working to advance equity and inclusion initiatives within the school board, as she did while an International Baccalaureate student in high school.

VANCOUVER, BC

Skye is a climate justice advocate with a passion for using capital flows to make a positive impact. In the past, she has served as a Canada 150 youth delegate, a COP27 delegate, and a former Top 25 Under 25 Environmentalist in 2018. Skye is currently a junior associate, private investment research at Rally Assets and also Realize Capital Partners, one of the three wholesalers of the national Social Finance Fund.

MONTREAL, QC

Sydney Keyamo is a graduate of Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Health Studies. Previously, she served as vice president academic & external of the student union and as a student senator, representing students on various university committees and through provincial and federal efforts.

Sydney also led orientation week activities, helped run the psychology student association, volunteered as a research assistant, and served as a Lab Prefect. She now mentors student leaders through the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations and serves as a Patient/Public Partner with the MSSU. With strong experience in extracurriculars and volunteering, she carries with her a wealth of knowledge and passion regarding advocacy, healthcare, and equity that she hopes to apply to her future endeavours.

MISSISSAUGA, ON

Zaineb is a 3rd-generation Pakistani Canadian woman born and raised in Mississauga. As a chronically-ill Hijabi, she has seen how my differences and trials are what makes me unique and have given her confidence.

Growing up, she always knew that she was interested in making changes to the business community, specifically with respect to the role that Muslim women played. She knew her community had a lot to offer, and it was just a matter of getting a seat at the table. This encouraged her to pursue the technical qualifications to build her credibility, eventually leading to her pursuing a CPA and masters.

At the same time, she developed an interest in humanitarian issues resulting in her involvement with Islamic Relief to provide psychosocial support to underprivileged children globally. During her last field study to Malaysia, and in preparation for an upcoming one to Morocco, she has seen the difference that our time and funds makes in the lives of others around the world. Zaineb is motivated to become a leader in her community and use that platform to give back to those without a voice. She plans to continue this journey once she returns to full-time at Deloitte Consulting this upcoming January.

TORONTO, ON

Ms. Mao is a candidate for a Joint Degree in Economics and Government at Harvard University. Her true passion lies in public service and driving positive change to be of service to our community, our city and society at large. With an interdisciplinary background in Economics, Philosophy, and Classics, she has contributed to academic works in these fields. Actively involved in advocacy work, she aims to infuse the values of inclusion, equity, and empowerment into her endeavors, advancing causes related to social justice, good governance, and community building.

Having transitioned from academia, her interests shift towards practical issues of social governance, particularly socio-economic equality in public policy. She aims to advocate for female empowerment and promote justice, diversity, and equity.

She engaged in urban and industrial economics consultancy at a leading think-tank. She contributed to the publication "Characteristic Towns: Theory, Practice, and Policy", offering crucial guidance for both the public and private sectors. Moreover, she is actively engaged in entrepreneurship and investment ventures.

As former academic, she contributed to the Chinese edition of "Methexis: The Platonic Theory of Ideas and the Participation of Empirical Things" and the Chinese edition of the Oxford Classical Dictionary.