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Sprout Ideas Fellow Spotlight prepared by Jennifer Corriero
When I joined participants at the Vancouver Art Gallery on June 22nd for our Flourish book launch gathering (https://stories.tigweb.org/what-happens-when-we-surround-ourselves-with-inspiration-63eb25e55b72) , there was a particular group of individuals in attendance who stood out. These are the members of the SPARK9 Team, led by Sprout ...Read More

Acknowledging Indigenous Youth Excellence and Leadership
by Blaine Wolfe

Indigenous youth that accessed micro-grants from #RisingYouth (https://www.risingyouth.ca) provided strong evidence that when given the opportunity, they excel. They have proven, through the 1,000+ projects funded by #RisingYouth, that Indigenous Youth Leadership is a resource that can produce amazing community and cultural ...Read More

Q&A’s with Chúk Odenigbo
Where are you from?
I am from the city of Calgary, Alberta.

Which community(ies) are you part of?
I am part of the Franco-Albertan community, a small pluralist community with a plethora of accents, cultures, and ways of being but united by a language and a strong sense of activism. According to the results of the 2016 census, Alberta’s native French-speaking population ...Read More

Q&A’s with Richard Huneault
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I’m originally from Calgary but moved to Vancouver Island to be closer to my sister and the ocean. Port Alberni brings the beautify of the ocean and waters to the forests and mountains. It is full of nature and opportunity.

What community/communities are you part of ?
I connect with almost everyone. My ...Read More

Q&A’s with Audrey-Ann Deneault
Visit the ÉducoFamille website here (https://educofamille.com) !

What community/communities are you part of ?
I identify myself as Franco-Canadian. Although originally from Quebec, I have had the opportunity to live as a Francophone outside of Quebec in several Canadian provinces. In particular, I have taught psychology at the Université de Saint-Boniface, the ...Read More

Q&A’s with Cogie Cogen
View the Class of 2020 Global Valedictorian Speech here (https://youtu.be/5shlPKNoJY8) !

Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba my up until I left for university. I attended Oak Park High School, where I served as Co-President of the student council. For my first year of university, I attended Huron University ...Read More

Q&A’s with Faaiz Walji
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?Although I am originally from Vancouver, I currently reside in Ottawa, where I am pursuing my postsecondary studies. A feature quite unique to Ottawa that I never seem to get enough of is the Rideau Canal. Not having experienced classic Canadian winters for most of my life, the ability to simply head out the ...Read More

Q&A’s with Andréane Gagnon
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I’ve been living in Chéticamp on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia since the summer of 2019. I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia but have moved all over Canada in my lifetime to follow my dad’s work. I’ve never really had a place to call “home” because I move every 3–5 years. There have been communities ...Read More

Q&A’s with Emilee Schevers
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I’m from Kawartha Lakes, Ontario! I truly loved growing up in a small town of less than 2000 people. Fun fact: from my house I can see a lake, forest and field! I love having access to such diverse landscapes.

What community/communities are you part of ?
I am member of the blind and visually impaired ...Read More

Q&A’s with Jean-Claude Nguyen
Watch the “More Than Only” Short Film Episode here (https://youtu.be/Ieu6OPcoSac) !

Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?Originally from Montreal, I have been living in Iqaluit, Nunavut for 4 years now. I feel at home here because I am part of a community where I feel that my work makes a difference every day. What is unique among so ...Read More

Q&A’s with Eh Doh Thaw Sar
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I am from a refugee camp that resides near the border between Thailand and Myanmar, Mae La Oon. 14 years ago my family moved to Saskatoon and we’ve called this lovely place our home ever since. From the amazing people that we’ve met here to the beautiful nature, there is no place that is more laid back ...Read More

Perspectives d’un océan à l’autre : La seconde langue officielle
Rencontrez les conférenciers

Perspectives d’un océan à l’autre : La seconde langue officielle, c’est bientôt. Écoutez divers alumni francophones, des décideurs, des éducateurs et des organisations de services francophones pour discuter de l’important sujet de la sécurité linguistique.

Date et Heure: 5 juillet 2022

4 pm (heure du ...Read More

Q&A’s with Haliuna Zenteno Dania
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I was born in Mexico City and have lived in 10+ cities growing up. Right now, the closest place to my heart is Montreal, and I have made it my home for the past 7 years.

What community/communities are you part of ?
Growing up mixed, I’ve had trouble fitting in and struggled with my own identity. I ...Read More

Q&A’s with Viet Tran
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I was born and raised in Montreal and lived here for most of my life. After every enjoyable trip abroad, I always felt a great sense of comfort and security returning home. I believe that this feeling stems not only from familiarity, but from the kindness that I have experienced from the people who live here. ...Read More

Q&A’s with Gavin Wilkes
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?

