Our Team

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.

Julianne Rohel

Chair

Senior HR Integration Advisor,
Cenovus Energy

Sarah Pervez

Vice Chair

Principal Consultant,
Community Voices Consulting Inc.

Henry Su

Treasurer

Head of Finance & Operations,
David AI

Michael Doerksen

Secretary

Lawyer,
Field LLP

Bryce Kapsha

Director

Account Executive,
Benevity

Jason Kraatz

Director

CEO,
Hopewell Residential

Lana Bentley

Director

Executive Director,
Women’s Centre of Calgary

Ranita Charania

Director

Mindset Coach,
Mpwrd Coaching Ltd.

Katie Murray

Director

 

Elisea De Somma

Director

Clinical Psychologist,
Alberta Children’s Hospital

Trevor Galon

Director

Chief Investment Officer,
Matco Financial Inc.

Office team

We’re the humans cheering youth on, building opportunities, and turning big ideas into real impact. Around here, we take youth leadership seriously—but we still like to have fun.

Leslie Biles

Executive Director

Leslie brings more than 25 years of executive and operational experience in Canada’s nonprofit sector to Youth Central. A passionate community builder and a strong believer in giving back, Leslie combines strategic expertise with a focus on organizational development and team building. As a dedicated and active member of the community Leslie has held numerous volunteer leadership roles with organizations including Rotary International, Mount Royal University, and the Calgary Stampede. With a background in the arts and a career spanning organizations across Canada, Leslie brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to Youth Central. 

Daniel “Transit22” Bennett

Bounce Back Coordinator

Role: Dan conducts hip-hop songwriting and recording workshops with youth to give them a voice to express themselves in a positive way.

Jen Saj

Program Coordinator

Role: As the Program Coordinator for Youth Central’s  Mayor’s Youth Council, Calgary Youth Foundation, and Youth Are Awesome (YAA), Jen supports youth to lead initiatives, bring their ideas to life, and share their perspectives with the community. 

Madison Bridal

Special Projects Coordinator

Role: As the Special Projects Coordinator, Madison builds and maintains relationships with local community agencies to secure diverse city-wide volunteer opportunities for our Youth Volunteer Corps program.

Micaela Ramos

Engagement Coordinator

Role: As the Engagement Coordinator, Micaela tackles everything from captions and graphics to all things marketing. During the school year, she also lends a hand guiding the Youth of Distinction Awards (YODA) committee in creating an unforgettable day celebrating Calgary’s inspiring young changemakers. 

Nicole Latimer

Philanthropy Manager

Role: Nikki feels privileged to share the stories and impact of Youth Central’s programs and volunteers, and to invite others to invest in the potential of young people through the generosity of individuals, foundations, corporations, service clubs, and government partners.

Peony Wong

YVC Program Coordinator

Role:  As the Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) Program Coordinator, Peony works with parents and youth to ensure they are having a positive and meaningful experience volunteering in our YVC program.

Ros Doi

Program Director

Role: Ros oversees Youth Central’s programs, working with staff and youth to create meaningful opportunities for youth to connect, contribute, and develop leadership skills.

Sylvia Galica-Casuncad

Program Coordinator

Role: Sylvia provides support to youth in Discovering Choices Youth Councils, the Bounce Back program and the GRADitude Project. She ensures that youth facing obstacles are truly seen, valued, and heard while giving youth the opportunities to find meaningful ways to give back.

Team leaders

Part-time staff guiding YVC volunteers during their projects. Fully equipped with First Aid and CPR training and a bag full of fun icebreakers and reflection activities.

Alexander Khan

He/Him

School/Degree: Mount Royal University, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Ali Hussain

He/Him

School/Degree: Mount Royal University, Business

Apollo Shill

They/Them

School/Degree: University of Alberta, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology

Ayisha Chappangathil

She/Her

School/Degree: University of Calgary, Bachelor of Health Sciences 

Calla Ha

She/Her

School/Degree: Mount Royal University, Bachelor of Nursing

Cerena Bond

She/Her

School/Degree: Mount Royal University, Bachelor of Arts – Anthropology w/ minor in Psychology

Dana Desamparado

She/Her

School/Degree: University of Calgary, Bachelor of Kinesiology

Denniela Belen

She/Her

School/Degree: University of Calgary, Biomedical Sciences (Honours) w/ minor in Business Management

Eamon Saldana

He/Him

School/Degree: University of Calgary, Political Science and Urban Studies

Elaha Rahad

She/Her

School/Degree: University of Calgary, Civil Engineering

Fathima Chappangathil

She/Her

School/Degree: University of Calgary, Mechanical Engineering

Gaby Nunez

She/Her

School/Degree: University of Calgary, Exercise and Health Physiology

Hafsah Altaf

She/Her

School/Degree: Bachelors of Health Sciences in Biomedical Sciences

Khawla Hafeez

He/They

School/Degree: Bachelors of Science, Astrophysics Degree

Lucy Morcom

She/Her

Hobbies: Travelling, photography and spending time with my pets. (I have a budgie, hamster and a dog!)

Nathan Repolona

He/Him

School/Degree: Carleton University, Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering

Ruhi Tandon

School/Degree: Bachelor of Arts, International Relations

Ryley Graftaas

He/Him

School/Degree: University of Calgary, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Shaira Mae Oidi

She/Her

School/Degree: MacEwan University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

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Empower the next generation to lead, volunteer, and grow. Join us in providing Calgary youth with the tools to build their skills and shape a more vibrant community today. 

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