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.MEET THE 2025-2026 YOUTH POLICY-MAKERS
Alissa Blommestyn-Perez
Alissa (she/her) is a passionate advocate for equity, mental health, and youth empowerment. A third-year student at Queen’s University, she draws on her lived experiences navigating systemic barriers to foster spaces where young people feel included and supported. As a Residence Don, she works to build community and belonging among students. She also serves on Rotary District 7070's DEI and Public image committee, championing inclusive community engagement. Through the Youth Policy-Makers Hub, Alissa hopes to amplify youth voices and contribute to equitable, sustainable solutions that strengthen pathways for all young people to thrive.
Sirat Gedi
Sirat is an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto Scarborough, pursuing a major in Health Studies - Population Health. With lived experience navigating the intersections of race, faith, gender, and migration, she is passionate about advancing equity and fostering inclusive, community-driven solutions to global challenges. Her academic and advocacy work centers on health equity, gender justice, and reducing systemic inequalities. She has been actively involved with the Racialized Students’ Collective at the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union, supporting anti-racism initiatives and student advocacy, and with Let’s Talk Science, where she promotes accessible STEM education for underrepresented youth. In high school, she co-led Empowering Schools for a Violence-Free Tomorrow, an initiative addressing school and community violence through awareness and engagement. Through the Youth Policy-Makers Hub, she hopes to amplify marginalized voices, strengthen her policy advocacy skills, and contribute to advancing global equity and sustainable development.
Laika Intungane
A bilingual community health nurse and University of Ottawa graduate, Laika brings a unique blend of clinical experience, equity-focused research and global advocacy to her work. She currently provides pediatric and palliative care in community settings, while advancing health equity through evidence-based and culturally safe practices. Based in Ottawa, she has worked across hospital, public health, and grassroots environments, with a strong focus on the social determinants of health. Her past roles include health systems researcher, refugee health mentor and Results Canada Fellow. She engaged in federal-level advocacy on gender, global health and education. She is particularly passionate about the intersections of gender justice, climate resilience and health policy. Through the Youth Policy-Makers Hub, she aims to contribute a frontline health perspective while strengthening youth-led, intergenerational approaches to inclusive policymaking.
Chimdinma Kingsley-Emereuwa
Chimdinma is a volunteer with the Ontario Council for International Cooperation (OCIC), supporting efforts to advance global sustainable development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They served as Education and Outreach Director for the Black Student Association and currently work with Future North as a youth leader advocating for justice and systemic change. A published contributor with Latitude 46 Publishing and recipient of the 2023 Michaëlle Jean Sudbury Afro-Canadian Heritage Fund Award, they are committed to fostering cross-cultural understanding, equity, and meaningful community engagement locally and globally.
Winter Dawn Lipscombe
Winter Dawn is an Anishinaabe policy leader and community advocate from Wauzhushk Onigum Nation in Treaty #3. She’s passionate about strengthening communities through Indigenous-led governance, economic development, and youth-driven innovation. As founder of Miskwaabiimizh Collective and co-founder of When the Frogs Sleep, Winter Dawn works at the intersection of policy, storytelling, and technology to amplify Indigenous voices and reimagine how we think about trust, credit, and community. She’s excited to bring her experience in governance and her commitment to Indigenous sovereignty to the Youth-Policy Makers Hub, while learning from and connecting with other young leaders shaping change locally and globally.
Jeremy Ofwono
From Kampala Uganda, Jeremy is a public policy analyst, project coordinator, and research fellow specializing in global diplomacy, defence, legislative affairs, and disability advocacy. Armed with a Master’s degrees in Public and International Affairs, Jeremy has served in high-impact roles with Humanitarian Affairs Asia, the NATO Association of Canada, March of Dimes Canada, UNITAR, and the Senate of Canada. His experience spans policy analysis, diplomacy, and cross-cultural negotiation. He has authored published briefs on cybersecurity, humanitarian crises, and Canadian foreign policy, and presented his research on Middle Eastern tensions at the United Nations General Assembly. Jeremy’s work has supported projects in diplomacy, peacebuilding, healthcare equity, and emergency readiness, engaging stakeholders from Global Affairs Canada to the World Health Organization. Passionate about equity and access, Jeremy brings lived experience and rigorous training to every initiative he leads in public affairs and policy development.
Srishti Ratnu
Srishti holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Mody University and a Post-Grad Certificate in International Development from Humber College where she was recognized with the International Development and International Education Award. Her development journey began in India where she led publicity campaigns that enabled scholarships for underprivileged girls and boosted scholarship exam registrations. She also worked as a Senior Policy Analyst, managing critical donor relations with the World Bank for a sustainable infrastructure project in Rajasthan. Since moving to Canada, her work has focused on leveraging her skills for community-focused organizations. As Project Manager at Enactus Humber, she cultivated a volunteer program, managing a diverse team of student volunteers, and creating three social enterprises. She currently works as Fund Development Coordinator at Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC). Srishti is passionate about empowering youth.
