Our Board of Directors

Interim 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.

Executive 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.   

Secretary

Tyler works in government and public policy and is a strong believer in positive-sum policymaking. Tyler's educational background is in political governance, gender studies, and English literature with research concentrations in municipal climate adaptation and community engagement. 

Tyler has been volunteering with organizations and initiatives supporting people experiencing homelessness since 2016 and brings experience in organizational management and board governance to YRA.

Treasurer

Rose is a retired, professional accountant with over 30 years of managerial experience. Her last role prior to retirement was the SVP of Finance of a Global Security Logistics company where she led, coached, and mentored teams of various sizes, comprising of different ages, nationalities/race and gender.

As a female in a male dominated industry, she managed to excel and attain a position on the Canadian Executive Committee being the first woman in the history of the Canadian company to hold that position. Leading by example and as a member of the Global Women’s Leadership Steering committee of the company, she encourages and mentors women to strive and attain leadership roles within the organization.

She is a mother of three and a grandmother of two and very aware of the needs that youth require.  As she enters the next chapter of her life, she wants to give back to the community and be able to share and contribute as much as possible. To be able to contribute to an organization which inspires, encourages, and transforms our youth will be an honour.

Director

Alex is a relationship builder and fund development professional with over 12 years of experience raising funds for non-profit organizations. She has led a $10 million dollar capital campaign and raised funds for healthcare and hunger relief organizations in Hamilton and Toronto. She now works with a small agency helping small and medium non-profits develop their fundraising programs while coaching leaders to help them find balance and avoid burnout. 

Passionate about empowering marginalized people, Alex volunteered for many years with a residential treatment home for youth in Toronto. Alex is proud to be a part of Youth Rising Above and keen to support marginalized young people so they can feel safe and empowered.  

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.