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.

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.

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.  

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.   

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 am 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.