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 Alex and I'm in my third year of Criminal Justice at Mount Royal University. My favourite part of being a Team Leader is getting to know all of you! Youth Central volunteers are passionate, driven, and definitely the coolest kids around! I love finding new ways to engage with and challenge volunteers, and it is an honor to see how you all change and grow through Youth Central. I use he/him pronouns. 

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!

Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioural Science, Daniel “Transit22” Bennett has spent years helping young people express themselves through music. Before joining Youth Central in 2025, he ran a youth recording studio for eight years, led hip-hop literary workshops in schools across Alberta and created music projects involving hundreds of students.

Emotionally intelligent and quick with words, Dan sees his ADHD as a bit of a superpower. His path from a troubled teen to an award-winning artist helps him connect with youth in a way few can. As a result of that journey, he believes deeply in the power of music to infiltrate tough exteriors to help youth process big emotions and build confidence.

Originally from Victoria, Daniel is a huge NBA fan and an avid basketball card collector. If you get the chance, ask him about his surprisingly strong opinions on napkins or his years touring internationally - he has stories from stages across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

Hi! My name is Denniela (she/her) and I am a student at the University of Calgary majoring in Honours Biomedical Sciences, with a minor in Business Management. As a team leader, I’m excited to contribute to meaningful, hands-on experiences in our community, and hopefully develop a sense of leadership in our youth volunteers. Outside YVC, I love photography and playing with animals. I’m eager to meet all of you amazing people very soon!

Hey there! Eamon Saldana (he/him) After completing three transformative gap years, I’m excited to be starting my first year at the University of Calgary, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Urban Studies. Since arriving in Canada, I’ve been deeply involved in community work and youth engagement - experiences that continue to shape my passion for service and leadership. Volunteering with Youth Central has been incredibly rewarding. I love contributing to events and initiatives across Calgary, and I’m especially grateful for the chance to work alongside inspiring youth who are building brighter futures for their communities. Some things I enjoy: photography, the outdoors, working with youth and offering (what I’m told is) excellent advice! I’m looking forward to collaborating on more meaningful projects ahead.

Hi! My name is Elaha, my pronouns are she/her, and I’m a Civil Engineering student at the University of Calgary. I’m excited to have the opportunity to be out in the community as a Team Leader. I’m looking forward to working with and supporting youth in making a lasting, positive impact across the city through their volunteer journey.

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.

Leslie (she/her) joins Youth Central with more than two decades of experience turning big ideas into community impact at nonprofit organizations. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Western Canada Theatre, guiding the organization through growth, strategic renewal, and deeper community engagement. You may also know her from her senior leadership work at Arts Commons.

She was named one of Avenue magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 for her ability to pair big picture vision with practical action – skills she’s ready to put to work for Calgary’s next generation of changemakers. A committed volunteer, Leslie is active with Rotary and has served on the boards of several arts organizations.

Leslie has long been a believer in Margaret Mead’s theory: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” She was drawn to the opportunity to help the next generation of changemakers connect, lead and make a difference.

When she’s not bringing bold plans to life, Leslie can be found sipping the perfect cup of tea or marveling at the weird and wonderful world of cephalopods. (Don’t worry, we had to Google it too!) She is excited to lead Youth Central into its next chapter, helping more youth build the skills, confidence, and connections to shape the future.

Hi everyone, my name is Lucy!! I use she/her pronouns. I plan to study political science out of province/out of country next year. In my free time I enjoy travelling, photography and spending time with my pets. (I have a budgie, hamster and a dog!) As a past Youth Central volunteer I am excited to bring forward my experience and get to work with such passionate youth in the city. See you at future projects!!

Madison Bridal (she/her) joined us in 2025, bringing an education in psychology, anthropology and considerable experience in museum collections and curatorship, including a brief stint at the Smithsonian. A former Youth Central Team Leader, Madison has also worked with BIPOC youth to explore critical thinking by creating their own museum exhibitions.

Madison is convinced that youth are the future. She has always loved how Youth Central builds community, sparks belonging and gives young people room to grow. Returning in a new capacity feels like a natural next step, and she’s excited to strengthen that community through project development and partnerships.

A dedicated book collector, Madison also loves cooking and exploring local events. She’s currently challenging herself to try new activities, so be sure to ask her about her adventures with nuline dancing, archery, tap dance, disc golf and billiards.

Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) and a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations), Micaela (she/her) has been shaping youth experiences as a Team Leader at Youth Central since 2018. In 2025 she joined us full time as an Engagement Coordinator so she can apply her event production and content creation skills to support our work.

She loves watching young volunteers step outside their comfort zones and discover new passions beyond academics and athletics. That’s why she still takes the odd Team Leader shift – she can’t resist being part of those moments.

Micaela is always game to talk Western astrology (just no horoscopes please), junk journaling, or her ever-growing book collection. Her favourite genres? Magical realism, contemporary fiction and graphic novels – though she’s always adding more to her towering TBR list.

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!

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.