Our Board of Directors

Chairperson

Salvatore’s professional background includes working with youth in a residential, community and shelter settings. His professional experience includes case management, program development, philanthropy, trauma-informed practice, and community development. Additionally, he co-hosts on the CYC Podcast having monthly segments on social justice and advocacy. He has a particular skill in the design, development, and implementation of programs taking a youth-centred and informed approach.  Salvatore has a Bachelor’s in Child and Youth Care and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Administration and Law. Salvatore is passionate about youth-centred programming and advocating with young people. He is excited to be working with Youth Rising Above and the young people we work wit

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.   

Vice Chairperson

Irwin has 40 years of experience working with young people marginalized from their rights. For over 20 years he managed the Pape Adolescent Resource Centre, an award winning brave space serving youth in and from care living on their own in the Greater Toronto Area. He was the Director of Service at Central Toronto Youth Services a children's mental health centre in downtown Toronto. He has worked in Japan, Jamaica, India and Ukraine supporting the development of a variety of youth services and system reforms. From 2008-2019 Irwin was Ontario's Child Advocate reporting to the Ontario Legislature "partnering with children and youth to bring their issues forward" as described in his guiding legislation. Irwin is the proud father to two young boys living with his wife in Toronto. 

Director

Jordana is recognized for treating the attorney-client relationship as a true partnership, providing practical and strategic advice and obtaining successful results in and out of the courtroom. Jordana practices in all areas

of intellectual property law.  She is particularly well known for her expertise in enforcing patents and trademarks. Jordana’s extensive experience involves working with clients across a range of industries, including biotechnology, consumer goods, energy, food and beverage, hospitality, horticulture, life

sciences, and technology. She regularly works with clients concerning the protection and optimization of their intellectual property portfolios and enforcement of their intellectual property rights. Jordana believes in giving back to the community and appreciates the importance of inspiring, empowering and transforming the next generation. Jordana supports the values of knowledge, learning and leadership as drivers for change and opportunity. Jordana is excited to serve on the Board of YRA an organization focused on helping youth overcome barriers caused by

poverty.

Director

Kartik is currently a Risk Management Professional with a major bank in Canada. Prior to his current role, he lived and worked in the UAE for a few years. During his youth, Kartik was heavily involved in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, a youth development program developed by the Department of National Defence in Canada. Over the years, Kartik has always been involved with non-profit organizations supporting both animals, and people in the UAE, India and Canada. As part of his current work, he is part of the internal Employee Giving Campaign (volunteer basis) to raise awareness about the importance of charitable contributions by those who feel they are capable of doing so. As an immigrant to Canada at the age of 10 in a single mother household, Kartik has seen first hand how important a sense of direction and purpose can play in the life of a young person. Being a beneficiary of specialized support during his formative adolescent years, Kartik hopes to use his experience with other non-profit organizations, and in Governance/Risk Management, to give back to the community in which he grew up.  

Director 

 Tim is a financial services executive who has studied and worked globally, leading Small Business, Commercial Banking, and Wealth Management teams in multiple countries and languages.  He has been active in youth and community organizations for over 25 years, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, Toronto City Rugby, Scouts Canada, and the United Way.  As a sought-after mentor, he knows that sharing knowledge and experiences creates growth and learning opportunities for everyone involved.  Having seen the amazing capabilities and potential of youth when given support and opportunities, Tim is excited and honoured to be contributing to Youth Rising Above as a Board member.