After chairing the board of directors of Apathy is Boring for six years, Niamh Leonard has decided to step down. The board of directors is delighted to announce that Habon Ali has been unanimously elected as the organization’s next chair, effective May 20, 2021.
Board Chair Transition
By NationKit Support
schedule 5 min read
We wish to thank Niamh Leonard for her incredible contribution to the organization over the last nine years. Having first joined the organization as an intern in 2012, Niamh was elected to the board of directors in 2014. After a short stint as vice-chair, she was elected as chair and has since led the board of directors through a period of intense organizational growth with courage, vision and empathy.
“Serving Apathy is Boring has been the greatest honour. I am delighted that Habon Ali will now step in as chair. Having worked closely with Habon, I have been struck by her amazing mind, her proactive leadership, and her indelible humour. Committed to creating meaningful spaces for youth democratic engagement, Habon will know how to lead the organization so that it best serves young Canadians in an ever changing democratic landscape.”
Niamh Leonard, Outgoing Chair of the Board of Directors
A seasoned community builder, Habon has been involved in the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, the Toronto Public Health’s Youth Health Action Network, and the Mosaic Institute. She is currently a Humanitarian Fellow at Grand Challenges Canada. Habon brings a wealth of youth advocacy experience: she was involved in the creation of Canada’s first National Youth Policy, the development of Canada’s Service Corps and the Amplify Lab at Apathy is Boring.
“I am honoured to serve as the next chair of Apathy is Boring. With Niamh leaving, I have big shoes to fill. As the world faces converging crises, Apathy is Boring is uniquely placed to support young people in meeting the challenges ahead. I cannot wait to work alongside our incredible team for years to come.”
Habon Ali, Incoming Chair of the Board of Directors
With this decision, the board of directors is pleased to continue Apathy is Boring’s tradition of placing young people in positions of meaningful leadership within the organization, thus maintaining our by-youth-for-youth approach.