Anisha graduated with her Bachelors of Health Sciences from Simon Fraser University in 2019 and is currently a Health Leadership student at British Columbia Institute of Technology. She was born and raised in Surrey, BC but is currently residing in Victoria, BC.

Her passion is prevention in health care and she has built a strong foundation for that through her courses at SFU where she combined multi-disciplinary education and research of population and public health. Her education led her to an opportunity at Blume - a self care company that highlights the importance of transparency of ingredients and creating products (such as Organic Pads + Tampons) that are healthier and safer. Her role at Blume allows her to create a community that is a safe space to de-stigmatize normal things such as periods, puberty, and acne.

In her free time, she enjoys cuddling with her puppy, going for walks, and playing basketball with her friends.

Kathleena (she/her) is a National Scholar at Western University studying International Relations, and at the School for Advanced Studies in the Arts & Humanities. With a passion for policy, development and equity, she is heavily involved in student politics and the non-profit sphere at the national level. She currently serves on the Board of Directors on the Western University Students’ Council, in addition to her work on the Senate. She is currently the CFO of a national legal education non-profit, and a national officer for HOSA Canada, which provides educational and competitive opportunities for the next generation of Canadian healthcare practitioners. Her belief in community investment and empowerment through education is exemplified by her work with UNICEF as well as SHAD Canada, and is something she hopes to emphasize and strive for within government in her role on the YCRH. She is committed to working with stakeholders and government at large to ensure greater focus and investment in holistic healthcare for all youth.

My name is Estelle Alexander, and I am a fourth-year health promotion honours student at Dalhousie University. For my final semester, I am grateful to be interning at YCRH! Many of my interests and values align with those of YCRH, and I couldn’t imagine a better fit. Advocating for children's and youth's voices and well-being is something I am extremely passionate about. A lot of my work and interests focus on health law and policy, human rights activism, and public health. I am looking forward to exploring my passions and interests more with the YCRH and helping out in any way I can

Kate (she/her) is a current Masters of Applied Health Services Research student at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) where she also obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership with a minor in health sciences.

Kate has completed numerous internships in corporate, non-profit and clinical settings where she loved working on projects related to health promotion, patient experience, public relations and program evaluation. Her graduate research focuses on primary care reform, patient self-advocacy, patient centered care and health literacy. She is passionate about using intersectional evaluation methods and evidence based research to create positive experiences in health care, improve the patient experience and promote health literacy.

Kate loves to be involved in her community and sits on various societies, committees, and conference executives. To relax, she enjoys being active outdoors, trying new food, and being with her friends. She is thrilled to be part of the YCRH!

Paige Cox is currently enrolled in the Master of Education program at Cape Breton University, her third degree from the University. She is the recipient of the 2023 Cape Breton Vital Excellence Award. Paige’s commitment to her studies and community allowed her to represent her program at conferences in Charlottetown in August 2023, Ottawa and Halifax in early 2024, partly and fully funded by organizing institutions. Despite facing multiple cognitive disabilities and living with mental illness, Paige, at 27 years old, is navigating her education with great determination. She uses her voice to promote inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of life, and her accomplishments extend beyond academia. Paige is a board member of the Cape Breton University Alumni Association Board of Directors, Dance Nova Scotia Board of Directors, and Young Canadian Roundtable on Health.

Kylie Johnston (she/her) is currently in the process of finishing her degree in Psychology at UBC Okanagan, and she is also going to be joining the YCRH team as a Policy Coordinator! She was raised in Edmonton, Alberta; but is currently located in Kelowna, BC. She hopes to pursue a career within the medical field in the future and is trying to develop her skills in research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge mobilization to assist her in her future career and education-related endeavours. Kylie has worked with many organizations in and around the YMHSU sector, including Foundry BC, Access Open Minds, CAMH, Wounded Warriors Canada, Moms Stop The Harm, and more. In her free time, she loves reading (currently, 'I Who Have Never Known Men' by Jacqueline Harpman), doing hot yoga, spending time with her friends and family, and watching films. She hopes that her work within the YCRH can assist in helping to transform the YMHSU sector and to ensure that youth have easy access to reliable, culturally-sensitive, and person-centered care if/ when they need it.

