Our Team

Matthew Newman

Founder & Global Head of Initiatives

Quietly embodying a spirit of service and compassion, Matthew is a young leader from Toronto, Canada. Since 2016, this university freshman, who balances studies with part-time work, has volunteered with the Newman Global Initiative, coordinating donations to support health, education, and displaced communities. His commitment includes a 2019 partnership with CNN Hero Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong to raise funds for Inspira, aiding over 1,000 families in Peru.

Matthew continues his outreach through collaborations with Inspira and India’s Shanti Bhavan School, overseeing initiatives at Newman Global. He approaches opportunities with humility, seeing his contributions as acts of service rather than personal achievements. Whether leading “Stop the Stigma” mental health campaigns or supporting his high school ski team as a two-time MVP, he motivates others to use their talents for a greater purpose. His involvement with the Caritas School of Life further reflects this dedication. Matthew was honored with the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers in 2023 and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.

Mercedes Tibollo

Managing Director, Global Strategies

Mercedes Tibollo is the Managing Director of Global Strategies at the Newman Global Initiative. Her background includes studying Biology and Philosophy at St. Francis Xavier University and Biomedical Ethics at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

A newly published author, Mercedes penned the thought-provoking book Meditations from the Eye of the Storm, reflecting her deep engagement with philosophy, personal growth, and spirituality. She recently presented on the ethical foundations of Forensic Psychiatry at the International Congress of Law and Mental Health in Barcelona, Spain.

Mercedes’ work is driven by a profound commitment to philanthropy, medicine, and philosophy. This aligns perfectly with her leadership role at the Newman Global Initiative, where she focuses on developing and implementing global strategies. Earlier this year, she founded the WE CAN HELP FOUNDATION, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients for treatments not covered by provincial health insurance.

Emma Rosso

Student President (Canada)

Emma is a compassionate and driven student dedicated to making a difference. From a young age, she has supported Toronto’s homeless and co-led a mental health campaign for the Caritas School of Life. Alongside her sisters, she sells tie-dye shirts to raise funds for the Hospital for Sick Children, showing both care and creativity.

A student at a Catholic high school in Vaughan, Emma is working toward her black belt in karate and actively recruits volunteers for community initiatives. In 2024, she was honored with the Vaughan Community Award for her service.

Emma now mentors and guides two impactful projects: the Modesto Project, offering small, no-obligation micro-funds to individuals and organizations; and Butterfly Voice, which uses conversational AI to support reading comprehension and children with special needs. Emma’s dedication, leadership, and compassion continue to inspire positive changes in her community and beyond.

Megan Rajkumar

Student President (United States)

Megan is a high-achieving student from Orlando, Florida, and a dedicated leader with the Newman Global Initiative (NGI) since 2021. A member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the National Honor Society, she actively contributes to student government and Varsity Club, demonstrating a strong commitment to service and leadership.

Her passion for philanthropy began at age 10. At NGI, she leads “Mental Health Matters” campaigns, supports international projects, and helps drive the Global Ambassador Program. Megan is known for her creativity, initiative, and ability to mobilize her peers to support meaningful causes.

Outside of school, she works as a certified swim instructor, teaching young children and building trust through patience and care. Whether in the classroom, community, or pool, Megan leads with purpose and compassion, always striving to make a positive, lasting impact.

Nayha Gill

Student Vice President (Canada)

A passionate advocate for change through education and equity, Nayha is a Grade 12 student at Mentor College defined by her leadership and community impact. Her drive to serve is demonstrated through her work with numerous organizations, including Pasta it Forward and the Canadian Italian Heritage Foundation. This commitment inspired her to found Skills Sphere, an initiative that equips underserved communities with books, technology, and supplies.

Her advocacy skills have been recognized with the “Best Lawyer Advocate Award” at the OJEN Mock Bail Tournament, and she has achieved global recognition by placing third at the DECA International Competition. A travel enthusiast who has visited over 13 countries, Nayha is also a dedicated musician, pursuing Grade 6 piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

She supports organizations like Caritas School of Life and Inspira, using her fundraising and volunteer work to drive change.

