About

Students Commission PartnersA map of Canada with pins indicating where the Students Commission is working with others to support youth well-being. To view list of partners click " Partners List " link, below.Clicking on the map will give you a tour of our Network of Partners.

Students Commission of Canada's Network of Partners

We co-ordinate three national networks: Youth/Adult Partnership, Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement, and Sharing the Stories, plus several local and regional networks. For more detail see What We Do or contact our Central Node.

Victoria, BC: Nishad Khanna, Research Director for The Students Commission of Canada and the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement. Tel:(250) 412-4131

Golden, BC: Weekly and in-school programming for our SIFT program Jocelyn GallantGolden Youth Engagement Network, SIFT and youth-adult partnership network Kristine Divall Tel: (306) 290 5264, General Inquiries

Saskatoon, SK: Office of the Students Commission of Canada, close to 100 partners support Youth-Adult Partnership Network youth programs and Sharing the Stories. Dave Shanks Tel: (306) 260-3309

Region surrounding Saskatoon, SK: Saskatoon Tribal Council, Sharing the Stories subscriber.General Enquiries Tel: (306) 956-6100

North Battleford: Youth-Adult Partnership Network youth program site.

Prince Albert, SK: SIFT site, Creating Safer Spaces nation-wide – Workshops, Training, and Resources. Contact: Tara Switenky

Winnipeg, MB: Ma Mama Wi Chi Itata: Youth-Adult Partnership Network youth program site. Email: info@mamawi.com Tel: (204) 925-0300

Thunder Bay, ON: Regional Multicultural Youth Centre: youth adult partnership network youth program site

Toronto, ON: Central Canada Regional Node of the SCC, close to 500 partners who are a part of Youth-Adult Partnership Network and the Sharing the Stories subscribers. Email: info@studentscommission.ca Tel: (416) 597-8297

Humber College, ON: a member of the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement

St. Catherine's, ON:Brock University , a member of the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement

Simcoe County, ON: New Path Youth and Family Services: Sharing the Stories Subscriber and Youth-Adult Partnership Program Site

Prince Edward County, ON: Greater Than Youth County Collective, a collective impact project focused on improving High School graduation rates for rural Youth. Email inquiries

Lennoxville, Québec: Bishop's University a member of the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement

Manouane First Nation, Québec:a Youth-Adult Partnership Network program site

Montréal, Québec: SIFT site, Creating Safer Spaces nation-wide – Workshops, Training, and Resources. Contact: Oswaldo Paz Flores

Fredericton, NB: St. Thomas University, a member of the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement.

Summerside, PEI: Generation XX, Sharing the Stories subscriber and the Youth-Adult Partnership Network program site. Email inquiries | (902) 436-7699

Whitehorse, YT BYTE-Empowering Youth, a Sharing the Stories subscriber and Youth-Adult Partnership Network program site. Email inquiries

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Iqaluit, NU: Youth-Adult Partnership Network program site

Menu of SCC Services

Our Board of Directors

Profile for Brina Ludwig-Prout

Brina Ludwig-Prout
Chair elected-2018

Brina Ludwig-Prout
info@studentscommission.ca

Brina is a change management and project management expert with more than 20 years of experience as an independent consultant. She specializes in implementing large, complex, strategic projects and is a certified Human Resource Leader with a background in operations and information technology management. Known for her collaborative, inclusive style, Brina has consulted to senior levels in corporate Canada for much of her career and now also consults to emerging entrepreneurs and organizations in the social enterprise field. Brina is passionate about inter-generational collaboration, diversity and inclusion and ensures that mentoring is a key component of any contract she undertakes. She has been a member of the Advisory Committee for the Toronto Regional Immigrant Employment Council's (TRIEC) Connector Program; a Strategic Advisor to the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Ontario; and, an inaugural member of the League of Intrapreneurs, Canada. Brina has a certificate in Medicine Wheel Facilitation from the Indigenous Certification Board of Canada and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Child Development Institute.

