Leisha Toory, an accomplished international undergraduate at Memorial University, majors in Political Science with a minor in French for Francophones. A dedicated advocate for positive change, she is a dynamic leader in menstrual equity, mental health, and youth engagement. As the visionary founder of the Period Priority Project, Leisha pioneers nationwide menstrual equity initiatives, distributing products and enhancing education for youth through handbooks, presentations, and podcasts. This groundbreaking project sets a precedent in Newfoundland and Labrador. Leisha's remarkable contributions earned her nominations for the Human Rights Award, City of St. John's Applause Civic Awards, and the YWCA's Circle of Distinction Award. The recipient of the David Kirkland Student Leadership Award, she exemplifies unwavering commitment to positive social impact.

In her role as Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health for the Young Canadians Roundtable on Health, Leisha showcases versatile leadership. As a panelist at Municipalities NL's Leadership Summit and a distinguished guest speaker at the Volunteer Connections Conference, she contributes significantly to discussions on effective leadership and the National Action Strategy for Volunteerism. Leisha's multifaceted endeavors reflect her commitment to challenging stereotypes, dismantling barriers, and creating positive change across social justice intersections.

"For YOUth; By YOUth"

Serene joined Motivate Canada as a delegate in 2021 during the online summit. She is now a ViaYOUTH Committee Member. Serene came to Canada as a Protected Person in December 2016. Her background is in Interior Design and she works in her field. But since she came to Canada she's been a part of a few local non-profit organizations as a volunteer, and a Canada Summer Job Employee. She was a part of the YMCA (As a volunteer and a member in a youth supporting program), MCC, and WEST (As a Canada Summer Job Employee and as a volunteer). She also volunteered for other local organizations, by creating logos, posters, and websites. Serene always strives to give back to the community in any way possible as a way of thanking everyone who made her feel at home.

Leisha Toory (she/her)
Ottawa, Ontario

Jess Young (she/her)
St.Johns, Newfoundland

Serene Elbalkhi (she/her)
Ottawa, Ontario

Jane Nicholson (she/her)
Hubley, Nova Scotia

My name is Jess Young (she/her). I'm 23 years old, from a small town called Carbonear in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). I currently live in St. John's, NL where I work as a social worker for our provincial health authority, NL health Services! I live with my partner, Michael, and our two rescue kitties, Tony and Pokey! I've been a long-time mental health advocate, ever since being diagnosed with a mental illness myself in high school. I quickly realized that mental health advocacy work cannot be done without social justice advocacy work, so my passion has switched gears a little bit & I haven't looked back since!I've started the first community-based Jack.org Chapter at my local youth center (Jack@SPLASH) several years ago and do a lot of volunteer community work through that group. I believe that accessible information and education is fundamental in ensuring a socially just & safe community for all, so in that spirit, I've established 3 virtual social justice book clubs and a social justice-themed mini library through Jack@SPLASH.

I found out about Motivate Canada through sheer luck of checking my 'spam' email folder in 2020/2021 & signed up for my first virtual Via Youth Summit. It was a blast & I knew that Motivate Canada had all the same values & passions that I did, so I'm very excited to return as a Via Youth Summit Planning Committee Member this year! I hope to see some old friends and meet lots of new friends at this year's Summit, so be sure to sign up when it's posted!

My name is Jane Nicholson, and I am a 27 year old Canadian entrepreneur and former Miss United World 2023. I grew up in a small community just outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia, called Hubley. Although I love to travel, Nova Scotia will forever be my home as being surrounded by the ocean means everything to me. Seven years ago, in my final year of college, myself and a classmate took the leap of faith and launched our videography company called Arrow & Knot Productions. Arrow & Knot Productions is a full service videography production house. We’ve had nationally televised commercials and have won best wedding videographer in Nova Scotia for 3 consecutive years. I’ve truly fallen in love with the art of storytelling through video. When I’m not working, you can catch me weightlifting at the gym, playing with my corgi Priscilla, or listening to Taylor Swift. Being involved in pageants has taught me that our voices have power, and we need to use them to make the change we wish to see in the world. Joining the team at Motivate Canada and encouraging youth to use their voices as a driving force is a dream come true.