Sara-Emilie (she/her) is a Public Affairs manager at a public affairs firm and a recent Political Science and English graduate from Western University. A driven individual with a passion for politics, gender equity, and community involvement, Sara-Emilie is committed to ongoing advocacy work. She is currently a Youth Ambassador with Plan International Canada and a Young Director on the Rise on Boards program facilitated by Fora: Network for Change. She also represented Fora at the United Nations 68th Commission on the Status of Women.

Nadia Hamada (she/her) is a 3rd year Arts and Sciences student at McMaster University, where she combines her love for learning and passion for equity to strive for social change. She focuses her advocacy work on working with the youth to provide services for the youth. She is currently the Co-Chair of Future North in her hometown of Sudbury, where she has been featured on billboards, spoken to MPs, and meets with the youth of Sudbury regularly to brainstorm new initiatives. Hamada wishes to expand her horizons, so she joined the YCRH community. As featured in the HOPE campaign for Sudbury, she wants the youth to know, "Embrace who you are. Don’t waste energy thinking about how others perceive you. You’ve got this."

Myera (my-ra; she/her) brings years of experience as a youth advisor and in equity, diversity, and inclusion work across workplaces, education, and healthcare areas. Her interests revolve around breaking down systemic barriers for historically excluded communities to provide community/person centred and driven care, lived experience engagement, and resource navigation and provision. Myera is excited to collaborate with the team to strategize, advocate for, and support EDIA initiatives as a co-director with YCRH. Myera enjoys painting, reading, and trying out new food spots outside of work.

Walter Fuerniss (he/him) is an economic development professional and recent graduate of the University of New Brunswick at the undergraduate level, having studied Marketing & Digital Business Design. Walter was previously the Vice President External of the University of New Brunswick's Students' Representative Council, where he led policy and advocacy initiatives at all levels of government spanning a wide range of topics from food insecurity to mental health, experiential education, employment, and more. With particular passions for empowering the voices of his fellow youth and supporting the accessibility of the Canadian start-up ecosystem, Walter has tailored his career towards maximising his ability to help others as best he can. Walter is proud to be bringing his perspectives coming from the world of economic development and from his hometown of Saint John, New Brunswick to the YCRH, empowering voices from his community and being a part of making a sustainable and impactful difference. If you have any questions for Walter, his virtual door is always open as is incredibly proud to be able to collaborate with outstanding peers in his work with the YCRH and beyond!

A passion for politics and economic development coupled with a strong interest in global health makes Akosua Bonsu (she/her) a unique individual. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Political Economy, completing an undergraduate thesis on refugees and mental health. Currently working as a policy analyst with the Government of Manitoba, Akosua’s interest in health policy is growing – as is her involvement with the YCRH. She is thrilled to continue empowering diverse youth and advocating for equitable access to healthcare.

Her dedication and leadership have won her several awards: Akosua is a YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award recipient, a CBC Manitoba Future 40 Under 40 Award recipient, and she was selected from a national competition as a 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women honouree. In her (limited) free time, Akosua enjoys travelling, reading, and staying active. She looks forward to her continued involvement with the YCRH.

Hello/Bonjour, my name is Alisha (she/her/elle)! I'm currently wrapping up my second-entry accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at McMaster University in Ontario and am super excited to begin working as a nurse! I have a passion for working with children and families experiencing major illnesses and disabilities and have worked and volunteered in this area for nearly a decade. I've been told by many that I have "camp-counselor energy" so you can expect to find me choreographing routines to Frozen & Encanto (and maybe Cocomelon?) with my patients in the near future! In the last few years, I've taken on various non-clinical roles and as graduation approaches, I hope to transfer those skills more and more into the clinical world! I'm excited to be joining the YCRH and bringing the perspective of an active child health professional! I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Nursing Students Association as the New Graduate Advocate and was previously their People of Colour Caucus Chair. I am also involved with the youth advocacy program through UNICEF Canada. Overall, I am passionate about child and maternal health, and access to care, and am looking forward to getting more involved in the sphere of policy, advocacy, and leadership! In my spare time, I love being around those who fill my cup (including my cats), especially for outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, and being on the water. Fun fact: in high school, I was a vocal major in a regional arts program, and I still sing now, performing primarily in concert choirs and occasionally singing the national anthem at sporting and fundraising events!

