Aaliyah Paris
(She/Her)

Alexander Sack-Redden
(He/Him)

I love being outdoors and getting out on the water sailing on canoeing!

I choose RISE as it would be an opportunity for personal development and growth, learning whenever I can. I also want to make a change and be a part of something big! it will also allow me to make a difference in my community.

Annie Sherry
(She/Her)

Energetic, community-driven individual, and passionate advocate for those struggling to find their voice. Lover of all things caffeinated or hoppy!

As a recent returner to the Maritimes and first time resident of K’jipuktuk (Halifax), I am looking forward to building community with like-minded folks through RISE. This program is fostering a space where we can actively learn with and from one another as we create a meaningful project around gender inclusivity in the place we call home.

I'm on Twitter at @annie_sherry_

Bashar AlSarraf
(He/Him)

I love to read, and I enjoy being outside.

I want to become more active within my community and become involved with less engaged members of the community.

Hassan Monzoor
(He/Him)

I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology & Political Science at Saint Mary’s University. When I am not studying or working, I am always seeking new opportunities to get involved with youth engagement and advocacy in the non-profit sphere. 

I have grown to develop a passion in helping others and giving back following my values of diversity, inclusivity and youth empowerment. I joined RISE because it is an ideal platform for like-minded youth who can transform their vision into action by developing and cultivating a community project to make a difference.

Reach out to me on Instagram: @hassan_monzoor

Laura MacVicar
(She/Her)

I enjoy going for walks, running, reading and spending time with my cat.

I was drawn to RISE because I want to become more involved in Halifax. The RISE project is a unique opportunity to contribute something meaningful to my community. I am also keen to learn more about gender inclusion and how I can make Halifax a more welcoming space for people of all genders.

Lu Gan
(She/Her)

Work, Study, Life, new goals.

It seems fun to work with different people to complete a project. I hope to meet people, improve my communication skills and leadership, and also get to know the community I live in better.

I'm on Insta at @glanuto709

Sumiah El-falah
(She/Her)

Most of my time is spent on academics and advocacy work. You’ll also find me listening to audiobooks, learning about personal development, and planning my next adventure surrounding NS and beyond.

I joined RISE to find an outlet to express and work on issues that are important to me. RISE engages youth to create change in the way they see fit regarding the issues that matter to them. The program holds a space for diverse perspectives who are passionate to come together to build a set of unique skills and be a part of effective social change. My values fit within this framework so here we are!

Reach out on Instagram: @sumiahelfalah

Stephanie Clarke
(She/Her)

I love learning new skills(especially ones to help live sustainably) and hobbies, Ariel hoop, slack lining, sewing, and want to learn woodworking/carpentry.

I have been looking for a way to actively promote real change for the community. The Rise initiative really seems to encompass what I've been looking for, creating a space and platform for young creators to invoke meaningful change. There is so much bad going on all over the world, and it all stems from the same things (power dynamics, greed), which is why I wanted to be a part of something that focused on human rights, and making this earth better for all living beings.

Find me on Insta: @vvvagabonddd

Veronica Gutierrez
(She/Her)

Photography, plants, books and live events in the community keep me busy. Participating in community events and listening/seeing people expressing themselves fills my heart with joy.

Growing up I had to find my ways to understand the world I was living in and what I wanted from it. I was taught to memorize and follow a system that was already established which I did not agree with. Educating youth about social issues and helping them find out what their needs and wants are is a must in order to have democracy. Being part of this process and getting to know change makers inspires me and helps me keep building and re-building my own path.

Connect with me on Insta: @v.meetsworld

Stephanie Yee
(She/Her)

"The RISE program actively cares, not only by giving youth the opportunity to co-create a community project, but by providing relational skills training and educational resources the cohort can use to continue their contributions to a more democratic future."