The National Young Leaders Advisory Committee works to:
- Engage and provide youth voice and perspectives to YMCA Canada as input on emerging issues, opportunities, programs, priorities, and strategies
- Build the leadership capacity for youth to be able to fully participate in decision-making spaces as valued decision-makers
- Strengthen and engage the YMCA Young Leaders Network as a mechanism for gathering diverse youth voice nationally
- Support YMCA Young Leaders Network members as a resource and partner in their local efforts and initiatives
- Connect Youth Advisory Committees/Councils to share experiences, promising practices, and learnings to maximize the value they bring to their YMCA Associations
- Advocate for and increase the representation of youth/young leaders on national and global initiatives internal and external to the YMCA
- Educate and reduce intergenerational barriers to make space for more diverse youth voices
Contact us
Member Testimonials
The experience of being part of NYLAC has opened my eyes to the role that the Y has both locally and nationally. It has given me opportunities to take part in higher decision-making spaces as a young leader and in return has made me feel more empowered. I have been fortunate to meet other NYLAC members and young leaders who want to see change within their YMCAs and nationally as I have the opportunity to travel across Canada.
There are many skills you develop while being part of NYLAC, i.e. project management, leadership, etc., and increase your knowledge of issues that not only are happening in your Association but others across are having the same problem as well. I had no idea that the Y was a national and even global organization, learning more about the Y has helped me connect deeper with the programs I take part in. It has made me more passionate about advocating for youth and representing them on a higher level in the YMCA movement.
Dana Lance
NYLAC member since May 2023
Community is the heart of the YMCA. Through the programs and services YMCAs provide all across the country and around the world, communities are built, developed, and sustained. However, to truly build inclusive and equitable communities, it is important to not only advocate and provide a voice, but a platform for those that are representative of those communities.
This is what being a part of NYLAC has allowed me to do. As a member, I have been able to be an ambassador for the many young people across Canada by carrying their voices forward and allowing for active and engaged participation in various initiatives. I’ve had the privilege to represent young people at national and global tables, bringing various important perspectives to meaningful topics and issues.
Ray Kurniawan
NYLAC member since 2023
NYLAC Members 2026
NYLAC Members are YMCA staff or volunteers who are passionate about youth voice, engagement, and leadership.
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Arnaud Sparks (he/him)
I have been working in education-based roles in the nonprofit sector for 8 years. In 2022, I started as the Education Manager at the YMCA of Lethbridge. I am passionate about reducing barriers to academic…
I have been working in education-based roles in the nonprofit sector for 8 years. In 2022, I started as the Education Manager at the YMCA of Lethbridge. I am passionate about reducing barriers to academic success and providing youth with opportunities to grow and share their voice. In my role, I facilitate Alternative Suspension, have started a free tutoring program, and coordinate high school work experience placements. I look forward to continuing my career at the YMCA and developing my role further.
How I can help
Reach out if you need help developing academic community programming or working with other community organizations. I’m always happy to help and brainstorm ideas!
Fun fact
I love weird roadside attractions! World’s largest pinto bean? Sign me up.
Contact
Feel free to reach out at arnaud.sparks@lethbridgeymca.ca.
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Brianna Brohm (she/her)
Hello! I am Brianna, a volunteer and Chair of the Youth Advisory Council at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario. I have been involved with the Y since 2018, starting as a gym member before I…
Hello! I am Brianna, a volunteer and Chair of the Youth Advisory Council at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario. I have been involved with the Y since 2018, starting as a gym member before I quickly became inspired by the Y’s inclusive and welcoming community. I am passionate about creating spaces for individuals to meaningfully engage in leadership and governance initiatives. Outside of the Y, I am completing a master’s degree in social work and bring experience in trauma-informed practice, mental health, and diversity work.
How I can help
I am passionate about creating opportunities for youth, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. I bring experience in mental health advocacy and psychological health and safety. I would love to connect around amplifying youth voices and advocating for their involvement in governance and decision-making. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Fun fact
I love cooking and spending time with my family, especially with my niece and nephew, who always keep me humble and make me laugh!
Contact
Feel free to contact me at briannalaurabrohm@hotmail.com.
