Maryam Al-Sabawi
London, ON

Maryam Al-Sabawi is 17 years old and is in her senior year at Saint André Bessette Catholic Secondary School. Leading with compassion, determination and integrity, Maryam is committed to combating Islamophobia through education and advocacy. As a visible Muslim, Maryam has experienced Islamophobia firsthand, with fears intensified after losing a close friend and family to a hate crime.  

Maryam has emerged as a community leader, and is founder of the Youth Coalition combating Islamophobia (YCCI) where she tirelessly works to create a safer and more inclusive environment. 

Through her humanitarian efforts, Maryam has inspired tangible change, displaying resilience and courage beyond her years. Through Islamic Relief Canada, Maryam has been able to make an impact abroad in trips to Bosnia, Turkey, and South Africa.  

Maryam explains, “It was during my most vulnerable moments that I decided that fear would not cripple me, nor define me. I realized that I cannot control what happens to me, but I can control how I choose to respond.” 

Maryam plans to study Governance, Leadership, and Ethics at Huron University College.  

Armine Arslanian
North York, ON

Breaking a cycle of mistreatment requires immense courage. Armine’s bravery in confronting years of abuse spurred her to channel that strength into establishing safe spaces for youth, ensuring they have the voice she was denied. 

Her dedication to community service shines through her work at The Wordswell Neighbourhood Centre, The Ruhi Training Institute, and various volunteer initiatives. Armine’s compassion, resilience, and determination to serve others have made a lasting impact on her community. Her volunteerism with the Armenian community has taught her that regardless of circumstances, one can make a difference and bring the community together. 

It is Armine’s belief that “Community involvement has brought me close to the reality of the people I live alongside. With tangible outcomes that benefit others, I now use my experiences and relationships with the community to empower the youth and teach them that even though they are young, they also have a voice and opinions that matter.” 

Now that she is 17, Armine plans to attend university, to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer.

Isabella Bae
Richmond, BC

Isabella’s passion for humanitarianism is one fueled by her life experiences and adversities. Isabella’s experiences and involvement in the community ignited a passion for addressing societal issues, particularly hunger and food insecurity, as well as advocating for cancer patients inspired by her late aunt’s battle. 

Throughout her life, Isabella has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving her community. She advocates for cancer patients, organizes events for seniors, volunteers at women’s shelters, coaches volleyball and cheerleading, and is a competitive cheerleader and role model to young athletes. Isabella consistently dedicates her time and energy to making a positive impact and being an inspiration to others. 

“I approach every endeavor with an open heart, driven by the desire to contribute without expecting personal gain. This altruistic mindset becomes a driving force that empowers me to overcome challenges and fuels my determination to succeed,” says Isabella. 

She plans on attending the University of British Columbia to study commerce and business.  

Alexandra Elmslie
Guelph, ON

After receiving a diagnosis of severe ADHD and generalized anxiety at a young age, Alexandra struggled with managing her neurodivergence. Although her disability was invisible, its impact was very real. Upon realizing that neurodiversity was a lifelong endeavour, she dedicated her life to establishing methods of working alongside—not against—her brain. With this unique perspective, Alexandra emerged as a beacon of resilience and compassion and has since been actively supporting and advocating for others with “invisible disabilities.” 

Alexandra’s impact extends beyond personal triumphs, evidenced by her leadership roles and volunteer efforts. Whether conducting ADHD research at Western University’s Brain and Mind Institute, supporting occupational therapy for dementia patients at the Parkwood Mental Health Hospital, or empowering children impacted by cancer at Campfire Circle, Alexandra’s compassion and empathy shine brightly. From providing music education to disadvantaged youth, to coaching a Special Olympics swim team, to assisting therapeutic horseback riding lessons, she displays a strong commitment to supporting others and creating an equitable and inclusive environment on a local and provincial scale.

“I firmly believe that psychological services are a universal human right that should be accessible to all. I hope to equip neurodiverse youth with the knowledge to identify their struggles, the courage to reach out for help when required, and the support to navigate their personal journey,” explains Alexandra.

Alexandra is currently pursuing a Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience degree with Scholar’s Electives designation at Western University. Motivated by her passion for equitable psychological support, Alexandra plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and provide services to socioeconomically disadvantaged youth using her lived experience. 

Jamie He
Vancouver, BC

Jamie’s narrative epitomizes resilience, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to both family and community. Raised in a small town, Jamie switched schools after experiencing bullying and racism, eventually transitioning to homeschooling at 12 to care for her ailing parents amidst her own mental health challenges. Despite these hardships, Jamie’s determination propelled her to graduate high school early and start her studies at the University of British Columbia at age 15 while assuming financial responsibilities and working to support her family. Accepted into the Transition Program for Gifted Students at UBC at a young age, Jamie excelled academically while balancing her familial duties. Her compassion extended far beyond the classroom as she fundraised for charitable causes and volunteered extensively in various capacities, from mentoring to coaching.  

A gifted poet and lifeguard, Jamie’s talents shine brightly, channeling her pain from her adversity into profound commitment to humanitarian causes. She is the founder of Sprouting Saplings, a non-profit organization aimed at enhancing child development, and serves as an Officer on the Humanitarian Board of UBC, where she presented on the stigma of reproductive health at a conference this year.  