Profile for Véronique Church-Duplessis

Véronique Church-Duplessis
Director of Research and Evaluation, Mentor Canada

Véronique Church-Duplessis
info@studentscommission.ca

In 2016, after 12 years in academia, Véronique transitioned to the non-profit sector in search of new challenges and opportunities to use her research and knowledge translation skills for the benefit of our community. As the director of research and evaluation for Mentor Canada, Véronique works to build bridges between research and practice. She leads research projects to better understand the positive impact of mentoring on young people’s positive development and the barriers that prevent them from accessing these potentially transformative relationships. Véronique first came across the SCC in 2017 while leading a project on healthy relationships and was immediately won over by the SCC’s social purpose and meaningful approach to youth engagement. Véronique holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Toronto as well as an M.A. and B.A. from the Université de Montréal. Véronique also holds a certificate in project management from the University of Toronto.

Profile for Poornima Muralidhar

Poornima Muralidhar
Director, Algorithmic Trading Technology, RBC Capital Markets

Poornima Muralidhar
info@studentscommission.ca

Poornima Poornima has been with RBC Capital Markets since 2012 and became connected to the SCC through the Sharing the Stories research and evaluation platform. Poornima supported the SCC team in re-imagining the platform by providing expert advice on database design and user experience. Poornima was inspired by her experience with the SCC that she applied to join the SCC Board of Directors.

Profile for Brenda Okorogba

Brenda Okorogba
Founder, Momentswithbren Consulting

Brenda Okorogba
info@studentscommission.ca

Brenda is the founder of Momentswithbren Consulting, a boutique training and coaching firm that provides students, entrepreneurs, researchers and diverse communities with access to opportunities to improve collective prosperity, social capital, and economic dignity. Brenda's mission is to help organizations and individuals achieve their goals by providing dignity-informed guidance and support, leveraging her extensive knowledge and experience to drive results. Her passion for youth 3E (Education, Empowerment and Employment) and organizing meaningful experiences for people and communities led her to join the SCC. Brenda believes in the power of transformative journeys to change the way we learn, live, play and think about the world, interact with each other and the planet, and is committed to making a positive impact in her community.

Profile for Stephanie Clark

Stephanie Clark
Vice-Chair, elected 2018

Stephanie Clark
info@studentscommission.ca

Involved in the Students Commission network since the late 1990s in Saskatoon, Stephanie joined the SCC family out in Toronto in the carefree days of the early 2000s. Here she found support for her involvement in projects that sharpened her engagement skills and crossed her path with countless young people that fundamentally shaped the way she looks at youth, the community and life. Stephanie stepped away from The Students Commission for a few years to try her hand at managing housing programs for youth. After five years of that eventually Stephanie found her way to Iqaluit where she currently oversees community programs for the Recreation Department with the City.

Profile for Debra D. Kerby

Debra D. Kerby
Principal DDK & Associates

Debra D. Kerby
info@studentscommission.ca

With a long-held commitment to children and youth, Debra blends 20 years of diverse global and national nonprofit leadership experience with a demonstrated track record in good governance and financial transparency, including recognition by Charity Intelligence, MoneySense, and the Financial Post. Debra is currently leading DDK & Associates, providing strategic advisory to social impact organizations.

Debra has played a pivotal role in the foundational growth of Right To Play, the transformation of Canadian Feed the Children and most recently the mission-focused wind-down of The Learning Partnership. Prior to this, Debra held strategic marketing and communications leadership roles in the private sector including Warner Lambert, Labatt Breweries and Mariposa Communications.

Debra holds an M.Sc. in International Development Management from the London School of Economics; an International MBA from the University of Edinburgh; and an undergrad from Queen’s University.

