2026-2027 First Work Youth Council

Michaela Amon-Forbes
She/Her
Georgian College
LinkedIn

Michaela currently works as an Employment Services Consultant at Georgian College and is a Registered Social Service Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Michaela has developed her experience across employment services, accessibility, and community advocacy, bringing both a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to helping young people navigate education, employment, and training. She holds a Social Service Worker diploma from Seneca College and a postgraduate certificate in Marketing Management from Georgian College, combining a foundation in social services with knowledge of workforce development and employer engagement. In her current role, Michaela supports individuals through Integrated Employment Services, providing personalized employment planning, career exploration, and connections to education, training, and community resources. She works with clients participating in programs such as Youth Employment Services (YES), Better Jobs Ontario, and the Job Finding Club for Immigrants (JFCI), while collaborating with community partners, such as Ontario Works, to help clients overcome barriers and achieve meaningful, sustainable employment. As a social service worker, she believes employment services are about more than finding a job. They are about creating equitable opportunities, fostering independence, and ensuring people have access to the support they need to succeed. Before joining Employment Services, Michaela gained experience in student accessibility, recruitment, and developmental services, strengthening her understanding of the systemic barriers many young people face when transitioning into education and the workforce. These experiences continue to shape her advocacy-focused approach and her belief that services should be designed around people. As a member of the First Work Youth Council, Michaela hopes to bring a frontline perspective, advocate for youth-informed policies and services, and collaborate with others to ensure young people have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of employment services. She is passionate about creating opportunities where all young people feel supported, empowered, and equipped to achieve their goals.

Karma Tosello
She/Her
Sault College Employment Solutions
LinkedIn

Karma is an Employment Consultant with Sault College Employment Solutions and has been in the employment services field more than two years (and counting!). She is passionate about helping individuals identify their strengths, build confidence, and achieve their goals! Karma is compassionate and empathetic and strives to create a welcoming environment where people feel heard, supported, and empowered. She believes that every individual has unique strengths and potential, and she enjoys helping people overcome barriers and achieve meaningful success. Karma holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child & Youth Studies and Education, along with a Certificate in Women and Gender Studies: The Art of Activism. Her educational background, combined with her passion for helping others, has equipped her with strong communication, advocacy, and problem-solving skills!

Ritika Kaushik
She/Her
Skills for Change
LinkedIn

Ritika Kaushik is an Employer Partnership Specialist at Skills for Change who is passionate about creating opportunities, building meaningful connections, and helping young people achieve their full potential. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she brings a people-centered and empathetic approach to her work, believing that everyone deserves access to opportunities that support growth and success. Ritika is deeply passionate about mental health, community development, and youth empowerment, and she enjoys working alongside diverse communities to create positive and lasting change. Through the Bright Future Youth Program, she provides holistic support to youth by empowering them with the skills, connections, confidence, and opportunities needed to thrive both professionally and personally while collaborating with employers and community partners to create meaningful impact. Outside of work, Ritika loves embracing new adventures—whether it’s exploring the outdoors, trying exciting activities, traveling to new places, or challenging herself through fitness and wellness. She also enjoys painting as a creative outlet, finding inspiration in art, self-expression, and storytelling. Known for her positive energy, curiosity, and willingness to step outside her comfort zone, she is always looking for ways to learn, grow, and make a difference. She values authentic connections, believes in the power of kindness, and strives to leave every person and community stronger than she found them. Driven by purpose and guided by empathy, Ritika is excited to contribute her experiences, ideas, and passion to the Youth Council, helping amplify youth voices and shape a future where all young people have the support, opportunities, and confidence to succeed.

Elif Yildiz
She/Her
COSTI Employment Services, Brampton
LinkedIn

Elif is a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) and Program Coordinator at COSTI Immigrant Services. In her current role, she supports newcomers and Ontario Works participants through the Digital and Media Literacy Program, helping individuals build digital skills, confidence, and workplace readiness to better navigate today’s workforce. As a frontline worker, Elif understands the importance of accessible employment services and digital inclusion. She is excited to join First Work’s 2026–2027 Youth Council, where she hopes to collaborate with youth leaders across Ontario, share her frontline experiences and contribute to conversations that strengthen employment services for young people. Outside of work, Elif enjoys continuous learning, giving back to her community, and finding new opportunities for personal and professional growth. She believes that empowering individuals with the right tools and support can create lasting opportunities and positive change.

Jahdine Allen-McFarlane
She/Her
John Howard Society of Durham Region
Linkedin

Jahdine is a Youth Counsellor with the Employment Services, Skills Training for Employment and Post-Secondary Education Program (STEP) at the John Howard Society of Durham Region, where she supports youth in overcoming barriers to employment, education, and personal growth. She attended Trent University, where she completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Forensic Science. With extensive experience in employment services, case management, and youth development, she is dedicated to helping young people build confidence, identify their strengths, and achieve meaningful, sustainable outcomes. Through a client-centred, strengths-based approach, she works collaboratively with youth to develop individualized action plans, enhance employability skills, and connect them with community resources and opportunities that support their goals. She is passionate about creating supportive environments where young people feel empowered to explore their potential, develop resilience, and make informed decisions about their futures. She is committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in both her practice and her organization. As a member of the John Howard Society of Durham Region’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, she contributes to initiatives that promote culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, and inclusive practices for both staff and clients. She believes that equitable access to opportunities begins with recognizing and valuing each individual’s unique lived experiences and perspectives. In addition to providing direct support to youth, she contributes to program and service excellence by collaborating with colleagues, community partners, and employers to strengthen pathways to employment and personal success. Guided by empathy, integrity, and a commitment to continuous learning, she is dedicated to creating opportunities that empower youth to reach their full potential and build meaningful futures.