Julian DePaoli

Student Vice President (USA/Int’l)

A high school senior from the Greater Toronto Area, Julian is deeply committed to youth leadership and global impact. This passion is demonstrated through his leadership of The Modesto Project, an initiative mobilizing student volunteers for community change both locally and internationally. He extends his impact as a Special Advisor to the Butterfly Voice Initiative, where he guides youth advocacy, and through his work with the Sunflower Project, coordinating food access for vulnerable populations.

Since joining the Newman Global Initiative in 2021, Julian has become a key contributor, earning recognition as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year. His work focuses on creating micro-level changes in developing countries and expanding cross cultural engagement, a role that includes leading international student recruitment across four continents. Outside of his service, Julian enjoys football and skiing.

Eric Newman

Co-Lead of the Modesto Project & Head of Fundraising

Eric is a high school sophomore and a competitive mogul skier who earned a silver medal in the combined event at the 2024 Canadian Junior National Championships. His passion for philanthropy began at age nine and has grown to include active fundraising and volunteer support for organizations such as NGI, Caritas School of Life, Inspira, Shanti Bhavan, and Meagan’s Hug.

Currently, Eric co-leads the “Nano Fund” (Modesto Project), an initiative that provides micro-grants to individuals, small businesses, and educational causes. Reflecting his belief in simple, scalable impact, the fund does not require repayment, asking only that recipients “pay it forward” with future generosity. This project embodies Eric’s deep commitment to community empowerment, compassion, and sustainable giving.

Nicole Newman

Lead Butterfly Voice

Nicole leads Butterfly Voice, a volunteer project dedicated to transforming how children learn to read, with a deep focus on supporting those with special needs. Through conversational AI, her team is creating an inclusive and adaptive tool that personalizes the educational experience for every student. The project’s core mission is to merge cutting-edge technology with empathy, building a more engaging learning environment and breaking down traditional barriers to literacy.

This commitment to community extends to her fundraising and volunteer work for a range of impactful organizations, including Pasta it Forward, the Canadian Italian Heritage Foundation, the Newman Global Initiative (NGI), Caritas School of Life, Inspira, and Shanti Bhavan. Through these efforts, she strives to support diverse causes and help drive meaningful change.

Alessia Rosso

Junior Lead “OpenArms” Canada

Since the age of eleven, Alessia has been a dedicated NGI volunteer, actively supporting mental health initiatives, educational programs, and Project Inspira in Peru. Now a high school sophomore, her commitment was recognized in 2024 when she received her middle school’s community service award and the honor of being named class valedictorian.

In addition to excelling academically, Alessia is a licensed swim instructor and a key contributor to The Sunflower Project and the “Butterfly Voice” Initiative. She possesses a deep appreciation for culture and loves to travel, especially to her grandparents’ home in Southern Italy, and also enjoys reading and swimming. With a keen interest in science, Alessia is driven by her passion for helping others and aspires to pursue a career in the health professions.

James McCormick

Junior Volunteer Food Security

James McCormick is a dedicated volunteer from rural Southwestern Ontario with a passion for community service and a particular interest in food security initiatives.  He has a long history of supporting impactful projects, notably contributing to the NGI’s Project Capricorn and The Lotus Project.  When he’s not volunteering his time, James enjoys the simple pleasures of rural life, including farming, watching and playing hockey, and cheering on his local soccer team – of which he was a provincial championship silver medalist.  His commitment to helping others and his love for his community make him a valuable asset to any endeavor.

Elizabeth Reyes Calderon

Sr. Global Ambassador

As a high school senior in Vaughan, Ontario, Elizabeth demonstrates a strong passion for healthcare. She’s an active member of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), focusing intently on medical ethics, teamwork, and clinical skills. Her commitment extends to volunteering in the children’s ward at Michael Garron Hospital and engaging in community outreach to foster civic awareness and youth involvement. A competitive dancer since 2014, Elizabeth’s leadership was recognized when she became team captain in 2021. Furthermore, she has been a significant contributor to both The Sunflower Project and Inspira – Peru since 2021.

