Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Members

Alex is a second-year student at the University of Toronto, majoring in physics with minors in computer science and economics. Passionate about using emerging technologies to drive impactful change, Alex has collaborated with startups and organizations to build solutions for AI, Web3, health care, decision theory, non-profits, and educational technology. He enjoys bringing young people together to create meaningful change and has hosted experiences for over 600 students. In his spare time, Alex builds cool projects, takes on fitness challenges, and reviews cafes!

Aqsa recently graduated from the University of Toronto (U of T) with an honours bachelor of science. As an undergraduate, she joined many initiatives focused on the greater good of the environment, including Global Youth Impact, where young leaders come together to discuss ways to respond to current global issues. Aqsa was also a part of U of T’s Health and Society Students’ Association, which inspired her to pursue a career in health. Aqsa joined YAC because its mission and goals resonate deeply with her, and she wants to contribute to impactful social change and help create spaces where services are accessible for everyone. Aqsa spends most of her free time volunteering, trying new food, and hanging out with her cat.

Craig graduated from the University of Toronto with a bachelor of applied science and engineering, and works as a software engineer in the financial industry. As a student, he volunteered as vice president of learning with the university's Engineers Without Borders chapter. There, he developed valuable leadership, outreach, and research skills while creating and facilitating a curriculum for club members on social issues. Craig is excited to apply his skills and experience to his role with YAC and work with the strong team of peers. In his spare time, Craig enjoys practising the piano, playing in a queer dodgeball league, and walking in the park with his dog Jupiter and partner Troy.

Dumebi holds a bachelor's degree in public health from Brock University, marking the foundation of her dedication to community well-being. Having lived in Lagos, London (England), and now Toronto, Dumebi embodies a global perspective reflective of her rich cultural experiences. She is fluent in English, French, and Spanish, which enhances her ability to connect with diverse audiences. Beyond her professional pursuits as a data analyst, Dumebi's interests include a love for travel, an eagerness to learn about new cultures, and watching rom-coms. She hopes to bring cultural richness, linguistic versatility, and analytical insight to further the YMCA's community engagement, youth development, and well-being mission.

Jacky is a technology consultant with a passion for using digital technologies to create positive and efficient change. His deep-rooted connection to the YMCA spans many years, from volunteering in group fitness classes to actively engaging in community initiatives and marketing activities. Jacky’s commitment to wellness extends beyond the YMCA. He was involved in the student council during his undergraduate years, co-chairing the wellness pillar to advocate and support student well-being. His volunteer experiences have shaped his dedication to community impact. As a member of YAC, Jacky brings his expertise in technology, advocacy, and strategic leadership to help support meaningful initiatives that enhance youth engagement and empowerment. He holds an honours B.A. with distinction from the Ivey School of Business.

Josh graduated in 2025 from McMaster University’s Masters of Public Policy in digital society program. He also has an undergraduate degree in economics, which gives him a strong analytical foundation to approach policy issues from economic and governance perspectives. Josh’s studies have centred on the intersection of technology, governance, and policy development, with a focus on digital health and AI integration. As a member of YAC, he wants to use his expertise in policy analysis and strategic planning to advance youth engagement and advocacy efforts. In his free time, Joshua coaches youth baseball and enjoys travelling.

Matthew is passionate about youth empowerment, community development, and social equity. He has a bachelor of applied science in justice studies, a diploma in community and justice services and a diploma in human resources management. Matthew has worked closely with youth and equity-deserving populations across the GTA for several years. He developed culturally-responsive, trauma-informed programs and supported young people through education, housing, and mental health initiatives. He is especially interested in youth governance, systems change, and creating inclusive pathways for community engagement. Through YAC, Matthew hopes to contribute to policy discussions that reflect young people's diverse realities and help build accessible, youth-centred services across the GTA. In his free time, he enjoys gaming, going to concerts and movies, and reading about leadership, urban issues, and social justice.

Nicole is a sales leader at Relay and a graduate of Ivey Business School. She started in tech sales over four years ago after falling in love with the social innovation economy during her undergrad. Nicole discovered social enterprises through MaRS and Enactus, which fused her passion for business strategy and social welfare. She eventually launched her own successful business of upcycling wheelchairs. The still-active venture is a part of the Western University business curriculum.  In the workforce across two companies, she's generated millions in the pipeline, rolled out training for teams of 30, sourced some of the largest deals, and generated hundreds of thousands in payment volume. These varied experiences allow her to bring a unique perspective from the private to public sectors — the art form of fostering collaboration and change across stakeholders with varying needs and goals.

Nika Lennox is a recent graduate from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where she received an M.Sc. in international social and public policy. Her varied background includes experience in the non-profit sector in Canada and the United Kingdom, overseeing organizational development, volunteer engagement programs, and get-out-the-vote campaigns centered around youth voters. Nika also holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and contemporary studies from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In her spare time, Nika is an avid knitter, rock climber, reality TV enthusiast, and lover of all things outdoors.

Sarah is a policy analyst working to advance the rights and well-being of First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ folks in Ontario through advocacy and empowerment. She has also worked as a humanitarian researcher for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Netherlands. Sarah has a master’s degree in global affairs from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, specializing in global development and gender studies. Before entering the public policy space, Sarah worked as a software engineer in Toronto's technology startup scene, holding a bachelor’s degree in software engineering from Western University. She also volunteers with the Parkdale Community Food Bank. Sarah always strives to be an ally and advocate for advancing social justice for everyone in our community.

Shaunette George is currently a PhD student in the department of sociology at McMaster University, where she earned an MA and an honours BA, both in sociology. She also has a certificate in leadership & management in the not-for-profit sector from Mohawk College. As a lifelong volunteer in the GTA and abroad, Shaunette has experience working with underserved youth at risk of homelessness and adults with behavioural and developmental disabilities. With research experience working for non-profit organizations (the YGTA included) and McMaster University, she has gained valuable knowledge about the diverse population of the GTA, which will help her to develop and influence Canadian social policy in the future. In her spare time, Shaunette enjoys reading, being with her nieces and nephews, and travelling around the world.

Simran is a supply chain analyst with Mars Canada, with a bachelor’s in food engineering from India and a postgraduate degree in supply chain management from Cape Breton University. Simran, who recently moved to Toronto from Nova Scotia, is passionate about community development, especially community integration for international students. In Cape Breton, she volunteered with many local organizations: she was a board member for Cape Breton Credit Union, a mentor with Cape Breton Connector Program to guide international graduates and newcomers with career advice, and an advisor on the local immigration partnership's Immigrant Advisory Table. She also organized a fundraiser gala, raising $10,000 for a scholarship fund for international students studying at Cape Breton University. Simran currently sits on the Board of Directors for YMCA Cape Breton and volunteers as a mentor with Toronto's Connector Program. In her spare time, outside of volunteering, she likes to read novels and try new food places in the GTA. With YAC, Simran hopes to bring her experience and collaborate with an amazing group of peers to help achieve its mission and vision.

Zahra Niazi is a Master’s student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto and a research associate intern at a UofT Neuroscience startup. She completed her Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Waterloo. Zahra has held various mentorship and teaching assistant roles at both universities, where she helped first-year students transition into university life. She joined YAC because its values of inclusivity, integrity, optimism, and well-being resonate with her personally. Through YAC, Zahra hopes to use her experiences to be a voice for youth in her community. In her free time, she enjoys making matcha drinks, reading, and exploring cafés.