I call two places home, one being Peace River in Alberta where my father lives and Fort Simpson in the Northwest Territories where my mother lives. I have fond memories of each place, and I have learned many things during my time in both places. Currently, I live in Edmonton Alberta where I am a ...Read More

The Alternate Route : Making Skateboarding Accessible For Everyone
Documentary and Q&A’s with Curtis Ruttle

December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is observed every year to raise awareness and promote the rights and perspectives of persons with disabilities around the world.

On this day, #RisingYouth would like to recognize and highlight the remarkable passion and ...Read More

Perspectives from Coast to Coast: Amplifying Youth Voices Through Media is TOMORROW! Hear from various media news storytellers and #RisingYouth Alumni about their experience with the media and be part of a discussion tackling the narrative about young, diverse people in the media.
Register here. (https://takingitglobal.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fYzTemkCRfqmTFVt3cQnaQ)

We are excited to ...Read More

SLAM : Leadership and Mental Health Conference — You’re invited!
Q&A’s with Aydin Visanji, Co-Founder of Youth Voices of Ontario and #RisingYouth Grantee

Where are you from? What place do you call home and why?

Youth Voices of Ontario is an organization initiated by Emily Chau, Nusha Moosavipour, and Mikayla Astroff. We are students from Ontario, Canada, based in the Greater Toronto Area, and ...Read More

Q&A’s with Corrine Giorgetti
Where are you from? What place do you call home and why?

I am from North Bay, ON. However, I have not lived there for many years. This is the city I call home because it is where I grew up, and it is the area that has shaped me and my perspectives on life. It is the place that I learned to love the outdoors and all the things that live there. It is a relatively small ...Read More

A simple step that goes a long way
Setting up a community project is a very rewarding experience, even if it is not always what you expected when you started. Along the way, obstacles are overcome, lessons are learned and surprising doors often open for those who are willing to step through them. There is a young leader and a unique story behind every #RisingYouth grant, and it is a source of ...Read More

A #RisingYouth Alumni Impact Story prepared by Jennifer Corriero
Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with Alumni Jessi Hall who is a contributing author in Flourish (https://www.flourishworkbook.com/) : A Workbook for Social Innovators. As a musician, Jessi understands how to set herself up in a way that allows her to be generative. Here’s a quote from the book: ...Read More

Q&A’s with Wen Tao Gu
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I live in Saint John New Brunswick Canada, but I was originally from China.

What are you passionate about? What are your hobbies?
I have very few hobbies but I have a huge passion for drawing, and I absolutely love cats!

How did the idea for this project come to you?
When I first began planning my project, ...Read More

Q&A’s with Sophie Feng
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
As of now, I call Port Moody and the Tri-cities area home. It features gorgeous hiking trails, lakes, and other natural attractions. I love visiting Rocky Point with friends to enjoy the view at all times during the year as well as, of course, the ice cream!

What are you passionate about? What are your ...Read More

Q&A’s with Dwight Ballantyne
Where are you from? What place do you call home and why?
I am from Montreal Lake Cree Nation but I call Maple Ridge, BC home now. I lived my first 21 years in Montreal Lake Cree Nation, a remote northern Saskatchewan First Nation, and moved to BC 5 1⁄2 years ago.

What community/communities are you part of ?
Growing up in a remote northern First Nation, I experienced ...Read More

Catalyzing transformation for a better world through technology
August 12th, 2022 — International Youth Day — New York City

The #RisingYouth team at TakingITGlobal is proud to be one of the featured programs invited to share expertise in promoting inclusion at the Youth Assembly being held at the United Nations and Convene in New York City. For its 27th Session with the theme “Dare to Reshape ...Read More

Q&A’s with Julia Buckley
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I am from Goulds, Newfoundland which is a farming community within St. John’s, Newfoundland. I love being within driving distance of the water so Newfoundland will always be home.

What community/communities are you part of ?
Everyone is part of many communities — school, work, city, province etc. My ...Read More

Q&A’s with Pasha Saulis
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I’m from a small rural First Nations community of Tobique First Nations Also know as the Wokastoqwayik or the people of the beautiful river.

