Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Members

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.

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.

Shaunette is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Sociology at McMaster University. She merges her expertise in Race, Ethnicity, and the Sociology of Education to examine Black professors hired through cohort/cluster initiatives at Canadian universities, amid rising awareness of anti-Black racism in higher education. She holds an MA and an Honours BA in Sociology from McMaster University, as well as a Certificate in Leadership and Management in the not-for-profit sector from Mohawk College.

As a lifelong volunteer in the GTA and abroad, she has worked with underserved youth at risk of homelessness and adults with disabilities. With research experience in academia and with non-profits, including the YGTA, she aims to apply her knowledge of educational and EDI policies, her understanding of GTA communities, and her passion for Black-focused research in her YAC role.

In her spare time, Shaunette enjoys reading, cooking, being with her nieces and nephews, and travelling.

Jacky is an AI strategist in the financial industry, where he focuses on leveraging emerging technologies to drive innovation and productivity. With a background in technology consulting, he is passionate about the use of digital technologies to create positive and efficient change. His deep-rooted connection to the YMCA spans many years, from volunteering in Health and Fitness programming to actively engaging in community initiatives. In 2015, he was a recipient of the YMCA Outstanding Achievement in Volunteerism for his exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to the organization. Jacky’s commitment to wellness extends beyond the YMCA. He was involved in the student council during his undergraduate years, co-chairing the wellness peer support network 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.

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 for 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.

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.

Alex  is a student at the University of Toronto in physics and computer science. He collaborates with startups and organizations to build products across AI, healthcare, and educational technology, and hosts community experiences for over 600 students across the GTA.

His relationship with the YMCA of Greater Toronto runs deep. Joining the Y as a participant in the Newcomer Youth Leadership Development program, later becoming a NYI intern, leading workshops for 110+ youth, spearheading the creation of the Arts Council, and launching a charity bath bomb venture to support the Y's youth homeless shelter. 

As a YAC member, Alex brings both a technical lens and lived experience inside Y programs to help the organization better serve young people across the Greater Toronto Area.

In his spare time, he builds fun projects, takes on fitness challenges, and reviews cafes.

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.

She 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, Simran 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.

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.

Aisha is a youth advocate who uses storytelling, art, and creative expression to elevate young people’s voices in civic and community spaces. She translates lived experiences into narratives that encourage youth participation, equity, and inclusion, with a particular focus on supporting young women.

She is a winner of the YMCA GTA Shark Tank Pitch Competition 2025 and a member of the King’s Trust Canada Youth Council. Through her participation in this competition, she went on to lead and organize storytelling initiatives for newcomer girls, creating safe and supportive spaces for self-expression, confidence-building, and community connection.

Aisha has represented youth voices at various programs and international forums, including Voice for Rights International in Vancouver, the Global Business Symposium in Turkey, and Boston, contributing to conversations that highlight youth perspectives and promote inclusive, community-driven solutions.

 she is passionate about painting, photography, and public speaking, and remains committed to empowering young people and using creative approaches to drive meaningful social impact.

Anoushka is a researcher and evaluator in the non-profit sector, with a focus on improving the social determinants of health for equity-deserving communities in Canada. Her work has supported organizations in strengthening programs and services across newcomer settlement, employment, childcare, health, and workforce wellbeing. Originally from India, she completed her Masters in Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. She is especially interested in how youth voices and lived experience can help shape stronger systems and more responsive services for communities.

Outside of work, Anoushka enjoys curling up with a good book, solving puzzles, watching tennis, or learning to play a new sport!

Cass is a graduating student from the University of Toronto, studying a multidisciplinary degree in Bioethics and Theatre. She has worked to combine care and ethics into her community-building practices, in both artistic and organizational spaces. Cass' work with various organizations such as Youthline and Friends of Ruby has shown her the myriad of ways to build community from crisis calls to arts education for young learners. As an arts-worker, Cass is a published playwright, director, and producer working particularly with non-for-profit theatre organizations around the GTA. Working with organizations, both in the arts and in direct community care, has inspired Cass toward work in advocacy and service, particularly in harm reduction spaces with at-risk queer youth. Cass is very excited to dedicate her time with the YAC to serve the YGTA community. 