Mathankki (she/her) is a recent graduate from an Honours Bachelor of Science, Human Biology: Health and Disease program at University of Toronto. She is interested in health promotion, health services research, and addressing health inequities and their root causes. Mathankki is currently working as a research volunteer in refugee youth well-being and health services research where she is working towards bringing awareness to the critical changes needed in programs and services provided to a wide range of individuals. She is also an active volunteer in her community and engages in various community events to promote health. Through her volunteer work she has become passionate towards promoting youth health and is thrilled to be a part of the YCRH. She hopes to be a voice and support to health initiatives for Canadian youth through the YCRH! In her free time she enjoys going on long walks, watching classic movies, playing the violin, and spending time with family.

Nyx Kucharski (they/them) is a first-year undergraduate student at the University of Waterloo pursuing a degree in Honours Mathematics. They are a queer, nonbinary, and autistic youth leader and advocate. They are passionate about youth leadership, mental health advocacy, and making meaningful positive social changes in their community. Nyx has worked to promote youth leadership in Nova Scotia by rebuilding the presence of the student-led leadership organization NSSSA (Nova Scotia Secondary School Students Association) in the Valley and Sou’West regions of the province.

Fatemeh Matin Moradkhan is a 4th-year Biology Student and Science One Alumni at the University of British Columbia. She is passionate about science communication, youth empowerment, and leadership. Her passion has encouraged her to be active in the community by volunteering and taking on several leadership roles. She is the Youth Branch manager at Misdiagnosis Association and Research Institute (MARI YOUTH), which focuses on raising awareness about healthcare, science communication, and creating the opportunity for youth to conduct research. As a student leader and the president of the Thaqalayn Muslim Association of UBC, she is committed to embracing diversity and advocating equity in the community. Matin is a Fraser Health's Young Adult Health Influencer. She has been raising awareness about the Covid 19 pandemic by tackling misinformation, sharing credible sources, and engaging in discussions regarding healthcare. Being part of the Canadian Youth Roundtable Discussions with the Canadian Youth Delegate in preparation for the PAHO Directing Council, the World Health Assembly, and engaging in global health diplomacy by facilitating the Canadian Youth Parliament has given her the opportunity to advocate for, health equity, post-pandemic recovery plans, equity in vaccine distribution, youth mental health, and access to proper mental health resources. She is inspired to continue her studies in the field of global health while focusing on innovation in healthcare and health communication. She enjoys working with young leaders and innovators, empowering youth, and is devoted to creating positive change. Matin is excited to be a part of the YCRH and looks forward to collaborating with youth leaders and advocating for youth health in Canada.

Brianna (she/her) graduated from Saint Mary’s University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts, major in Psychology. While at Saint Mary’s University, she contributed and participated in several initiatives, including volunteering and working at the SMU Women’s Centre. Brianna also volunteered for Speak Up society, which focuses on fostering meaningful friendships between Canadian and International students. Brianna completed a co-op and worked as an Assistant Recreation & Leisure Counsellor, where she supported individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities with various activities to promote continuous growth.

Asha is a third year student at the University of Toronto, where she is studying Global Health, Political Science, and Psychology. Her main academic and research interests include health policy, accessible science communication, planetary health, and health equity for immigrants and racialized people.

Asha is part of the Laidlaw Scholars Program at UofT, through which she has conducted independent research on attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination among ethnocultural minority groups in Canada, and has completed an internship at Tortoise Media in London, where she wrote short pieces on health and climate topics for the daily newsletter. Asha has also recently been involved in research projects related to COVID misinformation and transparency in pandemic policymaking, and she was awarded runner-up in the 2022 UofT Policython for her policy brief on decolonizing mental health care for Indigenous populations.

In her free time, Asha is co-president of her college’s choir, and is involved in Model UN on campus.

Alissa (she/her) is a second-year health sciences student at Queen’s University, originally from Montreal, Quebec, and now based in Toronto, Ontario. With a deep commitment to advocating for health equity within the Afro-Caribbean community, she draws from her own lived experiences to highlight the challenges of accessing mental health resources as well as the impacts of unconscious bias and discrimination faced by her community. Alissa is passionate about bridging the gap between science and policy, and she aspires to leverage research and stakeholder engagement to drive meaningful change in health care.

I am incredibly passionate about my education, as well as environmental and human rights issues, and actively do research to better educate myself on important topics. I strive to make change in the world, and volunteer whenever I can. I am leaning towards either entering the healthcare field once I graduate. My main hobbies consist of reading, painting, writing, crocheting, coding, learning languages and swimming. I love research, and am constantly seeking to learn new things!