Abira Suthakaran
Abira is a Tamil-Canadian student and emerging policy researcher, passionate about advancing health equity and systemic change locally, nationally, and internationally. She is pursuing a double major in Public Policy and Health Policy at the University of Toronto Scarborough, with a minor in Global Leadership and a certificate in Computational Social Science. She is currently working as a Research Analyst under the Ontario Public Service, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, where she will be gaining experience and insights to contribute to policy analysis and research on priority issues for Ontario. She has also served as Editor-in-Chief for the Scarborough Health Network’s volunteer newsletter, strengthening health literacy and engagement across three hospital locations. Her academic work explores how social determinants of health shape health outcomes in Canada. She aspires to bridge research, policy, and advocacy to create equity-driven and evidence-informed solutions.
Deirdre Cleveland
Deirdre is a research and policy nerd based in Toronto with experience in community mobilizing, advocacy, and public affairs. She holds a Master of Public & International Affairs from York University and a Master of International Relations from l'Université de Strasbourg. Deirdre began her career at Immigration, Refugees, & Citizenship Canada, where she worked on digital transformation to improve application processing times. After five years with the public service, she entered the non-profit world, using research and data to drive advocacy for economic equity with the Canadian Women's Chamber of Commerce. Deirdre is the proud daughter of immigrants, neurodiverse, and navigates life with a chronic pain disability. These aspects of her identity propel her to pursue radical social change, and integrate her lived experience and foundational belief in intersectional feminism into her life and work.
Hinda Hussein
Hinda (she/her) is a policy professional dedicated to advancing gender equality and inclusive policy design. She has developed gender-sensitive data tools and reviewed gender-based violence programs to identify gaps and recommend more effective, accessible services. Holding a Master’s in Global Health, Hinda brings expertise in equity-focused policy, program analysis, and cross-sector collaboration. She is passionate about linking local action to global challenges, ensuring policy decisions reflect diverse perspectives. Through the Youth Policy-Makers Hub, Hinda aims to champion gender-responsive approaches, amplify youth voices, and contribute to inclusive and sustainable policy solutions.
Lubna Ismail
Lubna is a curious and passionate individual who is always looking for ways to contribute and give back to her various communities. As an incoming level 2 Health Sciences student at McMaster University, she consistently dedicates her time to making a positive impact in the McMaster community, most notably as the McMaster Students Union First Year Council Chair and Advisor, and continuing her responsibilities with the Student Representative Assembly on the Internal Governance Committee. Prior to her academic endeavours in Ontario, Lubna grew up in Calgary, Alberta, where she built foundational leadership skills through her 7 years of volunteer work with the Calgary Public Library, as well as her numerous club involvements throughout high school. She is driven by her interests in social and political justice and is an advocate for building community amongst her peers. In her free time, Lubna enjoys crocheting, baking, and trying new coffee shops across the city!
Jerusha Lambert
Jerusha is a first-generation Canadian and young Black woman passionate about shaping policies that advance equity, access, gender equity, and strong democratic institutions. Coming from a family with lived experiences in politically unstable environments, she has seen how weakened democratic systems disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Her academic background in Political Science, along with a certificate in Leadership and Management in the Not-for-Profit Sector, has equipped her with skills in policy analysis, program development, and inclusive leadership. Her professional experience spans public service, administration, and community engagement, including supporting programs that strengthen civic participation. She has also broadened her global perspective through initiatives like Common Purpose and Universitas 21, collaborating with peers worldwide to advance the UN’s SDGs.
Ahsen Mangal
Ahsen brings a strong foundation in youth-centred policy advocacy rooted in academic, lived, and community-based experiences. In his Master’s of Educational Leadership program, he wrote essays on policy analysis of Ontario’s Bills, evaluating the impacts of centralized governance and the erosion of teacher bargaining rights. This work, alongside his research on culturally responsive and trauma-informed pedagogy, reinforced his commitment to inclusive and participatory policy-making. Through various volunteer roles, he’s facilitated youth empowerment and community-based problem-solving. He’s also contributed to policy discussions on special education, racism, and Islamophobia through coursework analyzing Ontario's educational frameworks. Ahsen’s advocacy is rooted in values of equity, healing, and anti-oppression. He aims to advocate for policies that elevate marginalized youth voices and create inclusive structures, both in and beyond the classroom.
