Executive Team

Founder/CEO

 Hello, my name is Drayton and I am a Health Sciences student at the University of Ottawa. I decided to start this organization because I felt that we, as youth, can achieve so much if we had the right push, support, and environment. This is why I want to use the power of positivity, something that has changed my life completely, to help other young people realize their full potential. As someone who loves finding creative ways to overcome problems, and who deeply sympathizes with others' pains, I hold this cause to heart. Hopefully with your help, I will be able to make this world a little more positive and better for the future generations. 

COO

 Hi, my name is Malika Yoh and I’m the Chief Operating Officer. I am pursuing a Master of Labour/Industrial Relations & Labour Law at the University of Montreal. I am very glad to be a part of this organization because I believe that when one is optimistic, their views on a situation opens up and new possibilities that they had not thought of before arise. Despite the fact that we all face adversity, helping others develop a positive mindset can guide them to see the best in life. My happiness does, in fact, come as a result of doing good things. It is thus a win-win situation for me to be a part of an organization that aims to promote positivity among youth to help them reach their full potential. 

CMO

Hi, my name is Lydia Lister. I’m a Media and Communications Studies student at the University of Guelph-Humber. To me, it’s so important to inspire and encourage youth. Although youth are often referred to as the future of this world, they’re often overlooked as being someone who could change the world even though they’re young. I’m so happy to be apart of this organization as they’re whole mission is to change that perspective: to show that youth, the leaders of tomorrow, can change the world and have an impact even though they’re young. I hope to help this organization to inspire youth to live today for a better tomorrow 

CPO

 Hey everyone, my name is Kevine Ishimwe M, I am a Human Rights and Conflict Studies student here at the University of Ottawa, hoping to teach in the near future. Growing up,  I have always wanted to give back to the community through exchange programs or even within my surroundings in different fields, such as youth leadership, sports and community engagement, even with the challenges that present themselves in our society. I believe that together we can make the changes we desire to help others. This is why I am very fortunate to have been given a chance to be part of this organization with the hope to guide, support and help youth since they are the change of tomorrow, but we have to start today.

Software developer

 Hey, my name is Alexandre Marques and I am currently studying software engineering at Carleton University. I have a passion for programming and problem-solving in general. I’m proud to be channeling that drive towards HealMind to bring support to those in need. One of my greatest joys is seeing something I helped build make a positive impact in someone’s life. I hope HealMind will be one of these projects that can make people’s days brighter in their darkest times.

https://www.asmarquesconsulting.ca/   

Youth Outreach Officer

Hi! My name is Natalie and I am a Political Science and Juris Doctor student at the university of Ottawa! I am really excited to join the team as a Youth Outreach Officer as I believe a lot of people are not presented with the help available to them. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, only 1/5 children receive suitable mental health assistance[1]. By taking part in this project, I aim to equip the youth with appropriate support and services to identify and treat anything that prevents them from reaching their full self.

[1] https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/children-and-youth/ 

 Youth Outreach Officer 

 Hi, my name is Rica and I'm a student at the University of Ottawa, studying psychology and a minor in creative writing. I hope to become a teacher one day - one that prioritizes mental health, encourages openness, and provides hope, which are goals that HealMind also values. Helping others has always been a huge part of my life and so has mental illness, so I'm super excited to be a part of this initiative. I want people to know that I care and that they matter and are enough. 

 Youth Outreach Officer

 Hi, my name is Sophia! I study biomedical science at the University of Ottawa and help run a science education club called SciSection Ottawa. I am passionate about making sure students have access to support and inclusive opportunities on and off campus. To me, it's important to remember that we all have the power to help others, and that even the smallest action can impact people. I know how easy it is to lose motivation and feel discouraged with school, so I'm excited to be working with HealMind to spread positivity and encouragement to youth! 