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Emma Dwyer (she/her)
I’ve been a YMCA staff member for 9 years now in a variety of capacities, starting with lifeguard to where I am now as Aquatics and Communications Director. Aside from the YMCA, I am a…
I’ve been a YMCA staff member for 9 years now in a variety of capacities, starting with lifeguard to where I am now as Aquatics and Communications Director. Aside from the YMCA, I am a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Navy) and work within the Canadian Cadet Organization (ages 12-18). I have a passion for helping youth learn important skills like leadership and learning how to swim. Seeing another person learn a new skill is one of the most rewarding parts of both of my jobs!
How I can help
I have a passion for design and communication. I love creating graphics for social media and help manage a couple different social media accounts. I am always willing to help make someone’s vision come to life! I love to learn new things, share knowledge, and expand my understanding of the world.
Fun fact
I love the water, I got my boating licence before my driver’s licence, and I was swimming before I was walking.
Contact
Please reach me at Emma.Dwyer@pcymca.ca.
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Jamie Stephenson-Smith (he/him)
My first ever job with the YMCA was as an overnight camp counselor at Camp Pine Crest, and I am so fortunate to continue to work in such a wonderful space, now as the Outdoor…
My first ever job with the YMCA was as an overnight camp counselor at Camp Pine Crest, and I am so fortunate to continue to work in such a wonderful space, now as the Outdoor Centre Assistant Director! As a part of my role, I design outdoor education curriculum that aims to expand comfort zones and strengthen people’s connection to the world around them. As a new NYLAC member I am so excited to broaden my impact, and I hope to help inspire confidence in young people in the outdoors and beyond! There is nothing I love more than seeing someone come out of their shell and push themselves to try new things.
How I can help
I would love to connect about creating spaces for young people to learn and grow. I am super passionate about helping people expand their comfort zones and using perceived risk as a powerful teaching tool! I think outdoor education and land-based learning are as important now as they’ve even been, and I’d love to tell you more about it.
Fun fact
I’ve been obsessed with trivia since competing on an elementary school team, and I now host a weekly trivia night! I am NOT a fun person to watch Jeopardy with.
Contact
I would love to chat about anything and everything! Please reach out at jamie.smith@ymcagta.org.
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Melvi Alvarado (he/him)
My journey with the YMCA began when I was just 15 years old, shortly after I immigrated to Canada from El Salvador, my beloved homeland. I have felt a deep passion for community development, volunteering,…
My journey with the YMCA began when I was just 15 years old, shortly after I immigrated to Canada from El Salvador, my beloved homeland. I have felt a deep passion for community development, volunteering, and advocating for youth from a young age. Over the past decade, I have worked at YMCA Calgary, engaging in various programs designed to empower young individuals and promote their growth, mental health, and overall well-being. I supervise the northern region of Calgary within the YMCA Achievement Program (YMAP). In this role, I am dedicated to supporting newcomer youth as they navigate the challenges of integration and strive to establish their new home. My experience with this program, which I enrolled in upon joining the YMCA, equipped me with invaluable skills to connect with young people effectively and foster my development as a leader. Each day, I am inspired by the resilience and determination of these youth, and it is a rewarding experience to help guide them on their journey toward success.
How I can help
As a dancer and philanthropist, I have been committed to volunteering and making meaningful connections in my community since I was young. I actively advocate for cultural representation within Calgary’s diverse community. As the co-founder of Colores del Alma, a Latinx LGBTQ+ community group, I work daily to support and create space for those who struggle to belong and be themselves. Additionally, I am the founder of the Calgary Salvadorian Folklore Association, where I focus on preserving and promoting Salvadorian culture in Alberta with the support of diverse members from all generations. We create inclusive spaces for connection and community through dance, cultural events, community initiatives, and volunteer efforts.
Fun fact
Whenever I travel, I make it a point to embrace the local culture by volunteering and immersing myself in the community. I also enjoy hitting the beach for some surfing, which adds a refreshing twist to my adventures. Additionally, I’m proud to say that I speak Spanish, Portuguese, and English, allowing me to connect with even more amazing people along the way!
Contact me
Feel free to reach out to me at melvi.alvarado@ymcacalgary.org.
