Full Plates, Fuller Hearts, is a project that addresses the issue of limited access to basic needs, specifically food insecurity. The initiative aims to create a comprehensive resource guide featuring local organizations, gardening tips, recipes, and more. This guide will be distributed at an in-person community lunch, where participants can connect with grassroots organizers and engage in activities such as pickling, gardening, and tote decorating.
TORONTO
12
school Alumni
12
task Projects
CURRENT PROJECT
Full Plates, Fuller Hearts
CURRENT AMBASSADORS
Amrit Butter
Amrit Butter
She/Her (S/H)Why I joined RISE
I joined Rise to become more involved in my community and work toward meaningful change. My goal is to create an initiative that supports mental health and advances women's rights, addressing critical issues that impact many lives. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, I hope to foster a supportive space where people feel heard and empowered. Rise provides the perfect platform to collaborate, learn, and take action toward building a more inclusive and equitable society.
Bailey Francis
Bailey Francis
She/Her (S/H)Why I joined RISE
I joined RISE because I am a firm believer in the power of community. Capitalist/oppressive systems constantly try and divide us. They try to take major systemic problems and place the responsibility to solve them on each individual, when in reality, it is grassroots and community organization that has the potential to create real change. RISE presents an opportunity for young people to mobilize on both a local and national level. I am grateful to be included.
Margaret Guo
Margaret Guo
She/They (S/T)Why I joined RISE
Hello! My name is Margaret, and I am ecstatic to be a part of RISE for Spring 2025! As someone who has always valued civics and policy, I joined RISE to deepen my understanding in these areas while making a positive impact in my community. I look forward to getting to know other Ambassadors through our community project together and seeing how my background in engineering can be used to support a local initiative.
Khadija Kadu
Khadija Kadu
She/Her (S/H)Why I joined RISE
Hi! My name is Khadija and I am excited to be a RISE Ambassador for this cohort. I have always wanted to actualize a community project but did not know where to start and where to look for when it comes to resources. When I found out that the RISE program helps you do that, I had to apply! I want to also build meaningful connections and organize a project where I can engage and empower youth in whatever capacity that I can. I believe that when youth engage with their communities, they help foster resilient communities. I am excited to see what project we end up creating along with my fellow Ambassadors in Toronto!
Paula Londono
Paula Londono
She/Her (S/H)Why I joined RISE
I joined RISE to participate civically in my community and make a change.
Angelina Nguyen
Angelina Nguyen
She/They (S/T)Why I joined RISE
For me, being able to contribute to our local communities at the individual level is something I aspire to do. I am looking forward to working with like minded individuals from all different backgrounds to collaborate on our community project. I hope that I can learn and challenge myself during this experience :)
Sheena Sajan
Sheena Sajan
She/Her (S/H)Why I joined RISE
I wanted to join a group of like-minded individuals to create a project that works with and for community. RISE provides the incredible opportunity to take an active role in our democracy by providing a space for co-creation.
Laamina Saravanane
Laamina Saravanane
She/Her (S/H)Why I joined RISE
I want to make a change in our community, even if it is one small act. Rise is also a youth led program and I want to learn about different people, their culture and different perspectives. This is my opportunity to grow as an individual and learn new skills along my journey.
Khushi Singh
Khushi Singh
They/Them (T/T)Why I joined RISE
Hi! I’m Khushi and I joined RISE to gain the tools to plan community initiatives that address social justice issues and reflect the needs of Toronto communities. As a youth advocate, I’ve found my voice in community organizing and hope to promote civic engagement among young people, especially those like me who have struggled to find opportunities that align with their passions.
Diamond Srey
Diamond Srey
He/Him (H/H)Why I joined RISE
Diamond Srey joined RISE to explore new ways of building community and creating meaningful change. He is passionate about fostering inclusive spaces where people feel seen and supported. With experience organizing events and initiatives that bring people together, Diamond is eager to collaborate with like-minded peers, develop new skills, and take action on issues that matter. Through RISE, he hopes to strengthen his ability to empower others and make a lasting impact.
Brandon Wong
Brandon Wong
He/Him (H/H)Why I joined RISE
I joined RISE because I’ve enjoyed being involved in a community and wanted to learn how to encourage more young people to see the importance of getting involved with their local community. I also wanted to learn the ins and outs that it takes to create a community project for an opportunity to create something for my local community that eliminates civic barriers, while also acting as a safe space for marginalized groups as well.
Deneer Zakaria
Deneer Zakaria
He/Him (H/H)Why I joined RISE
I joined RISE to get closer with my community since in the past I haven’t been very active in it. I wanted to try new things while helping those around me.