KYAC Youth Awards

Isaac has creatively contributed to building community through art and environmental initiatives. They created the KW Youth Climate Council, a group that convenes youth to explore art as a form of climate action and as their first project, they hosted 3 community clean-ups at local Kitchener parks collecting over 130 pounds of waste. This individual then used the litter collected from these clean ups to design and build a series of life-sized sculptures. Their final installation, titled “Plastic World”, was installed at Market Square. The sculptures told the story of a youth climate activist being inspired to take climate action and improve the world around them.

Their art has sparked conversations and empowered 25 youth volunteers to get involved in exploring how they can reflect on their own climate action journeys through artistic mediums. Isaac’s goal is to expand new art projects and different mediums, all with the goal of building greener communities.

As a young changemaker, Joshua co-founded SmartSoil, a youth-led gardening program where the team quickly noticed a lack of clear, accessible knowledge around basic gardening practices—like how far apart to plant seedlings or how often to water different types of produce. Through the Changemaker Labs program, they helped propose an innovative AI-powered app designed to educate youth gardeners and strengthen local food systems in Kitchener.

They also led the development of Project Astraeus, a new organization focused on building entrepreneurial and innovation skills in underrepresented youth. Through custom materials, hands-on curriculum, engaging events, and local chapters, the project is working to ensure more young people have the tools and confidence to solve real-world problems in their communities.

Over the past 2.5 years, they’ve consistently demonstrated an entrepreneurial mindset and a deep commitment to creating positive change—particularly in the areas of sustainability and education. Through programs like Changemaker Labs and Social Innovators in Training, they’ve continued to develop their skills, lead with passion, and support others in doing the same. Joshua's creativity, leadership, and impact make them a valued member of the Kitchener community.

Dev began their environmental journey at just 11 years old, picking up trash in parks and conservation areas. What started as a solo effort quickly grew into a community movement, engaging over 50 children in the Waterloo region.

They’ve dedicated over 400 service hours through programs like OceanWise Youth to Sea, working on ocean cleanups, invasive species removal, and awareness campaigns. Their impact has reached national and international levels, through groups like the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Earth Rangers, and Sustainable Youth Canada. They also represent Canada as one of 25 Marine Plastic Ambassadors, attending events like the Blue Paradox in Chicago.

Driven by a mission to use AI and technology for good, Dev is working to create innovative solutions that support both environmental sustainability and social change across Canada.

As a young leader, Aasha has led initiatives that empower youth, promote gender equality, and use technology to solve real-world problems.

As the founder of Youth Tech Labs—Canada’s first AI literacy initiative created by youth for youth—they’ve helped young people gain the skills and confidence to thrive in an AI-driven world. They also serve as a Global Teen Advisor and now Co-Chair for Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation campaign, where they mentor youth leaders and advocate for gender equality worldwide.

Their impact extends into the community through organizing events like TEDxColumbia Lake Youth, which gives young voices a platform to inspire change. They also developed AskEve, an AI-powered menstrual health tool that provides accessible, stigma-free information and support, helping young people address menstrual health stigma, ensuring young people have access to the information they need without fear or shame.

With a clear passion for social innovation, Aasha continues to build tech-driven solutions and champion causes that matter. Their dedication to social justice, education, and equity has made a tangible impact, proving that youth-led advocacy can drive meaningful, lasting change in our community.

In Rachel's very first year of high school, they not only met but surpassed the required number of volunteer hours. This achievement speaks volumes about their initiative and commitment to making a difference. They regularly give their time at Lanark Place, a retirement home for seniors, where they bring kindness, energy, and a sense of connection to the residents—many of whom deeply appreciate their presence. Whether it's through conversation, activities, or simply offering a helping hand, their impact is heartfelt and lasting.

While supporting our community with care and compassion, they also balance school, family responsibilities, and volunteer work, which is no small task—and yet, they continue to show up for others with empathy and strength. Rachel is a shining example of excellence in both character and service.

Mohammed has shown incredible growth and commitment through their volunteer work in community programs at the Chandler Mowat Community Centre. They’ve become a positive role model while supporting centre staff, encouraging younger participants follow the rules and become leaders themselves.

In the past, they faced challenges with school and in the community. With their immense drive to choosing a better path, they’ve made a major turnaround. They understand the value of leadership, responsibility, and education, and are working hard to lead by example. They have truly become a leader in their community which has inspired other youth to start volunteering.

Mohammed's dedication to making a difference is something to be proud of. They have taken huge strides to improve these personal struggles by committing to making positive choices. They have continually shown us that they understand that they made mistakes and will not allow it to hold them back. The community of Chandler Mowat are so incredibly proud of Mohammed.

Makenna's passion for helping others is evident in a deep commitment to community service, with more than 400 volunteer hours accumulated and a continued enthusiasm that exceeds expectations. Their dedication to selflessly giving time includes volunteering at summer markets and camps, Halloween and Christmas celebrations, and participating in an Evening Food Distribution program at the Stanley Park Community Centre, where they quickly advanced to the position of Coordinator for the service. A look at their involvement with the Stanley Park Community Centre reflects a spirit of generosity and a willingness to contribute wherever needed.

Makenna's service extends beyond structured programs, often stepping in to support community initiatives requiring additional help - taking on Assistant Instructor roles, working with children in programs such as Gymnastics, Cooking, Baking, Theatre, Soccer, and Little Imagineers. Aspiring to become a Paramedic, Makenna demonstrates a deep-rooted commitment to service and caregiving. Their selflessness, compassion, and dedication to helping others make them a remarkable candidate for this award.

