Leisha Toory, a recent BA Political Science graduate from Memorial University, has been at the forefront of menstrual equity, mental health advocacy, and youth engagement efforts. As the founder of the Period Priority Project, she spearheads a groundbreaking initiative that not only distributes menstrual products across Canada but also provides comprehensive menstrual health education through workshops, handbooks, and podcasts. This initiative is the first of its kind in Newfoundland and Labrador, addressing period poverty and stigma while empowering youth with essential health knowledge. Beyond her local impact, Leisha's work through the project is creating a ripple effect nationwide, fostering awareness and dialogue around menstrual health.

Leisha’s passion for advocacy has been recognized through nominations for several notable awards, including the Human Rights Award, the City of St. John's Applause Civic Awards, and the YWCA's Circle of Distinction Award. She was also the recipient of the David Kirkland Student Leadership Award for her dedication to creating social impact. On an international level, Leisha contributes to global development as a consultant with the United Nations and actively serves on Amnesty Canada’s Gender Rights Team, advocating for gender equality. In addition, her insights on social justice have been published in over 25 local and national outlets, allowing her to elevate critical conversations on human rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment.

Every Youth Has A Story

Leisha Toory (she/her)
Ottawa, Ontario

Becky Martin (she/her)
St.Johns, Newfoundland

Herbert Fong (they/them)
Vancouver, British Columbia

Jane Nicholson (she/her)
Hubley, Nova Scotia

Jane is a dynamic entrepreneur and advocate for women in the workforce and was recently honored as the 2024-2025 International Role Model Ms. She heads Arrow and Knot Productions, specializing in wedding and corporate videos with a portfolio that includes commercials on CBC and SportsNet. Jane's platform, The Working Women's Movement, is a network of interactive workshops and resources designed to equip women with the tools and confidence they need to excel in their careers.

Jane dedicates her time to volunteering with local junior highs, where she hosts empowerment sessions for girls. She also collaborates with Motivate Canada, an organization that aligns with her passions for empowerment, community service, and leadership.

Qumangaapik Arnatsiaq (he/him)
Igloolik, Nunavut

Becky Martin, a proud native of Bishop’s Falls, Newfoundland, has embraced St. John’s as her home while pursuing her undergraduate degree. In her current role as the Coordinator of First Year Experience at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Becky channels her passion for empowering students, guiding them through their academic journeys with a focus on professional, personal, and leadership development. Her commitment to fostering a vibrant campus community ensures that students not only excel academically but also cultivate a profound sense of belonging and connection, enriching their overall university experience.

With a lifelong dedication to volunteering, Becky believes in the transformative power of community engagement and continuous learning. She actively seeks opportunities to make a positive impact, currently serving as a penpal with the Friendship Circle NL and contributing her expertise to the Women’s Non-Profit Network’s Membership Committee and the Board of Directors for YWCA St. John’s. A trained Change It Up Facilitator, Becky is passionate about empowering others to embark on their own lifelong learning journeys. Her unwavering commitment to personal growth and community service reflects her belief in the importance of giving back and inspiring others to reach their full potential.17

A mental health advocate, spoken word poet, and pianist, Herbert (they/them) is originally from Toronto and now resides in Vancouver. Herbert is a dynamic leader and an outspoken advocate for access to mental health resources for youth and young adults. Having experienced the difficulties of accessing mental health resources while studying classical music at uOttawa and McGill, Herbert wants to ensure that no student should have to face their mental health difficulties alone, and that everyone, regardless of background, should be able to access help that is kind, accessible, and affordable. Herbert has a background in classical music and is now a piano teacher for a local music studio in Vancouver, at the same time advocating for kinder spaces in music education that are accessible and more welcoming for people with mental health challenges. Herbert loves to perform poetry at different poetry slam events and uses it as a platform to share their lived experiences to members of the community.

Herbert first stumbled upon Motivate Canada's ViaYouth summit through meeting a new friend at the Frayme Learning Institute in Ottawa in 2024, having been a moderator and emcee there. With their experience in public speaking that includes being a Jack Talks speaker, Herbert is so excited to be a co-host for the upcoming ViaYouth Summit, and strives to make Motivate Canada an ever more positive space than before. Listening to the stories shared by past and present Motivate Canada team members empowered Herbert to share their story, and they are grateful to have stumbled upon such a welcoming space that will enable them to dismantle barriers, deconstructing stigma, and create positive social change.

Qumangaapik Arnatsiaq resides in the remote community of Igloolik, Nunavut. In 2019, he became a coordinator for the recreation team and has since risen to the position of Recreation Director at RPAN (Recreation and Parks Association of Nunavut). Driven by his passion for recreation, Arnatsiaq has developed impactful programs, enhancing RPAN’s Get Happy Summer Day Camp and introducing the Winter After-School and Camp program to ensure children stay active and engaged after school and during winter breaks. In September 2022, he enrolled in Recreation North’s tri-territorial training program, joining an elite group of Nunavummiut who have earned their Certificate in Northern Recreation Leadership. Qumangaapik was also the recipient of the 2024 YOUNG IMPACT LEADERS: 30 Changemakers To Watch For with Future of Good as well as the CPRA Emerging Leader Award.

Qumangaapik represented RPAN as a youth delegate at the 2023 and 2024 ViaYOUTH Summit in Vancouver and Halifax. This year, he chose to apply for a position on the 2025 ViaYOUTH Summit Committee, aiming to contribute his time, energy, and support to other youth across Canada. In his free time, Qumangaapik enjoys running, bouldering, gaming, and spending quality moments with family and friends.