Khalid Habibi
She/Her
South Essex Community Council

Khalid is a Settlement Worker at South Essex Community Council in Leamington Ontario, where they assist newcomers and refugees with accessing services and successfully settling into their new community. Fluent in Farsi, Khalid is committed to providing culturally responsive and language-accessible support, helping clients navigate the settlement process with confidence. Outside of work, Khalid enjoys spending time in nature and exploring the local community. Some of their favorite places include Point Pelee National Park and the Leamington Marina, where they enjoy walking and appreciating the area’s natural beauty.

Natasha Brousseau
She/Her
Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes

Natasha Brousseau is a Job Coach and Facilitator at Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes, based in Hamilton, Ontario. Natasha recently began her career in employment services, where she facilitates a program designed to assist individuals with disabilities identify and develop their skills, while working toward employment. Through a combination of daily workshops, hands on experience, and individualized job coaching, she supports clients in building confidence, developing workplace competencies, and achieving their employment goals. Natasha holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Psychology and Sociology from McGill University. Throughout her studies, she combined her passion for mental health and helping others with a sociological perspective on human behaviour and social systems. This interdisciplinary approach allowed her to gain a stronger understanding of the many factors that can influence an individual’s well-being and opportunities for success. She strives to meet people where they are, recognizing each individual’s unique strengths, challenges and aspirations. Natasha is passionate about supporting youth as they navigate personal and professional development and work toward achieving their goals. She is excited to join the First Work 2026-2027 Youth Council and collaborate with other young professionals to share ideas and contribute to initiatives that support and empower youth in the community!

Noémie Paul
She/Her
Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa
LinkedIn 

Noémie is an Employment Counsellor at the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa, where she supports youth and adults as they navigate education, employment, and life transitions. Through one-on-one counselling, career planning, and community connections, she helps individuals build confidence, identify opportunities, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. Originally from Mauritius, Noémie moved to Canada to pursue her studies and quickly discovered the challenges, and opportunities, that come with building a life in a new country. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Criminology with a minor in Psychology from the University of Ottawa. Those experiences shaped her belief that access to information, support, and mentorship can make a significant difference in a person’s journey. Today, they continue to influence her work with young people who are navigating their own transitions and uncertain paths. Throughout her academic and professional experiences, Noémie has been drawn to roles that allow her to connect with people and help them grow. As a Career Mentor and Team Leader in the University of Ottawa’s Ambassador Program, she supported students in making academic and career decisions while leading initiatives that fostered engagement, connection, and a sense of belonging on campus. These experiences reinforced the importance of creating spaces where people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing their experiences, and exploring new possibilities. Working directly with youth has strengthened Noémie’s conviction that young people bring valuable perspectives, creativity, and lived experiences to the table. Too often, decisions are made about youth without including them in the conversation. She believes meaningful community change happens when young people are not only consulted but actively involved in shaping solutions. As a member of the Youth Council, Noémie is excited to contribute both her professional experience and her perspective as a young newcomer who has navigated multiple educational, cultural, and career transitions. She looks forward to collaborating with other passionate youth leaders, learning from diverse experiences, and helping create opportunities that empower young people to thrive in their communities.

Tess Corriveau
She/Her
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario
LinkedIn

Tess is a passionate leader, advocate, and community builder dedicated to helping individuals overcome barriers and achieve meaningful employment opportunities. As a Program Coordinator with the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, Tess is based in London, Ontario, supporting staff and employment programs across the region, including London, Chatham, Sarnia, and Windsor. She is a graduate of Conestoga College, where she completed a Diploma in Medical Administration, and Fanshawe College, where she completed a Diploma in Sports and Recreation as well as a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management. Throughout her career, Tess has been driven by a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to understanding the unique experiences of every individual she serves. She believes that employment is more than finding a job, it creates opportunities for personal growth, financial independence, and community connection. This belief has shaped her leadership approach and strengthened her commitment to inclusive employment practices that recognize the strengths and potential of every person. In her role, Tess collaborates with youth, individuals with disabilities, staff, employers, community partners, and service providers to create accessible and supportive pathways to employment. She has extensive experience working with people facing a variety of challenges, including limited work experience, systemic barriers, and uncertainty about their career direction. Through mentorship, coaching, and relationship building, she helps individuals develop workplace skills, build confidence, and connect with opportunities that align with their goals. Tess is especially passionate about amplifying the voices of young people and ensuring they play an active role in shaping workforce development initiatives and employment services. Her work is grounded in respect, inclusion, and collaboration, and she is committed to fostering environments where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered. Known for her approachable leadership style and genuine care for others, Tess strives to build meaningful relationships and help individuals recognize their strengths as they enter the workforce. Through her work and community involvement, she continues to champion the belief that supportive, compassionate leadership can make a lasting difference in a person’s life and career. Outside of her day-to-day role, Tess contributes her experience to committees focused on youth advocacy, diversity, equity, and inclusion. She also serves on several local boards, where she provides strategic leadership, passion, and energy in support of community organizations. Through this work, Tess has helped advance initiatives that strengthen community connections, promote inclusive practices, and create opportunities for young people and underrepresented groups to be heard and supported. Her volunteerism has extended beyond the local level, making an impact nationally and internationally through various projects within the YMCA network. Tess is excited to serve on the Council for the 2026–2027 term and looks forward to contributing her experience, advocating for youth and job seekers, and collaborating with fellow members to create more equitable and inclusive employment opportunities for all.