The Youth Policy-Makers Hub
Global problems like gender inequality and climate change affect people of all ages everywhere. These complex problems require holistic inter-generational approaches, diverse mindsets, multi-disciplinary methods and multi-sectoral dialogue. OCIC recognizes the wealth of knowledge, experience and leadership that youth leaders bring to the international cooperation sector in Ontario and beyond. We want to help enable the active participation of youth at local, national and international policy-making tables to inform decisions that concern their lives, future and the planet. OCIC’s Youth Policy-Makers Hub (YPH) seeks to engage diverse youth from across Ontario in international cooperation policy processes in support of Gender Equality, Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) action areas, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In doing so, we also hope to increase the awareness and interest of Ontarians, especially youth, in international cooperation and key global issues, and to offer opportunities for meaningful participation in advocacy and policy-making processes, meetings and delegations.THE 2024-2025 POLICY MATTERS SERIES
Session 2: The BPfA in Canada
Marjorie Emmanuel, Director of Intergovernmental and International Relations at Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), and Vicky Smallman, National Director of Women’s and Human Rights at Canadian Labour Congress, joined us to share their expertise on the BPfA from both government and civil society perspectives in Canada.
Session 1: An Introduction to BPfA
Mary Scott, Women’s Rights Advocate and Co-founder of Institute for International Women’s Rights – Manitoba, and Divya Sharma, Youth Advocate and CSW68 delegate, joined us to share the historical significance of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, it’s current status, youth engagement and more.
GALLERY: THE YPH RETREAT
MEET THE 2024-2025 YOUTH POLICY-MAKERS
Muzhda Akbari
Muzhda Akbari (she/her) is a 19-year-old advocate for girls' right to education. She is actively involved in the youth advocacy program of UNICEF Canada and serves as a young champion for refugees at UNHCR. As the founder of CodeGreenAfg, she provides educational resources and free classes to Afghan girls, particularly in STEM fields. When the Taliban took control, her family relocated to Pakistan, where she faced educational barriers but continued her mission by learning coding. Now based in Canada, she has achieved significant milestones, including winning the Youth Changemaker Challenge and being recognized as a Youth Innovator by Tata Consulting. She has positively impacted over 1780 individuals through her programs, distributing 1500 books and engaging girls in online and offline learning. Recently, she was a youth delegate at CSW68, advocating for the rights of Afghan girls. Her goal is to become a future lawyer and work in the field of international development in Canada.
Sakshi Bhargava
Sakshi Bhargava (she/her) is a passionate youth leader and advocate for equity and inclusion, currently pursuing an Honors Specialization in Political Science at Western University. At 16, she founded the Able Hearts Foundation, a youth-run organization that has, for seven years, impacted over 400 children across various regions of Botswana, advocating for individuals with disabilities and marginalized communities at large, fostering stronger community relations. While working with UNAIDS Botswana, she joined a youth panel alongside the First Lady of the Republic of Botswana at the launch of the Edu+ Program, where she emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between primary and tertiary education to ensure that every young girl completes school safe, strong, and empowered. Her commitment to equity and inclusion is further demonstrated through her volunteer work with Harmony Movement Canada, where she contributes to educational programs promoting diversity and inclusion within elementary schools.
Isabela Galindo
Isabela Galindo (she/her) was born and raised in Colombia, moving to Canada at 16. She is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto, where she specialized in Political Science and minored in Latin American Studies and French. During her university years, she gained valuable experience working with the City of Mississauga, the student center at UTM, and volunteering with SOS, a nonprofit with projects in Guatemala, where she also went as a volunteer leader. She also conducted research on Latin American history with one of her professors, enriching her understanding of diverse perspectives and issues in Latin America and the world. Her Colombian heritage and life experiences have made her passionate about social justice, international development, education, gender equality and political information in the digital age. She is eager to contribute to her community and leverage her skills and experiences to drive positive change.