Ayesha is from Waterloo, Ontario, and is a graduate of the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science in Science and Business; she adeptly merges her passion for science with business acumen. Her academic journey instilled valuable skills, emphasizing the interconnectedness of both fields. As a mentor coordinator for Girls SySTEM, she facilitates impactful connections between industry mentors and young mentees in STEM education, fostering their growth and aspirations. A dedicated community member, she volunteers with IRC (Islamic Relief Canada), embodying her commitment to serving in her local community. Ayesha is passionate about health promotion, advocating for holistic well-being and mental health. Eager to effect change, she is excited to channel her passions into advocacy as part of the Youth Canadians Roundtable on Health (YCRH), striving for improved healthcare accessibility and youth well-being nationwide. Through YCRH, she hopes to amplify her voice, connect with diverse perspectives, and drive meaningful dialogue on pressing health issues.

Jill Stringer (She/her) is a PhD Student living in Ontario researching student-athlete mental health. She holds a master's degree in Public Health with several years of experience working in the public health sector and with national non-profits. As a self-proclaimed life-long learner, Jill is driven to advocate for positive health system change that acknowledges and integrates lived expertise and other diverse forms of knowledge. She is most passionate about multidimensional health promotion through an understanding of programs, processes, and policies at the intersection of psychological, physical, and social well-being. When she's not working or studying, Jill enjoys baking, jewelry making, weight-lifting, and swimming with friends.

Aside from her hobbies, Sreejita has a passion for child health and health inequalities due to personal experiences and as cliche as it is, wants to make the world a better place. She is super excited to work with YCRH and can't wait to contribute to it!

Aiza Abid (she/her) is a passionate advocate for children's rights who was recently named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. As a Youth Engagement Specialist at Plan International Canada, Aiza works with youth groups, educators and community organizations across Canada to help young people build positive self-esteem and body confidence. Aiza serves as an advisory board member at Ascend Canada and member of the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth. She is also the founder of an international children's charity called Aiza’s Teddybear Foundation through which she leads efforts to make toys, books and clothing items like new for under-resourced children around the globe. Aiza holds a Master's in Public Policy with a focus on children’s rights issues; her capstone research project explored the topic of girls’ education and climate resilience. Aiza is committed to helping young people realize their rights and freedoms through service-based learning, storytelling and social impact activities.

Jessica is originally from Vancouver, BC and moved to Montreal, QC, in 2018 to pursue her undergraduate and master’s studies at McGill University. She is currently a second-year MSc Candidate at the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, at McGill University. Her research is in the fields of knowledge translation and developmental disabilities. She is an investigator and collaborator on ongoing research initiatives at Kids Brain Health Network and the CHILD-BRIGHT Network. She has expertise in knowledge mobilization and implementation science to promote the successful implementation of evidence-based practices to optimize childhood outcomes. Over the past two years, she has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, helped develop knowledge translation tools and worked on policy advocacy initiatives (i.e., briefs, rapid reviews) for children with developmental disabilities. She is passionate about addressing critical challenges faced by children with disabilities in Canada and hopes that she can bring her knowledge and drive to the YCRH. In her free time, she enjoys long-distance running, cooking, and spending time in nature.

Kiara Seneviratne (she/her) is currently a grade 12 student from Ottawa, Ontario. She decided to join YCRH as she is very passionate about spreading awareness and bringing change to the fact that everyone does not have equal access to health services and support systems, while also showing a great interest in learning about the health of youth, both physical and mental. For instance, with experience in other health-related organizations, she has come to recognize the different inequalities that are present surrounding the health of many different groups of people. Thus, with these and other leadership experiences, Kiara hopes to be able to advocate for those who can't and make a positive change surrounding these issues.

Rishika is a current Master of Public Health student at UBC, where she is focused on sustainable health and mental health. She has been involved in a multitude of areas focused in population health, maternal health, and mental health initiatives. Rishika is currently working in planetary health initiatives to consider how healthcare can better reflect the needs of the environment and be sustainable long-term to manage patient safety in a thoughtful manner. She is interested in policy efforts, program implementation, knowledge translation efforts, and stakeholder engagement, and is excited to be a part of the YCRH team to make a change. In her free time, she can be found hiking or baking.

