• Board Member

    Julien Robertson is an environmental educator, community organizer, and the founder of Homegrown Society - A citizen network that is taking responsibility for the stewardship of our shared natural spaces. They create space for youth to learn about nature through natural inquiry and place-based initiatives.

    Julien has led research and advocacy campaigns on environmental issues from endangered species and forests, to freshwater and oceans. He is a Certified Seed Collector with the Forest Gene Conservation Association and a trauma informed yoga and meditation teacher.

  • Board Member

    Anika is a driven undergraduate student studying health sciences who has a passion for youth engagement and community involvement. Her interest in community work began early on in her academic journey, as she sought out opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those around her. She has been involved in several of the organizational programs, including the London Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) and the Young Leaders program, which have helped to shape her vision for community involvement.

    Anika's involvement in these programs exposed her to the various challenges that young people face, such as lack of access to resources, limited opportunities for personal and professional development, and systemic barriers to success. These experiences inspired her to take on a leadership role within the organization and become a member of the board.

    As a board member, Anika is committed to promoting youth engagement and advocating for the needs of young people in the local community. She recognizes the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters personal and professional growth, and she believes that the organization's programs play a critical role in achieving this goal.

    Anika's passion for youth engagement extends beyond her involvement with the organization, as she is actively involved in several community initiatives aimed at supporting young people. She is particularly interested in mental health and wellness and has participated in various initiatives focused on raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health issues.

    In her spare time, Anika enjoys staying active and exploring the natural beauty of the local area. She is an avid hiker and enjoys spending time in nature, which she finds both calming and rejuvenating. She also enjoys reading and learning about new developments in the field of health sciences.

  • Board Member

    Ali Alkadhimi is a dynamic young professional with a passion for entrepreneurship and leadership. He has worked in various roles at different start-ups, including Uber Eats, where he developed his skills in strategy, marketing, and business development. As an entrepreneur himself, Ali knows what it takes to build and scale a successful business, and he brings this expertise to the organizations he works with.

    At present, Ali is involved in providing strategic direction to organizations that are looking to expand their reach in the marketplace. His ability to think creatively and outside of the box has helped numerous companies to stay ahead of their competitors and reach new heights of success. With his experience and skills, Ali has become a trusted advisor to many business leaders, providing valuable insights and strategies that have helped to drive growth and success.

    In addition to his professional work, Ali is also an active volunteer with Jumpstart Refugee, a non-profit organization that helps refugees settle in Canada. As a mentor, Ali provides support and guidance to refugees who are trying to establish themselves in their new home. His kindness, empathy, and understanding have made a significant impact on the lives of those he has mentored, and he is committed to continuing this work to help build a better community for everyone.

    Ali holds a bachelor's degree in Financial Economics from the University of Western Ontario, where he honed his analytical and critical thinking skills. His academic background, combined with his professional experience, has equipped him with a unique skill set that allows him to approach challenges from multiple perspectives and find creative solutions to complex problems.

    In his free time, Ali enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, and trying new foods. He is a curious and adventurous person who is always looking for new experiences and opportunities to learn and grow.

  • Board Member

    Anna Badillo is a multifaceted community organizer, academic, and human rights activist whose work spans various fields and disciplines. She is a Teaching Assistant at King's University College, where she works in the Social Justice and Peace Studies department for Gender, Sexuality, Women's Studies, and the History department for Human Rights Studies. In her role as a Teaching Assistant, Anna is passionate about creating inclusive and equitable learning environments that promote critical thinking and social justice.

    Moreover, Anna is also a member of the academic advisory circle at King's University College, where she works on decolonizing pedagogy and co-creating decolonization courses in the Sociology department. She is committed to promoting an inclusive and equitable education system that values diversity, representation, and inclusivity.

    Apart from her academic work, Anna is also an active member of People for Peace, London, where she works on various human rights issues locally and globally. Her activism is driven by her belief in the power of collective action and community building to effect positive social change. Anna is deeply committed to promoting human rights, social justice, and equality, and she works tirelessly to raise awareness of the issues affecting marginalized groups in our society.

    Anna's work as a community organizer, academic, and human rights activist has not gone unnoticed, and she has received numerous accolades and recognition for her outstanding contributions to society. Her dedication, passion, and commitment to promoting social justice and human rights make her a true asset to any community, organization, or institution.

  • Board Member

    Julia is a recent graduate of Kings at Western, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Social Justice and Peace Studies in 2021. She has always been passionate about social justice and advocating for the underrepresented voices in society. Her academic journey has further strengthened her belief that equality and equity are fundamental pillars that should form the bedrock of any thriving community.

    As a strong advocate for social justice, Julia believes that an equitable London means giving power to the underrepresented voices. She is convinced that people are the power, and their voices should be represented at every level of decision-making in our city. She is particularly concerned about the challenges that marginalized groups face and is committed to creating a society where everyone feels heard, valued, and respected.

    Julia is actively involved in various community projects and initiatives aimed at promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. She works tirelessly to raise awareness of the issues affecting underrepresented groups and is always looking for ways to create a more inclusive and equitable society. Her dedication and commitment to social justice have not gone unnoticed, and she has received numerous accolades and recognition for her outstanding work.

    In her spare time, you can catch Julia at the Western Fair Market or Covent Garden shopping her heart out, hanging out with her cats, and watching terrible television. Despite her busy schedule, she always finds time to unwind and recharge, and she believes that taking care of oneself is essential to achieving personal and professional success.