Vanessa is currently pursuing a major in computer science at Western University. She is actively involved in her Science Student Council and BlackLeaf Capital showcasing her passion for finance and science. As an analyst at BlackLeaf Capital, she gained valuable experience in financial analysis and research, contributing to Canada’s largest student-run private equity investment fund. In her role as a first-year representative for the Science Student Council, she advocates for the well-being and academic success of first-year science students. She currently works at UPStartED as a youth advisor and at McDonald’s as a team leader.

Jacob established his school’s Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving chapter, for which he plans local and provincial initiatives. Jacob is involved with his community’s youth leadership task force and leads events to empower youth. He is President of his school’s business club, part of his school’s leadership team, Mock Trial and Model UN clubs. Jacob works as a hockey referee.

Rosalie Lavoie is starting a bachelor’s degree at Université de Montréal, in the occupational therapy program. Rosalie promotes cross-cultural connection in her workplace in the form of Spanish translation. Throughout the last five years, she worked as a caregiver for an elderly person. As a member of Université de Montréal’s theatre troupe, she took part in a play reading project.

As Co-Chair of his graduation council, Gerardo plans several graduation and fundraising activities for his school. He is also a captain of his school’s First Responder Team. He volunteers for the Migrant Workers Ministry, supporting activities for migrant workers during their time in Canada. Gerardo also works in a retail store and enjoys photography.

Pursuing a degree in software engineering at the University of Waterloo, Steven is currently immersed in the world of software and sports tech. He’s working at Stadium Live, a Toronto-based tech startup that’s reimagining digital sports consumption. Steven also works as a data analyst for Warriors Basketball, using analysis and statistical modelling to help his school win more basketball games.

Max is the Founder and Executive Director of a youth-led non-profit, as well as the host of a radio show interviewing politicians, artists, and humanitarians to answer questions posed by youth. He is the Co-President of his school’s Student Council and a member of his city’s Youth Council. Max is a student, instructor, and performer of dance, music, theatre and digital arts. He is a certified ski instructor at his local ski hill.

Lily is currently pursuing an engineering degree at the University of British Columbia where she supports aspiring female-identifying engineers through mentorship and volunteering. She participates in harm-reduction initiatives on campus and in the community through naloxone education and training and facilitates community tap dancing sessions.

Muhaddisa is the VP of Operations at a non-profit organization providing youth opportunities. She is the Captain of her school’s public-speaking team and coaches junior students. She plans initiatives as part of her constituency youth council and local library teen council. Muhaddisa aids with food distribution for those who are unhoused and fundraises for humanitarian crises through her school club.

Neila is currently starting a bachelor’s degree in pharmacology at McGill University. Her passions include literature, poetry, theatre, and science, having received provincial and national recognition for her creations and projects. Neila created the SalleZen concept, which provides a safe space to students from her school who are struggling with mental health. Neila is also a member of the New Brunswick Youth Advisory Committee for Mental Health, which strives to prevent youth suicide. Meanwhile, Neila is an active member of the McGill poetry collective, where she shares her passion for the written word with other community members.

Shreya is currently pursuing a B.Sc. in engineering at the University of British Columbia. She is a member of a biomedical engineering design team, performing lab work and modelling DNA nanostructures. For her community development summer, Shreya participated in a seminar course on global indigeneity in Nepal. She plays intramural soccer and dodgeball in her spare time.