In her spare time, Cass is usually found hiking in the many parks around the GTA or cheering on the Toronto Sceptres at the latest PWHL game. 

Nebiyou Timotewos is a humanitarian, bestselling author, and community leader recognized with over 27 international leadership awards, including the prestigious Diana Award. He is the Founder and Executive Director of The Kindness Loop, a multi-arm organization focused on breaking the stigma around men’s mental health, delivering immediate support to youth and families in need worldwide, and operating media platforms that amplify positive stories and news globally.

Shaped by lived experience across Ethiopia, displacement and war in Yemen, and immigration to Canada, Nebiyou brings a systems-level approach to youth empowerment and community innovation. He is currently completing his studies in Global Political Studies, with a minor in Human Rights and Equity Studies, alongside a professional certificate in Public Administration and Law at York University. 

In his spare time, Nebiyou enjoys exploring nature, trying new foods, and spending time with loved ones.

Roberto is a recent graduate from Western University with a dual degree in business administration and computer science, currently working as a marketing specialist in the telecommunications industry. 

As a student, he led the exchange portfolio at his student council to support and advocate for inbound exchange students. In this role, he organized various events - including a Raptors game viewing - to introduce students to Canadian culture and raised over $3,000 in funding to support initiatives that fostered their integration into the local community.

As a YAC member, Roberto is excited to bring his passion for fostering inclusive communities and creating opportunities for meaningful connections amongst youth. In his free time he enjoys travel (currently on quest to explore Latin America!), hiking, and concerts.

Soni is a strategy consultant with a passion for igniting change in organizational practices. She hopes to spread awareness of GTA youth concerns and support the wide range of initiatives the YMCA has to offer. Soni brings experience from working on the Board of Directors of her University student council where she advocated for student well-being at the governance level. She also worked as a Residence Don for 3 years where she advised and supported youth and the broader student community at her university. As a YAC member, Soni brings her expertise in finance, strategy, and leadership to help support the YMCA. She holds an honours B.A. with distinction from the Ivey School of Business.

Sharon Lee is a Policy Advisor in Government Relations at the CEO Office of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Upon completing her undergraduate education from the University of Toronto with a specialization in Political Science, she participated in the Ontario Legislature Internship Program where she worked with Members of Provincial Parliament across different parties. She went on to join the Office of Mayor of Toronto Olivia Chow and contributed to federal and provincial campaigns for political party leaders. In her spare time, she plays music with her band Miss Mouth, volunteers at her local food bank, and enjoys running outside.

Teniola is a third year Psychology student at York University with a strong passion for leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. She currently serves as a Faculty of Health Student Ambassador and has been actively involved in student leadership, including her work with the Nigerian Student Association and her campaign for Student Senate. As a graduate of the Black Achievers YMCA of Greater Toronto program, Teniola is committed to empowering youth and creating spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued. She is particularly interested in issues related to mental health, education, and equity. 

Through her role on the Youth Advisory Committee, Teniola hopes to amplify youth perspectives and contribute to building more inclusive and supportive communities.

Yağız is a community worker, disability advocate, cancer survivor, and adaptive athlete focused on advancing equity, accessibility, and youth engagement across the GTA. With a background in psychology, he brings hands-on experience in stakeholder engagement, program coordination, and community outreach, grounded in people-centred and anti-oppressive approaches.

His work is shaped by lived experience. As a cancer survivor and adaptive athlete, Yağız uses sport as a platform to challenge assumptions, build community, and drive awareness around disability, resilience, and equitable access to health and social services. He is particularly interested in addressing systemic barriers affecting disabled and newcomer communities, and in strengthening more inclusive and accountable systems of care.