Kathleena Henricus
Kathleena (Kat) Henricus (she/her/hers) is a National Scholar and researcher at Western University, located on the lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Attawandaron peoples, where she studies International Relations and Advanced Arts & Humanities. With work experience ranging from responsible investment to public service, Kathleena is guided by her passion for human rights, addressing the climate crisis, and using good public policy to best support communities. Currently, she is the Co-Director of Policy for the Young Canadians Roundtable on Healthcare, a Canadian delegate to the 2024 G7 youth summit, and on Western University’s Board of Governors. As a first-generation university student, Kathleena is committed to ensuring that the communities she is part of have a positive impact, locally and globally. As an OCIC youth policymaker, Kathleena hopes to leverage her political, financial, media, and research experience to action the BPfa & champion peace across the globe.
Kerrin Kamal
Kerrin Kamal (she/her) is currently a Policy & Planning Associate at a foreign bank where she focuses on financial services policy initiatives for the Bank’s Canadian operations. She holds a Bachelor's in Law & Society from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master's in Public Policy and Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University. Prior to moving to the private sector, she worked at the Ontario Public Service in financial services regulatory policy and Indigenous support program capacities. As a first-generation Canadian Indo-Caribbean woman, Kerrin is driven by a belief in leveraging intersectional perspectives to tackle social barriers. She looks forward to exploring key domestic and international policy initiatives and the development of remediation strategies that raise awareness around societal issues, specifically gender inequality, lack of financial literacy, and gender-based violence.
Celina Mankarios
Celina Mankarios (she/her) is an award-winning social entrepreneur, non-profit founder, National Youth Ambassador of Canada, UN delegate, Harvard and University of Toronto Researcher and was crowned Miss World International Canada for her humanitarian work. Through her non-profit, she has led hundreds of youth across the globe to fundraise over $200,000 for charities and hosted international campaigns in partnership with organizations, Ivy League professors, government officials and renowned activists to create innovative solutions and new governmental policies that work towards the UN SDGs, including climate action, zero hunger and gender equality. Celina has spoken at many schools and organizations on social innovation, youth mobilization and plant-based solutions. She has received prestigious accolades for her humanitarian and environmental initiatives including the Diana Award from the royal family, MTU Humanitarian award and CSPN Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Eseosa Omoregie
Eseosa Omoregie (she/her) is a dedicated advocate for at-risk youth, with a deep commitment to addressing health disparities, poverty, and systemic barriers impacting diverse young people. Specializing in youth development and justice, particularly for Black and Indigenous youth, she prioritizes trauma-informed practices in her work. She holds a BA in Psychology and Business Management and is pursuing a Master of Public Health. With extensive experience in community health, homelessness, and addiction support, Eseosa has worked in various roles, including as a community shelter worker and a case manager. In her current role as a Human Relations Officer with the northern Quebec government, she develops culturally competent sexual violence prevention programs for Inuit communities. A confident speaker on youth mental health, gender-based violence, and human rights advocacy, Eseosa’s experience and strategic leadership make her an asset in addressing the complex challenges faced by marginalized youth.
Ayesha Siddiqa
As the first woman in her family to attend university, Ayesha Siddiqa (she/her) believes that educational opportunities are the wings that give women strength - and it’s strong women that build strong societies. Ayesha completed a BA in Business Administration and MA in International Relations and is now pursuing her second MA in Human Rights and Democratization. She has proven her commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) while working in the non-profit sector advocating for refugees' higher education. In Thailand, her successful advocacy efforts saw Siam University give education opportunities to refugee students for the first time. As a volunteer with UNHCR and as a DAFI mentor she worked closely with refugee youth to encourage their education and with refugee communities conducting sessions on the importance of education. She also facilitated an IRC curriculum on gender-based violence, engaging men in accountable practices.
