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
Support youth in Calgary
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.