What are you passionate about? What are your hobbies?
I enjoy gardening, hiking, reading and trying poetry. I’m passionate about learning to become self-sufficient ...Read More

Q&A’s with Shirley Joubert
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?Originally, I’m from Hamilton, Ontario, but I’ve lived just about everywhere. When I was about a year old, my parents moved to Cape Town, South Africa. We moved around every year or two, and then just before my 11th birthday we moved back to Ontario and stayed with my grandparents in Niagara Falls until ...Read More

Q&A’s with Kate Edwards
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. I have lived in the same neighbourhood for all of my life, so I am very close with my neighbours. It is a small, tight-knit, and supportive community that truly feels like a second family. This strong sense of community is part of what inspired me to give back by ...Read More

Q&A’s with Mira Buckle
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I live in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. Our community is a small town of 20,000. My community is a two hour drive from the amazing Gros Morne National Park. We also have a vibrant outdoor adventure community that offers lots of opportunities for hiking, biking, downhill skiing and cross country ...Read More

Q&A’s with Jennifer Dundas
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I am originally from the Niagara Region in Ontario. After spending 26 years in various areas around Ontario I decided to move closer to family. I currently call Martensville, Saskatchewan home. After discovering my sister was going to be a mother, it was a very big indicator that being closer to her and ...Read More

Q&A’s with Michelle Friesen
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I live on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and my family’s First Nation, the Ta’an Kwach’an Council, also known as Whitehorse, Yukon. I moved to the Yukon in 2016 where I was reconnected with some family and my Yukon First Nations background. It instantly felt like home and I ...Read More

Q&A’s with Aseel Mohammed Ali
Check out the “We Are All One” e-book here (https://www.blurb.ca/ebooks/703393-we-are-all-one) !

Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I am originally from Baghdad, Iraq. I lived in Damascus, Syria for eight years and I moved to Halifax Nova Scotia in 2014. Home is where my family lives and where I find peace, that’s why I call Halifax ...Read More

Q&A’s with Deea K Dev
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I was born in Burnaby, Canada (BC) but my family moved to Singapore shortly after, so I was raised there. Singapore is a small country in Southeast Asia. In fact, it is so small that it is often depicted on world maps as just a red dot, resulting in our nickname, “Little red dot”. I moved back to BC to pursue ...Read More

Q&A’s with Myera Iftikhar
What community/communities are you part of ?
I come from a first-generation Muslim Asian household and grew up in a diverse community involving many cultures, languages, and religions within an area. My community had members from different socioeconomic statuses (SES), including people of colour and other groups historically excluded and marginalized. However, growing up ...Read More

Every year, #RisingYouth hosts an end of the year celebration to highlight the accomplishments and community impacts of the program Alumni.
On March 3rd alumnus, Chúk Odenigbo, is hosting the #RisingYouth Showcase. During this event we will hear directly from our youth through different mediums like the #RisingYouth Podcast, video capsules, and curated Q&A with our host, about their experiences ...Read More

A discussion with Nicholas Bauer and Meladul Ahmadzai
Human Rights Day is held every year on December 10th to raise awareness about the inalienable rights that we all share as humans, no matter who we are and where we come from.

On this date, we wanted to recognize and highlight all the work accomplished by the #RisingYouth Alumni and Grantees to reduce inequalities, create opportunities, raise ...Read More

The Ballantyne Project : Speaking Up on Indigenous Realities in Canada
Q&A’s with Dwight Ballantyne

Where are you from? What place do you call home and why?

I am from Montreal Lake Cree Nation but I call Maple Ridge, BC home now. I lived my first 21 years in Montreal Lake Cree Nation, a remote northern Saskatchewan First Nation, and moved to BC 5 ½ years ago.

What community/communities are you ...Read More

Care packages : A great way to help your community in times of need
Q&A’s with #RisingYouth Grantee Grace Boakye

In the midst of a global pandemic, Grace Boakyeand her team decided to give back to their community by to creating care packages for local young girls and women.

Where are you from? What place do you call home and why?

I am from Etobicoke, Ontario but my ethnicity is Ghanaian. I was ...Read More

By Carissa Konesky, Founder of I Am Tenacious and #RisingYouth Alumni
My name is Carissa Konesky, and I am a 25-year-old woman from Burnaby, British Columbia. I recently received a #RisingYouth grant, where I was able to implement the I Am Tenacious Workbook program!

My two biggest passions are working with youth and mental health. When the pandemic hit, I was worried about the impact that it ...Read More

Perspectives from Coast to Coast: Roundtable with Researchers is just 2 days away! With a conversation about insights on youth engagement is taking place on June 24, at 3–5 PM Eastern Time, we are bringing together academic research experts and youth researchers/practitioners to have a dialogue around research methods on youth engagement and what it may mean to put these theories into practice. ...Read More

Written by Siobhan Takala, Alumni Hub Animator
At the start of 2020, David utilized a #RisingYouth grant to kickstart an advocacy project, Sports for Social Impact (https://www.sportsforsocialimpact.com/) . The goal of his project was to raise awareness of the power that sport has to change society, something he deeply believes in.

