Intergenerational Council

The Youth & Innovation Project's Intergenerational Council supports determining the strategic direction of the Project and aims to foster intergenerational collaboration among the council members.

Dr. Amelia Clarke has been working on environment and sustainability issues since 1989, including as President of Sierra Club Canada (2003-2006), the first Director of the University of Waterloo's Master of Environment and Business degree (2009-2018) and the Associate Dean Research for the Faculty of Environment (2018-2022). She is now a Full Professor in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED) at the University of Waterloo.

Dr. Amelia Clarke is the co-creator and principal investigator of the Youth & Innovation Project. At the age of 23, Amelia founded the Sierra Youth Coalition, a national youth environmental group. Now, she has an active research program on youth impact (the Youth & Innovation Project), and a second large research program on climate mitigation in cities (Municipal Net-Zero Action Research Partnership). She also has over 100 publications and has made hundreds of presentations to academic and non-academic audiences. She holds a PhD in Management from McGill University.

Ana Ferrer is a professor at the University of Waterloo and a Research Fellow at IZA (Institute of Labor Economics). A graduate from Boston University, she moved to Canada to work at the University of British Columbia and the University of Calgary before coming to Waterloo. She developed her research career in Canada focusing on labour markets, education, immigration and family economics. Her latest work focuses on the outcomes of immigrants to Canada, particularly immigrant women. Professor Ferrer is also involved with the labour community of researchers internationally and in Canada. She serves as the immigration-subject editor for IZA World of Labour, a publication aimed at disseminating economic research in non-academic circles. She is also the Secretary of the Canadian Economic Association (CEA) and the founder and first director of the Canadian Labour Economic Forum (CLEF) a group aiming to facilitate research discussion and promote networking opportunities among Canadian researchers in labour economics.

Anne Fannon, a passionate advocate for work-integrated learning (WIL), is the Director of the Work-Learn Institute at the University of Waterloo. With close to 15 years of experience in work-integrated learning, she has led WIL development and enhancement locally, nationally and internationally. Her focus is on building scalable and sustainable WIL ecosystems that benefit partners, students and higher education institutions. Fannon’s commitment to WIL extends beyond academia. She is a member of the executive council of the World Association for Cooperative Education. She actively engages with Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada, serving on CEWIL’s Government and External Relations Committee. In 2016/2017,as CEWIL’s president, she led the association through an expansion of its mandate from co-op to work-integrated learning. Fannon’s work has been recognized nationally and internationally as a recipient of the 2019 CEWIL Award and the 2023 Ralph W. Tyler Award through CEIA. A graduate of the University of Waterloo (MA ’03), Western University (BA ’01), and Brock University (BEd ’11), Fannon continues to support the development of WIL around the world.

Anushay Sheikh is an artist working in photography, film, video, and installation. Drawing heavily on their experiences and identities, their work is heavily process-based and rooted in anti-oppressive practices, highlighting vulnerability as a form of resistance and empowerment. Their work and activism centre around the intersection of queerness, faith, and race/ethnicity. Sheikh completed their BA in Economics and Political Science at McGill University and their MFA in Documentary Media at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Bruce Lawson is the Special Advisor to The Counselling Foundation of Canada, working part-time on a project-basis, as well as undertaking contracts for other organizations. He previously served as the Foundation’s President & CEO from 2008 to 2023, as well as the Executive Officer of CERIC and an ex-officio member of the CERIC Board of Directors. Bruce is a co-founder of Foundation House, a collaborative workspace housing three foundations and several charitable & non-profit network organizations in Toronto. He was a part of the steering committee that co-authored the Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action presented at the Closing Event of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. An active volunteer, Bruce is serving on the Board of Trustees of the Arctic Inspiration Prize. He is a past Board Chair of both Philanthropic Foundations Canada and Casey House. Bruce has a BA (Economics) from McGill and an MBA from the University of Toronto.

Daniel is a third-year student studying Computer Science at the University of Waterloo. He is actively involved in his community as co-founder of FOCUS Youth. He works to create positive change in his community by tacking various global issues as well as providing opportunities for his fellow youth. Through his past experiences, he has developed a strong grasp of various aspects affecting youth, and has strived to be the change to make youth the changemakers in today’s society.

Ellen is a second year Neuroscience student at the University of Alberta with a minor in astrophysics, who is planning on going to law school to become a constitutional lawyer. She immigrated from Hong Kong in 2015 and has been a passionate advocate for social justice and youth activism ever since. Ellen is a community oriented person who sits as the chair of the Policy Committee at the city of Edmonton’s youth council, is a volunteer for the Peer Support centre at the UofA as well as non-profit girl empowerment groups like girl to girl and BeYOUtiful. She is also a 2024 McCall MacBain Shad Leader, and founded a student group at the university which propagates the #STEAM4GOOD movement by hosting STEAM workshops for elementary students and volunteering as judges for science fairs at both the national and municipal level. Ellen coaches badminton at the Royal Glenora Club and is currently working as an intern at the UofA’s Student Innovation Centre.

Dr. Lawford is a Canada Research Chair in Youth Development, Director and founding faculty of the Knowledge Mobilization Graduate Certificate, and a professor in the Psychology Department at Bishop’s University. She also serves as Co-Director of Research at the Centre for Excellence in Youth Engagement at the Students Commission of Canada. In 2024 she was also named a 3M National Teaching Fellow in recognition of her educational leadership. Her research focuses on early generativity, that is, how young people are motivated to care for future generations. Further, her knowledge mobilization work focuses on how youth-serving organizations can create space for young people to engage with and shape their legacies of lasting and meaningful change.

Ian is a student at the University of Waterloo passionately working towards making learning opportunities accessible for youth across Canada. He has helped beginners jumpstart their journey in tech as an Organizer at Hack the North, and has introduced students to emerging technologies as the former President of UWaterloo Cybersecurity Club and Director of Events of Waterloo Blockchain. Ian is an alumnus and a former Provincial Executive Officer at Ontario DECA, where he worked with sponsors to provide opportunities for youth and organized case competitions for 10,000+ students. Finally, he volunteers his time to assist international research teams on Zooniverse - an online research platform. He has classified over 6,200+ datasets across 9 projects and hopes to get involved in emerging research in the future!

Laura Kathler is the Executive Director for the National Alliance for Children and Youth (NACY). NACY is a network of children and youth serving and supporting organizations from across Canada working to amplify the voice of the children and youth sector on the national stage, while creating spaces for its members to come together as a community of practice to learn, share expertise and discuss best practices. Laura's 15+ years of experience in frontline service delivery has taught her that an investment in children and youth organizations, is an investment in children and youth. while also driving her passion for advocating for decent work opportunities within the sector. Laura is a settler residing on Treaty 7 Territory.

Lilah Williamson is an award-winning climate activist, community organizer, and advocate for youth engagement. She co-founded both Sustainabiliteens, a Vancouver-based youth climate organization, and Climate Strike Canada, a national network of youth climate groups. Lilah co-organized the September 27th climate strike, which was the largest protest in Vancouver’s history and mobilized over a million people across the country. Lilah is currently a National Scholar at the University of Toronto studying Economics and International Relations, in pursuit of a career in environmental law and public policy.

Mackenzy has a history of advocacy with students and youth in Canada, having previously worked as the Executive Director of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, overseeing the advocacy, communications, policy development, and member relations for one of Canada’s largest and most respected national student and youth organizations. Originally from Windsor, Ontario, Mackenzy holds a Master of Political Management from Carleton University and an Honours Specialization in International Relations from Western University. Mackenzy Metcalfe is currently the Director of Government and Alumni Relations at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.

Marina is a Greek-Canadian settler from the unceded, unsurrendered territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations (currently known as Vancouver, BC). She is a PhD student and Cambridge Trust scholar in Geography at the University of Cambridge. Her research concerns the role of private philanthropic foundations in biodiversity conservation finance and how we can fund conservation in ways that align with equity and justice. She holds a B.Sc. (honours) in Natural Resources Conservation and an M.Sc. (honours) in Forestry from the University of British Columbia. She is also the Founder of Youth4Nature, a by-youth, for-youth, international non-profit organisation that educates, equips, and establishes youth as leaders on system-wide solutions for the nature and climate crises that are grounded in community and in justice. Marina has over a decade of experience in youth climate activism, and she has spoken about climate justice and youth leadership at the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, IUCN, and TED.

