Get to Know the CVYC

Here is some information on our 2011-2012 past CVYC members. New member bios coming soon!

Current Members
	Clare Lee Portfolio: Current Projects: Hi, I’m Clare. This is my first year with the CVYC. I wanted to join the youth council to get more involved in the community and engage in youth-centric projects. In the CVYC, I am in the ministries of Health and Environment. I am 17 years old and I am a twelfth grader attending Mount Douglas High School. Among my interests are piano, reading, Biology, Greek/Norse mythology, curling, and badminton.
	Ellyn Davidson Portfolio: Current Projects: I work for Ocean Networks Canada to better the state of our ocean. I believe in the power of the youth voice, of dance, of change and of the ukulele. You will often find me cycling around town, eating grilled cheese or reviewing rock concerts. Connect with me through the CVYC Ministry of Environment and on twitter @VicYouthCouncil (tweets by Carissa and I).
	Sheryl Zhou Portfolio: Current Projects: Hey everyone, I'm Shengsheng, known as Sheryl...since pronouncing my Chinese name is a nuisance (it's similar to Shungshung in English if you want to give it a go~) I'm from St.Margaret's School, and this is my first year at CVYC. For the most part, I'm on the media team, and I do my best to help out with the Ministry of Politics. Besides that, I'm passionate about a ton of things. I like languages, swimming, piano, reading, writing especially, arts, annnnnnd people! I love people, love meeting them, knowing them, bonding, conflicting, debating, and chilling out with them…you get the idea. I’m new to Victoria, but the friendly atmosphere really makes me feel at home. So I'm really excited about volunteering in the Victoria Youth Council, giving back some friendliness to the community!
	Natasha Verbeke Portfolio: Current Projects: This is my first year with the Youth Council and I am very excited to get more involved with my community. I think the council is an awesome place to connect, share, and get enthusiastic about ideas and issues in Victoria that concern youth. My interests include learning about the environment and what's being done to help create a more sustainable and localized community. And as a future nurse I'm also very interested in public health, and ways to help promote personal health in our city. In my spare time I also love traveling, reading, and taking photos.
	Carissa McLean Portfolio: Current Projects: Carissa is in 12th grade at Esquimalt Secondary School. She joined the youth council a year ago and deeply enjoyed the opportunity to be involved in the community by giving it a youthful perspective with her fellow peers. In the ministry of Justice, Health, and Media, she aims to make the community of victoria as affectionately accepting and vivaciously vigorous as possible. Her passions include photography, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and greek/roman mythology. She is fond of thinking about the mechanics in which individuals function in literature and reality.
	Sarah Graham Portfolio: Current Projects: I am currently in my Grade 11 year at St. Michaels University school and joined the CVYC this year to become more involved in community organizations. Throughout high school I have always enjoyed volunteering and the council is definitely a way to hear about even more happening in Victoria. Through the CYVC's politics and justice groups I hope to engage youth in the community more and create a happier place for everyone to live. Next year I hope to stay on the council and continue to learn more about the wonderful place we live in. On the weekend I can be found reading a book or going out with friends
	Thule van den Dam Portfolio: Current Projects: Hello! I'm an 11th grader in the Esquimalt Challenge program who's super excited to be a part of this amazing team. I'm in the Art, Justice, and Environment Ministries. I wanted to be more involved with the youth in this city, and weave my own experiences and passions into actions to make Victoria a more youth friendly place, which is why I joined the Council. I am currently volunteering at Mount St. Mary's hospital through running the gift shop, playing music for the residents, and listening to the countless stories they share and am a strong advocate for using the arts to encourage getting out into nature! I'm a part of many local initiatives in the community and at school, and am often seen dragging my violin with me from one end of Victoria to another. Having grown up in the Netherlands, moving to Canada, and entering French Immersion, my passion for traveling is endless and after I graduate I'm looking forward to backpacking across the continents and getting an Arts degree in Europe.
	Fairahn Reid Portfolio: Current Projects: Fairahn is currently attending Victoria High School in year final year of grade 12. She joined the Youth Council to be able to make a difference in her community and be connected with other like-minded youth. She is passionate about queer rights and equality, and is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for all. She is currently co-spearheading an anti-homophobia/transphobia poster and video project to be distributed to middle and high schools around the district. Outside of the Youth Council she can be found singing at the top of her lungs when no one is home, watching the latest episode of pretty little liars, or eating copious amounts of avocadoes and sushi.