The website is now home to articles on sports policy, and how ...Read More

Alumni Hub Highlights
Michael MacLean (he/him) has been a #RisingYouth alumni since 2019 after doing a community build project in Dawson City, Yukon. Michael completed his project as part of his Masters of Environmental Design Studies (Design-Build) (https://dal.academia.edu/MichaelMacLean) at Dalhousie University. He is grateful that #RisingYouth helped him to stay connected with a community ...Read More

Q&A’s with Olga Loggale
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
Hello, my name is Olga Loggale. I was born in Khartoum, Sudan prior to the separation of the country, however my family is from the country now known as South Sudan. I immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2002 but have since come to call Edmonton, Alberta home after moving here in 2003.

Although I have ...Read More

Q&A’s with Gavin Wilkes
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I call two places home, one being Peace River in Alberta where my father lives and Fort Simpson in the Northwest Territories where my mother lives. I have fond memories of each place, and I have learned many things during my time in both places.

Currently, I live in Edmonton Alberta where I am a ...Read More

Q&A’s with Tayrn Hachey
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I am from Metepenagiag (Red Bank) First Nation and I am Mi’kmaq. Which is a part of Miramichi, New Brunswick. I attend James M Hill high school. I am 18 and in Grade 12.

What community/communities are you part of ?
I am part of the Indigenous community and the LGBTQ+ community. I feel that since I am a ...Read More

Q&A’s with Alain Lavoie
What community/communities are you part of ?
A community is a group that you can identify with and develop a sense of belonging. This innate feeling was really felt when I arrived at the Université de Moncton and in the city of Dieppe where I still have the opportunity to grow as an individual. Coming from a small town in northwestern New Brunswick, Grand Falls, I never ...Read More

Q&A’s with Curtis Ruttle
Check out Accessible Media Inc’s documentary on Curtis’ project: The Alternate Route (https://www.ami.ca/category/documentaries/media/alternate-route)

Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I am from Calgary, Alberta. Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics and we are known for the Calgary Stampede –“The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth” In ...Read More

Q&A’s with Jordan Pottle
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I am from Gander, Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland). Gander is known as being the crossroads of the world, because of our international airport. Every street here is named after a memorable pilot.

What community/communities are you part of ?
I am a member of Qalipu First Nation. I always grew up knowing I was ...Read More

Q&A’s with Mallika Saggoo
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I come from quite a few places! My childhood was split between India and Ontario, which involved a lot of moving around. In fact, I’ve studied in six different schools before I joined the student community of the University of Manitoba. However, I would identify Punjab as my hometown. Something unique ...Read More

Q&A’s with Kaitlyn Lightfoot
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I am from the City of Selkirk in Manitoba, home of the Catfish. Our community has a population of 10,278 people and we have many fun things to do here such as walking trails through the Selkirk Community Park, a Community pool and Splash pad, and many parks and playgrounds situated around the town. ...Read More

Q&A’s with André Marchildon and Ian T.D. Thomson
Check out the Beyond Riel podcast here! Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/beyond-riel/id1582237975)  Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4moihmiiu6Shc312vW7m5o?si=68e287db43a94058)

Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?

André: I was born and raised in Winnipeg. I grew up speaking French and all of my ...Read More

Perspectives from Coast to Coast : The Second Official Language
Meet the speakers!

Perspectives from Coast to Coast: Second Official Language is coming soon. Listen to a variety of Francophone alumni, policymakers, educators, and service organizations discussing the important topic of language security.

Date and Time: July 5, 2022

4 pm (Pacific time)/ 7 pm (Eastern time)

Register here. ...Read More

Q&A’s with Jordyn Weddell
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I am from Quispamsis, NB. I am currently living in Saint John, NB to finish up my Master of Applied Health Services Research through MUN. I lived in St. John’s, Newfoundland, for two years where this project was carried out. If I had to pick somewhere to call home, it would be Amsterdam, where I lived a ...Read More

Q&A’s with Mallory Hookey
Rocks painted by #RisingYouth alumni Mallory Hookey and her team which were placed around her community

Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?The community I am from is Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. Lower Sackville is a strong community which has made me eager to learn more about culture and life skills.

What community/communities are you ...Read More

Q&A’s with Yulissa Gabriela Campos Espinoza
To listen to the Latinas in Stoon Podcast, click here. (https://open.spotify.com/show/0Qbf6KvRYl7awbpJ6xoAED)

Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?
I am from Guayaquil, Ecuador born and raised in a coastal city in my beautiful South America. I am currently living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and I call it my second home as I ...Read More

Q&A’s with Vanessa Oliviero
Where are you from? What place do you currently call home and why?