Piya Parmar
Piya (she/her) is a policy researcher, student leader, and advocate for gender equality, sustainable development, and human rights. She is pursuing an Honours BA in Political Science with a Minor in Sustainable Business at the University of Guelph, where she also serves as President of the Model UN and Debating Society, VP of Academic Affairs for the Political Science Society, and President of the Amnesty International Guelph Chapter. Professionally, she has contributed as a Student Policy Analyst with the Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child Care, where she supported national progress reports, federal-provincial-territorial negotiations, and official government communications. As an Undergraduate Research Assistant, she investigated the politicization of facts in Canadian Parliament, applying analysis methods to debates on immigration, crime, and environmental policy. From supporting accessibility and inclusive education to engaging peers in global policy debates, her volunteer and extracurricular work reflects her commitment to amplifying diverse voices.
Zulekha Rehman
Zulekha is a passionate public policy professional and recent graduate from the University of Ottawa, where she completed an Honours Bachelor of Social Science in Political Science with a Minor in Law. Her academic journey, paired with public service experience at Finance Canada, the Treasury Board Secretariat, and Health Canada, has shaped her commitment to inclusive policy making and equitable access to services. As the child of immigrants, Zulekha is dedicated to supporting newcomers and hopes to build community-driven platforms that help them navigate settlement and integration in Canada. She has conducted research with uOttawa’s Human Rights Clinic, focusing on international human rights and anti-discrimination issues. She also represented uOttawa at the UNs ECOSOC Youth Forum. Zulekha is preparing for national leadership grounded in evidence, law, and grassroots action. Her north star: a Canada where government works—fairly and fast—for every community.
Manya Tewari
Manya (she/her) is a recent graduate of the Master of Public Policy program at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, where she specialized in Women and Gender Studies. As an immigrant to Canada, she brings both a global outlook and a deep commitment to advancing equity, social justice, and inclusive governance. Her work spans government, international organizations, and community-led initiatives: with the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, she mobilized research on housing, employment, and integrated service delivery; with the United Nations Population Fund, she examined sexual and reproductive health and rights policies; and as a consultant, she evaluated the I Protect Me self-defense program, highlighting pathways for youth empowerment. She also served as Editor of Knots: An Undergraduate Journal of Disability Studies, championing accessible and critical scholarship. Manya hopes to channel her research, advocacy, and lived experience into strengthening global solidarity and advancing inclusive, community-driven development.
Mehak Warring
“In a world full of billions of lights, who decides who gets to shine?” For Mehak (she/her), this question fuels her passion for advocacy and empowerment, working toward a society where differences are celebrated rather than silenced. With a BSc in Life Sciences, a Minor in Social Justice and Inclusive Communities, and a Certificate in Science Communication from McMaster University, she bridges research and advocacy to promote mental well-being and resilience. Her projects include Tory and His Spiral of Worries, a children’s book on emotional literacy, and Khula Aasman, a poetry collection amplifying South Asian women’s voices. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Windsor, Mehak is passionate about youth and minority mental health, sexual health advocacy, LGBTQ+ inclusion, immigrant rights, women’s issues, and girls’ education. As a Girls Belong Here Youth Ambassador alumna with Plan International Canada, she continues uplifting marginalized voices through her initiative, Taaqat, highlighting South Asian and immigrant stories and experiences.
Arushi Dahiya
Arushi recently graduated from the UofT, where she completed an Honours BA in International Development Studies (Co-op), Political Science, and Socio-cultural Anthropology. At the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in Laos, Arushi contributed to an Alternative Development project supporting former opium farmers' transition to sustainable coffee production. Her research portfolio spans climate decarbonization strategies with the 100 Resilient Cities initiative, blockchain-based humanitarian interventions in Nepal with the Reach Alliance, and social solidarity economies that examine how marginalized communities challenge capitalist norms through Black feminist scholarship and activism. Born in India, raised in South Africa, and educated in Toronto, her multicultural background has shaped her understanding of global North-South divides and her passion for addressing the world's biggest challenges. Arushi is deeply committed to equity, environmental justice, and meaningful youth participation in policy-making spaces that shape our collective future.
Amanda Ingabire
Amanda holds an Honours Bachelor of Public Health from Brock University and has experience in community health promotion, mental health advocacy, and equity-focused program development. She is passionate about advancing public health through policy and addressing the social determinants of health that shape outcomes for marginalized communities. Amanda’s work spans health promotion, research, and community engagement, with a strong commitment to building inclusive systems that prioritize justice, accessibility, and sustainable development.