Profile for Jean-Frédéric Hübsch

Jean-Frédéric Hübsch

Jean-Frédéric Hübsch
info@studentscommission.ca

Jean-Frédéric is a children’s rights advocate, legal researcher, and certified translator. As a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Ottawa’s Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory on the Rights of the Child, his research focuses on integrating children’s rights into the laws, policies, and practices that govern education systems in Canada. His work emphasizes direct engagement with children to help shape theory and practice.

Jean-Frédéric is also an active member of the Canadian Bar Association’s Child and Youth Law Section. He was previously counsel at the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman, where he led training, reviews, and investigations related to public complaints about administrative fairnes in provincial public services, with a focus on education. Before that, Jean- Frédéric spent nearly a decade working in Canada’s federal public service. He holds an LL.M. from Osgoode Hall Law School, a B.C.L. and LL.B. from McGill University, and a B.A. and M.A. in translation from the University of Ottawa. Jean-Frédéric has supported the SCC with expert advice on governance and policy since March 2022 as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. He joined the Board in June 2024.

Profile for Brayden Bumstead

Brayden Bumstead
Relationship Manager in Commercial Financial Services, RBC

Brayden Bumstead
info@studentscommission.ca

Brayden Bumstead has been with RBC since 2022 and has gained experience in banking, strategy, and client relationships. He is passionate about and dedicated to continuous learning and skill growth. Currently, Brayden serves as a Relationship Manager in Commercial Financial Services at RBC. He previously held roles as an Associate in the RBC Indigenous Peoples Development Program and as a Client Advisor. While working as an Associate, Brayden spent 3 months working with the SCC on a rotational basis, where he was able to get involved on some key initiatives. Brayden holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University. He has been a Prospective Board Member under the Audit and Risk Committee at the Students Commission of Canada since October 2023 and became a Board Member in June 2024.

Our Staff

Sharif Mahdy
Chief Executive Officer

Sharif Mahdy
info@studentscommission.ca

Toronto, ON (Treaty 13 Territory)

Sharif is the CEO of the Students Commission of Canada (SCC) and the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement. Sharif has been with the SCC since 2010 and is accountable for ensuring the cultural and financial sustainability of the organization. Sharif is also accountable for the long-term strategic visioning and operational excellence of the organization. Sharif has an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Western Ontario. He also has a Masters of Arts in Leadership degree from Royal Roads University. Sharif is also the Volunteer Chair of the National Alliance of Children and Youth (NACY): a national charitable organization that brings organizations together in a collaborative network dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children and youth in Canada. Sharif sits on several non-profit Boards including the Catalysts Circle, the Child Development Institute and Mentor Canada.

Profile for Stoney McCart

Stoney McCart
Director, Program Development

Stoney McCart
info@studentscommission.ca

Toronto, ON (Treaty 13)

Stoney , a co-founder of the Students Commission of Canada, began her journey at the SCC's first-ever conference in 1991 as an adult ally from Tiny Giant (TG) magazine. As publisher of TG, Stoney had converted an adult-written youth magazine into a youth-directed voice with an editorial board of 100 students from across Canada, reaching every high school in the country. As Executive Director of SCC from 1992 to 2017, she supported youth across Canada to turn their expressions of their ideas into action. She also helped establish and lead the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement to establish an evidence base for youth-driven work. Now, as SCC's Director of Strategic Partnerships. she is focussed on generating big ideas with partnering organizations, youth and adult allies that will enhance and amplify positive futures for all youth in Canada.

Profile for Nishad Khanna

Nishad Khanna
Research Director

Nishad Khanna
info@studentscommission.ca

Victoria, BC (Traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples)

Nish has worked with the Students Commission since 2002. He believes that young people are crucial researchers; they have critical questions and knowledge needed to improve our communities. Nish enjoys youth participatory action research approaches to mobilize knowledge into action and action into knowledge. He has been involved in developing and implementing various youth programs, events and youth-engaged evaluation and research with our partner networks. Nish wants to live in a world where all young people can explore possibilities and thrive.

