Amina Ahmed
(She/Her)

Anika Muelderings
(She/Her)

Hi there! I would describe myself as an avid music lover and cat mom, who enjoys the simple things in life. Over the last few (ok, five) years I’ve been dedicated to completing my undergrad in Sociology and Gender Studies. I’m a homebody at heart, but I also love exploring Edmonton’s music and food scene.

I joined RISE to put my words into action and to be a part of the change that I want to see within communities. RISE is unique in that it provides the space for like-minded youth to empower and educate other youth towards social change.

Reach out to me on Insta:
@anikconda_dont

Bethel Alemu
(She/Her)

I’m a student, cyclist, and environmentalist. You might find me tweeting about diversity in the cycling community. I like to read, make things (from food to furniture to jury-rigged bike accessories), and collect houseplants.

I’m new to civic engagement! I’ve always been more of a listener but I’m excited to become more involved in my own community and to address local concerns with our project. The opportunity to connect with other young people is also a big deal to me. I’m here to learn more about my peers’ perspectives and priorities.

Carissa Nicholson
(She/Her)

In my free time I enjoy writing short stories, and creative poems. I also really like gaming, and watching gaming live streams! I spent most of my other time studying at the University of Alberta and working at a rock climbing gym!

I want to be someone who fights for others to be seen and heard. I have always been a people person, and RISE was an opportunity for me to use those skills to meet others like me, and create something beautiful and impactful within our city.

Reach out to me on Insta:
@risssza

Jakia Jari
(She/Her)

I love volunteering and interacting with the community around me. I enjoy being a part of community events and learning from them. I love food. I spend a lot of time exploring new places to eat or trying out recipes from different cultures. 

 I love how RISE mobilizes ideas and brings in communities to heal and prosper. RISE empowers youth with tools and resources to unleash their passions and to be a social justice advocate and change maker in the community. I want to learn from the people involved in RISE and from the community we will be working with.

Reach out to me on Insta:
@zakiaikaz246

Nikk Goodswimmer
(They/Them)

Rea-Anna Walters
(She/Them)

I'm a happy Jamaican POC, excited to involve myself in my community and reach my goals. I love long drives, knitting, time to myself, spontaneous activities, going on adventures in nature, and spending time with people I love. I work a lot and I try to give back to my community as much as I can. 

RISE Because RISE challenges my perceptions about myself and the world and through my involvement in RISE, I have realized the impact that youth can have on the growth in our communities. I want to make strong connections with the people I meet in RISE.

Find me on Insta:
@rea.adija

Sania Chaudhari
(She/Her)

This is hard, never been good at describing myself. I would say what keeps me busy at the moment is family, work, and learning about Edmonton.

As somebody who has recently moved to Edmonton and wants to be involved in the community I thought RISE was the answer as it allows youth to become involved in their community and gives the opportunity to bring real change within their communities. I want to be able to connect with the youth in my community and be a voice that brings change.

Say hi on Insta:
@saniachaudhari

Slater Siemens
(He/Him)

A multidisciplinary artist in every sense. Amatuer writer, fashion fanatic and aspiring actor. In other words, just a dude who loves making stuff !

I have spent a great deal of time posting, sharing and discussing civic issues but never knew quite how to actually get involved. RISE is an opportunity to be part of a movement of change. To surround yourself with likeminded people who are inspired to have an impact on their future.

Catch me on Insta: 
@sl8er_gat0r

"I love that RISE is entirely youth-led. I think this is an essential and remarkable opportunity to show the broader community the amazing commitment youth have for creating better communities once given the opportunity to be heard. I’m incredibly curious to learn from the volunteers about what they find meaningful to be exploring in the community."