Returning for the third year, Youth of the Year is BGC Canada’s national initiative to recognize and celebrate exceptional youth who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and achievements within their communities.
Youth of the Year encourages young people to become active role models and a voice for young people across Canada. Each year, seven youth receive post-secondary scholarships, laptops, prize packages, and development and media training.
Along with our Youth of the Year, BGC Canada also celebrates an Indigenous Youth of the Year. BGC Canada welcomed its first Indigenous Youth of the Year in 2022 in recognizing the need to create equitable spaces for Indigenous peoples.
Check out our 2022 Youth of the Year Highlight Reel below!
Meet our 2023 Youth of the Year
Logan Keilty, 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.
Sebastian Cifuentes, BGC West Scarborough
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.
Halla Zarroug, 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 Parihar, 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 Kabba, 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 Chowdhury, 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 Shaaban, 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.
Meet our 2022 Youth of the Year
Kayla, BGC Battlefords, Indigenous Youth of the Year
Attending BGC Battlefords for 2 years, from member to volunteer to staff. Aspiring chef, with a passion for combating food insecurity and food deserts in Northern Canada. Kayla has had many positive experiences in her Club like attending Raise the Grade, Power UP! Activities, becoming a Program Leader, to incorporating Cree language labels. Outside of her Club she volunteers with Concern for Youth, a community non-profit organization, and is a member of the Community Grants Program Advisory Committee—which guides the program’s funding and reviews grant applications.
Through her community involvement, Kayla has contributed to creating care packages for women in the community and has supported land-based learning, musical artistry, and Indigenous language revitalization projects. As Youth of the Year, Kayla wants to share the supportive community BGC creates and inspire youth to realize their dreams and advocate for their beliefs.
2022 National Youth of the Year
Shahaddah, BGC Eastview
Attending BGC Eastview for 17 years, from member to volunteer to staff. Shahaddah is interested in pursuing a career in broadcast journalism to highlight the intersectionality between human rights-centered issues and pop culture. Shahaddah has been dedicated to her community, volunteering in numerous Club programs such as summer camp, Black Empowerment group, French tutoring for BIPOC youth, and other workshops. She has also been the MC for several Black History Month community events that have hosted over 300 youth and is a spoken word artist who has performed at multiple BGC and external events like the Toronto International Festival of Authors, TDSB Creates, and Black Women in Motion.
Outside of her Club, Shahaddah is President of her school’s Student Activity Council and Black Students’ Association. She is also an advocate for human rights, working with JAYU Canada to host poetry workshops and write poetry to highlight the intersectionality between poetry and human rights. As Youth of the Year, Shahaddah wants to share the incredible impact of BGC programs on youth, inspire Canadian youth to be the change they desire to see, and show Black youth that they have the potential to be revolutionary leaders.
2022 Regional Youth of the Year
Maya, BGC South Coast BC
Attending BGC South Coast BC for 7 years, from member to volunteer. Maya has been dedicated to her Club and her community. From volunteering at day camps to participating in Camp Potlatch to helping at the Virtual National Youth Conference, she is a natural leader that encourages discussion. Through Creating Connections, she found her passion for activism and social justice, and she has gone on to lead her school’s Feminism Club which has hosted events and fundraisers for charity. Maya is also a co-leader of the Trout Lake Youth Council’s Arts and Crafts committee, where she has volunteered at many Trout Lake events and immersed herself in the local arts community.
In addition to excelling academically and becoming involved in her community, Maya loves playing volleyball and has managed two different volleyball teams at her school for the past two years. As Youth of the Year, Maya hopes to represent and speak up for youth across Canada, as well as spread awareness about social issues that impact our present and future.
Domac, BGC Ottawa
Attending BGC Ottawa for 7 years, from member to volunteer to part-time Junior Youth Worker. Domac is interested in studying psychology and wants to advocate for accessible therapy and mental wellness programs. Domac has been actively involved with his Club, participating in Walk this Way and his Club’s summer basketball league among other sports activities. He regularly volunteers at Club events and attends programs such as Youth-Led Mentorship and Homework Club.
In addition, Domac is a Junior High Leader at his church where he leads games and prayer, encourages younger children to voice their thoughts, and runs the sound booth. At school, he supports other students as a mentor and blogs about his week with the class. As Youth of the Year, Domac wants to empower others to unlock their potential in life and share the opportunities he experienced at BGC with other youth, especially in underprivileged communities.
Aparnaa, BGC East Scarborough
Attending BGC East Scarborough for the past four years, from member to volunteer to facilitator. Aparnaa is passionate about education and plans to pursue a career as a primary teacher for young kids with disabilities. Aparnaa is actively involved in her community and Club, assisting in programs such as the Reading Partnership Program and the EarlyOn program. She has contributed over 900 volunteer hours in the past 4 years throughout her community. Outside of her Club, Aparnaa is a part of the Scarborough Village Youth Council which has hosted multiple community events featuring games, guest speakers, and multiculturalism.
She also co-founded Professional Pathways; a youth-led organization that makes information about career paths easily accessible to youth. As the communications coordinator and secretary, she has built Professional Pathways’ social media presence to over 2500 followers and leads 14 brand ambassadors in their involvement with the organization. As Youth of the Year, Aparnaa aims to develop her leadership potential to make a positive lasting impact on her community and future generations.