	HannahSofia Portfolio: Current Projects: HannahSofia is very excited to be getting involved with the CVYC. This is her first year with them, she is involved in the Art and Justice ministries. HannahSofia is passionate about art and human rights, she hopes to make a difference in her community!
	Caitlin Doherty Portfolio: Current Projects: Caitlin is in grade ten at Lambrick Park. She joined the CVYC to be with like-minded youth and to get involved in local events! She is part of the Health Ministry and the Art Ministry where she has lots of fun planning campaigns and events. Caitlin is passionate about singing, acting, writing, shopping, tea drinking and just hanging out! She also likes to travel and has been to various places in Europe, Asia, America and Canada and hopes to continue travelling!
	Brenna Pauly Portfolio: Current Projects: Brenna pauly is a grade 12 student at oak bay high school. This is her first year on the youth council. She is excited to be a part of a group that promotes the youth of Victoria's voice. She is a member of the ministries of politics and health, and is also helping out with the bike fest put on by the ministry of environment. Brenna is an avid cyclist, she competes on the provincial team. She also enjoys swimming, soccer, and dance.
	Ian Schoeddert Portfolio: Current Projects: Ian Schoeddert moved to Victoria in 2006 and instantly fell in love with the city. Since then he has been striving to find a place for himself by outreaching into the community, and becoming engaged in every way possible. He attends Esquimalt High School and is a member of the challenge and music programs. While at school Schoeddert also juggles a passion for the arts and has found interest in mural painting and creative writing. He joined the City of Victoria Youth Council to explore deeper into those passions while broadening his horizons.
	Etoile Seed Portfolio: Current Projects: Hey, I'm Etoile and this is my first year with City of Victoria Youth Council. I'm a 10th grade student at Mount Douglas Secondary and I was born here in Victoria. I'm very interested in healthy living and keeping active so I'll be joining the ministry of health! Other than that I also am interested in fashion, literature and acting. I'm excited to start contributing to my community and I hope to make a difference
	Chahat Portfolio: Current Projects: Hello! I study at Victoria High School. I love to volunteer and be involved in my community which is why I joined the youth council. This is my first year here and I look forward to amazing opportunities and good times. Currently I volunteer at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, as nursing unit volunteer. This gives me a chance to visit patients, read magazines or books to them or just listen to their anecdotes, experiences and stories. At School, I am a part of leadership, yearbook, grad committee, student advisory council and environment club. Also, during the federal by election in the riding of Victoria, I volunteered with one of the candidates. This gave me a hands-on experience of our vibrant Canadian democracy, its systems and procedures. After High school I wish to pursue my bachelors in science.
	Adam Livingston Portfolio: Current Projects: My name is Adam. I have been a member of the City of Victoria Youth Council since its inception in the Fall of 2012. Since my time spent at CVYC I have met many wonderful friends and have had the opportunity to learn much of the political sociological issues affecting youth in today's society. I am a student of psychology at the university of Victoria, and am particularly interested in an array of topics, including developmental and learning disabilities and mental health, as these may have pertinent implications for a youth or an adolescent's psychosocial development. I am looking forward to my future group endeavours with CVYC.
	Nodin Cutfeet Portfolio: Current Projects: My name is Nodin Cutfeet and I am the youngest in the group at the age of 14. I am in grade 8 at Selkirk Montessori School. I love computer programing, reading Homestuck, watching My Little Pony and drawing. I joined the CVYC to meet new people and get more involved with my community. I am part of the Arts Ministry and the Media Club. I found out about the CVYC because I was looking for a way to get leadership hours at school. Once I met the people at CVYC knew it was for me!
	Genevieve Nevin Portfolio: Current Projects: Geneviève Nevin is a grade 11 student at Esquimalt High School, which is located on unceded Lekwungen territories. She is very involved with Victoria’s immigrant and refugee community and is a weekly ESL tutor at the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society and the Inter Cultural Association. She is also a part of the Youth Sexualized Violence Prevention team, which is the youth branch of the Women's Sexual Assault Centre, and through that has been involved in various anti-violence projects in her school and community. This past fall she spent a month volunteering in Mexico as a volunteer English teacher with La Catalina Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities for people in the rural community of La Manzanilla. This is her first year with the Youth Council and she is currently a member of the Ministry of Justice.
Past Members
	Ben Porcher ben@cvyc.net Portfolio: Current Projects: Hey all, I'm a first year UVic student studying this and that, and this is my fourth year with the CVYC. After a few years of being an Executive Member, I am now the Assistant Coordinator, so feel free to contact me with any queries. Looking forward to hearing from you!