Jennifer Amuah
Envisioning change without borders, Jennifer Amuah (she/her) is a passionate advocate for community empowerment and international development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a study at the University of Edinburgh in Transformative Leadership. In 2020, she was selected as Ghana's Young Emerging Public Leader. Jennifer Amuah carries years of experience in global policy making and diplomacy. Her dedication to transformative leadership is evident through her involvement in prestigious initiatives, including the World Bank Group Youth Summit and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. She is also an Ambassador to the Scholars’ Program at the Mastercard Foundation. Her research on economic policies and community development reflects her commitment to driving positive change in and around the world.
Yagiz Boran
Yagiz Boran (he/him) is a passionate advocate for inclusive and intersectional policy-making, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by those living with disabilities. As an international student with a strong academic background in Psychology and International Development, Yagiz brings a unique perspective highlighting the interconnectedness of global issues like gender inequality, inclusive education, and disability rights. His lived experience and academic knowledge enable him to understand the complex barriers faced by marginalized groups of different backgrounds, advocating for holistic and sustainable solutions. Yagiz is eager to contribute to the Youth Policy-Makers Hub by bringing attention to the intersectionality of these issues, ensuring that the voices of disabled individuals are heard in policy processes that shape their futures.
Jahm Guinto
Jahm Guinto (she/her) holds a Master of Arts Degree in Economics and has over five years of experience in research and statistics. She worked at the Asian Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank Institute as an economic analyst/consultant, where she realized her interest in harnessing data to tell compelling stories that inform policymaking. Aside from research and analysis, she is also a passionate teacher, who has worked as a part-time university lecturer in economics and mathematics. Her research interests include development economics, international trade, health, and public economics. Jahm is an advocate for gender equity and believes in policies that act as ‘nudges’ to promote better socioeconomic outcomes. Outside of research and academia, she enjoys learning about cultures, trying different cuisines, and lounging with her two cats.
Yara Idris
Yara Idris (she/her) is an undergraduate student at the University of Ottawa pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Political Science. Her academic interests lie primarily in international security, national defence, and sustainable development. She has held numerous policy positions in the public service, including at Global Affairs and National Defence. As she progresses in her career, Yara is eager to make significant contributions to Canadian public policy, Canada’s role in global governance, and public international law. She looks forward to working with the OCIC YPH 2024-25 cohort to advance work in these fields.
Justin Langan
From the rural community of Swan River, Manitoba, Justin Langan (he/him) is a 25-year-old international Métis LGBTQ2+ advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental sustainability, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies from the University of Manitoba. Justin is the founder and executive director of O'KANATA, a federal non-profit dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth through education and employment opportunities, emphasizing integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge with contemporary practices. With nearly a decade of experience on councils and committees, his efforts extend to creating international film archives and developing educational programs promoting human rights that resonate across diverse communities. Justin is passionate about fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous perspectives in environmental and public policy sectors.
Radia Mbengue
Originally from Senegal, Radia Mbengue (she/her) is an advocate for gender equality. Her journey includes collaborative efforts with transnational organizations across Africa, focusing on issues like gender-based violence and the implementation of UNSCR1325 in the Great Lakes Region. She has also worked as a GBV consultant for the World Bank. She brings diverse expertise in conflict resolution, gender in emergencies, and SRHR, with a strong passion for decolonization and socioeconomic empowerment, especially for racialized communities and youth. Radia has spearheaded projects addressing GBV, climate-induced displacement, and economic empowerment for women. She has also supported women and Indigenous-led initiatives concerning the gendered impacts of resource extraction and climate justice. As a Senegalese woman, Radia has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of climate change on communities reliant on fishing and agriculture, driving her commitment to climate justice and disability rights.
Bavan Pushpalingam
Bavan Pushpalingam (he/him), a Tamil-Canadian youth from Scarborough, is dedicated to driving impactful change through policy and advocacy. As a 3rd-year Public Policy student at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), with minors in Food Studies and French, Bavan's deep connection to Scarborough, where he grew up and currently resides, drives his commitment to community-led initiatives. His family's survival of genocide informs his work, fueling his determination to address issues of food insecurity. He researches agro-food policies and their impact on women farmers in Ghana and Sri Lanka, as well as mitigation strategies to famine in Somalia. Bavan also serves as a Research and Policy Analyst for City Councillor Parthi Kandavel, championing community-driven policy initiatives. As Founder of the Scarborough Hub for Innovation in Public Policy, he leads efforts to address local issues through student-led research. His leadership also extended internationally, advocating for Canadian youth priorities at the 2024 G7 Youth Summit.
