Our Team

My name is Aarzo Karimi (she/her), and I recently graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Kinesiology. In my free time, I enjoy reading books of all genres, writing poetry, and exploring the outdoors! I look forward to fostering collaboration and empowering youth through meaningful initiatives, and inspiring positive change while learning from their diverse perspectives.

Hi! My name is Alexia and my pronouns are she/her. I'm a team leader with Youth Central, and I'm in my fourth year of nursing at the University of Alberta. When I'm not in school, I love to spend my free time catching up with my friends. My favourite part about being a team leader is getting to meet all the volunteers and making connections! Hope to see you at one of my projects!

Hi everyone! My name is Ali and I'm a first-year student at Mount Royal University, currently studying Business. I've always been an avid fan of books, anywhere from mystery to historical fiction and I'm always looking for a good recommendation! I guess what I enjoy most about being a Team Leader is trying to base my decisions on my own experiences as a Youth Central volunteer, and hopefully create an enjoyable experience for current volunteers. My pronouns are he/him. 

My name is Calla and I am in my 4th year of Nursing at Mount Royal University. My favourite part of being a Team Leader is getting to experience so many new things and meeting new people! In my free time, you can find me reading or studying at a cafe, spending time with friends and family, and learning new languages. I also love exploring the food scene in Calgary. If you also share a love of bubble tea, we’ll be instant friends! My pronouns are she/her.

Hi there! My name’s Cerena. I use she/her pronouns. I’m majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Psychology at Mount Royal University. I love movies, photography and traveling! I’m really looking forward to meeting all of you and being part of making a meaningful impact in our community and the WORLD!! If we can all spread kindness and lead with empathy we’ll make a big difference!! See ya down the road 🙂

My name is Dana. I use she/her pronouns. I go to the University of Calgary where major in general kinesiology. What I enjoy most about being a Team Leader is getting to meet and talk with all the different and amazing volunteers of Youth Central! Outside of Youth Central I really enjoy baking cookies and being active with my dodgeball team!

Hey there, my name is Eamon Saldana. I use he/him pronouns. I'm currently in my 3rd year of gap year. I've been working and in the community for the past years. You can ask me about how my gap years are so far! I really enjoy Youth Central as I get to volunteer in events and communities around Calgary. I get to work with you, the youth, who makes our future brighter and contribute to our communities. Something about me are: I like photography, the outdoors, serving others, and working with youth AND I give wonderful advice. I look forward to working with you at projects!!!

My name is Enver. My pronouns are he/him. I am currently doing a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences at Queen's University! I'm super passionate about being involved in health and human rights causes, but in my free time, I love to spend time playing volleyball or dodgeball with my friends! As a former volunteer with Youth Central, I really enjoy seeing recurring volunteers and seeing them grow in character and skill sets throughout their volunteering journey!

Hello! My name is Fathima. I use she/her pronouns. I am majoring in mechanical engineering at University of Calgary. In my free time, I love spending time with my friends and binge watching my favourite shows. Additionally, in my role as a Team Leader, I find great fulfillment in the opportunity to meet dedicated volunteers, assist them in establishing meaningful connections within their community, and support their personal growth.

Hey, my name is Gaby and I am in my second year of Exercise and Health Physiology at the University of Calgary. Some things that I love are playing the violin, cooking, and getting active outdoors, especially with my dog. I love working with Youth Central because I get to work with so many great youth and get to serve many different areas of need throughout the community.

Since joining us in 2023, multi-talented coordinator Jen (she/her) has become an integral part of our team, helping youth turn dreams and ideas into reality. Equipped with a degree in psychology, Jen has honed her youth engagement skills through roles at YMCA day camps and Assiniboine Park Zoo youth programs, as well as coaching youth volleyball!

Outside of work, you’ll find her baking delicious banana bread, juggling (literally), or positively dominating at cornhole.

Kenn Enns (they/them) joins Youth Central with a background in writing, editing and social media strategy. They honed their skills across several media outlets and at Shelf Life Books.