	Nathalie Butler nathalie@cvyc.net Portfolio: Current Projects: Hi all, this is my first year as a member of the CVYC. I'm very excited about being a part of a group that represents the 'youth voice' in Victoria, and influences our society. I am in my second year at Camosun College, majoring in Biochemistry, and I have been volunteering at Victoria General Hospital for the past two years. On a lighter note, I enjoy playing piano, singing, and playing badminton.
	Sadaf Pourmand pourmand_sadaf@hotmail.com Portfolio: Current Projects: Hey, my name is Sadaf, and I attend Reynolds Secondary School. I joined the CVYC in 2008 around November, and have been a member ever since. I joined because I wanted to be involved in my city, be able to do something to represent even a small portion of youths in Victoria. I obviously can't talk on behalf of all of them, but I can on the behalf of my friends, and a small amount of others that live in this city the same way I do. I love politics, law, humans right, gender equality, equality of races, and all those good stuff!
	Michael Skinnider Cadboro Bay michaelskinnider@gmail.com Portfolio: Current Projects: Hi all, I'm Michael and this is my first year on the Council. I'm really excited by the CVYC's emphasis on non-tokenism and the chance to work on projects with concrete results. Outside of the CVYC, I'm an avid musician—I study classical piano at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and play in a chamber music program. I also study saxophone at UVic and play in the VCM's jazz band, and drum in a band too. In my spare time I do web design, write, ski, hike and volunteer with other valuable organizations.
	Miles Provencher Fernwood/Fairfield miles@cvyc.net Portfolio: Current Projects: Hi, my name is Miles, but my friends call me Miles Lyndan Delphis Claude Provencher. I was born in Beaconsfield (near Montreal), Quebec. When I was three I moved to Toronto and lived there for six years and then I finally relocated in lovely Victoria and I have been here around six years now. More Info...
	Joseph Boutilier Victoria West joseph@cvyc.net Portfolio: Current Projects: Hey all, I'm the Vic West-Rep (aka Vic West Pest) on the CVYC, as well as a member of the youth outreach team with YouthCore and a (wannabe) filmmaker. I've been on the youth council for a good four-years and I'm still constantly surprised by the sheer awesomeness of our team and the determination of youth in Victoria to make change. Have questions, comments or concerns? Get in touch and we'll figure out how you can help shape this city. Victoria is no longer just for 'the newly wed and the nearly dead' ;)
	Gen Sneddon Portfolio: Current Projects: Hi there! This is my third year in the council and it's awesome! I love working on such interesting and diverse projects, in particular i'm interested in the health regimen, meaning mental, physical and emotional. Last year i was one of the facilatators in a binge drinking forum and educational discussions. I have learned so many wonderful skills and had fun doing it!
	Ronnie Tadesse ronniet@cvyc.net Portfolio: Current Projects: Hey, my name is Merone but I go by Ronnie. As part of the youth council, I have had the privledge of working as a co-researcher on the issue of Youth Legal Literacy, using data collected by the CVYC over the past year. In addition to being part of the CVYC, I'm also involved with a local youth network called "Youth Combatting Intolerance," a coalition of student-led clubs which foster equality, human rights activism, and the elimination of discrimination. I look forward to working with the CVYC this year in promoting youth leadership and social responsibility.
	Simon Nattrass Hillside Quadra Portfolio: Current Projects: Hey everyone, my name is Simon Nattrass, and this is my first year with the CVYC. I've always felt that people (especially youth) should play a way bigger role in local government, so I've spent the past couple of years helping to create a stronger voice for our communities. I'm involved in a bunch of different organizations, including the Victoria Voters League, Wise Democracy Victoria, and the Hillside-Quadra Neighbourhood Action Group. In my free time I paint, read obscure books, listen to music, play drums, build things, and recover from the latest local punk and hardcore shows.
	Marian "Maria" Osman Saanich mariao@cvyc.net Portfolio: Current Projects: Of Somali background, born in Italy, and having gone to 6 different schools... you could say I've moved around a whole lot. A few years after finally settling, I joined the youth council to get more involved in my new home. Needless to say, the CVYC has lived up to and exceeded my expectations. More Info...