Todd Ward
Art Director

Todd Ward
info@studentscommission.ca

Oro Station, (Ontario) (Treaty 16 Territory)

Todd has been with the Students Commission from its beginning in 1991. A great believer in youth-adult partnership he combines a passion for the visual arts with a desire to encourage young people to share their thoughts and experience visually and affect positive change. In collaboration with youth he designs messaging that is relevant and meaningful for young people and the youth-serving organizations that promote youth well-being. He believes that, whether you're young or old, being part of something bigger than ourselves empowers us all. If Todd had a label it would read 'Grey is the new silver'.

Profile for Dave Shanks

Dave Shanks
Associate Director, 21st Century Skills

Dave Shanks
info@studentscommission.ca

Saskatoon, SK. Treaty 6 Territory

I love this job because I get to see young people's ideas put into action. I want to live in a city, and province and a country that values and cares about children and youth.

Profile for Florence Bergeron

Florence Bergeron
Associate Director of Knowledge Mobilization

Florence Bergeron
info@studentscommission.ca

Lévis Qc. Unceded Territories of the Abenaki People

Florence joined the SCC in 2019, after completing an Honours Bachelor in psychology and a graduate certificate in knowledge mobilization. This background made her realize how important it is to share the results of research and program evaluations to the communities to help them improve practices and policies. By being a part of SCC, she feels like she can actively take part in this mission with a group of devoted people. Florence is a positive and passionate person, a big foodie, and a CrossFit amateur.

Christa Romaldi
Associate Director, Program Development and Program Delivery (on leave)

Christa Romaldi
info@studentscommission.ca

Christa is an adventurous and energetic person, who spends her free time exploring the outdoors, the splendours of Montreal, and traveling with her partner and two sons. She has been to Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa and has extensively traveled North America; in many of these contexts she was working with children and youth. In fact, Christa has been working with children and youth for over 20 years: designing, implementing and supervising programs in various capacities and with diverse populations. She has spent the last 12 years supporting youth leadership and youth engagement in Canada, through organizational and personal mentorship, research and evaluation, and systems change projects, like the SCC’s Be the Program: Healthy Relationships and Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program.

Profile for Homa Rouygari

Homa Rouygari
Governance Coordinator & EA

Homa Rouygari
info@studentscommission.ca

Homa is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in governance and leadership support. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in industrial engineering. Dedicated to empowering youth for a brighter tomorrow, and recognizing their pivotal role in shaping nations, she joined the SCC in 2024. She is currently serving as the Governance Coordinator and EA, navigating the intricacies of leadership support. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in traveling and exploring new countries and cultures, playing table tennis, doing movie/series marathons, and diving into captivating books. Speaking English, French, Turkish, and Persian, she brings a multicultural perspective to her work

Profile for Chantelle Edwards

Chantelle Edwards
Lead 21st Century Skills

Chantelle Edwards
info@studentscommission.ca

Chantelle is the Lead, 21st Century Skills for the Students Commission of Canada. Before graduating with a B.Sc. Hons focused in Forensic Science, she didn’t realize her passion for psychology and mental health awareness until completing minors in both Law and Psychology to fill her final year. Now she uses the research and statistical skills from her science background to help in her work as a community action research facilitator. Whether listening to or creating it, music is Chantelle’s deepest passion and favourite art form. Also a huge foodie, you can usually find her attempting to recreate all the mouth-watering, delectable recipes she’s discovered while watching Food Network shows at the gym.

Profile for Monica Chander

Monica Chander
Lead, Youth Programs and Knowledge Mobilization

Monica Chander
info@studentscommission.ca

Southeastern Ontario (Crawford Purchase, 1783)

With academic and practical experience in holistic Child and Youth Care, Youth Leadership, and Organizational Leadership, Monica is a part-time facilitator, part-time project manager, part-time strategic planner, part-time social justice advocate, part-time outdoors enthusiast, part-time musician, part-time Excel-wizard, and full-time learner with a full and grateful heart. Monica’s email inbox may also be very full, but it's always open - please reach out!