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Raquel Roth (she/her)
I was first introduced to the YMCAs of Québec when I began taking swim lessons at my local centre. As a young adult, I became a volunteer squash coach with the YMCA. I organized youth…
I was first introduced to the YMCAs of Québec when I began taking swim lessons at my local centre. As a young adult, I became a volunteer squash coach with the YMCA. I organized youth and women’s classes and tournaments, with a desire to share my love for the sport and make squash more accessible and inclusive. I have now been the coordinator of Integrated Leisure for 3 years and I have the great privileged to help individuals with disabilities to become autonomous and empowered members of their YMCA. Since a young age, I have been dedicated to volunteering and making meaningful connections in my community. I strive to ignite this same passion in the volunteers I lead, and I am inspired every day by the difference our volunteers make in the lives of those needing support in their YMCA journey.
How I can help
As a Recreational Therapist, I am passionate about providing a voice and choice to those facing limitations. I firmly believe that our leisure activities are an essential part of our identity, and everyone deserves the opportunity to explore and reach their full potential in the activities they enjoy.
Fun fact
I am always up to trying a new sport, even the extreme ones!
Contact
Feel free to connect with me at raquel.roth@ymcaquebec.org.
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Stephanie Li (she/her)
I am a Y kid and have been since the fourth grade! For the last 8 years, I’ve worked for YMCA BC in variety of roles including with kids after school, as a trainer for…
I am a Y kid and have been since the fourth grade! For the last 8 years, I’ve worked for YMCA BC in variety of roles including with kids after school, as a trainer for new staff, and as a young leader within the Association. I’ve done everything from organizing youth conferences to supporting in the opening of a brand-new health, fitness, and aquatics facility. Ultimately, my one goal is to continue to give back to the Y community that raised me in whatever capacity I can. It really does take a village, and I’m excited to bring that passion and that goal to a national level!
How I can help
I am a data nerd! I believe in evidence and data driven decision-making. My current role involves a lot of reporting, analysis, and data visualization. If you ever need to put together a presentation for a new program, write a grant report, or you just want a bunch of numbers put into a pretty chart, let me help you!
Fun fact
I’ve been on four cruises and counting! It’s my family’s favourite way to travel because we like visiting the ports but also because we like that we don’t have to make our beds.
Contact
Let’s get to know each other! Feel free to reach out to me at stephanie.li@bc.ymca.ca.
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Tess Corriveau (she/her)
I have been actively involved in the YMCA since 2023, in a variety of capacities. I currently work in our Employment Services & Youth Engagement Department as the Program Lead for our Y Works &…
I have been actively involved in the YMCA since 2023, in a variety of capacities. I currently work in our Employment Services & Youth Engagement Department as the Program Lead for our Y Works & Y Opportunities Employment Programs. I am passionate about supporting and helping individuals meet their goals at their own pace and breaking down the barriers to do so.
How I can help
I’m passionate about youth advocacy, equality, and inclusiveness. Youth are our leaders of tomorrow and we should support all ideas and experiences to help shape our future moving forward. I strive to foster connections and make every space welcoming to any individual!
Fun fact
I love sports and being active! Catch me on the golf course any chance I get!
Contact
Feel free to contact me at tess.corriveau@swo.ymca.ca or (519)-667-3300 ext. 2038.
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Whitney Benjamin (she/they)
I began my journey with the YMCA of Greater Moncton in early 2023, shortly after earning my degree in Human Services. My lived experience with addiction and mental health challenges throughout my early twenties has…
I began my journey with the YMCA of Greater Moncton in early 2023, shortly after earning my degree in Human Services. My lived experience with addiction and mental health challenges throughout my early twenties has shaped both my personal and professional path. Now, four years into my sobriety, I channel that experience into my work, providing support and advocacy for individuals experiencing homelessness. As the Community Outreach Lead, I oversee multiple programs, including an outreach team, a supportive housing program, and a dispatch outreach initiative that diverts social services calls from RCMP and by-law to trained outreach workers.
How I can help
I’d love to chat about how to support the most vulnerable people in our communities, advocating for systemic change, and/or uplifting and including those with lived experience.
Fun fact:
I have a miniature dachshund named Winston who comes to work with me every day – he has the important job of providing emotional support to the entire team.
Contact:
Feel free to reach out any time at whitney.benjamin@ymcamoncton.ca.