A Day in a Life with First Work's 2025-2026 Youth Council
Check out First Work's 2025–2026 Youth Council in their new "Day in the Life" series, where members take you along for a firsthand look at what it's like to work in the Employment Services sector.
Get a glimpse into their day-to-day responsibilities, see how they support clients, and learn more about the journeys that led them to careers in Employment Services.

Ayda Dursa Mohammadi
YMCA of Greater Toronto – Employment Services
LinkedIn
Ayda Dursa is a Justice Studies student at the University of Guelph-Humber and Administrative Representative at the YMCA of Greater Toronto, where she connects youth, newcomers, and job seekers to employment and community resources. Proudly representing the Hazara community from Afghanistan, her heritage deeply informs her passion for equity, inclusion, and advocacy, and she brings both lived experience and professional dedication to her work on the front line. Through her involvement with the First Work Youth Council, she hopes to amplify underrepresented voices, partner with changemakers, and foster inclusive spaces where marginalized youth feel heard and valued. Recognized for her compassion, resilience, and collaborative spirit, Ayda is an emerging leader whose commitment to community empowerment makes her a powerful advocate for equity and social transformation.

Nour Bazouni
Goodwill Employment Services
LinkedIn
Nour is an employment services professional based in Hamilton, Ontario, and a McMaster University graduate with an Honours BA in Sociology (2020). For the past five years, she has worked at Goodwill Employment Services, starting as a Job Coach Facilitator supporting youth and job seekers facing barriers, and now serving as a Career Development Specialist for the ODSP program.
In her current role, she provides personalized employment support to individuals with disabilities, helping them overcome barriers and achieve their career goals. Passionate about equity and inclusion, Nour is committed to creating accessible opportunities and empowering job seekers through advocacy, outreach, and compassionate, relationship-centered support.

Rory Stouffer
Lake of the Woods Employment Action Project, Inc (LEAP)
LinkedIn
Rory is based in Kenora, Ontario, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology. Passionate about youth advocacy and personal growth, Rory supports young people through resume writing, interview preparation, and community engagement, helping them build confidence and pursue their goals.
A musician at heart, Rory values creativity and often integrates artistic expression into their work to foster connection, self-expression, and community.

Tiana Poitras
YMCA of Northeastern Ontario
LinkedIn
Tiana Poitras was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario. She holds a diploma in Community and Justice Services and a graduate certificate in Addictions and Mental Health from Cambrian College.
Over the past year, Tiana has worked with YMCA of Northeastern Ontario Employment and Immigrant Services, starting as an Employment Placement Consultant in the Youth Job Connections Summer program, where she facilitated pre-employment workshops and supported high school students in securing work. She now serves as an Employment Consultant, providing one-on-one counselling and ongoing job search support.
Passionate about youth advocacy, Tiana is committed to raising awareness of the barriers young people face and contributing to solutions that support their personal and professional growth. She looks forward to making a meaningful impact through her involvement with the First Work Youth Council.

Gillian Marocko
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 highlight the organization’s impact across Windsor-Essex County. Her work supports newcomers, seniors, youth, job seekers, and other diverse community members through media outreach, social campaigns, and public engagement initiatives.
Originally trained in Interior Design at St. Clair College, Gillian discovered her passion for strategic communication while working in the college’s marketing department. She is now pursuing a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies to strengthen her expertise in messaging, public engagement, and media relations.
As a Youth Council member, Gillian is eager to collaborate with fellow young leaders and advocate for issues impacting her generation. She believes meaningful communication creates connection — and connection drives change.

Tiziana Ingratta
The WorkPlace Group
LinkedIn
Tiziana Ingratta is the Operations Administrator at The WorkPlace Group, a non-profit employment service provider in Sarnia, Ontario. A University of Windsor graduate with a BA in Modern Languages, Linguistics, and Literature and a certificate in Second Language Education, she began her career there four years ago as a Front Desk Resource Aide before being promoted to her current role.
Her work spans HR, accounting, IT management, marketing, employer services, financial supports, and program development. Tiziana has made a strong impact on Sarnia’s newcomer community, particularly Spanish-speaking newcomers, supporting over 100 individuals with resources, resume assistance, presentations, and job placements.
As a second-generation Canadian, she takes pride in integrating her cultural knowledge into her work. Returning for her second year on the First Work Youth Council, Tiziana looks forward to continuing to collaborate with fellow youth leaders and contribute meaningfully to the employment services sector.

Taylor Radley
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
Community Employment Services Oxford
LinkedIn
Meagan Oldroyd is an Employment and Career Consultant at Community Employment Services in Woodstock, where she helps individuals build meaningful career paths. She regularly visits local high schools to deliver career readiness workshops, offering practical guidance and building trust with students as they plan their next steps.
Meagan holds a BA in Childhood and Social Institutions and Psychology from Western University. Her passion for youth advocacy began during her four years with the John Howard Society of London and District, where she supported justice-involved youth and strengthened her commitment to equity and second chances.
Known for her compassionate, non-judgmental approach, Meagan believes every young person deserves support, advocacy, and someone in their corner. She is proud to serve on the First Work Youth Council for the 2025–2026 term and looks forward to contributing to policies and programs that empower youth across Ontario.