Profile for Kwaku Agyemang

Kwaku Agyemang
Lead, Production

Kwaku Agyemang
info@studentscommission.ca

Toronto, ON (Treaty 13)

Kwaku is the Lead Production at The Students Commission of Canada. With a media production background and a degree from Toronto Metropolitan University, he brings valuable skills to scale the organization's communications impact. Hailing from Toronto's Rexdale neighborhood, Kwaku is dedicated to empowering youth and improving education through his involvement with Trust 15's Men of Distinction program. As Client Relationships and External Communications Manager, he builds bridges and supports network partners in his efforts to advance the organization's mission and vision.

Profile for Moe Hirzalla

Moe Hirzalla
Lead Full Stack Developer

Moe Hirzalla
info@studentscommission.ca

Mississauga Ontario (Treaty 13)

Mohammed Hirzalla is a seasoned professional with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. With over 3 years of experience in the technology industry, he has cultivated a diverse skill set encompassing software development, project management, and strategic planning. Mohammed's expertise lies in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive business growth and optimize operational efficiency. He has successfully led numerous cross-functional teams and spearheaded the development of innovative software solutions for both start-ups and established organizations. A lifelong learner, Mohammed stays abreast of the latest industry trends and continuously seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge. With his strong analytical expertise and collaborative approach, he is consistently driven to exceed expectations. Mohammed holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and is committed to driving digital transformation in today's rapidly evolving landscape.

Profile for Vanessa Turchio

Vanessa Turchio
Lead Research and Evaluation Coordinator, Sharing the Stories

Vanessa Turchio
info@studentscommission.ca

Vaness is a Lead Research and Evaluation Coordinator for the Students Commission of Canada. After completing her Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology, she joined the SCC in 2023. She has always had a passion for working with youth and contributing to meaningful research, as well as a keen interest in all things data science. She believes that adults have a lot to learn from young people, and that the four pillars on which the SCC is grounded – Respect, Listen, Understand, and Communicate – represent this notion.

Profile for Yray Akemu

Yray Akemu
IT Developer

Yray Akemu
info@studentscommission.ca

Yray is a full stack developer with a passion for creating impactful digital solutions. Before diving into the tech world, he spent his days inspiring young minds as a teacher. His journey from the classroom to coding has fueled his commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of youth. When he is not debugging or designing, you can find him brainstorming ways to bridge technology and education. Let's build a brighter future together!

Profile for Erica Ngai

Erica Ngai
Lead Evaluation & Research Coordinator, Sharing the Stories

Erica Ngai
info@studentscommission.ca

Toronto, Williams Treaty (1923)

Erica is the Lead Evaluation & Research Coordinator for the Sharing the Stories platform at the SCC. As a former education professional with a passion for research, she is dedicated to combining her expertise in both fields to amplify youth voices in Canada. Erica holds a research-based master’s degree in Comparative and International Education from the University of Oxford. Her extensive background includes organizing educational programs in Southeast Asia, volunteering as a long-term humanitarian worker in educational settings in Mexico, and holding leadership positions as a high school teacher in Hong Kong. Outside of work, Erica enjoys traveling, exploring cafes and restaurants, taking dance lessons, and indulging her love for flowers as a freelance florist.

Fiona Amara
Lead Analyst

Fiona Amara
info@studentscommission.ca

Hey everyone, my name is Fiona (yes, like in Shrek) but my friends call me Fio. I am currently completing my Master’s in Developmental Psychology at Brock University. My research will be looking at aggression and people with dark and psychopathic traits. It may come to no surprise that I love anything true crime and horror related. On a less sinister note, I am deeply passionate about mental health awareness. I appreciate everything the SCC does for mental health, as well as the inclusivity of safe spaces. Although I am an introverted network analyst, I love working with youth, and the Canada We Want conference changed my outlook on things. It feels rewarding to pursue meaningful work that impacts the lives of youth.

