Nour Bazouni
She/Her
Goodwill Employment Services
LinkedIn

Nour is a dedicated employment services professional based in Hamilton, Ontario. A proud McMaster University graduate, Nour earned her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2020, laying the foundation for her passion for equity, social impact, and community development. For the past 5 years, Nour has worked with Goodwill Employment Services, where she began her career as a Job Coach Facilitator supporting youth and job seekers with barriers in building employment skills and navigating the workforce. She now serves as a Career Development Specialist for the ODSP program, where she provides tailored employment support to individuals with disabilities, helping them overcome barriers and achieve their career goals. Nour is passionate about creating inclusive and equitable opportunities for job seekers, especially those facing systemic barriers. With a focus on outreach, advocacy, and community collaboration, she believes in the power of meaningful work to foster confidence, independence, and lasting change. Known for her approachable and compassionate style, Nour brings a blend of relationship-building, facilitation, and problem-solving skills to her work. Whether coaching one-on-one or leading group workshops, Nour is committed to helping individuals feel supported, seen, and empowered in their employment journey.

Rory Stouffer
She/Her
Lake of the Woods Employment Action Project, Inc (LEAP)
LinkedIn

Rory is based in Kenora, Ontario, and holds a Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology and a minor in Biology. With a strong passion for understanding people and supporting their growth, Rory has built a career rooted in empathy, youth advocacy, and connection. Rory uses her skills in resume building, cover letter writing, interview preparation, and community engagement to empower young people as they discover their strengths and pursue their goals. Outside of professional work, Rory is also a musician and a firm believer in the power of creativity. Whether through community outreach or day-to-day interactions, Rory enjoys blending music and artistic expression into their work to foster connection, expression, and a greater sense of community.

Karma Tosello
She/Her
Sault College Employment Solutions
LinkedIn

Karma is an Employment Placement Advisor who brings a strong passion for advocacy, individual empowerment, and social equity to her work. With a commitment to helping others thrive, Karma finds genuine fulfillment in supporting individuals as they grow in confidence and move toward realizing their full potential. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Child and Youth Studies and Education with an accompanied ccertificate in Women’s and Gender Studies and The Art of Activism. Her academic background has equipped her with an understanding of the systemic barriers that many individuals face, particularly within marginalized communities. This awareness shapes her empathetic, client-centered approach and drives her commitment to equitable employment support. Karma hopes to bring her knowledge, lived experience, and dedication to social justice to the First Work Youth Council. She is excited to contribute meaningfully and learn from a network of like-minded young professionals in the employment sector, all working toward inclusive and accessible opportunities for all!

Tiana Poitras
She/Her
YMCA of Northeastern Ontario
LinkedIn

Tiana Poitras is 23 years old, uses she/her pronouns and was born and raised in Sudbury, ON. Tiana has completed a 2-year diploma in Community and Justice Services, and a 1-year graduate certificate in Addictions and Mental Health from Cambrian College. Throughout the past year, Tiana has been employed at YMCA of Northeastern Ontario Employment and Immigrant Services, and began her employment journey as an Employment Placement Consultant in the Youth Job Connections Summer program, where she facilitated pre-employment related workshops to youth in high school, while aiding and guiding them in obtaining employment throughout the summer and school year. Tiana then moved on to become an Employment Consultant in Employment Services, where she provides one-on-one employment counselling to individuals and offers ongoing support to clients throughout their job search journey. Having worked with youths most of her employment journey, she has found that her passion is using her voice to make others aware of barriers that youth face in the community, as well as when it comes to obtaining employment. Tiana is looking forward to being a part of this year’s First Work Youth Council and looks forward to gaining more meaningful knowledge from the individuals that she will be working alongside. Tiana’s goal is to make a positive impact and contribute to creating approaches that foster personal and professional development.

Gillian Marocko
She/Her
South Essex Community Council
Linkedin

Gillian is a Public Relations Specialist at South Essex Community Council (SECC), where she promotes programs and shares stories that reflect the organization’s impact in the community. Her work supports a wide range of services for newcomers, seniors, youth, job seekers and other diverse groups across Windsor-Essex County.

Gillian holds an advanced diploma in Interior Design from St. Clair College. During her final year, she worked in the college’s marketing department, where she discovered a passion for strategic communication and content creation. That experience sparked a shift in her career goals, leading her to pursue a future in public relations.

She is currently working toward a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies. Gillian chose this path to deepen her understanding of strategic messaging, public engagement, and media relations, integrating academic growth with her full-time professional experience.

At SECC, she leads media outreach, social media campaigns, storytelling projects, and public engagement initiatives. She enjoys crafting messages that connect people to programs and resources while fostering inclusion and community pride.

As a Youth Council member, Gillian is excited to collaborate with other young leaders and advocate for issues that matter to her generation. Whether through a press release, social media post, or face-to-face conversation, she believes that every message has the power to connect people — and connection is where real change begins.