Mia Vallière
Mia Vallière (she/her) is in her final year of a B.A. in Criminology at Laurentian University. Passionate about international law and human rights advocacy, Mia hopes to pursue further critical studies on law and policy across the globe. Mia started her journey in advocacy as a Community Worker with the Northern Initiative for Social Action. She has continued to make a local impact by co-organizing Women’s Strike Sudbury in collaboration with Women’s Strike Canada, with the goal of bringing awareness to the importance of protecting and enhancing access to reproductive healthcare. Mia has expanded her reach through her internship with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, which has allowed her to assist the Caribbean Council for the Blind with their goal of developing a college and university to provide education to anyone, anywhere. She looks forward to continuing her lifelong pursuit of learning and caring with the YPH!
Aija-Simone White
Aija-Simone White (she/her) is a passionate advocate for health and gender equity, committed to transforming how marginalized communities access and engage with health and social systems. She holds a Bachelor of Health Studies from York University, where her interests flourished. As a Senior Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Child, Community, and Social Services, she has led policy changes to improve social assistance delivery, enhance long-term care programs, and strengthen primary healthcare connectivity for Ontario's most vulnerable. She believes that grassroots community engagement and culturally affirming spaces are essential for impactful policy development. As Director of Advocacy for the York United Black Student Alliance, she championed initiatives that celebrated cultural identity and empowered students. She is also active in the Black Ontario Public Servants and Women in Government Networks. She has also worked with the City of Mississauga to deliver youth programs and led research focused on enhancing services for individuals with diverse abilities.
Alisha Aslam
From speaking on the world stage at the UN to discussing bilingualism for youth at Canada’s Senate, Alisha Aslam (she/her) strives to inspire others to channel their voices in unity. Entering her second year of undergraduate studies in International Relations at the University of Toronto, her interests lie in understanding how national and global communities can effectively collaborate on issues and translate it into real change. She recently served as a National Bilingual Young Leader at Français Pour l’Avenir, an organisation she represented on CBC to promote bilingualism among youth. She also works with OneChild Canada, for whom she delivered a speech at the UN Protocol Combatting Abuse Of Children. Alisha co-authored an article with Plan Canada’s CEO on challenges women activists face online, and she has spoken about this cause and many others in the media. Currently, Alisha is a member of her university’s G7/G20 research groups.
Dhanvi Gahlawat
Fueled by a relentless passion for the planet, Dhanvi Gahlawat (she/her) is dedicated to championing a sustainable future. Her commitment to environmental stewardship goes beyond personal practice—it's a call to action. Dhanvi is deeply invested in adapting and advocating for a world where sustainability is the norm, not the exception. With interests spanning sustainable development, environmental preservation, and impactful policy-making, she is constantly seeking ways to inspire change and engage others in the pursuit of a more conscious, sustainable lifestyle. Joining the OCIC Youth Policy-Makers Hub, Dhanvi is eager to contribute her vision and energy to initiatives that drive meaningful environmental, economical and social progress.
Adrian Haasler
Adrian Haasler (he/him) currently works as a program analyst for Grand Challenges Canada under the Global Health Innovation portfolio. While his academic career started off at the cellular level of human biology, his interests have since evolved to encompass population-level support for global social and health challenges. Adrian holds a Bachelor of Science from McGill University and a Master's in Global Health from the Karolinska Institutet. Previously, he worked as a medical copywriter for pharmaceutical products and a research assistant for childhood metabolic myopathies. Adrian has also been actively involved with advocacy organisations such as Decolonizing Global Health and Students for Sustainable Development. Adrian looks forward to leveraging the learnings of the YPH to strengthen evidence-based policy-making in the global health and international development space. By applying a gender lens to these issues, he hopes to create inclusive policies that are fundamental to achieving health equity.