 

As a high school Fringe Fest volunteer, Kenn found not just a cause, but a community. That experience shaped them, leading to lifelong volunteering with other arts initiatives, including Sled Island and the Calgary Underground Film Festival. Today, they want all youth to find that same sense of belonging.

 

When not fine-tuning sentences, Kenn can be found watching documentaries or horror movies, debating the merits of the Oxford comma or getting lost in a weird novel.

With a degree in Marketing and decades of experience in communications, fund development, board governance, and nonprofit leadership, Lisa’s superpowers include collaboration, insightful questions, simplifying complexity and seeing problems from at least 57 different perspectives.

Lisa (she/her) is convinced that we can build a brighter future together if we invest in and empower our youth. Her love for volunteering began at 19 as a Katimavik participant, and today she always has a community project or two on the go. Lisa has a soft spot for dogs, dad jokes and scary movies—she loves a good jump scare—and she is also something of a sucker for savory treats.

I’m Micaela (she/her) I have a combined degree in Marketing and International Relations from the University of Calgary. I love working with Youth Central volunteers and seeing them grow into themselves and become more confident in who they are. A bit more about me, I spend more time buying books than reading them. By the end of this year, I hope to have read all of the books on my shelf. Wish me luck!

From early experiences working with youth in her church community to today’s volunteer work with the Calgary Youth Justice Society, Peony (she/her) has always been drawn to volunteering and helping youth grow.  

Peony joined Youth Central in 2018 with a Bachelor of Sciences in Environmental Conservation Science. Since then, she has coordinated several different Youth Central programs, completed a Non-Profit Management Certificate and settled in as coordinator for Youth Volunteer Corps, our team-based volunteer program. 

A self-proclaimed pig enthusiast, Peony has an impressive collection of pig memorabilia. Take note! She is very food motivated.

Hi! My name is QK and I use she/her pronouns. I am at the University of Calgary, majoring in Exercise and Health Physiology. Fun fact, I can speak four languages, and reading mystery/thriller novels is a hobby that I really enjoy. Being part of Youth Central is an amazing experience as it allows you to serve the community at different fronts and through different means. It's great to do what we possibly can to help.

Ros (she/her) has spent the last 5,000 years (well, since 2006) dedicated to youth empowerment at Youth Central but still occasionally gets mistaken for a participant. Armed with a Sociology degree, Ros initially joined us as an Office Coordinator and rose to Program Director. Along the way, this talented Jill of all trades has worn many hats—sometimes all at once! 

Originally from a small town, Ros cherishes the power of community. Her passion? Watching volunteers grow and make a real difference in the community.  Fun facts: In high school she was voted most likely to win the Indy 500 and she’s always up for a road trip—just don’t show her the latest TikTok video, or you’ll be late!

Sarah (she/her) brings a global lens and a deep commitment to youth empowerment to her role. She holds an MSc in Global Politics from the London School of Economics and has supported youth through frontline and systems-level roles—as a Youth Programs Officer in Malawi and in strategy and evaluation roles at the United Way.
 
Sarah first joined Youth Central’s board in 2018, helping shape our strategic direction, including co-chairing our most recent mission and vision refresh. Now, she’s stepped off the board and into the Interim Executive Director role, excited to continue championing youth as leaders, decision-makers, and vital voices in their communities. 

When she’s not chasing big ideas, Sarah is out chasing the northern lights (really—she tracks space weather for fun). She’s also a woodworking enthusiast who crafts wooden toys in her spare time. Ask nicely, and she just might show you a picture!

Since 2008, Sylvia (she/her) has been a force for good (and a source for hugs) at Youth Central. She started as a Team Leader and School Clubs Coordinator before becoming Outreach Coordinator. Informed by her Bachelor of Applied Child Studies, Sylvia is dedicated to helping youth discover their potential and giving them the confidence to pursue their passions.

Inspired by her bold and feisty daughter, who gives her hope for the future generation, Sylvia believes our work is vital because it empowers all youth to believe in themselves. When she's not flexing her amazing ability to connect with absolutely anyone, Sylvia loves exploring international cuisines and sharing delicious meals with friends and family.