Our Team

Matthew Newman

Founder & Global Head of Initiatives

Matthew Newman is a dedicated leader from Toronto, Canada, who embodies a profound spirit of service and strategic compassion. Currently a freshman at the University of Alabama, he seamlessly balances academic rigor with a sophisticated commitment to global philanthropy, setting a high standard for peer-led civic engagement.

In 2016, Matthew founded the Newman Global Initiative, a non-profit designed to mobilize resources for health, education, and displaced communities. His leadership reached a milestone in 2019 through a high-impact partnership with CNN Hero Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong, raising vital funds for Inspira, a Peruvian organization that has transformed the lives of over 1,000 families.

Beyond fundraising, Matthew architects’ sustainable partnerships with international institutions like India’s Shanti Bhavan School. He views leadership as a platform for empowerment, utilizing his “Stop the Stigma” mental health campaigns and involvement with the Caritas School of Life to foster resilience in others. By mentoring fellow students and identifying local needs, he bridges the gap between global awareness and grassroots action.

Matthew’s distinguished service was recognized with the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers (2023) and the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2024). Now expanding his footprint in the United States, he has launched the Legends 29 Initiative, a strategic effort to uplift and assist the local community in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Mercedes Tibollo

Managing Director, Global Strategies

Mercedes Tibollo is a bioethicist, researcher, and community leader dedicated to advancing ethical standards and mental health equity. Mercedes completed her Master of Health Ethics at Memorial University of Newfoundland after earning a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Philosophy and Biology.

Mercedes regularly presents nationally and internationally including the World Congress of Psychiatry, The International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services, and the Canadian Academy of Psychiatry and the Law among others. Mercedes also serves with the World Health Organization Family Intervention Network for Psychosis where she assists in the policy creation for families and individuals navigating mental health needs. Beyond her academic and clinical involvement, Mercedes is the Founder and President of the We Can Help Foundation, a nonprofit organization reducing financial barriers to cancer treatment.

Mercedes penned the thought-provoking books Meditations From the Eye of the Storm and Good Woman, reflecting her deep engagement with philosophy, personal growth, and spirituality. Mercedes’ work is driven by a profound commitment to philanthropy, medicine, and philosophy. She is an example of service in action, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical leadership in every space she occupies, driven by a belief that compassionate systems save lives. This aligns perfectly with her leadership role at the Newman Global Initiative, where she focuses on developing and implementing global strategies.

Emma Rosso

Student President (Canada)

Emma is a compassionate, driven leader dedicated to creating lasting social impact through hands-on service and creative philanthropy. Since childhood, she has tirelessly supported Toronto’s homeless populations and co-led a vital mental health awareness campaign for the Caritas School of Life. Alongside her sisters, she channels her artistic energy into charitable work by designing and selling tie-dye shirts to raise essential funds for the Hospital for Sick Children.

Currently a student at a Catholic high school in Vaughan, Emma balances her academic excellence with rigorous physical discipline as she works toward her karate black belt. Her natural leadership shines through her ability to mobilize others, actively recruiting community volunteers for local initiatives. These efforts earned her the 2024 Vaughan Community Award for outstanding service and the 2023 NGI Volunteer of the Year award, a distinction voted upon by her peers.

Emma’s influence has expanded into mentorship, where she now guides two pioneering initiatives focused on empowerment and accessibility. Through The Modesto Project, she helps provide individuals with no-obligation micro-funding to kickstart their own goals, while her work with Butterfly Voice leverages conversational AI to revolutionize reading comprehension for children with special needs.

By bridging the gap between innovative technology and grassroots activism, Emma’s visionary leadership and unwavering empathy continue to inspire profound transformations. Her commitment to service ensures a lasting, positive legacy within her community and across the province.

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 ninth-grade student at St. Andrew’s College, is a committed athlete who plays on the U16 Football team and also competes in hockey. He broadened his leadership experience through a Leadership in Training program, mentoring and supporting young children at a local summer camp. Since joining our team in 2021, Matteo has been a dedicated volunteer, contributing significantly to the Modesto Project, The Sunflower Project, and fundraising for Caritas School of Life detox beds. A confident communicator, he showcased his exceptional speaking skills as a keynote presenter at our 2023 mental health and addiction event.

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.  

Connor Ashcroft

Student Volunteer

Connor is a Toronto high school sophomore who has been an active and valued member of the team since 2022. He plays a central role in the Modesto, Sunflower, and Butterfly Voice Projects, contributing energy and leadership to each initiative. A dedicated student, Connor balances his academic success with his pursuit of excellence as an elite hockey prospect. Beyond the rink and the classroom, he brings a thoughtful interest in philosophy, always eager to reflect, learn, and share ideas. Known for his reliability and generous spirit, Connor is ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed.

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.