Profile for Victoria McLuckie

Victoria McLuckie
Lead Network Coordinator, Healthy Relationship and Logistics

Victoria McLuckie
info@studentscommission.ca

Vic is a Network Coordinator with the Students Commission, she started working with us in November 2020. She grew up in Toronto and when she was 19, Vic went abroad to complete her BA(Hons) at the University of Glasgow in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies. She spends much of her free time volunteering with the Canadian Cadet Organization. The cadet organization sparked is where her desire to work with young people began. In her work life, she is most passionate about mental health advocacy and LGBTQIA2+ rights. Vic is an avid reader and camper, loves a good rainstorm and trying new recipes. When in doubt, you can find her tucked up on the couch with a warm drink and a good show!

Profile for Yana Berardini

Yana Berardini
Fidelity Lead for Sharing the Stories

Yana Berardini
info@studentscommission.ca

Toronto, ON (Treaty 13)

Yana joined the SCC team in 2022 as a Network Analyst, after doing her Post Doc Fellowship there. She is now the Fidelity Lead for Sharing the Stories Research Platform and professor at Trent University. She has a Masters and a PhD from Child and Youth Studies, from Brock University. Her hobbies include taking road trips and exploring new places with her family (which with two young children never gets old!), finding new snacks (especially over the border or in many communities across Toronto), and watching hours of good TV shows. You can always find her smiling about something and getting excited over the smallest things. She is obsessed with research and data analyses, but most of all, she likes it when she can turn simple results into meaningful stories that improve young people’s lives and promote mental health.

Profile for Matt Drabenstott

Matt Drabenstott
Research Fidelity Lead

Matt Drabenstott
info@studentscommission.ca

Matt brings 10+ years of youth engagement to scalable upstream mental health initiatives. He designs and evaluates multi-year, national programs that promote post-pandemic well-being. Published qualitative researcher, Matt has gathered and analyzed thousands of youth and practitioner stories, weaving their voices into bold advances in how we connect and care. Educator with a lot of heart, Matt has taught for 6+ years at (post-)secondary levels; he also holds a Masters and PhD in Education. Matt is particularly passionate about helping suicidal young people choose to stay. He has been an active contributor to the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement and worked with SCC since 2017. Je lives in the traditional lands of the Kansa, Osage, and Kiikaapoi peoples (Cession 69).

Olga Bolivar
Senior Bookkeeper

Olga Bolivar
info@studentscommission.ca

Olga has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and has good working experience with profit and non-profit organizations. She is fluent in Spanish and English. Her dream is to get both a Nutrition certificate and a French certificate. She loves the environment and tries to look after the planet. In her free time, she does volunteer work and likes to math tutor primary students.

Profile for Jose Romero

Jose Romero
Financial Coordinator

Jose Romero
info@studentscommission.ca

Jose works as a Finance and Data Coordinator for the Students Commission of Canada (SCC). He started working for the SCC in late 2020. Originally from Venezuela, Jose immigrated in 2006 with his family to Montreal, Quebec. He is a third-year Finance and International Business student at Concordia University. His passions include numbers, personal growth, and making the best of every day

He hopes to discover more and better ways to make young people feel valued, and share these methods with others. At the SCC, he hopes to expand his social network and meet new people, which will help him develop new interests and reach new objectives.

Profile for Nadia Hanif

Nadia Hanif
Lead Network Coordinator, 21st Century Skills

Nadia Hanif
info@studentscommission.ca

Nadia joined the Students Commission of Canada in November 2022. Her dedication is to ensure that everyone has the space and tools needed to amplify their ideas and voices. Working with SCC has allowed her to feel like she can actively take part in this mission. Her background stems from Social Work and has worked with Employment Ontario for over eleven years. This afforded her an opportunity to hone her skills over the years and provided her with experience in networking, engagement, and capacity building. Outside of work you’ll be sure to find Nadia either on a dance floor, leisurely biking, hiking, learning a new craft, and or learning French!

