My name is Ayda Dursa, and I am a proud member of the First Work Youth Council and the Administrative team at YMCA Employment Services. My vision is to create meaningful employment opportunities for youth in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), addressing the challenges many young people face in securing stable careers. Through my work, I aim to empower youth by advocating for greater access to job opportunities and support systems. This vision board reflects my goals of promoting equity in employment, providing resources to youth, and ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed in the workforce. Being part of the Futures planning CTE has allowed me to engage in strategic thinking and collaborate with passionate individuals who share the same vision for youth empowerment. Leading the Frontline Meeting breakout rooms provided an opportunity to build leadership skills and foster communication, creating a space where youth voices could be heard. The Futures Session helped me better understand the challenges youth face in the workforce and motivated me to push for change. Overall, my time with the Youth Council has strengthened my commitment to advocating for youth and has equipped me with valuable skills that will help me in my career. By sharing this vision, I hope to inspire others and contribute to building a stronger future for youth in the GTA.

Tiana Poitras
YMCA of Northeastern Ontario
LinkedIn

This vision board reflects both my current work and my future aspirations within the employment services sector. In my role as an Employment Consultant and Youth Council member, I actively support individuals in overcoming barriers to employment while continuing to strengthen my voice within the field. I am particularly passionate about expanding my work to support individuals transitioning from incarceration, helping them access meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities. Looking ahead, I aim to continue growing through professional development and public speaking opportunities, allowing me to advocate for more inclusive and accessible employment practices. Overall, my vision represents my commitment to both personal growth and to creating a more equitable, supportive, and barrier-free employment system where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their past or circumstances.

Gillian Marocko
South Essex Community Council
Linkedin

Currently, I work as a PR Specialist in the non-profit sector, where I promote programs and share stories that reflect the organization’s impact in the community. My vision is to grow into a PR Manager or Director role — becoming the voice by leading strategic campaigns, guiding teams, and confidently representing the brand. Whether in the non-profit sector or broader organizational settings, I aim to create communications that inspire, connect, and make a lasting impact while mentoring others in the field. As reflected in my board, I believe PR makes organizations impossible to ignore — bringing their stories to life in a way that shapes perception and drives influence.

Tiziana Ingratta
The WorkPlace Group
LinkedIn

My vision for working in the employment sector is centered around empowerment, connection, and meaningful impact. I see employment services as a space for advocacy, creativity, and community support. Symbols of collaboration and communication represent my commitment to uplifting others through my work, with a strong focus on teamwork both within my office and across the community. They remind me that ideas come in all shapes and sizes, and that encouraging creativity and thinking outside the box, both in myself and in others, is essential to meaningful progress.

At the same time, images of organization, ideas, and self-care remind me that this work requires balance, innovation, and continuous learning. They encourage me to pause, reflect, and reset when needed, and to roll with unexpected changes when things don’t go to plan. I hope to keep my brain and heart connected so that my values continue to guide the strategic thinking behind the work I do.

Being part of the First Work Youth Council has also given me the opportunity to connect with others across the province who are passionate about improving the employment sector. Through these conversations and shared perspectives, I have been able to learn from peers, contribute ideas, and take part in meaningful discussions about the future of our work.

I also hope to continue sharing this work more broadly by presenting in spaces where it is needed, not only about the services we provide but about the importance of the employment sector itself. By being present in conversations, building relationships, and connecting with decision makers, I hope to contribute to strengthening and improving this field. Ultimately, my goal is to create supportive pathways for people to find work that fuels them, celebrate their successes along the way, and contribute to building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Taylor Radley
YMCA Hamilton-Burlington-Brantford

The vision board I created not only reflects my current role and future aspirations, but as well the importance of work life balance in my life. My future ambitions are to continue my work in the employment and social service sector, helping others meet their goals and develop a sense of accomplishment and pride within themselves. I enjoy working together with my clients to help them achieve their goals that they set, may that be employment, housing, getting an ID, or working on their mental wellbeing. Each person I work with is so unique in everyway and I wanted my vision board to represent that. This vision board also demonstrates my passion for growth in my field and constantly looking for new opportunities to learn and better support my clients and the people I work with. Lastly, my vision board also take in my hobbies and what I enjoy most in life such as hiking, travelling to new places and dancing. A work life balance is essential to those working in the human services field to decrease burnout and to stay true to oneself.