About Us
Mission: Empowering youth to find and build their communities.
Vision: All youth participate in shaping a vibrant community.
We empower youth to build community through a wide range of leadership and volunteer opportunities. Each year, we engage over 2,200 youth in Calgary, aged 12 – 18, through events and programs that build confidence, social connections, and essential life and leadership skills.
We know that when young people are encouraged to participate in their communities, they not only make an immediate impact but also build resilience for the future. Our programs prepare the next generation of community leaders for tomorrow’s challenges, enhancing employability and protecting mental health while supporting the work of over 100 community partners.
Our Board
The Youth Central Board of Directors is a strategic governance board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. It is focused on bringing the right balance of foresight, insight and oversight to help us accomplish our goals and advance our mission of empowering youth.
Chair: Julianne Rohel, CHRP – Senior Strategic Human Resources Partner, Cenovus Energy Inc.
Vice Chair: Sarah Pervez – Principal Consultant, Community Voices Consulting Inc.
Treasurer: Henry Su – Head of Finance & Operations, SmarterDx
Secretary: Bryce Kapsha – Support Operations Lead, Benevity
Directors:
Lana Bentley – Executive Director, Women’s Centre of Calgary
Ranita Charania – Executive and Leadership Coach, Ranita Impact Coaching
Dr. Elisea De Somma, Ph.D., R.Psych. – Clinical Psychologist, Alberta Children’s Hospital and University of Calgary
Michael Doerksen – Lawyer, Field LLP
Trevor Galon, CFA – Chief Investment Officer, Matco Financial Inc.
Jason Kraatz, CPA, ICD.D – Director, Hopewell Group
Katie Novak – Manager, Global Content & Communications, SMART Technologies
Yisha Pang, CA – Manager, Consolidations and Financial Reporting, Enbridge Inc.
If you would like to reach a specific Board Member, or are interested in board service, please reach out to 403-266-5448 or lisa@youthcentral.com.
Our Supporters
We’re grateful to have such generous supporters on our journey to youth empowerment.
$50,000+
Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission (AGLC), Calgary Foundation, Family & Community Support Services (FCSS), John Bowlen Legacy Flow Through Fund 1 at Calgary Foundation, The Prosser Charitable Foundation
$25,000 – $49,999
Werklund Foundation
$10,000 – 24,999
Rogers Birdies for Kids, presented by Altalink; Canada Life; Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited; Enbridge Inc.; Gibson Energy; Home Depot Canada Foundation; Jessalyn Rohs and Michael Stensby; Nickle Family Foundation; TELUS; Youth Volunteer Corps
$5,000 – $9,999
ConocoPhillips Canada, Kinette Club of Calgary, Penny Hume, RBC, SMART Technologies
$1,000 – $4,999
Anonymous, Bridal Expo YYC Inc., C&E LLP Chartered Professional Accountants, Calgary Catholic School District, Calvert Home Mortgage Investment Corporation, Desjardins Insurance, Equium Group, Field Law LLP, Friends & Family of Al Duerr, Harry & Martha Cohen Foundation, Hopewell, The Hunter Family Foundation, Joanne Cuthbertson, Keating Family Fund at Calgary Foundation, Koeller Charitable Giving Fund at Calgary Foundation, Lisa Kindree, Matco Financial Inc., Matt Grant, Rotary Club of Calgary East, Sanjel Energy Services Inc., Stephen Cleaners, Suede Energy Ltd., TD Bank Group, Usman Tahir Jutt, ZS2 Technologies