I am from a small community in the Yukon and I call it home because I feel a deep connection to the community and the land around me.

What community/communities are you part of ? How does that influence your perspectives on life?

I am an indigenous young person who is also queer and these communities ...Read More

#RisingYouth Partnership Series : Meet The Speakers!
March 8th, 9th and 10th

To celebrate partners and organizations in the #RisingYouth network, the Partnerships and Outreach Team put together an event series titled #RisingYouth Partnership Series: Sharing Knowledge and Sustainable Solutions.

The series was an opportunity for partners to share their knowledge, expertise and how they have been ...Read More

Meet The Speakers : Defining Black Futures and Excellence: A #RisingYouth Perspective
In honour of Black History Month, #RisingYouth is organizing the event ‘’Defining Black Futures and Excellence: A #RisingYouth Perspective’’, in which we will bring together Black-led organizations and Black Alumni on a panel to discuss the Black experience in Canada and the impact accessing #RisingYouth grants ...Read More

The final weeks of a year are a funny thing. It’s a time to be grateful for what we have, all that has been accomplished and to acknowledge the efforts that have been made by ourselves and others. It is also a time to reflect on the events of the past year and to wonder what the next one has in store for us.
As 2021 is drawing to a close (already!), we look back on the accomplishments of our ...Read More

Q&A’s with #RisingYouth Alumni Maria Vassiliou
Maria Vassiliou used her 1,500$ #RisingYouth Grant to capture the stories of People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) in a public photo gallery that aimed at educating the general population about the opioid crisis, reduce stigma around the opioid crisis being about “addicts”, and share the stories of the most marginalized that are affected by the situation. The ...Read More

Film Screening and Panel Discussion: Canadian Residential Schools: Their Survivors and Their Descendants
On Monday, September 27th, the #RisingYouth program held a special film screening and panel event in recognition of Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this week. Kayla Rosteski-Merasty, host and Northern and Indigenous Advisory Panel Liaison for the #RisingYouth ...Read More

An engaging and important discussion on the role the media has in amplifying young and diverse voices
Panelists of the event (from left to right): Arleigh Galant, Claire Byrne, Curtis Ruttle, Donna Sound, Grégory Mondésir, Justine Abigail Yu, Linh Nguyễn, Holly Connors

National news correspondents and #RisingYouth Alumni came together this week to discuss the role the media can play in ...Read More

A discussion with Topaza Yu, #RisingYouth Alumni and Member of the Prime Minister Youth Council
Tell us about yourself

Hi everyone! My name is Topaza Yu, and my pronouns are she/her. I am currently finishing up my kinesiology degree at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, which is the treaty six territory and the homeland of the metis. I am a #RisingYouth Alumni and a member of the ...Read More

By Meladul Haq Ahmadzai
My name is Meladul Haq Ahmadzai and I am a #RisingYouth Alumni. My student e-resource project focused on sharing resources with about 30 youths in the Ottawa area on research skills to help them at school and with volunteering.

My background is in Computer/IT field and I am currently studying public health at the master’s level. I hold postgraduate degree in Global ...Read More

Written by Siobhan Takala
Cindy Caturao (she/her) completed a #RisingYouth project just last year (2020) in the wake of the pandemic. Cindy organized Covid-Care kits for people experiencing houselessness in her community of Edmonton. In chatting with Cindy, she says that her project helped expose many systemic issues, existing limitations of government support, and biases that exist, that she is ...Read More

Mo Phùng — Connections for Climate Justice
Mo Phùng (They/She/Ellui) was first supported by #RisingYouth for Oceans Week HFX (OWHFX) in 2019. OWHFX is a youth-led initiative that was designed to connect community members and ocean sectors partners, through ocean conservation and education. OWHFX was a project Mo had been working on since 2016, and each year it has grown and evolved.

Mo says that ...Read More

The Alumni Hub is growing, since December we have gained 50 plus new members and have added many new sections on the Hub for Alumni to get involved with. Here are a few!
The calendar feature showcases various events, both hosted by #RisingYouth or external events, that Alumni can attend. This month, there are almost 50 events our Alumni can attend! Most of the events are held on Facebook live and ...Read More

One alumni, two projects : Teaching traditional knowledge and celebrating with graduates during COVID-19
Q&A’s with Carly Chartier

Where are you from? What place do you call home and why?

I am from Selkirk Manitoba, which is 20 minutes away from Winnipeg, Manitoba. We are located on the Treaty 1 Territory! (which is both the homeland of the Metis and where my family is from, Sagkeeng First ...Read More