Maral Jumayeva
Maral is a politically engaged researcher and community advocate with a strong commitment to gender equality, social justice, and sustainable development. She holds two master’s degrees—an MA in Political Science from the University of Guelph and an MA in Global Political Economy from the University of Kassel, Germany. Through her experience in working with non-profit organizations, government institutions, and international bodies such as UNFPA Turkmenistan and the OSCE, Maral brings both institutional expertise and theoretical knowledge of politics and governance. Her academic focus lies in restorative justice, particularly in cases of intimate partner violence, while her community work centers on advancing inclusive and healing-centered approaches to justice. Passionate about empowering marginalized voices, she is dedicated to supporting migrant and refugee women in Canada, especially in overcoming barriers to accessing the justice system. In her free time, she actively volunteers in community initiatives.
Raine LeBlanc
Raine (she/her) is a passionate advocate for inclusive policy reform, community healing, and youth empowerment, driven by a vision of justice without barriers. Her work bridges non-profit leadership, healthcare administration, and justice advocacy, with a focus on uplifting underrepresented communities and transforming systems from within. She is the founder of Aspire 2 Heal, an initiative supporting youth with incarcerated parents who are pursuing healthcare-related studies. Through UNICEF Canada’s Youth Advocacy Program, she contributed to the Reimagine Playbook. She has also served as a writer and editor with PASAN, and collaborated with Toronto Prisoners’ Rights Project and Incarcerated Voters Ontario. Her work as a Career Specialist at Achev led to tangible policy shifts, including influencing hiring practices at the City of Mississauga to create more inclusive employment pathways. Her journey is a testament to the power of leadership rooted in empathy and personal experience, tied together with the belief that healing and progress must go hand in hand.
Nivar Mustafa
Nivar (she/her) is a youth advocate and writer dedicated to global human rights, gender justice, and intersectionality. Born into the Kurdish diaspora, her identity has guided her advocacy, including amplifying Kurdish voices to eradicating female genital mutilation (FGM). More recently, she has focused on 2SLGBTQ+ rights, creating safer spaces for queer and trans students from racialized and immigrant backgrounds. Nivar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Political Science from McMaster University and a post-graduate certificate in International Development from Centennial College. She currently works as a Program and Events Coordinator at Centennial, supporting EDI-focused programming and community initiatives. Her advocacy has taken her to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where she sharpened her focus on gender inequality, diaspora identity, and anti-2SLGBTQ+ legislation across the region. Finding the absence of 2SLGBTQ+ rights in international cooperation disheartening, she is committed to advancing their inclusion in global policy spaces.
Anjalique Raghunauth
Grounded in her identity as a Caribbean woman, a progressive, just, and equitable world is Anjalique’s (she/her) vision for the future. She is committed to advancing social justice and human and environmental rights and is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality and environmental harm. She believes that true progress cannot occur in silos and that the prioritization of equity and justice is crucial in cultivating tangible solutions. Holding an M.A. in global politics, a B.A. in political science, and a graduate diploma in Water Without Borders, and is currently a JD candidate at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at TMU, her academic journey reflects these values. Her convictions have also encouraged her research and publications on the intersection of human rights, environmental justice, and legal accountability, particularly around Canada’s international extractive mining industry. Beyond her studies, she has been an advocate for human rights, working with organizations like Amnesty International and the BeYOUtiful Foundation, and continues to pursue her vision of the future.
Aisha Sidiqi
Aisha is a dedicated youth advocate for girls education and youth empowerment. She has been a delegate to several global platforms, including the Global Business Symposium in Turkey and Harvard Business Management and Leadership Certification at Harvard Medical School. Aisha has also been involved with the Canadian Center for Cultural Diplomacy, collaborating with international delegates to foster cultural understanding and promote global cooperation. Beyond her professional work, Aisha is passionate about art, particularly painting and photography. She uses storytelling through her artwork to raise awareness about the importance of education, especially for girls. Through her advocacy and creative initiatives, Aisha is committed to creating lasting change, inspiring young leaders, and helping them unlock their full potential.
Eraj Waqar
Eraj is dedicated to advancing gender equity, youth empowerment, and inclusive community engagement. She works at the Newcomer Information Centre in Peel, leading cross-functional initiatives, supporting organizational strategy, and embedding equity-focused practices. Eraj has held multiple advisory and leadership roles, including Brampton Women’s Advisory Committee Member, Co-Lead of the Gender & Education Task Team at Theirworld, Young Women’s Leadership & Engagement Committee Member at YWCA Canada, Leadership Member at World YWCA, Youth Delegate for the ICN and Equal Voice Daughter of the Vote, and Youth Accessibility Leader with ESDC. She has guided programs, shaped policy discussions, and championed initiatives that foster diversity, inclusion, and youth engagement. She holds a BBA in International Business, a CAPM designation, and certificates in data analytics, diversity in leadership, and digital transformation. Eraj is passionate about systems change and creating opportunities that uplift women, youth, and newcomer communities.