Lucy Kazaanshiyi Jibro
Lucy Kazaanshiyi Jibro (she/her) is currently a Graduate Student of International Development at Centennial College and a committed gender-based violence (GBV) specialist with a strong background in HIV project integration and community advocacy. In her recent roles at Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi) and Chemonics International, Lucy significantly enhanced support for survivors of GBV by increasing identification rates through strategic program integration, collaborating with other humanitarian actors, and creating referral pathways. Her expertise in designing advocacy sessions for healthcare providers has markedly improved care quality and community awareness on GBV. Lucy's dedication to implementing culturally sensitive, sustainable solutions supports the communities in promoting equitable development and empowering communities through social justice.
Christine Le
Christine Le (she/hers) is a second-generation Vietnamese Canadian, Co-Founder of the Asian Resilience Collective Canada (ARCC), and Project Coordinator for the Jane-Finch Community Hub and Centre for the Arts (CHCA). Currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy, Public Administration, and Law at York University, Christine has represented various levels of government, addressing social inequality and education. During the pandemic, she co-founded ARCC to promote Asian-Canadian participation and celebrate cultural diversity. Her community work has been featured in Canada’s National Observer, Toronto Star, CBC News Toronto, and the Globe and Mail. In the Jane and Finch community, Christine serves as a community advisor for the Jane and Finch Initiative (JFI), community animator for Jane and Finch Mall (JFM+), and advisor to the CHCA, collaborating on community benefits and land use plans.
Mikee Mutuc
Mikee Mutuc (she/her) is a multimedia specialist with a focus on strategic communications and advocacy. A Humber College Journalism graduate, she was actively involved in leadership programs and won a leadership scholarship. She began her career as a broadcast journalist interning at CBC, later working with various national and local newsrooms and radio programs, including The National, The Fifth Estate, and Cross Country Checkup. Her commitment to human rights has led her to roles with Canadian Journalists for Free Expression and World Press Freedom Canada. Now in advertising, she leverages social media strategy to enhance brand awareness for clients like Water Ambassadors Canada. Inspired by her experience as an immigrant raised by a single mother, she aims to support immigrant and refugee women by building grassroots communities, mentorship programs, and accessible resources.
Tashin Rodoshi
Tashin Rodoshi (she/her) is dedicated to reimagining systems to promote gender equality and equity for women, girls, and non-binary youth. With over six years of experience working across Canada, Tashin has contributed in grassroots, government, and non-profit sectors to foster the adoption of intersectional, trauma-informed, and survivor-centric frameworks, especially in supporting at-risk youth and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). As a grassroots consultant and community mobilizer, Tashin was part of the collective that urged the City of Toronto to successfully declare GBV and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic in 2023. Currently, Tashin seeks to advance policy and research by investigating the intersections between technology-facilitated GBV, financial empowerment for survivors, and meaningful youth engagement. In between community building and advocacy, you can find Tashin spontaneously training for half-marathons, crocheting gifts for loved ones, and learning to play musical instruments.
Muskaan Waraich
Muskaan Waraich (she/her) has always been eager to give back to the community while building relationships and connections rooted in empathy. Her perspective as a first-generation Canadian and her identity as a Sikh-Punjabi woman have profoundly shaped her commitment to community service. Her studies in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies at Brock University reflect her interest in gender equality and international affairs through an intersectional approach. She serves as a Youth Council Member for Plan International Canada and dedicates her time to her grassroots initiative, EmpowerUp. EmpowerUp is committed to accelerating gender equality through an intersectional approach, including through the Red Chest Project which connects youth and adults with their peers to learn about period poverty and works to break down the stigma surrounding menstruation by providing environmentally friendly products and advocating for greater menstrual equity in schools and public places.
