Youth Advisory Council

Hello, I’m Lian (he/him), nineteen, and returning as the 2025 YAC group co-chair. I’ve been a youth in care since 2020 and am now on an RSG agreement, living independently and studying history at university. This is my third year on the council, and my goal is to help other youth get what they need in care. More specifically, I want to build support and share events for queer youth and support transitions into higher education! Let’s let our voices be heard!

Hello! My name is Shakira, and I am a 22-year-old undergraduate student. I finished a BSc Biomedical Sciences program at the University of Waterloo and am currently enrolled at the University of Toronto for Nursing. 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. This is my second year as a Co-Chair on the YAC, and I hope to continue my advocacy work for mental health and education supports for youth and encourage more provincial advocacy opportunities.

Hey! My name is Elijah (Eli for short). My pronouns are he/him, and I’m 19. 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!

Hello! My name is Ada (she/her), and I’m 18 years old. I’m a first-year undergraduate student at York University, studying psychology. My goal is to ensure that youth in care are heard, and it is my dream to continue supporting them in the future as a medical professional.

Hey there! I’m Kaylie, and I’m 20. 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!

I am a new member of the YAC; I am here purely to engage in projects to ensure the strength of said project so I can help create changes to a better future for all youth around.

Hello, I’m Arianna (she/her), and this is my first year being a part of the YAC group. I have been a kid in care since 2011; I am currently in high school and planning on going to university. I am hoping to help kids in care and maybe even make some things easier, especially in the mental health area, so that others can feel more comfortable in their current situation.