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 dev
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.
Director, Programs & Services
Janine has held a variety of leadership positions in non-profits and health organizations. With experiences in shelter, street outreach, health research, and quality improvement, Janine is motivated to support people in her community. Janine graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Wilfrid
Director, Programs & Services
Janine has held a variety of leadership positions in non-profits and health organizations. With experiences in shelter, street outreach, health research, and quality improvement, Janine is motivated to support people in her community. Janine graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Health Science in Translational Research at the University of Toronto. She is excited to join Youth Rising Above.
Database Administrator
Henrietta works in Operations and CRM Management, with over 5 years experience in a professional capacity. She is also a very hardworking extrovert, who deeply cares for the people and community around her. She has regularly provided support to charitable organizations in her home country Nigeria, and also her new ho
Database Administrator
Henrietta works in Operations and CRM Management, with over 5 years experience in a professional capacity. She is also a very hardworking extrovert, who deeply cares for the people and community around her. She has regularly provided support to charitable organizations in her home country Nigeria, and also her new home here in Canada. She wants to serve young people in this capacity as she knows they are our future, and it is important to invest in them, with a positive and hopeful approach that will support them as they transition to adulthood.
Program Coordinator, DiscoverU, RISE Camp & Certification Training
Christian has spent several years working within the local community serving marginalized and at-risk populations. His experience includes working with a number of large scale social service organizations in capacities that include case management, counselling, intake and p
Program Coordinator, DiscoverU, RISE Camp & Certification Training
Christian has spent several years working within the local community serving marginalized and at-risk populations. His experience includes working with a number of large scale social service organizations in capacities that include case management, counselling, intake and program support.
Christian also brings with him years of business experience, having served in operational and sales capacities in the past. Christian believes in the importance of transforming marginalized young people through meaningful and engaging initiatives that support their continued growth. He is especially interested in group programming and the positive attributes it can instil within participants.
Program Facilitator, Women's Programming
Bea is a diasporic Filipina, living and working in Toronto. She has a degree in Women & Gender Studies and Political Science from the University of Toronto, where her work centered on the lived experiences of Filipinx-Canadian workers, women, and youth. Having over four years of experience in hospit
Program Facilitator, Women's Programming
Bea is a diasporic Filipina, living and working in Toronto. She has a degree in Women & Gender Studies and Political Science from the University of Toronto, where her work centered on the lived experiences of Filipinx-Canadian workers, women, and youth. Having over four years of experience in hospital healthcare, she values every opportunity to connect with others while supporting the needs of her diverse community.
Growing up as a first generation immigrant in Canada, Bea is committed to empowering marginalized youth and creating meaningful spaces for young people to foster their passions, access the support they need, and have their voices heard. She is excited and grateful for the opportunity to share what she has learned to advocate for youth and guide them towards reaching their full potential.
Facilitator, GoTheDistance Mentorship Program
Frank is an educator and life-long learner pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Ottawa, where he also completed his Master of Education. His research focuses on digital inequalities and the effects that these have on people’s opportunities to succeed in contemporary society. He is c
Facilitator, GoTheDistance Mentorship Program
Frank is an educator and life-long learner pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Ottawa, where he also completed his Master of Education. His research focuses on digital inequalities and the effects that these have on people’s opportunities to succeed in contemporary society. He is committed to finding ways of reducing digital and social inequity, which is why he is excited to be working with Youth Rising Above. He believes that, together, we can help marginalized youth empower themselves to find much happiness and success in their lives.
Program Facilitator, DiscoverU
A driven Caseworker and a dedicated Registered Early Childhood Educator, Joanna has been working with children and youth for many years. She works in the non-profit field, supporting newcomer and refugee families, children and youth integrate into Canadian society. Joanna is passionate in providing opportu
Program Facilitator, DiscoverU
A driven Caseworker and a dedicated Registered Early Childhood Educator, Joanna has been working with children and youth for many years. She works in the non-profit field, supporting newcomer and refugee families, children and youth integrate into Canadian society. Joanna is passionate in providing opportunities for young people to learn, develop and help them realize their full potential. Working at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel, has given her the experience of being a positive mentor offering guidance and support, connecting youth to broader experiences, opportunities and networks while providing a safe and non-judgemental environment in which they can gain the confidence to achieve more. Joanna is excited to begin this new journey with Youth Rising Above and looks forward to empowering young people.