Tanner is a Canadian author, social entrepreneur, and activist, dedicated to helping others find strength through adversity. Currently studying community psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University, they draw on lived experience—including a Level 1 autism diagnosis and a past of chronic homelessness—to offer both motivational and practical guidance.

As founder of Hearts Healing Humanity, a grassroots charity, they helped house 57 individuals, provided custom food hampers to 167 people, and served over 4,000 meals in just one year. Their leadership also contributed to the development of the Sapphire Program, creating inclusive learning spaces for students with diverse needs.

Tanner's advocacy extends to serving on multiple boards and committees, supporting independent living for people with disabilities, and shaping sustainable, inclusive urban development. Whether speaking, writing, or organizing, they remain driven by a vision of global peace and systemic change—reminding us all that resilience can spark real transformation.

Olivia is a standout student athlete whose commitment to health, fitness, and team dynamics has made a lasting impact both on and off the court. A natural leader, they excel in every aspect of their athletic career while constantly uplifting their teammates and peers.

As MVP of the Kitchener-Waterloo High School Public League, Olivia’s talents aren't limited to just basketball. Their passion for sport extends beyond personal achievement, they generously give up their holidays to support the SOLDIERS Kids Camp, helping young athletes continue to enjoy and improve in sports. Every Monday, they dedicate their time to helping athletes develop both on and off the court through the WhyNotYou training program. They contribute to their school community as an active member of both the Student Activities Council and the Athletic Council.

Olivia embodies the spirit of teamwork, leadership, and dedication. Serving as a role model for others, constantly seeking ways to give back to their community and inspire those around them.

Angela's role as a youth leader is deeply rooted in inclusion, a core value at Let’s Talk and the KW Multicultural Centre, particularly important in a newcomer-rich community like Waterloo Region. They create spaces where everyone feels seen and welcome, approaching all individuals with openness and genuine care, regardless of background or identity.

In programs like Let’s Talk and Youth-Led Circle, they ensure no one is left out, skillfully supporting sensitive conversations around identity, culture, and lived experiences. Their ability to listen closely, encourage sharing, and offer thoughtful mediation fosters a respectful, balanced environment.

As an immigrant with personal lived experience, Angela helps bridge cultural gaps, not only supporting peers but also helping staff become more culturally responsive. Their contributions quietly but powerfully shape inclusive, welcoming spaces. They build bridges between diverse youth, showing that differences are something to celebrate, not just acknowledge.

Asiya and Samira noticed many young people in our community experiencing food insecurity, and they decided to come up with a solution. They created Harvest to Garnish, a program that bridges gardening and cooking to get youth excited about local food. Their mission with Harvest to Garnish is to combat food insecurity and promote ecological sustainability for youth in Kitchener. With an initial grant from the Youth Impact Project, they ran their first program at the Kitchener Market in the summer of 2024. Through their workshops, youth learned to grow their own food and participated in hands-on workshops, learning to cook dishes from different cultures using the produce they grew.

They also received a grant from the City of Kitchener’s Youth Climate Action Fund, allowing them to scale Harvest to Garnish with more workshops this fall. They worked with the community garden club at Cameron Heights to learn about local food systems by visiting a local apple farm and preparing apple cider glazed chicken at the Kitchener Market. They engaged over 40 youth in climate action and helped strengthen local food systems at the Kitchener Market and beyond.

As leaders of Harvest to Garnish, Asiya and Samira have gotten involved in the social impact incubator at the University of Waterloo, continuing to scale their impact with new ideas and audiences.

Erin and Lily have been instrumental in supporting the youth engaged in the City of Kitchener's Youth Climate Action Fund, consistently going above and beyond in their roles. They serve as strong mentors and advocates for youth-led innovation and action on environmental and social justice issues. Beyond their professional responsibilities at GreenHouse, they dedicate significant personal time to meeting with youth, attending youth-led events, and offering guidance and encouragement.

Their commitment to youth empowerment is proactive and deeply genuine, consistently amplifying youth voices and ensuring that young people are meaningfully included in decision-making spaces. They operate with a strong ethic of service, centering youth needs and aspirations in every aspect of their work. Through their mentorship, advocacy, and hands-on support, Erin and Lily have played a vital role in nurturing the next generation of changemakers within the community.

Tor La is a natural leader—someone who makes others feel seen, heard, and valued in every space they enter. A powerful advocate and connector, they embody inclusion and empathy, using their voice and actions to uplift others, especially those from marginalized communities.

As a core youth advisor on the nationally funded Future of Sex Education research project, they helped lead recruitment, data collection, and analysis in collaboration with Wilfrid Laurier University and the SHORE Centre. Their leadership was central to the success of the project and directly contributed to a recently published academic paper.

Beyond research, their impact in the community is far-reaching. For three years, they’ve served on the Youth Leadership Team at OK2BME, a program offering support for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. In this role, they have co-led large-scale events like the annual GSA Conference and Pride Prom, both of which bring together hundreds of youth from across the Waterloo region. Their visibility helps others find confidence and safety in their identities.

Tor's continued activism is consistent and courageous. They have spoken publicly in response to opposing bans on Pride and BLM flags in schools and continue to call for inclusive practices that affirm all students, especially those from BIPOC and queer communities. They’ve been interviewed on CBC multiple times, addressing topics such as queer youth safety in schools and policy threats to trans and racialized students. Their voice carries power and urgency, pushing back against harmful narratives while advocating for systemic change. Their work embodies intersectional justice and solidarity.

Tor represents what it means to lead in service of others. Their efforts are not about visibility for its own sake, but about creating spaces where others can be safe, empowered, and celebrated. In every role they take on, they bring vision and action, reminding us all that real change comes from the courage to care—and to act.