Matteo Triassi

Junior Volunteer

Matteo, a dedicated student, became a part of our team in 2021 and has been an active volunteer ever since. He plays a crucial role in our “My Mental Health Matters” campaigns and contributes significantly to fundraising efforts for Shanti Bhavan textbooks and Caritas School of Life detox beds. Additionally, Matteo has demonstrated exceptional speaking skills as one of the keynote speakers at our 2023 in-person event, focusing on mental health and addiction. Outside of his philanthropic commitments, Matteo is a competitive hockey player and a passionate skier.

Ishan Kenth

Junior Volunteer 

Ishan is a grade 10 student at a specialized science and technology high school in Brampton, Ontario. Passionate about coding and robotics, he shares his enthusiasm by volunteering with Brampton Library’s free LEGO robotics programs. Ishan also believes in giving back to his community through local clean-up initiatives. When he’s not building robots or improving his community, you can find him on the basketball court or soccer field. Ishan is excited to join the team and contribute his skills to the Project Butterfly initiative, especially in helping younger children learn.  

Alessia Marciano

Student Volunteer

Alessia, a highly motivated senior and active DECA participant at De La Salle College, is committed to making a beneficial impact around the globe. Dedicated to spreading positivity among young children, she tutors elementary students at St. Alphonsus School and manages the Girls’ Flag Football team at De La Salle. Through a co-founded “Path to Wellness” Initiative, Alessia aims to spread awareness regarding health issues that affect her community. Aside from volunteering, she is currently working towards her Level 9 Piano RCM certification. Her enjoyment of school and community involvement showcase her eagerness to apply these skills to a worthwhile cause.

Nicole De Marco

Head of Community Engagement

Nicole, a compassionate senior at a Lasallian high school in Toronto, leads “The Lotus Project” to raise awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis, inspired by her mother’s experience. A dedicated volunteer, she tutors students privately, through Kumon, and at an after-school club she founded at St. Alphonsus School. Excelling academically and active in DECA, Nicole also works as a swim instructor at Davina’s Swim House, where she has earned certifications in Bronze Cross and First Aid. Her diverse experiences and commitment to service demonstrate her potential to make a meaningful impact.

Daniel Reyes Calderon

Junior Global Ambassador

A 13-year-old from Maple, Ontario, Daniel is passionate about sports, particularly soccer. As an aspiring goalkeeper playing at the representative level, he’s constantly improving his skills. Daniel is also leading NGI’s first major “Global Ambassador” program, an initiative to provide 100 desks to a school in Honduras.

Beyond the soccer field, Daniel is working towards his Bronze Medallion to become a certified Swim Instructor and Lifeguard. Fluent in both French and English, he’s also learning Spanish to connect with his Hispanic heritage.

Adriano Campolongo

Junior Volunteer

Adriano is a 9th grade student and dedicated community volunteer who began his service journey in the summer of 2025. As an active member of the Newman Global Initiative, he is currently focusing his efforts on the Modesto and Sunflower Projects, which support education and food security initiatives around the world. Adriano is known for his enthusiasm, reliability, and leadership potential. Outside of volunteering, he is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys golf, soccer, skiing, and fishing. He also has a growing passion for cooking, often experimenting with new recipes. Adrian brings energy, compassion, and curiosity to everything he does.

Miguel Ângelo de Castro

Health Ambassador (Brazil)

Miguel, a medical student at PUCRS in Brazil, is committed to improving community health. He has a great interest in the area of mental health and public health. He contributes to the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Program (ProDAH), supporting research, teaching, and patient care. He also conducts research on childhood respiratory diseases like asthma and cystic fibrosis at the Infant Center and HSL/PUC, focusing on prevention and treatment. As our Health Ambassador in Brazil, Miguel plays a key role in expanding NGI’s global impact.