Profile for Kadane Headley

Waltta Kadane Headley
Network Coordinator, STS and Program Delivery

Waltta Kadane Headley
info@studentscommission.ca

Kadane Headley Kadane Headley is a passionate and dedicated Child and Youth Care practitioner with years of combined experience in various settings, including community, group homes, and a child and adolescent psychiatric in-patient unit. Over the course of 15 years, Kadane has focused on providing support and building meaningful connections with children and adolescents. Kadane's commitment to The 4 Pillars: Respect, Listen, Understand, Communicate™ guides her work. With a strong educational background and ongoing professional growth, Kadane combines her expertise in child and youth care with pediatric psychosocial care to make a positive impact in the lives of children and adolescents.

Kadane resides in Saskatoon, SK, which is situated on lands that were originally and continue to be inhabited by the Plains Cree, Saulteaux or Plains Ojibwe, Dakota, Nakoda or Assiniboine, and Métis nations.

Profile for Christian Everall

Christian Everall
Network Facilitator (on leave)

Christian Everall
info@studentscommission.ca

Christian Everall works with youth to amplify their voices in ways that affect changes in their lives at all the individual, social, and community levels. She has experience in Participatory Action Research though her community involvement in Prince Edward County. In her position as a Network Facilitator, she works with the Sharing the Stories platform to help youth serving organizations to evaluate their programs and create reports that indicate why youth join their programs, why they stay, what qualities of the program youth like most, and which outcomes are the groups achieving through their work. She enjoys networking with all sorts of people that drive change in their communities and is always amazed at the ingenuity of youth.

Profile for Alex Preagola

Alex Preagola
Network Analyst

Alex Preagola
info@studentscommission.ca

Alex is a Network Analyst for the Students Commission of Canada from Saskatoon since 2021. She holds a Master’s degree in Behavioural Ecology from the University of Saskatchewan. She is now applying her skills in data management, statistical analysis and storytelling to gather and amplify youth voice. She makes sure that their voice is at the forefront of the decision-making process involving youth programs, funders and policymakers. She’s an ambitious, adaptable and lifelong learner who is passionate about youth empowerment, environmental stewardship and systems change in collaborative, synergistic environments. Her professional experiences include project management, academic research, grantsmanship, and scientific publication and education.

Profile for Janica Maya

Janica Maya
Network Coordinator

Janica Maya
info@studentscommission.ca

Janica is a Network Coordinator for the Students Commission of Canada. She has an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Diversity and Equity Studies and a graduate certificate in Mental Health & Addiction from the Toronto Metropolitan University. She is passionate about creating safer spaces for youth and providing them with the tools and confidence to learn, grow and flourish in their communities and themselves. Outside of work, you can find Janica soaking in the sun while enjoying a book in the park or strolling through the streets of Toronto.

Profile for Kaitlin Power

Kaitlin Power
Network Coordinator

Kaitlin Power
info@studentscommission.ca

Kaitlin is a Network Coordinator who joined the Student’s Commission of Canada in late 2022 after completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University. Kaitlin is a bubbly, charismatic person who is always looking to make new friends and build personal connections. She enjoys all things lifestyle (cooking, interior design, fashion, wellbeing) and is a total foodie!

In her early adolescent years, she recognized that she wanted to make a difference in the youth mental health space which led her to working and volunteering with various youth initiatives. She is eager to dive into her role at the SCC and amplify youth voices.

Profile for Lauren Wengle

Lauren Wengle
Network Coordinator

Lauren Wengle
info@studentscommission.ca

Lauren (they/them) is a Network Coordinator for Sharing the Stories and Program Delivery at the SCC. They are an energetic, creative individual who finds joy in meeting new people and strives to cultivate connection. They have a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science and Psychology and joined the SCC in 2022 after working in gender-based violence education and prevention. Their passion for working with youth began during their undergraduate degree while doing peer counselling for university students. Since then, Lauren has discovered the power behind mobilizing youth voice for change and is able to embed this into practice in their work at the SCC. When they aren’t working, you can find Lauren making pottery or falling off their skateboard.

