Active Alumni

Ava is an undergraduate psychology student at TMU in Toronto, fueling her passion for understanding the human mind. A dedicated volunteer since her early teens, Ava actively participates in numerous community initiatives, including the Newman Global Initiative’s (NGI) “Stop the Stigma” campaigns. Her commitment to mental health advocacy is unwavering, reflected in her fundraising efforts for detox beds at Caritas School of Life and textbooks for Shanti Bhavan in India.

Beyond her academic and philanthropic pursuits, Ava balances her time with a part-time job and enjoys immersing herself in the world of literature. An avid swimmer, she also finds joy and relaxation in staying active through sports. With her diverse interests and unwavering dedication to making a difference, Ava is a shining example of a well-rounded and compassionate individual.

Luca, a B.Comm student and former student president of the Newman Global Initiative (NGI), is a dedicated leader and community advocate. Since 2018, he has played a pivotal role in NGI’s mental health and addiction programs, raising awareness and spearheading projects like the “My Mental Health Matters” campaign and initiatives focused on seniors.

A skilled hockey player, Luca balances academics and athletics with ease. He leads clothing drives within NGI and is a vocal advocate for mental health, particularly among older adults. His dedication earned him a prestigious community service award in 2023.

Despite his numerous achievements, Luca remains focused on the future, exploring opportunities in business or mathematics and committed to making a positive impact through volunteering.

An Ivey Business student at Western University, Nayha is defined by leadership and community impact. Her commitment to equity led her to found Skills Sphere, providing underserved communities with books and technology, alongside volunteering with Pasta it Forward and the Canadian Italian Heritage Foundation.

Internationally recognized, Nayha placed third at the DECA International Competition and won “Best Lawyer Advocate” at the OJEN Mock Bail Tournament. A dedicated musician pursuing Grade 6 RCM piano and an avid traveler, she actively supports fundraising for the Caritas School of Life and Inspira to drive meaningful change.

Madelyn is a freshman at Queen’s Commerce and has been a valuable member of the Newman Global Initiative (NGI) since 2020. She is deeply involved in mental health activism, particularly through the “My Mental Health Matters” campaign, and supports women’s programs. Madelyn leads NGI’s food initiatives, including the Inspira meal program in Peru. A committed soccer player, she balances academics with extracurriculars. With strong discipline and leadership, Madelyn aspires to a career in public accounting, driven by her passion for making a difference.

Amrit is a medical student and emerging leader in healthcare innovation, with a strong background in robotics and global development. A former captain on Team Canada’s VEX and FIRST Robotics teams, she has led STEM initiatives on national and international stages. Her commitment to service began in middle school, spearheading a fundraiser for a water well in Ecuador, and later contributing to the construction of a hospital in Peru. As a key volunteer with St. John Ambulance, she helped lead vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amrit now focuses on advancing small-scale healthcare solutions in underserved communities worldwide.

Vinny, a native of Queens, New York, has been instrumental in assisting students with digital content creation. While a healthcare professional, Vinny has a background in film and media. For many years, he has been helping student teams with content creation and editing, particularly on mental health, addiction initiatives, and the WE CAN HELP FOUNDATION. In early 2022, Vinny formally joined the student board and will play a key role in our VISION 2025 plan. He will focus primarily on our global ambassador initiatives, specifically the Inspira Project and our program in Honduras.

James, a dedicated student at Lambton College and a passionate volunteer from rural Southwestern Ontario, has a deep commitment to community service with a particular focus on food security initiatives. He has a strong history of supporting impactful projects, notably contributing to NGI’s Project Capricorn and The Lotus Project. When he isn’t volunteering, James embraces the rhythm of rural life, farming, playing and watching hockey, and cheering on his local soccer team, which he helped lead to a provincial championship silver medal. His genuine dedication to helping others and his love for his community make him a tremendous asset to any endeavor.

Nicole, a compassionate student at Queen’s Commerce, leads “The Lotus Project” to raise awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis, an initiative inspired by her mother’s experience. A dedicated educator and volunteer, she balances private tutoring with working at Kumon and running an after-school tutoring club she founded at St. Alphonsus School. Alongside her academic success and active involvement in DECA, Nicole works as a swim instructor at Davina’s Swim House, where she holds Bronze Cross and First Aid certifications. Through this exceptional commitment to leadership and community service, Nicole consistently demonstrates her potential to drive meaningful impact.

A business school student, Julian is deeply committed to youth leadership and global impact. As leader of The Modesto Project, he mobilizes student volunteers for local and international community change. Julian also serves as a Special Advisor to the Hummingbird Platform, guiding youth advocacy, and coordinates food access for vulnerable populations with the Sunflower Project. A vital contributor to the Newman Global Initiative since 2021, Julian was named 2024 Volunteer of the Year. He drives micro-level change in developing countries and expands cross-cultural engagement by leading international recruitment across four continents.

As an undergraduate science student from Vaughan, Ontario, Elizabeth is deeply passionate about healthcare. She is an active member of HOSA, focusing on medical ethics and clinical skills. Her dedication to care is evident through her volunteer work in the children’s ward at Michael Garron Hospital and her efforts in community outreach to inspire youth involvement. Beyond her medical pursuits, Elizabeth has been a competitive dancer since 2014, taking on the role of team captain in 2021. Since 2021, she has also been a vital contributor to both The Sunflower Project and Inspira – Peru, demonstrating a profound, long-standing commitment to service and leadership on both a local and global scale.

Matteo is a freshman at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he demonstrates strong leadership both academically and in his community. An honor roll student with aspirations in business, Matteo has been an active volunteer since 2018, contributing his organizational skills and commitment to various event operations. He is deeply passionate about mental health and addiction initiatives, focusing on raising awareness and supporting those affected. Matteo’s ability to balance academic success with meaningful community involvement makes him a valued team member wherever he goes. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, combining a love of sport with focus and discipline on the course.

Vito is a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) student at the Lang School of Business and Economics at the University of Guelph. An Ontario Scholar and Business Award recipient, he demonstrated early leadership through DECA, Debate Club, and Varsity Hockey. Bringing ten years of competitive hockey experience, Vito has also shared his passion for the sport by teaching underprivileged children how to skate. Since joining NGI in 2023, he has been a committed volunteer, actively supporting Project Capricorn, our flagship mentoring initiative, and fundraising essential textbooks for Shanti Bhavan. Vito looks forward to expanding his leadership and community impact with NGI.