 HealMind Youth Network manager

Hey, my name is Amy! I’m extremely excited to join the team as the Discord Manager! I attend Wilfried Laurier University majoring in Youth and Children studies with a minor in Psychology. Assisting others with their problems and mental health has been a passion of mine for many years. I believe it is important for people to know that there is someone who cares for them even if they think differently. It can be hard for someone accept that they need help, but that is the first step to improve their mental health. Everyone deserves happiness and this awesome team will strive to provide that!

 HealMind Youth Network coordinator 

 Hello wonderful humans,

My name is Nefissa Bedri. I’m a writer, a poet, a reader and an artist. I love enjoying the little moments in life and cherishing the little things. I’m originally from Ethiopia. I’m a second year Health Sciences student in the university of Ottawa. Growing up mental health wasn’t something I heard about a lot as it wasn’t something openly discussed in my country. People were too focused on all the problems outside their bodies that they never actually focused on how it made them feel or how it impacted the way they saw the world. They believed that as long as your physical state was alright you were good to go. I see people struggle with mental health all the time and I struggle with it as well to understand enough that it was a critical part of our well being. We can’t excel in other parts of our life without our mental health being in its best state. To me, mental health is important because if I’m not okay with who I am and how I perceive the world, I would not be of much help to the world around me.

Project manager

(ITN podcast) 

 Hey, my name is Ella; I am a Psychology student at the University of Ottawa. I love helping people, it has always been a passion of mine, and through this organization, I can be a part of something bigger. Seeing people achieve their goals, become inspired, and love who they are as people is a beautiful thing. Plus, we help other people accomplish that through these people’s stories. Self-love is a life-changing thing, it may seem simple, but it has a hugely positive impact on your life. Self-love has changed my life for the better and made me into the person I am today. We want to inspire you to strive for your biggest goals and love who you are along the way. You can do anything you set your mind to.

Social media manager

(ITN podcast)

 Hi! My name is Dalton and I am the social media manager for this incredible initiative. I love interacting and promoting people's content. Not only will this job help grow our organization, but it will allow me to help young, talented man and women grow their platforms. I am a Biopharmaceutical student at University of Ottawa who strives to make the world a better place. I am happy to get the chance to start here. If I must leave you with something, it's this. "Don't forget to get out there and inspire the next" 

Co-host/Communications specialist 

(ITN podcast)

  Hello everyone, I am Dyson, your co-host for this incredible podcast. I am a soon to be college student, who is working hard here and there to get the necessary funds for school. I am also an aspiring model, as well as a bilingual speaker. This is why this opportunity to co-host a podcast like this means a lot to me. I hope to meet and discover many young talented people.  

Co-host/Audio engineer

(ITN podcast)

 Hello/Bonjour, my name is Christophe but you can call me Chris. I am currently a criminology student at University of Ottawa, who dreams of becoming a police officer and stand up for what is right. Ever since my early childhood, I was interested in radio hosting because of my father, who till this day owns a radio station. This skill has been cultivated inside of me, and I am very excited to finally try it out for myself. 

Interior decorator

(ITN live show)

My name is Sandy, I’m an inspiring interior designer studying at La Roche university. It was an absolute pleasure working with Drayton on the ITN live show. My background in design enabled me to create a wonderful and pleasing space by putting into practice what I’ve been taught. I’ve always wanted to venture out and do something different other than commercial and residential design, this project gave me the opportunity to try set design. It is now a project that I can proudly add to my portfolio.

Hosts 

(ITN live show)

Serge Nkusi (second from the left): He is THE up and coming Ottawa comedian who is constantly pushing himself and others forward in their personal ventures. As a host on ITN, he was incredible! 

https://www.instagram.com/sergenkusi_/

Down to the Wire Entertainment: Down to the Wire is one of Ottawa's youngest and fastest growing media companies. Producing several podcasts, publications, videos and productions.  Created by Jacob Racco (first from the left), his company built by youth creatives is looking to create some noise in the city and influence the culture. As hosts on the ITN live show, Jacob, John Balser (first from the right) and Juwan Anderson were incredible!!! Check them out: 

https://www.instagram.com/dttwentertainment/