Mark Beckles has over 25 years’ experience in financial services, with international executive leadership experience in banking, insurance, risk management, and non-profit leadership. As Vice President, he leads the execution of RBC’s community investment portfolios, including RBC Future Launch, RBC's largest-ever financial commitment to help young people prepare for the Future Of Work. He is actively engaged in the community and has volunteered on many boards. He currently serves on the board of The Metro Toronto Convention Centre Corporation and previously served on the board for the William Osler Health System. Most recently, he served on the Ontario Workforce Recovery Advisory Committee, convened by Ontario’s Minister of Labour. He is also an Advisory Committee member of the Canadian Multicultural LEAD Organization, People for Education, and the Rideau Hall Foundation.

Mike is a dynamic executive leader with over two decades of experience in the charitable sector, specializing in conservation and environmental education. He has a proven track record in strategic planning, program development, and financial management, with a focus on driving growth and impact. He is skilled in advocacy, partnership building, and fostering diverse, inclusive organizational cultures. He is also adept at leveraging innovative approaches and collaborative frameworks to address conservation challenges and achieve organizational objectives. Similarly, he is passionate about connecting people with nature and promoting biodiversity conservation at local, national, and international levels.

Mike Ronchka leads social impact measurement and reporting at Sun Life Canada, bringing expertise in designing, executing, and analyzing frameworks that measure the effectiveness and reach of community programs. His role includes integrating impact data into corporate processes and collaborating with leaders to drive informed decision-making and innovation.

With previous roles at RBC and Edelman, Mike has over a decade of experience in sharing best practices to enhance social value outcomes with data analytics and social impact. He’s based in Southern Ontario and believes in using data to unlock the potential of people and organizations

Mishika Khurana is a Master of Spatial Analysis student at Toronto Metropolitan University. Born and raised in Toronto, Mishika has always been interested in how cities are shaped and the various factors that contribute to that, such as the wellbeing of community members. Over the last few years, she has worked within multiple healthcare and transportation organizations. These roles have allowed her to explore how critical infrastructure, public health, and community-driven initiatives intersect to shape more inclusive cities. Mishika is particularly interested in how gentrification, accessibility, and transit equity influence community cohesion, understanding that these elements significantly affect urban areas' overall wellbeing and social dynamics. She is committed to creating more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities by advocating for approaches that prioritize the voices of communities, and her goal is to implement data-driven solutions to foster healthier, more connected urban areas.

Sana is a settler, Pakistani, first-generation, advocate, and lifelong student – among many other lenses. Her work is anchored in co-creation, intersectionality, decolonization, systems change, and inclusive design. With nearly a decade of experience, she combines her diverse background and interdisciplinary insights to bridge social justice, research, community engagement, and marketing/communications. Through this multidisciplinary approach, she envisions a future that is equitable, inclusive, accessible, and regenerative across all industries and mediums.

Tracie Léost is an award-winning Métis leader, activist and athlete from St. Laurent, Manitoba, in Treaty 1 Territory. Her strong commitment to contributing to social justice is evidenced by the philanthropic and awareness initiatives she has spearheaded. In 2015 she ran 115km in 4 days to raise money and awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People. Gaining international attention for advocacy efforts, in 2018 Tracie received the Metis Youth Indspire Award, the highest honour bestowed upon the Indigenous community. In 2020 she was inducted into the Order of Gabriel Dumont Bronze Medal, the Metis Nations highest civilian honour. Named one of the University of Regina's most promising undergraduate students; in 2020, she founded Waanishka Movement Inc., a non-profit organization that supports Indigenous youth to rise. Tracie holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina and is currently completing her Master of Education at Nipissing University. Tracie's research analyzes Indigenous trauma and resilience through community-based research to decolonize policy. Tracie is currently the Student Mentorship and Wellness Advocate at Indspire.

As we transition to the Intergenerational Council, we honor the following alumni of the Youth Advisory Council for their dedication and impact:

Eki Okungbowa (2022-2023), Emran AlNahhas (2022-2023 ), Kristen Grey (2022), Alyssa MacKinnon (2021-2023), Aniqah Zowmi (2019-2022), David Pugh (2020-2022), Elaina Cox (2020-2022), Madeline Scott (2021-2022), Raffela Mancuso (2021-2022), Kimberly Bélisle-Lawless (2019-2022), Karen Liu (2019-2022), Olivia Dey (2019-2022), Nathan Hood (2019-2021), Leah Davidson (2019-2021), Eric Muellejans (2019-2021), Lucas Moffitt (2019-2021), Apefa Adjivon (2019-2020) and Jessi Pascal (2019-2020).