Jamie tells us that “Despite the hardships I have faced, my heart does not slowly beat: it pounds more robustly than ever, waiting for the next challenge.” 

Just finished with her first year, Jamie looks forward to embarking on her nursing studies at the University of British Columbia, laying the groundwork for a career in medicine. 

Kate Hunter
Surrey, BC

Facing a phobia of needles alongside a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at a young age was no small hurdle for Kate. The triumph over this fear was pivotal, enabling her to manage her health independently and sparking her dedication to fundraising for a cure as a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation ambassador.

Kate balances her French immersion education while devoting time to coaching the school swim team, working as a Lifeguard, and playing competitive rugby. Her commitment to inclusivity extends to fostering a more accessible environment, such as providing accommodations for the hearing-impaired students in her school. From advocating for diversity to volunteering with Nightshift Ministries to serve meals to the homeless, Kate consistently exhibits empathy and initiative. Her dedication to community service, coupled with her resilience and compassion sets her apart as an aspiring humanitarian and leader.

“Being able to experience my actions improving the lives of others has shaped me into the person I am today. It inspires me to continue helping others whenever I am given the chance,” says Kate.

Kate is looking forward to advancing her education with a business degree while continuing her volunteer work and service to others. 

Christel Mazzek
Abbotsford, BC

Christel’s journey from Aleppo, Syria, to Canada stands as a testament to her resilience and compassion. Enduring the turmoil of fleeing the war in her home country at age six, she spent five years in Lebanon before resettling in Canada. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, Christel has emerged as a guiding light of hope and unity within her community, while maintaining a 99% average throughout her high school years. Known for her artistic talent and steadfast determination, she utilizes her experiences to build bridges with others facing isolation. As a result, she has founded an art club in her school community and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of her school’s newspaper. 

Christel’s impact extends far and wide as she actively participates in social justice initiatives, volunteers at local art galleries, and holds the position as Chief of Marketing for the youth-led Vancouver Kindness Movement. Her story serves as a source of inspiration to all who encounter it, a reminder of the transformative power of resilience and kindness in overcoming adversity.

As Christel looks to the future, she shares, “The impact I seek goes beyond personal academic accomplishments; it is focused on ensuring the well-being of others and the environment.”

Christel plans to begin her undergraduate journey at the University of British Columbia in the fall and hopes to pursue medicine in the future. 

Shubh Patel
Grande Prarie, AB

Shubh’s journey embodies resilience, empathy, and an unyielding commitment to positive change. Born in India, Shubh overcame cultural challenges and discrimination as an immigrant in Canada. His early struggles with financial hardship and fibrous dysplasia inspired him to ensure others face fewer obstacles, deeply shaping his humanitarian spirit. 

As past President at his high school and the University of Calgary’s Health Sciences Students’ Association, and as a President of his medical school’s class at the University of Toronto, Shubh has advocated fiercely for student wellness, equity, diversity, and inclusion. His leadership has significantly impacted his community, particularly through anti-bullying and mental health destigmatization initiatives. 

Leading the Interact and Rotaract Clubs, Shubh spearheaded projects that raised over $120,000 for charity. As a volunteer with Alberta Health Services, Shubh spearheaded significant improvements in patient care across 19 facilities. His efforts with Medical Makers introduced sustainable, 3D-printed healthcare solutions to underserved areas worldwide. 

Awarded the Schulich Leader Scholarship for his academic and community service achievements, Shubh co-founded The Debtless Students, helping secure over $3M in scholarships for students facing financial barriers.  

Shubh tells us, “As a student, my passion fuels my curious and diligent nature. As a leader, I use my passion as one of my many ways to move others in the community to create a positive change. As a humanitarian, my passion fuels my desire to make someone’s life better than it is.” 

Shubh is currently studying Medicine at the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine. 

Baljot Rai
Winnipeg, MB

Embodying selfless service, Baljot’s experiences and perspectives fuel him to advocate for others. His journey is marked with adversity, from experiencing intergenerational trauma and racism to prejudice for his turban. However, instead of letting these challenges define him, Baljot uses them as a driving force for his service to others.  

Drawing from familial experiences with incarceration, Baljot is committed to restoring the dignity of inmates who belong to minority faiths by providing them with spiritual and religious resources. He founded the ‘One in All’ Project, which supplies religious, spiritual, and self-improvement resources to inmates in Manitoba prisons, collaborating with leaders from various faiths to ensure inclusivity and to address the ongoing human rights violations occurring within prison walls. Recently, he has been working with the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation to expand the reach of this project to Indigenous inmates. 

Despite a multitude of pressures and expectations, Baljot has continued to forge his own path. He participates in many extracurricular activities while continuing to excel academically. He serves as a leader for the Youth in Philanthropy Club, organizes educational campaigns on poverty and reconciliation, and advocates for human rights and social justice within his school and broader community.  

Baljot’s compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication propel him towards the future. He strongly believes that youth must shun the status quo and take action against the issues which have been neglected for far too long. 

He tells us, “The next generation must be the generation of humanitarians, for our world has endured far too much for conflict to continue. Ensuring that everyone’s dignity is respected is a value close to my heart.”

Baljot will study Water Science and Interfaith Studies at the University of British Columbia.