Tiziana Ingratta
She/Her
The WorkPlace Group
LinkedIn

Tiziana Ingratta is the Operations Administrator at The WorkPlace Group, a non-profit employment service provider located in Sarnia, Ontario. Originally from Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario, Tiziana attended the University of Windsor, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages, Linguistics, and Literature, and a certificate in Second Language Education. During her time at university, she participated in and served as president of the local Optimist Club, nurturing her passion for helping others. Tiziana began her career in the employment sector four years ago with The WorkPlace Group, initially starting as a Front Desk Resource Aide. Her dedication and innovative approach quickly led to her promotion to Operations Administrator. In her current role, Tiziana’s work branches into Human Resources, Accounting, Employment Related Financial Support Administration, I.T Management, Marketing, Employer Services, Program Development, and more. Tiziana has made a considerable impact on the newcomer community in Sarnia, particularly with Spanish-speaking newcomers. Over the past two years, she has worked with over 100 newcomers, providing resources, presentations, resume assistance, and job placements, helping them integrate smoothly into the local workforce. As a second generation Canadian, she takes pride in integrating her cultural knowledge into her role. Tiziana’s multifaceted role and her contributions to The WorkPlace Group highlights her dedication to empowering job seekers and supporting the community. Her proactive and compassionate approach continues to make a significant difference in the lives of those she serves. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Tiziana enjoys reading, playing video games, and spending quality time with friends and family. She is thrilled to be returning for a second year on the First Work Youth Council and to continue contributing to the success of its programs. Tiziana chose to rejoin the Council after a rewarding first year, where she deeply valued the opportunity to collaborate with other passionate youth and make a meaningful impact in the employment services sector.

Taylor Radley
She/Her
YMCA Hamilton-Burlington-Brantford

Taylor Radley is a Youth Outreach Worker at the Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford YMCA through the Be Wise program. In her role, Taylor works one-on-one with youth in the community to help them achieve goals they have in mind such as employment, volunteering, mental health or housing. As well Taylor also facilitates workshops through the Be Wise program to help youth develop lifelong skills across the Halton region. Graduated from a degree in Criminology with a minor in psychology and global justice, Taylor has a strong passion for advocacy and commitment to creating a safer space for youth in the community. Taylor also spends her free time teaching dance to youth of all ages, encouraging building confidence, passion and commitment through her teachings. Taylors’ goal is to have a positive impact on those around her and help create pathways to foster growth in the community.

Meagan Oldroyd
She/Her
Community Employment Services Oxford
LinkedIn 

Meagan Oldroyd is an Employment and Career Consultant at Community Employment Services in Woodstock, where she supports individuals in building meaningful career paths. In her current role, Meagan regularly visits local high schools to lead career readiness workshops and connect directly with students. These sessions allow her to build trust with youth, provide practical support, and inspire confidence as they navigate their next steps. Meagan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Childhood and Social Institutions and Psychology from Western University. Meagan’s passion for social justice and youth advocacy began during her four years with the John Howard Society of London and District, where she worked closely with youth involved in the justice system. That experience deepened her belief that everyone—regardless of their background—deserves a voice, respect, and the opportunity to succeed. Meagan brings a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to her work. She believes that everyone has a story worth telling, and she makes it her mission to be the kind of person who listens. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: everyone, no matter their walk of life, has a seat at her table. Meagan is especially passionate about supporting youth who may need a little extra encouragement. She strives to be a positive force in their lives, offering advocacy and mentorship. She believes that every young person deserves someone in their corner, cheering them on. Meagan is proud to be selected for the First Work Youth Council for the 2025–2026 term. She looks forward to working alongside fellow youth leaders to help shape policies and programs that support young people across Ontario.

Ayda Dursa Mohammadi
She/Her
YMCA of Greater Toronto – Employment Services
LinkedIn

Ayda Dursa is a passionate youth advocate and full-time Justice Studies student at the University of Guelph-Humber. In parallel with her academic pursuits, she serves as an Administrative Representative at the YMCA of Greater Toronto-Employment Services. In this role, she provides support to youth, newcomers, and job seekers, balancing her responsibilities with grace and a strong sense of purpose. Since joining the YMCA in 2023 as a summer student, Ayda has grown into a dependable and valued team member. She connects clients to employment services based on eligibility, and refers individuals to essential community resources such as NYLD and SDFY. Her work at the front line reflects her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to client care. Ayda consistently shows empathy, strong attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the challenges young people face, which comes from her personal experiences and professional background. Ayda is proudly representing the Hazara community from Afghanistan, and stands as a symbol of resilience, determination, and leadership. Her heritage deeply informs her identity and fuels her passion for equity, inclusion, and advocacy. Like many Hazara women, she embodies strength, adaptability, and an enduring drive to uplift others. Ayda’s vision is centered on empowering marginalized youth by fostering inclusive, affirming spaces where all voices are heard and valued. She believes in the transformative potential of community-led initiatives and strives to lead by example, always with integrity, humility, and dedication. Through her involvement with the First Work Youth Council, Ayda hopes to bring forward her lived experiences, leadership capabilities, and collaborative spirit. She is eager to partner with other changemakers, amplify underrepresented voices, and continue growing as a future leader. Recognized for her compassion, organizational strengths, and initiative, Ayda is both a dependable teammate and a thoughtful leader. While her desire to serve sometimes leads her to take on too much, she is learning to balance her commitment to others with the importance of self-care. Ayda’s journey is one of courage, conviction, and emerging leadership. Her dedication to youth empowerment, grounded in her cultural roots and professional drive, makes her an inspiring role model and a powerful advocate for equity and community transformation.

Sara Jones
She/Her
The Neighbourhood Group Community Services
LinkedIn 

Sara is an Employment Advisor with a background in psychology, research, and social services. She is currently working with The Neighbourhood Group Community Services in Toronto. She is passionate about supporting individuals as they work towards their employment and education goals, with a strong focus on skill development and empowerment. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Queen’s University and a Social Servicer Worker Diploma from George Brown College, Sara brings both empathy and practical knowledge to her role. She is motivated by a deep sense of hope and optimism for the future, and enjoys helping people build meaningful, sustainable careers.