Meet the Team!
Ushna Ali
Co-chair
Hi! I’m Ushna and I am in grade 12 at Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School. My goal is to go into Civil Engineering at the University of Waterloo next year, and then specialize in Structural Engineering from there. Ever since I was a kid, volunteerism and giving back to the community greatly interested me. One way I was able to help give back to the community which I grew up in and loved was by joining UYC where I was, and am, able to contribute to community projects, as well as projects which help people all over the world. To me, this is a small but impactful way I can help make a positive difference.
Jovia Wong
Co-chair
Hi everyone! I’m Jovia, and I’m currently in Grade 12 at Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School. I hope to study linguistics in the future at University of Western Ontario. I’m also in the French Immersion program at Trudeau, and hope to do a double major in linguistics and french studies. To me, the most rewarding part about being involved in the community and volunteering, is how regardless of people’s differences, and people’s past and present, people can come together, have meaningful conversations and ultimately have a good time. The hard work in regards to planning and organizing the event is worth it when I can get to see the community come together for a common interest.
Calen Knakowski
Vice co-chair
Hello! My name is Calen and I am a grade 11 student at Bill Crothers Secondary School. After high school, I hope to pursue a Life Science Degree to prepare me for a career in the medical field. Since a very young age, I have had a passion for helping others and giving back to my community. I have been apart of the Unionville Youth Council for five years and have found that this council has truly made a difference in my life. Being able to bring together people from all over your community and create a difference is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. This council has shown me that no act of kindness is ever too small and that every action has an effect.
Kristen Shiozaki
Vice co-chair
"Design is not just what it looks like. Design is how it works" - Steve Jobs
Hey Everyone, my name’s Kristen and I’m a grade 12 student at TMS School! Next year, I hope to study engineering and further my interests in design, biomechanics and human factors. I have been with the UYC for over 6 years where I have developed my passion for volunteering and making a difference within the community. I believe that no matter how old you are, there will always opportunities for you to give back to the community. No matter how small of an act of kindness it is, everything counts and creates a ripple of change.
Abbira Nadarajah
Secretary
Hi everyone! My name is Abbira and I am a grade 12 student at Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School. Next year, I hope to pursue a Life Science degree which will prepare me for a job in public health. My desire to be involved in my community through volunteerism roots from the idea of giving back to the community that has given me so much. I feel privileged to grow up in a community that embraces diversity and want to support such a community in any way possible. It is quite remarkable that through volunteering, even a small gesture can change lives.
Miles Ah-Ton
Publicity
Hello, I’m Miles and I am an 11th grade student who attends Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School. After High School, I want to study Mechatronics engineering at the University of Waterloo through the co-op program. I’ve always felt drawn to doing what I can to give back to the community and help those in need. These opportunities were initially quite difficult to come by until I joined the Unionville Youth Council. Becoming a member, and now an executive of UYC has given me so many chances to be involved in countless events and projects. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to make an impact on our community and now a huge part of my life.
Don Roe
Supervisor