Amber Jacques
Pronouns: She/Her

Social Media Handles:
LinkedIn

My name is Amber Jacques, and I am from Sudbury, Ontario and I have an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration. I am currently pursuing my Human Resource certification at Cambrian College. I recently secured a position in the employment field with Employment Options and have found a new passion in life. The main purpose of my job is to help people in the community with any job-related challenges they may be experiencing. My main joy from my work comes from ensuring everyone has the resources and opportunities to find a career, as well as giving them newfound confidence with an updated resume and knowledge about how to be a successful candidate. I have recently graduated and joined the workforce as a youth and want to be there to make positive changes and find innovative ways to encourage youth workers to pursue their education and career goals. With my leadership and problem-solving skills, I hope to bring new ideas to the council so that we can bring beneficial change to newcomers, youth workers, and barriered job seekers in Ontario.

Tiziana Ingratta
Pronunciation: Tiz-ee-ah-na
Pronouns: She/Her

Social Media Handles:
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 three 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, 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 about the opportunity to join the First Work Youth Council and contribute to the continued success of its programs.

Madison Cope
Pronunciation: Ma-duh-sn
Pronouns: She/Her

Social Media Handles:
LinkedIn

Madison Cope is a dedicated advocate for youth and commitment to making a difference in communities. Born with a natural inclination towards serving others, Madison found her calling a decade ago while completing Mental Health and Addictions Diploma where she started working with youth throughout their college career. Madison serves as a youth counselor for many years’, advocating for the needs and rights of diverse underserved youth populations. Madison currently works as a Youth Program Coordinator at Employment North. Where she runs different workshops in person/ virtually in office and at local high school. Madison is committed to empowering youth, providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in today’s world. Madison’s passion for learning has no limits. She continuously seeks out opportunities to develop new skills and broaden her knowledge, recognizing that growth is essential for both personal and professional fulfillment. Her dedication to self-improvement not only enhances her ability to serve youth effectively but also serves as an inspiration to those around her.

Keyana Zimoch
Pronunciation: Key-on-a
Pronouns: She/Her

Social Media Handles:
LinkedIn

Hello, my name is Keyana! I hold a Bachelor of Social Work Degree, and during my post-secondary education I did a double major in Sexuality Studies and Childhood and Social Institutions. I am currently employed at Youth Opportunities Unlimited, where I have transitioned from the role of an Employment Case Manager to a Job Retention Specialist. In these capacities, my primary focus is on supporting youth in acquiring and retaining employment. My approach is holistic, recognizing the intersectionality of the youths’ diverse identities, experiences, and needs. This perspective enables me to offer comprehensive support that extends beyond the basics of resume building, cover letter writing, and interview preparation. I address various aspects of their lives, including mental health, transportation, clothing, food and housing security, and ensuring their basic needs are met. This multifaceted support system is crucial for empowering youth to succeed not only in the job market but also in their overall personal development.

Amber Batchelor
Pronunciation: Am-Bur
Pronouns: She/Her

Social Media Handles:
Twitter

Amber is an Employment Counsellor that is passionate about advocacy, supporting communities, and removing barriers. She also studied Sociology and Political Studies at Trent University. As a member of the youth council, Amber hopes to be a voice for youth navigating the challenges associated with employment and career development. She plans to bring her skills and lived experience to contribute knowledge and resources, while learning from the lived experiences of others. Amber’s goal is to make a positive impact in the way youth navigate and interact with employment systems in Ontario.

Sydney Braid
Pronunciation: sid / nee
Pronouns: She/Her

With degrees in Criminology and Psychology, I specialize in supporting justice-involved individuals and those facing complex mental health challenges on their path to employment. My work is driven by a commitment to helping people overcome significant barriers, whether stemming from legal involvement or mental health concerns, to achieve meaningful and sustainable employment. Throughout my career, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the challenges my clients face, allowing me to offer tailored guidance, practical solutions, and unwavering support. I collaborate closely with community resources and employers to bridge gaps in employment and create inclusive opportunities for individuals who often face stigma and discrimination. My approach is holistic, addressing not only job placement but also the personal development and coping strategies necessary for long-term success in the workforce. I believe in the potential of every individual and work hard to create pathways that foster both personal and professional growth.

Emily Pontini
Pronunciation: EM-uh-lee
Pronouns: She/Her

Social Media Handles:
LinkedIn Profile 

Emily is a dedicated young professional with a dual degree in Criminology and Psychology. Combining an in-depth understanding of human behavior with insights into the criminal justice system, Emily has carved a meaningful career path as an Employment Specialist at South Essex Community Council. In her role, Emily works passionately to support individuals facing barriers to employment. She provides tailored guidance and resources, helping clients develop the skills and confidence needed to secure sustainable employment. With a compassionate approach and a commitment to making a positive impact, Emily empowers clients to overcome obstacles and achieve their career goals. Emily is passionate about connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, she strives to provide holistic support, leveraging academic knowledge and practical experience to foster inclusive opportunities and strengthen the community. Emily is committed to continuous learning, actively participating in workshops and seminars on workforce development, mental health, and social justice. Their dedication to personal and professional growth reflects a deep commitment to helping others and creating positive change.

Emily Lalchan
Pronunciation: EH-muh-lee
Pronouns: She/Her

Social Media Handle:
LinkedIn Profile

My name is Emily Lalchan and I have recently graduated with my Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Guelph-Humber. My interest in this field grew from curiosity about people and their diverse ways of thinking, decision making and lifestyles. In light of this, I believe our experiences shape and mould us uniquely. As I continue to my career journey, I feel that it is essential to positively impact others with the work that I do. My hope is to bring about an uplifting and positive perspective to those whom I cross paths with.

Katie Ziraldo
Pronouns: She/Her

Social Media Handles:
LinkedIn Profile 

Hello! My name is Katie, and I am an Employment and Career Consultant at Community Employment Services in Oxford County. I have worked with the organization for one year. I am 25 years old, and I use she/her pronouns. My family background is Italian and French, although my family was born and raised in Canada. I recently obtained a diploma in Business Human Resources, but I never knew exactly what career path I wanted to follow. One thing I did know was that I wanted to be able to help others through my work. I really enjoy my job because I get to help people and positively impact my community every single day. I absolutely love assisting clients with navigating their career paths and finding work where they can thrive. My work is fueled by a commitment to fairness and equal opportunity. I am passionate about using my voice and privilege to advocate for and amplify the voices of marginalized groups and individuals. I work with a lot of youth and students, so I am thrilled to be a part of this year’s First Work Youth Council and be an advocate for their needs.