	Kelsey Singbeil Fernwood Portfolio: Current Projects: This is my second year on the Youth Council. I'm excited about the chance to collectively engage with the council on municipal issues and am looking forward to the year ahead. I graduated from Simon Fraser University in Communication, specializing in Community Development and Art and Culture Studies and currently work at the Dogwood Initiative as their Development Manager. And, more importantly, I'm avid surfer, gardener and general outdoors enthusiast.
	Jenna Proudlove Portfolio: Current Projects: Hi my name is Jenna Proudlove, this will be my first year with the youth council. I am currently auditing courses at the University of Victoria with a focus on social work, with Inclusive Post-Secondary Supports from STEPS Forward. . I think it is relevant to let you know that I have cerebral palsy and I am quadriplegic and that this gives me a specific viewpoint with regards to the inclusion of persons with disabilities into community. More Info...
	Matsuko Friedland Saanich matsuko.friedland@gmail.com Portfolio: Current Projects: Hello! I'm Matsuko Friedland, currently a grade 11 student at Mount Douglas Secondary while also technically a student at UVic (which has an awesome library to study in). I'm looking forward to the rest of my first year on the Youth Council. In particular, I am interested in youth rights, education, and providing dry but fun events and locales for the youth of Victoria. However, outside of the youth scope, I am also pretty concerned about the conservation of minority cultures in our city. Outside of the time I spend in school, on homework, and on the CVYC, I spend my time working in Chinatown and volunteering sporadically.
	Abi Hodson Fernwood Portfolio: Current Projects: This will be my third year on the City of Victoria Youth Council and I really enjoy being a part of a group that advocates for youth and makes a difference in the city. I'm a student at Vic High. My interests include history, social justice, and fashion design. Through the Youth Council I hope to make a meaningful contribution in my community.
	Roja Jahanbakhsh Portfolio: Current Projects:
	Erin Skinnider Portfolio: Current Projects:
	Quinn Willson quinn@cvyc.net Portfolio: Current Projects: Hello, I'm Quinn. This is my first year being on the Youth Council in Victoria but I'm really enjoying it. I joined the council because it's a cool way to get involved in the community and a great way to find out about what Victoria has to offer. In my spare time, I'm an avid music advocate as a viola and flute player. As a council member, it was cool to have an idea and see it through. I was able to take my interest in music and work collaboratively to create the Youth Arts Festival.
	Raviv Litman rlitman@uvic.ca Portfolio: Current Projects: Hey, This will be my second year on the City of Victoria Youth Council and its given me a chance to see municipal organizing first hand and feel more connected to the city. I think we as younger community members we ought to actively seek representation in Victoria, where one can feel outnumbered. I am a second year Uvic student studying Anthropology with an emphasis in Chinese studies and I'm a big fan of travelling and ancient history. Victoria has always been my homeland and I'm interested in helping other people get here and feel comfortable when they do.
	Therese Mah Portfolio: Current Projects: Therese is a student at Lambrick Park Secondary. Not satisfied with just participating in leadership, she joined the CVYC to do her part in the community and encourage others to get involved too. “There are so many kids who have the time and the potential to do more but don’t.” Therese says. She is passionate about social justice along with youth rights and safety. In her spare time, she enjoys art and music.
	Luella Sun Portfolio: Current Projects: Luella is 16 years old and goes to Mount Doug Secondary School. She is involved in Chinese dance and art. Her passions are art and making Victoria a better place for everyone. She wants to make people more aware of the world around them.
	Angela Dong Portfolio: Current Projects: Hey, this is my first year on the Youth Council and I am looking forward in getting more involved in our community. I am 17 years old and I attend Mount Douglas Secondary. I am passionate about multiculturalism, youth rights, and the promotion of fine arts. I enjoy travelling and during my free time I like exploring Victoria. I hope to make an impact through my involvement on the council!
	Carissa McLean Portfolio: Current Projects: Carissa is 16 years old and attends her grade 11 classes at Esquimalt High School. She is involved in EYCI (esquimalt youth combating intolerence) and Leadership at her school. In her free time, she likes to read a good book or find her artistic side. In addition, she also enjoys playing piano and soccer. She is very passionate about photography, philosophy, psychology, and Greek/Roman mythology. Apart from that, Carissa is interested in taking a part in her community by being a voice for the youth, learning more about how to help the homeless, and preserving the safety of the environment; therefore, CVYC suits her interests very well.
