Youth Advisory Council

Hello, I’m Lian (he/him), eighteen and the co-chair for the 2024-2025 YAC group. I’ve been a kid in care since 2020 and am now on an RSG agreement, living independently and planning on going to university next year. I wish to help other youth get what they need in care. More specifically, I want to build support and share events for queer youth so they can live their best lives! Let’s let our voices be heard!

Hello! My name is Shakira, and I am a 21-year-old undergraduate student – I am finishing my last year of the BSc Biomedical Sciences program at the University of Waterloo and I hope to complete an accelerated nursing degree after I graduate in the next few months. I went into the care of YRCAS at the age of 7 and became a crown ward at the age of 9 until I was 18, when I transitioned into the RSG extended program. As one of the new Co-Chairs of the YAC, I hope to continue my advocacy work for youth, ideally for more accessible mental health supports, as well as create a safe space for other youth to advocate on the YAC.

Hello! My name is Kumail, and I am a part of the youth advisory committee. I am currently in grade twelve, hoping to pursue Journalism post-secondary! I am currently on a VYSA and have been in care since I was fourteen. I identify as gay and South Asian and am looking forward to continuing to work on the YAC to advocate for the rights and needs for kids in care and amplify marginalized voices which are not always heard.

My name is Aisha and I’m 22 years old! I graduated from the University of Windsor in May of 2023 with an honours degree in biology. I’m currently working towards a 2-year Biomedical engineering technologist diploma from Centennial College. I came into care when I was 16 years old and became a CCSY which transitioned into RSG. I have also worked with external I have been working with YRCAS since 2020 on their Black Latency Adolescent continued care committee, at which time I became a member of the YAC in 2022. I was a Co-chair of the YAC in 2023. As an active member and co-chair, I have been on many consultations with internal committees and have helped on many projects to help amplify the youth voice.

Hello! My name is Ada (she/her), I’m 17 years old, I plan on pursuing a career as a family physician; I have been living in a foster home for the past 2 years; my goal is to support youth in care to be heard; and it is my dream to carry on supporting youth when I become a medical professional in the future.

Hello, my name is Anne, and I am a member of the 2024-2025 Youth Advisory Council. I am 21 years old and currently on a RSG agreement, previously on a VYSA agreement. I’ve been living independently since I was 16 throughout Toronto and the GTA, allowing me to explore and navigate through numerous walks of life. Currently, I am a university student studying Digital Media with aspirations to pursue UI/UX upon graduation. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, doing arts and crafts, and trying new food!

Hi! I’m Hara (she/her) and I am one of the new members of the 2024-2025 Youth Advisory Council. I have been involved with York Region Children’s Aid since 2019 and I am now part of the RSG (formerly CCSY) program. I am 21 years old. I am finishing my Bachelor of Social Work program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) this year and I have also been accepted at University of Toronto to start a Masters of Social Work program. My career aspiration is to empower marginalized communities by helping them access resources they need for their growth and development. I try to involve myself with the many social service-based initiatives that interest me, such as the Youth Advisory Council and a Sexual Assault & Survivor Helpline ran by Toronto Metropolitan Students’ Union. In my free time, I like to paint and watch movies with my friends. I recently got into meditation and strength training, both of which are going great. What about you? Thank you for reading this small blurb about me 🙂

Hey there! I’m Kaylie, and I’m 19. My pronouns are she/her. I spent 7 years in foster care with the York Region Children’s Aid Society. I’m Indigenous, and I want to be an advocate for other Indigenous youths. I’m currently at Seneca Polytechnique, and my dream job is to become a Child and Youth Worker. My goal is to make a real difference in the lives of young people and create lasting positive change. Let’s make the world a better place together!

Hey there, I’m Louis and I am currently 21 years old. I’ve just finished my studies in Protection, Security, and Investigation at Humber College. But my security journey started when I was just 16 when I joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a weapons technician at 32 Service Battalion. I’ve also been busy volunteering with cool organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Red Cross. Regarding the Youth Advisory Council, I have been involved for around half a year and I find the direct effect I have on the people who I call ‘kindred’, a wonderful thing to me. I entered care when I was 7 (crownward) and so everyone here is my family. Currently, I am a donations associate at Habitat For Humanity GTA, directly contributing to the procurement and sale efforts that go into financing housing construction for people who cannot afford the traditional real estate market prices (The mission of Habitat For Humanity).

Hey! My name is Elijah (Eli for short). My pronouns are He/Him and I’m 18. I’m new to the YAC and have been in care since 2020. I’m currently on the RSG program. I hope to use my experience and perspective to make a change for the better regarding youth in care. I have a passion for art and love to express myself and tell my story through it!