Our Board of Directors

Director & Founder

Jonathan has over a decade of leadership experience working in the poverty reduction sector both in public and private environments, with a significant focus on youth development. He is committed towards co-creating meaningful, supportive and relevant opportunities in support of positive youth and community development. 

Jonathan believes that everyone has a role in creating healthier and vibrant communities, while also working towards preventing poverty for future generations.  He is committed towards ensuring young people feel safe and inspired as they engage with YRA services.   

Chairperson

 Meet Asif Zulfiqar, a business professional with over 20 years of global experience in the field of Human Resource Management. With a strong background in people side of business, Asif is passionate about fostering positive and productive workplace cultures. 

Throughout his career, Asif has excelled in talent management, employee development, and strategic HR planning. His commitment to aligning organizational goals with human capital strategies is evident in his track record of implementing innovative and effective people solutions. We are thrilled about the prospect of Asif contributing to our board's deliberations and decisions, as he brings a unique blend of experience and dedication.

Director

Jennifer is a seasoned communications leader with over 20 years of experience driving transformation in the non-profit and private sectors. Currently, she serves as Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Technology (CIIT), advancing Indigenous representation in tech. As an ally, Jennifer is passionate about sustainability, leadership, and social impact, she also advises Canadian start-ups and leads national initiatives in AI, digital literacy, and inclusive culturally supported programming and reconciliation.

Jennifer currently calls California her home with her husband Jory, two children, and Pug, Buddy. Jennifer continues to devote her time working with purpose driven organizations committed to the well-being and development of youth back home in Canada. She is thrilled to apply her experience in program management, organizational management, fundraising (capital and grassroots campaigns) and board governance to YRA.

Director

Chris has gained extensive leadership and business experience by leading diverse teams across Canada in the retail sector. With a passion for business growth and innovation, he has pursued various ventures and continues to seek opportunities to drive meaningful impact. 

Having overcome personal challenges in his youth, including struggles that shaped his resilience and perspective, Chris deeply understands the value of community support and is passionate about empowering young people to reach their full potential. Over the course of his career, he has been fortunate to coach and mentor many team members, helping them achieve both personal and professional growth. Chris is excited and honored to have the opportunity to contribute his leadership expertise, strategic insight, and passion for community building to Youth Rising Above, supporting the creation of opportunities that enable youth to thrive.

Director

Meet Sajjad Nakshab, a finance professional with over ten years of experience across the financial value chain. At present he is Senior Financial Analyst at a Non-Profit organization, he has worked with leading investment banks in Europe and the US, as well as a boutique consultancy in Qatar.

With expertise in financial analysis, reporting, valuations, and investment banking, Sajjad provides strategic insights that drive financial performance.

A Fellow of ACCA (UK), he holds a degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Beyond finance, he is passionate about making a positive impact on society and individuals, which inspired him to join the YRA team.
Outside work, Sajjad is an avid cricketer, representing Glow Toronto Cricket Club in the Toronto District Cricket League.

 Director 

Agapi Mavridis is Crown Counsel with Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General, Criminal Law Division. She also teaches Trial Advocacy at Lincoln Alexander Law School, and coaches their Arnup Cup Moot Trial Competition team. Agapi is President of the Hellenic Canadian Lawyers' Association. From 2019-2025, Agapi volunteered as the Scholarship Chair for the Cretans' Association of Toronto "Knossos", implementing the Association's scholarship program. Prior to law school, Agapi worked in the Government of Ontario as a policy analyst, and is a graduate of the Masters of Public Policy and Administration program at Toronto Metropolitan University.