TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2024 – The King’s Trust Canada (TKTC) proudly announces the launch of its Youth Council as part of its mission of helping 100,000 young people increase their employability. With youth unemployment reaching its highest in over a decade this year (14.5%), the formation of the Youth Council is a much-needed step in the right direction.
The thirteen inaugural members of TKTC’s Youth Council will advise the executive leadership team, act as ambassadors on behalf of the organization, and represent the issues that matter most to young people today.
Youth Council members will play a critical role in shaping TKTC’s ideas, programs, campaigns, and strategies to better serve young Canadians facing barriers while gaining valuable leadership experience.
“In creating and delivering our programs we have always consulted young people; we now have a formal way of hearing directly from those who represent the youth we serve.” said Farah Mohamed, CEO, The King’s Trust Canada.
The members of the council are as follows:
Ahdithya Visweswaran, QC
- Ahdithya Visweswaran is a government relations professional from Alberta with a diverse career across both the government and nonprofit sectors. Currently Director of Advocacy & Public Policy at Canadian Parents for French, he advocates for bilingualism through public education. He is dedicated to addressing barriers faced by systemically excluded youth through his work with TKTC’s Youth Council.
Aisha Sidiqi, ON
- Aisha Sidiqi is a newcomer to Canada with a background in economics, originally from Afghanistan. Dedicated to social impact from a young age, she volunteers with nonprofits to support youth and girls in accessing education and essential skills. Aisha’s personal experience navigating the challenges of newcomer life fuels her passion for helping others find meaningful employment. Through TKTC’s Youth Council, Aisha aims to combines her advocacy and passion for media and art photography to tell women’s stories and foster empowerment.
Amber Culley, ON
- Amber Culley is a student at Martin Luther University College and Wilfrid Laurier University. From Kitchener, Ontario, she aspires to become a Member of Parliament while pursuing entrepreneurial goals, including her own psychotherapy practice, to make a positive impact in her community. Amber is passionate about mental health and trauma awareness, gender equity, youth empowerment, civic engagement, environmentalism, reconciliation, and access to education. She joins TKTC’s Youth Council to foster connections, mentorship, and positive mental health among young people.
Amira Shousha, ON
- Amira Shousha is a youth advocate from Alberta, recognized as a Top 30 Under 30 by ACGC. She is the founder of *The Youth Guide* and has a background in psychology, sociology, and international business. Passionate about healthcare, mental health, and equity, Amira combines her non-profit leadership and advocacy expertise to address accessibility challenges and amplify young voices. By joining TKTC’s Youth Council, she is committed to fostering meaningful change through collaboration and innovation.
Farrel Djuogo, QC
- Farrel Djougo was born in Cameroon and raised in Val-d’Or, a small city in Quebec. As an immigrant, she has experienced cultural, educational, and economic challenges that have shaped her resilience and commitment to supporting underrepresented communities, particularly in employment. Farrel is passionate about advocating for equitable opportunities and joins TKTC’s Youth Council to share her insights and help develop initiatives that empower youth to succeed and thrive.
Jordan Kilgour, NB
- Jordan Kilgour originally from Ontario, moved to New Brunswick in 2022. Passionate about climate justice, nature conservation, and community-driven solutions, Jordan is committed to the belief that every job can contribute to addressing climate change. She knows amplifying youth voices across all sectors will help us to build a more sustainable and equitable future. Jordan is honored to bring her unique experiences to TKTC’s Youth Council.
Maria Guardado, ON
- Maria Alejandra Guardado is a Toronto-born author, poet, and advocate of Latinx heritage. Honored as Notable Life Canada’s Notable Professional 25 and Under and Charity Village’s Most Outstanding Volunteer in 2024, she works with the Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services, advancing public service and community empowerment. With experience in politics, public service, and social impact, Maria is committed to youth leadership, civic engagement, and global advocacy for gender equality and sustainable development. By joining TKTC’s Youth Council, she strives to challenge the status quo and create equitable solutions for marginalized communities, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Masooma Nasiri, SK
- Masooma Nasiri is a psychology student at the University of Saskatchewan, originally from Afghanistan. Deeply passionate about social justice and equity, she believes everyone deserves the chance to live with freedom and dignity. By joining TKTC’s Youth Council, Masooma aims to advocate for youth facing challenges, share her story, and empower herself and others to pursue these values.
Maxwell Evans, NS
- Maxwell Evans is a marketing professional based in Oakville, Ontario, with deep ties to the Black community in Nova Scotia. Maxwell founded Dalhousie University’s Black Business Student Association, mentoring over 75 students and creating opportunities through bursaries, events, and co-op placements. Now a Brand Partnerships Coordinator at Kensington Grey, an influencer marketing agency for Black and Brown creators, he has collaborated with global brands like Nike and Disney. Maxwell joins TKTC’s Youth Council to bring his passion for community empowerment to the forefront.
Naja Pearce, NU
- Naja Pearce, born and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut, is a Recreation Programmer with the City of Iqaluit, developing programs that foster cultural connection and personal growth across her community. She is passionate about recreation, Inuit Games, and preserving her heritage for future generations. Naja joined TKTC’s Youth Council to ensure representation from Nunavut, bring diverse perspectives, and advocate for inclusive programs that empower youth and enrich communities nationwide.
Rasul (Peter) Huseynzade, BC
- Rasul (Peter) Huseynzade, is a multinational youth advocate and global diplomacy leader. He co-founded Fridays For Future and Youth For Climate, collaborating with organizations like Greenpeace and WWF. Selected as the youngest EU Climate Pact Ambassador and UNICEF Youth Advocate for the Middle East, he has worked on green transformation and youth policies with governments worldwide. As President of Young Politicians of Canada, Peter empowers young leaders and amplifies youth voices in democracy. He joins TKTC’s Youth Council to champion youth-centered solutions and drive impactful change.
Tiana Lemon, YT
- Tiana Lemon, a proud member of the Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nations from Dawson City, Yukon, is an MBA candidate specializing in sustainability and innovation. Passionate about Indigenous rights and climate action, she blends traditional knowledge with modern strategies to create lasting change. Tiana has presented policy recommendations at the European Union and worked as a Youth Board Director for the Chief Isaac Group of Companies, strengthening connections between Indigenous communities and corporate leadership. She joins TKTC’s Youth Council to empower youth and promote sustainable, Indigenous-led solutions.
Zach Lidder, BC
- Zach Lidder is from Surrey, BC, and is currently studying at Trinity College and The Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. A passionate environmentalist and history enthusiast, Zach joined TKTC’s Youth Council to advocate for youth facing barriers to employment. He aims to use his experiences to address youth unemployment in Canada and create meaningful change.
For more information about TKTC’s Youth Council, visit: kingstrust.ca/youth-council
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About The King’s Trust Canada
Founded by His Majesty the King Charles III, The King’s Trust Canada is a national charity that creates pathways to employment for young people facing barriers by providing free skills training, work experience and networking opportunities.
For more information, please contact:
Gaston Calzato
Senior Manager, Public Affairs