	Noah Spriggs Portfolio: Current Projects: Noah Spriggs was born here in the city and grew up exploring Victoria. He is in his 12th grade at Victoria High School and excited about heading to UVic next year. He is interested in a range of things from athleticism and gymnastics, to playing music. The Youth Council, for him, represents a fantastic opportunity to share ideas and become more involved with the community. Noah always enjoys a challenge and is excited to participate in his first year on the Youth Council!
	Iain Russell Portfolio: Current Projects: As a resident of the downtown core for the past five years, iain russell has seen first hand the movement and changes that have recently taken place in the city. Iain has work at some of victoria’s most established small businesses, Il Terrazzo, Still Life, and Outlooks for Men. In 2011 Iain was appointed as the Community Representative on the Citizen Advisory panel for the Johnson Street Bridge. As a valid member of the downtown community, Iain is looking forward to sharing ideas with the members of the Victoria Youth Council and working to keep victoria one of canada’s most livable cities now and in the future.
	Supawat (Sun) Poonjiradejma Portfolio: Current Projects: Sun is 16 years old and was born in Thailand. He has traveled to Japan, China, New Zealand, England, Hong Kong, and Australia. At the moment, he lives with his host family in Gordon Head and attends Oak Bay High school with mostly grade 12 courses in maths and sciences (his favourite subjects!). He is rather involved in peer-tutoring, Key Club, and Leadership at Oak Bay as well. It was because of a CVYC speaker who came to his Leadership, that he took a sudden interest in joining the youth council. An added influence was that Sun is very passionate about the environment, art, and the community, therefore it seemed fitting that he become an active member of CVYC.
	Cindy Chen Portfolio: Current Projects:
	Toni Suh Portfolio: Current Projects: Toni is a grade 12 student at Mount Doug High School. She is passionate about politics and attends university for an introduction to Poli Sci. She is especially interested in international politics and runs the Free the Children organization at her school. She speaks Korean, English, French and Spanish, and enjoys playing jazz and improvising on her trombone. Toni grew up in Korea and wants to get more involved with cultural issues in Victoria so that she can help other newcomers adapt to a new cultural environment. She wanted to meet other people who shared her interest in politics so she joined CVYC.
	Joslyn Dosanjh Portfolio: Current Projects: Hey my names Joslyn, this is my first year in youth council and I'm really excited to start this year! My interests include soccer, English, sciences and I absolutely love to read. I'm ready to start out this school year with a change and I think youth council can help me with that! I look forward to seeing what it has in store for me.
	Selena Chau Portfolio: Current Projects: Hey guys, my name is Selena Chau and I'm a graduating student of 2012. I was inspired to become a part of the CVYC to learn, engage, and help out more in my local community. If there is one thing I fear the most, it is ignorance and I feel that I have lived a long enough life to be expected to know how my local government and society works. For the past 17 years of my life I have grown an interest in all kinds of art, politics and community aid which has inspired me to involve myself in the VMUN conference, represent as a sub-director for the fine arts council at Mount Douglas secondary, and act as a delegate from Canada for the Morioka, Japan Disaster Forum. I want to be part of the bigger picture, and I want to inspire others my age to do the same which is why I joined CVYC.
	Lovina Miller Portfolio: Current Projects: This is my first year with Victoria Youth Council. I am excited about engaging with youth in conversations about environmental as well as political issues that face our community. I am a second year student at the University of Victoria studying Political and Environmental Science. I am excited to get the opportunity to work with my peers on issues that concern youth in our city. In my free time, I enjoy reading, running and other outdoor activities.
	Lila Melaz Portfolio: Current Projects: Lila is 17 years old and attends Mount Doug High School. She is involved in Stagecraft, Leadership, and YCI at her school. She is passionate about politics, history, and writing. Lila joined CVYC to become more active in her city, and her goal is to make her community more friendly and welcoming for young people.
	Salma Eddiani Portfolio: Current Projects: Salma is an active student at her school, Victor Brodeur where she is in grade 12, and a helping participant in her community. Apart from speaking 4 different languages she runs a multicultural council at her school, has helped out with a video project for "Project Respect", and is also involved with V.I.R.C.S. She has many interests, including competitive swimming, track and field, golf, piano, and the list goes on... She's excited to see what she can do to help Victoria's youth!
	Clio O'Connell Portfolio: Current Projects: My name is Clio O'Connell and I am an 18 year old Vic High graduate. This is my first year with the CVYC. I joined because I think that youth today feel disconnected from their community politically and this is something that needs to be changed. It is important to play a role in your community and implement the change you want to see! My passions are dance, writing, and being in the sea.