Raffela Mancuso is a dedicated mental health advocate, content creator, and entrepreneur from Edmonton, Alberta. Leveraging the power of social media, she amplifies the voices of people living in marginalized bodies, while candidly sharing her own journey with body image and mental illness. Raffela was honored with the Momentum Young Leaders Award in 2019 for her efforts in destigmatizing mental illness and bolstering access to mental health resources within her community. You can connect with her across various social media platforms under the handle @raffela_mancuso.

Alisha is an undergraduate student at McMaster University, studying health sciences with a specialization in child health. She is interested in children’s education and supporting equity in children’s healthcare and rehabilitation services. She loves volunteering with kids in her community, and is passionate about her research involvements within the areas of accessibility and equity for children with disabilities. Alisha is a part of Islamic Relief McMaster and McMaster’s Orphan Sponsorship Program team, which have fostered her interest in global health issues and international humanitarian causes. She believes strongly in the power of youth voices and youth agency, and is constantly inspired by the passion of those around her to create positive change in their communities. In her spare time, Alisha enjoys reading, film photography, and baking with friends!

Jenna Kedy is a first-year family studies student at Mount St. Vincent University, eagerly embracing her role as a member of YCRH after years of dedicated volunteering with various health organizations. Alongside her studies, Jenna works as a nanny, juggling multiple roles in both her volunteer and professional spheres. Passionate about her work, she champions inclusivity and advocates for those with chronic illnesses, embodying resilience and dedication. Beyond her advocacy, Jenna finds joy in cheerleading, hiking, and dancing, reflecting her vibrant and multifaceted interests.

I come from Iqaluit, Nunavut, and now reside in Ottawa. My educational journey has been multifaceted, starting with a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and Mental Health, with Honors in Psychology, from Carleton University. I continued to expand my knowledge with a Master's in Experimental Surgery, focusing on Global Health and Innovation, followed by another Master's in Public Health from the University of Ottawa.

For the past few years, I've dedicated myself to advocating for Indigenous children and families, crafting and executing effective advocacy strategies, and managing various initiatives. My work in public health has revolved around projects centred on health equity, emphasizing the social and health determinants from a community perspective.

With a strong foundation in research, policy development, and community engagement, I'm enthusiastic about making meaningful contributions in diverse settings.

Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my two beloved puppies and indulging in hobbies like painting and reading. Additionally, I run a food blog on Instagram.

I am a student at Dalhousie University studying Health Promotion. In the summer of 24, I interned at the YCRH and continue to be a member. I am interested in addressing health inequities and social determinants of health. My main focus is youth health, specifically the mental health of immigrants. During my internship, I wrote various op-eds and briefing notes focusing on topics such as food policies, mental health, living wage in Nova Scotia, and children's safety play.

Michelle Kim (she/her) completed her BSc in biology and chemistry with certificates in international learning, sustainability, and Global Citizenship at the University of Alberta. She is currently finishing her Master's degree at Harvard University, working on Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Global Development, and Health while working as Senior Manager at the University of Alberta Students' Union, overseeing programs around sustainability, leadership, FNMI Initiatives, and more. She has been involved in sustainability work for the past seven years working at the international and community levels. She has been involved in UN Association Canada as a Gen-SDG Ambassador, Harvard Office of Sustainability as one of the Council of Student Sustainability Leaders, Lumi.Network in the UK as a facilitator, Strategic director with JIVAM Foundation in India, Executive Director at BLI college, and Climate Health Ambassador with Harvard Chan School of public health. Her dedication to sustainability work is rooted in her growing up and learning in four different countries, including South Korea, the Philippines, Canada, and the United States. She experienced various levels of inequalities leading her to create change within her communities. Environmental education is important as it is the current and future world we are living and she strongly believes that "No one can help everyone/everything, but everyone can help someone/something"

Madison Burnett (she/her) is a recent graduate of the Master of Public Health program at the University of Guelph and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from McMaster University. She is passionate about knowledge translation and mobilization, particularly in the reproductive and sexual health sectors. Growing up and living in Norfolk County, Ontario, has also ignited her advocacy for improving access to care in rural and remote communities. Madison is excited to bring her skills in research, health promotion, and health communication to the YCRH. In her free time, she enjoys reading, experimenting with new baking recipes, and hopes to return to community theatre, a passion from her high school years. She is very excited to be joining the YCRH and looks forward to advocating for and amplifying the voices of young Canadians.