Mentorship Program Coordinator
Priyanka is a Social Worker who completed her Master in Social Work and Honours Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto. She has several years of experience working with youth across multiple settings such as non-profit, community, homelessness, hospital, and higher education sectors. Priyank
Mentorship Program Coordinator
Priyanka is a Social Worker who completed her Master in Social Work and Honours Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto. She has several years of experience working with youth across multiple settings such as non-profit, community, homelessness, hospital, and higher education sectors. Priyanka is passionate about supporting youth with achieving holistic well-being, equipping them with tools to overcome barriers, and supporting them with building pathways that align with their goals. She has coordinated and developed engaging programs for youth that resulted in positive outcomes and has led evaluation efforts to ensure the needs of youth are being met effectively. Priyanka has held many leadership positions in the past that have strengthened her program development, workshop facilitation, mentorship, and strategic planning skills. She is committed to fulfilling gaps and working alongside youth to create an environment that is empowering. She aims to create spaces that are inclusive, diverse, and equitable to increase opportunities for youth to thrive.
Administrative Assistant, Rising Together
Ivana has an academic background in sociology and public policy and is passionate about fostering stronger mental health literacy. She recognizes a broader gap in addressing youth mental health and believes in the value of a safe and inclusive space that provides youth with the opportunity to spea
Administrative Assistant, Rising Together
Ivana has an academic background in sociology and public policy and is passionate about fostering stronger mental health literacy. She recognizes a broader gap in addressing youth mental health and believes in the value of a safe and inclusive space that provides youth with the opportunity to speak openly about their experiences. Ivana has held several administrative roles that have allowed her to gain experience with program support and data integration in both professional and volunteer capacities. She is looking forward to integrating the knowledge from her administrative experience to support and empower youth in the Rising Together program.
Coordinator, Policy & Procedure Development
Celena has extensive experiences in the administration and education field working with youth and international students from diverse backgrounds. She helps students prepare for the Canadian workplace while ensuring they master the language proficiency and achieve academic excellence.
Her profess
Coordinator, Policy & Procedure Development
Celena has extensive experiences in the administration and education field working with youth and international students from diverse backgrounds. She helps students prepare for the Canadian workplace while ensuring they master the language proficiency and achieve academic excellence.
Her professional experiences include counselling, developing policies for the school and managing diverse students. She is passionate and excited working with Youth Rising Above to make a difference to the community and empowering youth at risk to have successful and enriching lives.
Coordinator, Peer Support
Rebecca has a diverse background, with experience in various research, leadership, and advocacy-based roles within mental health. She has coupled her passion for working within the community with her interest in youth mental health supports, leading various mental health awareness groups and developing educational
Coordinator, Peer Support
Rebecca has a diverse background, with experience in various research, leadership, and advocacy-based roles within mental health. She has coupled her passion for working within the community with her interest in youth mental health supports, leading various mental health awareness groups and developing educational workshops. Academically, Rebecca has completed an undergraduate degree in psychology, and a graduate certificate in mental health and addictions.
She is currently studying at the University of Toronto, completing a Master’s Degree in Health Service Research with specializations in health service outcomes and evaluation, and public health policy. Rebecca believes in the importance of providing supportive, empowering, and inclusive spaces for youth to grow and thrive. She is committed to meeting youth where they are and supporting their unique needs through engaging programs and opportunity building.
Women's Programming Coordinator
Lela is an Urban Planner with a passion for community planning, development and housing policy. She has over 5 years of experience working on community planning and partnerships in the public sector. Lela is passionate about creating inclusive and vibrant communities by employing a lens of social justice a
Women's Programming Coordinator
Lela is an Urban Planner with a passion for community planning, development and housing policy. She has over 5 years of experience working on community planning and partnerships in the public sector. Lela is passionate about creating inclusive and vibrant communities by employing a lens of social justice and collaboration to ensure that the unique goals of communities are understood and met.