Profile for Emma Cognet

Emma Cognet
Network Coordinator

Emma Cognet
info@studentscommission.ca

Sherbrooke, QC (Abenaki Territory)

Emma (she/her/elle) is a Network Coordinator at the Students Commission of Canada (SCC). She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Hons) at Bishop’s University and is now completing her Master’s degree in Psychology in partnership with the SCC. She immigrated to Canada from France as a child. Emma is passionate about working closely with youth and making a difference in their lives. Through her work in various committees as well as in research and evaluation, Emma aims to connect with youth in a meaningful way to amplify and share their voices and ideas.

Profile for Pallvi Sehijpaul

Pallvi Sehijpaul
Network Coordinator

Pallvi Sehijpaul
info@studentscommission.ca

Vancouver, British Columbia (Located on the unceded, traditional territory of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Tsawwassen, Semiahmoo, Stó:lō Peoples).

Pallvi is a Network Coordinator, Knowledge Mobilization & Sharing the Stories. She was first introduced and became involved in Student Commission programs in 2018. She is an experienced project manager, having worked extensively in the public and private sector over the past decade leading research and event production teams. She holds a BA in International Studies, specializing in security and conflict studies, with a Political Science Minor. Pallvi has published and managed publications that are utilised as textbooks focused on national security. Her main areas of research interest include identity-based conflict, violence prevention and countering violent extremism. She is passionate about creating and fostering critical thinking skillsets, in order to foster connectivity.

Profile for Jocelyn Gallant

Jocelyn Gallant
Network Coordinator

Jocelyn Gallant
info@studentscommission.ca

Golden, BC (Unceded territory of the Ktunaxa people, shared with the Secwépemc people, and home of the Métis Nation Columbia River Society)

Jocelyn Gallant is a Network Coordinator and Site Lead in Golden for the Students Commission of Canada (SCC), in Golden, BC. She grew up in an Acadian village in beautiful Prince Edward Island and pursued her post-secondary education at the University of Guelph. After graduating, she taught English in South Korea and enjoyed travelling all over this wonderful world. Her travels brought her to Golden for a ski season where she fell in love with the mountain town and her life partner, Paul. Together they enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, with their lovely family, Makaila (21), Samuel (10), and Evelyn (7). Jocelyn has worked with the SCC off and on since the Spring of 2021 and feels very fortunate for the opportunity to connect and work with youth from across Canada.

Profile for Tara Switenky

Tara Switenky
Network Coordinator

Tara Switenky
info@studentscommission.ca

After university and several years of travel, Tara returned home in 2004 for a short holiday – and has yet to leave! Her education and employment background includes youth and family services, program development and delivery, mentoring, casework and management within education and community organizations. Often working with vulnerable or marginalized populations, Tara enjoys creating collaborative and proactive spaces that build both community connection and personal capacity. She is as an active, longtime volunteer for several local sport, culture and health services. Tara’s favourite roles are that of mom, aunty and grandchild, grateful for a diverse and deliberate connection to family and community. She joined SCC as a full time Network Coordinator in 2023. Tara is from Prince Albert, SK, treaty 6 territory, the traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux and Sioux peoples and the homeland of the Metis Nation.

Profile for Jess Leduc-Robert

Jess Leduc-Robert
Network Coordinator

Jess Leduc-Robert
info@studentscommission.ca

Jess joined the SCC is 2024 as a Network Coordinator for Sharing the Stories & Knowledge in Action. She has extensive experience in program coordination with national youth programs. She has a passion for supporting young people to build confidence and connections with each other, and to make sense of data to tell a meaningful story. Jess completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto in Human Geography and Equity Studies. When not working, you can find her biking around or trying out new crafts.