Abbey, BGC Hamilton-Halton
Attending BGC Hamilton-Halton for 15 years, from member to volunteer to facilitator and Youth Council member. Abbey is passionate about the entertainment industry and has performed in four musicals and attended many acting programs. Abbey has had many positive experiences at her Club like developing her swimming skills, attending Raise the Grade, and creating meaningful connections with councilors and other youth. She is passionate about rediscovering her Indigenous culture and has helped organize events such as Have a Heart Day and Orange Shirt Day to teach younger children how we can support Indigenous communities.
Outside of her Club, Abbey is a leader for the mental health section of the Health Action Team at her school—promoting wellness and safety in her community through initiatives such as informational newsletters. She also regularly volunteers for community initiatives like the Giving Closet thrift shop and Hamilton Fringe festivals. As Youth of the Year, Abbey wants to help youth find their voice and realize there are no limits when it comes to their goals.
Muhammad, BGC Albion Club
Attending BGC Albion Club for 3 years, from member to volunteer. Muhammad is passionate about public speaking and hopes to become a public figure who inspires others. Muhammad is a leader and advocate at his Club, volunteering at summer camps and as a professional photographer on the Rexpressions media team. He has also been actively involved at school, participating in Robotics Club and the Graduation Committee.
Muhammad has also consistently attended weekly Islamic lectures at his local mosque for several years and volunteered with international language classes at school for 13 years, demonstrating great commitment. He is also busy modeling and shadowing local barbers to learn about professional hair cutting! As Regional Youth of the Year, Muhammad wishes to learn new skills, gain experience, network, and become the best version of himself.
Meet our 2021 Youth of the Year
2021 National Youth of the Year
Valentina Shamoun, BGC East Scarborough
Attending BGC East Scarborough for 7 years, now president of the Youth Council and staff in the Club’s after school program. Going into pre-medicine, attending the University of Toronto for a Bachelor of Health Science, and planning to pursue a career in the medical field. Valentina has had many opportunities with her Club through their Youth Council, including an exchange trip to Ghana, a Youth Summit event, and a BGC x YMCA exchange trip with Winnipeg. Outside of her Club, Valentina volunteers with Footprints 4 Autism and as a peer tutor. She is also the founder of The Butterfly Effect Non-profit Project—a youth led initiative collecting funds for families in Syria through art and embroidery, one of the hobbies she picked up during the pandemic. As National Youth of the Year, she hopes to share her personal story of the inclusivity and incredible opportunities that her BGC Club has provided her and to be a positive voice for BGC youth across the country.
2021 Regional Youth of the Year
Jasleen Bahia, BGC South Coast BC
Attending the Fraserview location of BGC South Coast BC for over 12 years, from member to volunteer to now a tutor in the Raise the Grade program. Second year studying Management and Organizational Studies, with a focus on social impact and non-profit sectors. Jasleen has had so many positive experiences at her Club, from sports to being featured on Breakfast Television to camps to many amazing mentors. She is also busy outside the Club and school! She supports first years in their transition to university, she’s a mentor with Girls Who LEAP, a leadership program to empower girls in grades 6 to 12 in East Vancouver, and she is working on a video-based project called HerStory, which empowers female-identifying individuals to share their stories and experiences to inspire others—AND she loves all things fitness and sports. As Youth of the Year, she hopes to share her story across the country (and beyond!!) so more people are aware and understand the valuable role that BGC Clubs play in changing youth’s lives.
Kowmitha Satkunarajan, BGC West Scarborough
Attending BGC West Scarborough for 5 years, from member to volunteer to facilitator and now Youth Rep on their Board of Directors. Currently studying International Development Studies and Political Science and working towards a Global Scholar certificate. Kowmitha is dedicated to her community, from volunteering on several boards to advocate for youth mental health, her current work as an Impact Thought Leader at the Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity, and being recognized during the pandemic as a C.A.R.E.S Volunteer for her contribution to the Collective Action and Response for Everyone in Scarborough initiative. Kowmitha is on the debate team and she loves to read and write on her personal blog. As Youth of the Year, she wants to share her story of overcoming mental health challenges and trauma to show people, and especially young women of colour, that with the right support it is possible to not only make change in their life and in society, but also learn to live the good life.
Sam Lapensee, BGC Cornwall/SDG
Attending BGC Cornwall/SDG for almost 11 years, from member to volunteer to facilitator. Recently graduated from the Introduction to Music Industry Arts program at Algonquin College and plans to pursue a career as a composer for film and media. Sam enjoys all things creative like photography, videography, music, and graphic design. They were president of the Cornwall Club’s youth council and had the opportunity to attend two BGC National Youth Forums held in Ottawa and Montréal. Now, they sit on BGC Canada’s National Youth Council. Outside of BGC, Sam was involved in their community through the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet program for 4 years and also volunteers for The Butterfly Effect Non-profit Project as a core member and committee leader. As Youth of the Year, Sam hopes to encourage and inspire youth to instill change in the areas they are passionate about.
Shealah Hart, BGC Botwood
Attending BGC Botwood for the past 13 years, from member to volunteer to staff. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at Memorial University, further strengthening her passion for public policy, feminism, youth, community development, Reconciliation, civic engagement, and social justice. Shealah is actively involved in her community of Northern Arm, from organizing annual winter clothing drives to organizing public speaking competitions for children. In recognition of her community involvement, Shealah spent two terms with BGC Canada’s National Youth Council and was the first to receive the Northern Arm Volunteer Award. Outside of studying and contributing to her community, Shealah enjoys cooking and cuddling with one or all three of her four-legged friends. As Youth of the Year, she wants to work to improve the lives of other Club youth by creating new opportunities for learning and growth.