Throughout her personal and professional life, Lela has been inspired by the strength, knowledge and capacity within children and youth. She is committed to breaking barriers and creating opportunities so that children and youth can find what they love in life and follow it with the passion it deserves.
Coordinator, Community Engagement
Jessica recently earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and is currently working as a Legal Assistant. Her passion for serving youth in her community stems from years as a peer and youth mentor where she was able to experience firsthand the value of creating safe and inclusiv
Coordinator, Community Engagement
Jessica recently earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and is currently working as a Legal Assistant. Her passion for serving youth in her community stems from years as a peer and youth mentor where she was able to experience firsthand the value of creating safe and inclusive spaces for young people to feel supported.
Her previous opportunities to engage in the planning and facilitation of community outreach and fundraising-based projects have driven her to advocate for positive and impactful development in her community. She is proud to be a part of the Youth Rising Above team and to help support the mission of empowering our youth.
Coordinator, Policy & Procedure Development
Leondre holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Toronto Metropolitan University and has extensive experience in research and outreach practices related to HIV prevention among heterosexual Black men across Ontario. Leondre Guy joins YRA with a strong sense of community commitment.
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Coordinator, Policy & Procedure Development
Leondre holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Toronto Metropolitan University and has extensive experience in research and outreach practices related to HIV prevention among heterosexual Black men across Ontario. Leondre Guy joins YRA with a strong sense of community commitment.
Leondre shares YRA's mission to serve the youth and families it supports, and is dedicated to aligning policies to achieve this goal.
Coordinator, Fund Development
Ria is a dedicated advocate for charitable causes with a strong background in volunteerism and fundraising. With a passion for making a meaningful impact, Ria has consistently contributed to a wide range of philanthropic endeavours. In addition to hands-on volunteering, she has honed her fundraising skills, su
Coordinator, Fund Development
Ria is a dedicated advocate for charitable causes with a strong background in volunteerism and fundraising. With a passion for making a meaningful impact, Ria has consistently contributed to a wide range of philanthropic endeavours. In addition to hands-on volunteering, she has honed her fundraising skills, successfully raising substantial funds and strengthening relations with pre-existing donors in both professional and volunteer roles.
She is currently completing an honor bachelor's degree in International Relations at Western University and hopes to use her education to develop effective ways to support systemically oppressed individuals. As a result of her studies, she believes in the importance of supporting marginalized youth through a multifaceted approach, as they often face a uniquely complex set of barriers predicted by identity markers such as age, race, gender and class. She is excited to join the Youth Rising Above team in creating opportunities that empower youth to reach their highest potential.
Coordinator, Fund Development
Yagni is a student at York University, majoring in Digital Marketing & Communication. Her educational background included a bachelor degree in Electronics and Communication. While pursuing this, she discovered her passion for marketing, which led her to complete her MBA in marketing.
Yagni found great excitemen
Coordinator, Fund Development
Yagni is a student at York University, majoring in Digital Marketing & Communication. Her educational background included a bachelor degree in Electronics and Communication. While pursuing this, she discovered her passion for marketing, which led her to complete her MBA in marketing.
Yagni found great excitement in strategizing and executing marketing campaigns, which motivated her to further explore this field.
Outside of her academic and professional life, she is deeply passionate about making a positive impact on youth. She has actively contributed to this cause through her involvement with organizations such as UN Volunteers and VIM. In her leisure time, she is an avid book lover with a particular interest in mysteries and philosophy. She also enjoys exploring new places and embarking on adventurous trips. Additionally, she has a fondness for chai, making it an integral part of her daily routine.
Coordinator, Fund Development
Cassandra is currently a student at Queen's University where she is completing her Bachelor of Commerce. Academically, Cassandra has focused her studies and research on corporate behaviour and its social, cultural, and political implications.
While her academic background is in business, Cassandra has plenty o
Coordinator, Fund Development
Cassandra is currently a student at Queen's University where she is completing her Bachelor of Commerce. Academically, Cassandra has focused her studies and research on corporate behaviour and its social, cultural, and political implications.
While her academic background is in business, Cassandra has plenty of experience in the service industry and has spent her time at university committed to supporting displaced students. As she joins YRA, Cassandra is eager to align her passion for positive community development with our mission to uplift and support the youth and families we serve.
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