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Emerging Leaders Roundtable
The NACY Emerging Leaders Roundtable is a dynamic initiative designed to empower and elevate young leaders within the nonprofit sector. Targeted at individuals aged 15-25 who are actively working, volunteering, or studying in fields related to children and youth services, this program offers a unique blend of professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities.
The Roundtable aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders who will not only advance their careers but also influence the future direction of NACY and the broader nonprofit sector.
Learning Areas
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Professional Development: Tailor-made training and skill-building sessions to address the unique needs and interests of each participant.
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Networking: Opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and key stakeholders in the nonprofit sector.
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Mentorship: A bespoke mentorship program designed to support individual career goals and aspirations.
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Policy Influence: Engaging participants in shaping NACY policies and advocacy efforts.
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Leadership Opportunities: Active involvement in the development and execution of NACY’s Connecting the Sector 2025 initiative.
Meet our 2024-2025 Leaders Cohort
Hanna Grover:
Hanna Grover is a strong youth advocate for children's health equity and committed to forging pathways for access to rights. She has worked with national organizations, such as Our Kids Health, to deliver culturally relevant health information and dismantle the spread of health misinformation. Alongside serving on councils to improve healthcare equity within Canada, she is passionate about community outreach, as evident through delivering workshops on health and nutrition to elementary school students, aiming to empower them with essential knowledge for a healthy lifestyle. Her commitment to children’s well-being extends beyond her own projects, evidenced by her personal passion for scientific inquiry and research within medicine. Hanna’s advocacy work has garnered national recognition, including awards such as Canada's Top 10 Under 18 Changemaker, Canada Health Grant For Youth, and Surrey's Top 25 under 25. Hanna is a firm believer in the power of community service and advocacy. Her community work reflects a commitment to inclusivity and breaking down barriers for young Canadians, ensuring that every youth has the opportunity to thrive and access the resources they need. She looks forward to the Emerging Leaders Program with NACY to further her experiences and work with like-minded peers!
Alisha D'souza:
Alisha D’souza is a Registered Nurse and Master of Nursing Leadership student at the University of Western Ontario, who is passionate about the health and well-being of children and families, as well as the transition of youth from school to the workplace. She currently works in the Multiorgan Transplant and Medical Specialties unit at the Hospital for Sick Children and is excited to join the ELRT program and grow as a leader and advocate!
Sivany Kathir:
Hello! My name is Sivany Kathir, and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Ottawa. I am excited to join the NACY’s Emerging Leaders Program as it offers a unique opportunity to explore cross-sectoral solutions to pressing societal issues. My passions lie in health equity, education, and social prescribing, and I am eager to expand my knowledge and leadership skills to contribute meaningfully to these fields. I believe this program will provide me with the tools to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.
Teerka Baskaran:
Teerka is the president of a non-profit that organizes health-focused initiatives for the homeless community, including the creation and distribution of pandemic care packages. Teerka is a UNICEF U-Report ambassador, has planned community initiatives to increase vaccine literacy, and has worked as an intern at a child health startup. She is currently in her first year studying Health Sciences at Queen's University. She continues her advocacy at University through being involved with on-campus clubs including TEDx, Queen's Health Outreach and Queen's Association for Community Health.
Fares Siddiqui:
Hi, I’m Fares, and I’m 17 years old in my last year of high school. I was born in Germany, and one of the things I’m really passionate about is mental health and giving back to my community. I love being involved in projects that help others, whether it’s volunteering or organizing events to bring people together. I think it’s so important to create spaces where people feel supported and included, and that’s something I hope to keep doing in the future.
Chioma Ezeonyejiaku:
Hello! My name is Chioma Ezeonyejiaku, and I am currently a Grade 12 student at Simonds High School. Throughout my high school journey, I have been actively involved in multiple clubs, such as Student Council, Model UN, Black Students Association, etc. I love reading books and I enjoy a good golden-hour sunset. Beyond academics, I am passionate about equity, human rights advocacy, and racial justice. Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue a degree in Psychology, to further understand the human mind, and provide an empathetic and listening ear to those in need.
I am excited to be a part of the NACY Emerging Leaders Roundtable. It’s an amazing opportunity for me to blend professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities, whilst building skills to navigate issues affecting youth.
Abigail Atienza:
Hi, I’m Abbie! I am passionate about youth wellness and addressing food insecurity through community-driven approaches. My work with non-profit organizations like Jack.org and Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank reflects my dedication to tackling systemic inequities and creating meaningful impact in my community. I’m thrilled to join the first cohort of the NACY Emerging Leaders Roundtable and its mentorship and policy-shaping opportunities, as they align perfectly with my goal to champion underrepresented perspectives and drive sustainable change in the nonprofit sector.
Andrei Rosario:
Andrei is a highly-driven and emerging youth leader from Thunder Bay, Ontario, who is passionate about youth development, advocacy, and community building. His entrepreneurial and go-getter personality fuels him in developing his knowledge in advocacy and leadership through various means. His goal is to use his knowledge and experiences to create more opportunities in his small city so he could build a foundation in his community where youths can thrive.