Team & Supporters
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Y4Y Québec?
Meet our incredible team of movers and shakers!
The Team
Adrienne Winrow
Executive Director
A graduate of Concordia Political Science, Adrienne Winrow, Director of Y4Y, has been working in community outreach, volunteerism and non-profit organisations for many years. Her involvement in municipal politics led to her acceptance into the Cité Elles conference of 2017, an invaluable experience for young women who wish to know more about the intricacies of the political landscape in Québec, and use that knowledge to become leaders in their communities. A strong believer in continuing education, Adrienne recently attended the Workshops on Social Science Research at Concordia University, where she engaged with both youth and prominent Canadian leaders to discuss how current political realities intertwine with Canadian history, and affect citizens in their daily lives. As a parent, her commitment to ensuring positive outcomes for youth is absolute. As the Director of Y4Y, she is dedicated to the growth and success of the organisation, as it strives to support English-speaking youth across the Province.
Alexandre Pettem
(He/Him)
Director of Policy
Raised by a French-speaking mother and an English-speaking father, Alexandre has been navigating Québec’s two official language communities his entire life. He completed his BA in English at McGill University, then his MA in French at l'Université de Montréal, both in Political Science. As Director of Policy at Y4Y Québec, Alexandre wants to share his passion for civic engagement with the next generation, and make sure their voices are heard by those in positions of power.
Maria Mahdessian
(She/Her)
Director of Communications
Maria is a sucker for visual communication and tends to have an eagle eye for details. She received her MA in Design Research from Bern University of the Arts in Switzerland and her BFA in Design from Concordia University in Montréal. She is interested in using her creativity, design, and communications expertise to give voice to individuals, who feel left out of society, and to raise awareness on topics of disparities in rights, basic needs, and vulnerabilities. Born in Montréal and raised in Beirut with an English-educational background Maria recognises the challenges English-speakers face while living in Québec.
Samantha Restall
(She/Her)
Project Coordinator
Sam completed her B.A. in Honour’s sociology with a concentration in Gender, Diversity & Equity studies, along with a minor in psychology at Bishop’s University. She brings to the team a heightened understanding of social problems with a focus on community building, accessibility, and inclusivity from her experience in the non-profit sector. She is driven to always keep learning, and enjoys exchanging and analysing ideas.
Freya Wilson
(She/Her)
Project Coordinator
Growing up in London, Freya graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a honours degree in French and History, specifically centred around interdisciplinary research on gender, sex and sexuality. Outside of her studies, she loved getting involved in student societies, charity fundraising and volunteering, including working on projects that promoted learning French as a second language. As the former President of the University of Edinburgh’s French-language theatre society, Les Escogriffes, Freya is passionate about the importance of creativity and collaboration when learning and developing new skills. Excited about her next chapter in life here in Montréal, Freya hopes to continue to inspire English-speaking people in their French-learning journey.
Sapphire Allaire
(She/Her)
Events Coordinator
As a young professional and eternal student of life, she has spent several years in the field of education and non-profit environments and has a passion for education and redefining conventional boundaries. In a rapidly changing landscape, she believes we are the architects of thriving and connected communities. She continues to pursue studies that she feels will assist her and the community in the overall design of their future.
Aspen Aldridge
(They/Them)
Communications Asssistant
Aspen graduated with a BSc in Honours Biology at the University of Concordia, having chosen to move to Québec to further develop their French. An avid fan of the plethora of events offered in Montréal, they have worked behind the scenes planning and promoting community events, in addition to being a regular attendee. As Y4Y’s Communications Assistant, Aspen hopes to help connect young people with opportunities to deepen their community ties and gain confidence expressing themselves in French.
Yasmine Kaced
(She/Her)
Research Coordinator
Yasmine is a student specializing in human environment and geography with a minor in political science at Concordia University. Her studies focus on understanding the complex relationships between people, places, and environments. She enjoys peeling back the layers of society through research and analysis to help her deepen her understanding of the world. She also enjoys community engagement and volunteering, and she holds a seat on her university’s Sustainable Action Fund board, helping support student-led projects focused on sustainability and innovation. Passionate about continuous social, economic, and personal growth, she believes in the power of self and collective development to drive change. As an English-speaker, she hopes to continue empowering and inspiring English-speaking youth to create more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive communities.
The Board of Directors
Sufia Langevin
President
Sufia was born and raised in the West Island of Montréal and spent five years in the Eastern Townships achieving her Bachelors of Arts in Educational Studies and Social Studies from Bishop’s University. A recipient of the 3M National Student Fellowship for Leadership and Innovation, she volunteers with the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, creating space for student voices. An avid researcher, she has presented at multiple conferences and holds a Jarislowsky Postgraduate Research Fellowship, engaging in projects focussed on re-wiring systems for human flourishing. She has a strong passion for community-building practices and creating spaces that cultivate joy while empowering others. Outside of volunteering and work she can be found reading, experiencing nature, and laughing.
