Y4Y's Local Ambassador Project:
Occupation et Vitalité des Territoires (OVT)
A Seat at the Table
Occupation et Vitalité des Territoires is a strategy of the provincial government to ensure that the regions of Québec remain vital places to live, work, and play for all Québecers. The new Strategy will result in an Action Plan, which will result in funding programs for regional organisations, school boards, CIUSSS etc., as well as provincial organisations like Y4Y.
In Phase 2 of the Project, Y4Y wants to ensure that English-speaking youth (ESY) have a voice, and a seat at the table in the development phase of the OVT Strategy. To this end, we will propose a list of names of interested youth to the provincial government, so they can ensure those youth are invited to the consultations which will take place in 2024, as part of the formulation of a new OVT strategy.
Local Youth Ambassadors will contribute to the following:
The strengthening of the network of English-speaking youth across the province who are working together to represent the issues “for youth/by youth”;
Existing local efforts to improve the living conditions of regional youth;
Highlighting the importance of youth participation in decision-making processes both locally and at the provincial level;
The vitality of local communities for the years to come, by ensuring that there is age diversity during the upcoming Occupation et vitalité des territoires consultations.
Meet the Team
Local Youth Ambassadors
Angelika Mesina
Angelika Mesina is a dynamic professional currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics at Concordia University in Montréal. With a background in social sciences and diverse work experience, she has held leadership roles at AMD Medicom Inc. and McDonald's. Angelika has demonstrated skills in team management, quality assurance, and customer service. Her educational journey includes additional training in first aid, experiential learning, and sustainability. As Vice President of Internal Relations for the Filipino Association of Concordia Students, she actively engages in community outreach and cultural promotion. Angelika speaks Tagalog, English, and French. Her achievements include receiving scholarships and recognition in various roles.
Faith-Rose Haskell
My name is Faith-Rose, but everyone calls me Faith. I’m an American-Canadian living in Québec, which can be deemed difficult. I am fully bilingual. I thrive for community, mutual aid and understanding, as well as making an impact on every single person I come across with every single thing I do. I am currently a full time student, studying criminology with aspirations to further my education in Law.
Mael Pelletier
MaelSir is a bilingual slam poetry artist with close to 15 years of experience as a master of ceremonies, coach and performer, from Toronto to Moncton and even all the way to Paris and Dakar. Proud to participate twice in the CreateSpace Public Art Forum, he also recently realised his first movie: Slambahia, finalist for the pan-canadian contest “La Course des Régions”.
Samidha Singhal
My name is Samidha and I was born and raised in India. I immigrated to Canada when I was 12 years old and lived in Hamilton, Ontario. I obtained my Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) with a minor in business from McMaster University. I work in the field of education, and currently reside in Québec City. I am interested in languages and studied Arabic in Egypt for one year and I am now studying French in Québec. I am also passionate about reading, hiking, and yoga.
Sapphire Allaire
As a young professional and eternal student of life, she has spent several years in the field of education and non-profit environments and has a passion for education and redefining conventional boundaries. In a rapidly changing landscape, she believes we are the architects of thriving and connected communities. She continues to pursue studies that she feels will assist her and the community in the overall design of their future.
Kenneth Clarence Oledan
Kenneth is a second-year student at Dawson College in the Law, Society, and Justice profile. Driven by a strong commitment to public service, Kenneth has consistently sought ways to contribute to his community. His drive to contribute led him to run for and win the presidency of the Dawson Student Union, as well as being chosen as the Local Youth Ambassador for the Montreal region. In his free time, he volunteers for his borough’s youth council and enjoys watching documentaries. These experiences motivate him to one day secure a position in the government, where he can challenge the status quo and advocate for the marginalized.
Dylan Dixon
With a BA in Political Science from Concordia University and a D.E.C. in Law and Society from Dawson College, I’m a licensed mortgage agent with a diverse background. Currently, I volunteer with Heritage Ottawa. I am also seeking out other volunteer positions that attract my interest and better my community. Some of my other experiences include an internship with a city councillor, and previously serving as an infantry member in the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps.