2023 Youth of the Year (tab)

Meet our 2023 Youth of the Year

Sebastian, BGC West Scarborough, National Youth of the Year

Over the last 3 years, Sebastian has been involved with BGC West Scarborough as a Club member and staff. As a natural-born leader within his Club, he wants to use his voice to amplify those in his community that need to be heard. In doing this, he plans to share his experiences as a child of immigrant parents to help others understand the value of making opportunities, resources, and programs accessible to families.

Outside of his Club and as an aspiring educator, Sebastion is also the founder of the Homework Help Program—a 1:1 after-school academic support program for children within schools around the community. He continues to advocate for education as the key to unlocking someone’s full potential.

As one of BGC Canada’s Youth of the Year, Sebastian wants to give back to the West Scarborough community and provide families with the same resources and opportunities he was afforded when he needed them the most.

Logan, BGC South Coast BC, Indigenous Youth of the Year

Over the last 8 years, Logan has played an active role at BGC South Coast BC as a Club member and volunteer. He began his Club journey through the Raise the Grade program offered at his Club and in other programs later. Through what he learned from those experiences, he wants to help youth develop their skills in leadership, kindness, and patience. Logan also views his role at the Club as an opportunity to share his family’s Indigenous traditions and culture with others to create meaningful discussions.

An impactful member of youth-led reconciliation and connection efforts, Logan champions various Indigenous movements and helps lead conversations that shed light on Indigenous issues in his community. He shares his experiences to shed light on the negative effects of discrimination and amplify the voices of Indigenous young people. Outside his Club, Logan attends the Sarah Mclachlan School of Music, where he is learning to play the guitar, drums and partakes in the jazz band.

As BGC Canada’s Indigenous Youth of the Year, Logan wants to educate through meaningful conversations, improve the dialogue around Truth and Reconciliation, and help others understand the importance of taking action and speaking up about key issues affecting Indigenous People.

Halla, BGC London

Over the last 3 years, Halla has played an active role within BGC London as a Club member, volunteer, and staff. She is passionate about tackling barriers that youth face nationwide, particularly racial stigma, which she advocates for as the Chair of the Multicultural Club at her school. By sharing her experiences, she helps others understand the positive effects of embracing and accepting people’s cultures.

Halla is an advocate at her Club through programs like Senior M.A.P., Life Skills Sessions, and the Youth Council Committee, as well as outside of her Club through BGC Canada’s National Youth Council. Her academic achievements, leadership skills, and dedication to her community were recognized with the Silver Anniversary Award—an achievement she is very proud of. Outside of work, Halla enjoys rugby, playing the flute, spending time with loved ones and traveling.

Halla is focused on personal growth and always improving. As one of BGC Canada’s Youth of the Year, Halla aims to use her voice to positively impact her community and future generations.

Mehak, BGC Okanagan

Over the last 3 years, Mehak has been a key member of BGC Okanagan as a Club member and volunteer. Through her time in the Raise the Grade program and volunteering with her Club’s after-school youth program, she wants to help create inclusive and engaging learning environments to help others reach their full potential and amplify youth voices.

As the co-president of her District School Council, she advocated for students during Board of Education meetings. Through events like We Scare Hunger and Jump Rope for Heart, the Operation Take Two initiative, and various volunteer programs, she has made a sizable impact on issues like pollution, sustainability, and climate change.

As one of BGC Canada Youth of the Year, Mehak wants to help educate others about serious global issues while inspiring her community to embrace the positive effects of multiculturalism and diversity.

Taddy, BGC East Scarborough

Over the last 12 years, Taddy has played an active role in BGC East Scarborough as a participant and volunteer. Taddy has demonstrated leadership skills through her Club’s Youth Council and other volunteering programs. She is passionate about promoting financial literacy among young people and helping them understand how life experiences—positive or negative—influence them as they navigate their lives. As someone who values education, Taddy is proud to have been accepted into college.

Beyond her work within her Club, she volunteers in local churches and elementary schools, participates in after-school programs, and helps at community barbeques (her favourite). She is interested in watching movies, has a green thumb for gardening, and enjoys playing sports.

As one of BGC Canada’s Youth of the Year, Taddy aims to use her voice to speak about key issues that youth face and overcome the barriers to pursuing her dream of higher education.

Tahmid, BGC South Coast BC

Over the last 8 years, Tahmid has played an active role with BGC South Coast BC as a Club member and volunteer in the after-school and daycare programs. He participates in many programs at his Club, notably Raise the Grade, a multi-faceted education program, and Creating Connections, where participants discuss mental health topics and the value of making healthy choices.

Outside of his Club, Tahmid is a student-athlete interested in using his leadership skills to help students achieve a great school and life balance while partaking in extracurriculars such as clubs, community events, and sports. As a part of his school’s athletic council, he plans sporting events, fundraising initiatives, and informs the school about essential dates through social media. He also enjoys giving back to his community by volunteering at non-profits and participating in local cultural and religious associations.

As one of BGC Canada’s Youth of the Year, Tahmid wants to use his voice to help diverse communities, amplify the concerns of equity-seeking youth, create an environment of belonging and be a role model for kids in his community.

Saphia, BGC Hamilton-Halton

Over the last 16 years, Saphia has played an active role at BGC Hamilton-Halton as a Club member, volunteer, and staff. As the team lead for her BGC Club’s Seniors Programs, she helps develop inclusive and interactive recreational programs for older adults in her community. She is also the soccer coordinator for BGC’s Crown Point Soccer Program. Saphia has organized soccer opportunities for over 165 children in the Hamilton-Halton area.

Outside of her Club, Saphia has also volunteered in physical activities programs for seniors and people living with chronic disease and disabilities. She has volunteered at McMaster University’s Physical Activity Centre of Excellence, shadowing physiotherapists and gaining experience treating patients. Beyond her involvement as a youth sports coach and former semi-professional soccer player for Hamilton United Elite Soccer Club, Saphia is also a facilitator for her Club’s ABACUS program, teaching courses in science and math.

As one of BGC Canada’s Youth of the Year, Saphia hopes to inspire equity-seeking populations to pursue higher levels of education and teach people how to increase their physical activity levels.