Michael Lecchino
Vice President
Michael Lecchino is a quadrilingual student from Montréal, Québec. He currently works for Parks Canada and volunteers as the president of his borough’s youth council. He was recently selected to represent Canadian youth as an Official Delegate and Communications Coordinator at the 2022 G7 Youth Summit (Y7) in Berlin, Germany. Passionate about youth advocacy, Michael is excited to address pressing issues and strategize possible solutions to ensure the future wellbeing of youth across Québec.
Hayley Campbell
Secretary
Hayley is a graduate of the business administration program at Bishop's University and is a member of the board of directors for Youth for Youth Québec. She has a strong sense of belonging to her community and hopes that with this group, other English-speaking youth will feel more engaged with Québec Society. She is involved with the Pontiac Agricultural Society and Alpha Phi. She was previously the Ambassador of the Shawville Fair. In 2018, Hayley was honored with the QCGN Young Québecers Leading the Way award for her extensive record of community service.
Caleb Owusu-Acheaw
Treasurer
Caleb is currently a graduate student at the University of Ottawa in Public Administration. A born and raised Montréaler, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University in Political Science and Economics. His community and political involvement started at Vanier College as the treasurer of the CEGEP student association, held a few executive positions at undergraduate associations then with the Commission-Jeunesse du Parti libéral du Québec as a regional president. Although brief, Caleb has worked for various parts of the civil service such as Canada Border Services Agency and the Library of Parliament. He remains active with his ethnic Ghanaian Presbyterian church in Montréal as an administrative assistant. His interests include reading, writing, playing soccer and basketball, sustainable development, constitutional law and has recently taken up jogging. Caleb is proficient in English and French and comfortable in the Twi language. His desire to get involved with Y4Y comes with wanting to make young Anglophone Québecers feel welcome at home in the province while encouraging bilingualism in their lives.
Benjamin-Taylor Sauvé
Director
Benjamin is an undergraduate student majoring in History and Geography. Along with his studies in these subjects, he is also active in student governance and organising. Currently, he is the VP of Finance for McGill’s Borderless World Volunteers. He is also a former Dawson Foundation Board Member and former VP of Finance for the Dawson Student Union. In Dawson College, he studied international development, giving him the opportunity to go on a solidarity trip to Cuba. In his spare time, he likes to cook, read, volunteer, and make educational content for YouTube. As someone from a French Quebecois family who has mostly gone to English schools, joining Y4Y is the culmination of formative years and useful experiences.
Alicia Buffit
Director
Alicia is an Anglophone from the Côte Nord Region. Originally from the Lower North Shore, Alicia has been living in Sept-Îles for 18 years. She is passionate about all things youth mental health, and has been an advocate for the English community since she was a teen. She is currently employed at the North Shore Community Association as the Projects Coordinator for the Youth Mental Health Initiative, and many other projects. She hopes to bring the realities of the isolated eastern Quebecers to the Y4Y and continue to bring awareness of English speakers across her region!
Kenneth Clarence
Director
Kenneth is a second-year student at Dawson College in the Law, Society, and Justice profile. Driven by a strong commitment to public service, Kenneth has consistently sought ways to contribute to his community. His drive to contribute led him to run for and win the presidency of the Dawson Student Union, as well as being chosen as the Local Youth Ambassador for the Montréal region. In his free time, he volunteers for his borough’s youth council and enjoys watching documentaries. These experiences motivate him to one day secure a position in the government, where he can challenge the status quo and advocate for the marginalised.
Giovanni Casale
Director
Hello, my name is Giovanni. I have been an active member of Y4Y Québec’s Policy Committee and Youth Advisory Committee, where I’ve had the opportunity to address policy issues directly impacting Québec’s English-speaking community. Currently, I work as a Policy Analyst with the Government of Canada in the Canadian Forest Service, as part of the Policy Analyst Recruitment and Development Program. My work primarily focuses on the annual State of the Forest Report. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through jogging and CrossFit, and I’m always looking for new opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
Laury-Layne Amanda-Myrtild
Director
My name is Laury-Layne Amanda Myrtild, and I am a multidisciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and community leader. I founded Yntech Conception Agency, where I serve as artistic director, and I am currently VP Communications and External Affairs at MACES as well as Communications and Marketing Administrator at the Jeune Chambre de commerce des femmes du Québec. I am passionate about youth engagement, inclusion, and mental health advocacy.
Lucas Witvoet
Director
Raised in Pointe-aux-Trembles, where English was spoken at home while French shaped the world outside, Lucas experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating between two cultures. He holds a Bachelor’s in Management and Project Management from HEC Montreal and has organized Québec’s largest student-run entrepreneurship competition, represented youth leadership in Colombia, and earned recognition in national business contests. Through community involvement with Make-A-Wish and Montréal's Youth Chamber of Commerce, Lucas has built experience in governance and collaboration. He is eager to contribute where it counts—both in strategic planning and process efficiency, and as a reliable, engaged voice for Y4Y’s governance and mission.
Catherine Minh-Hang
Director
Catherine is an Advisor, Facilitator & Speaker with experience at the intersection of technology, education, and youth empowerment. She has led multiple development projects, training workshops, mentorship programs, and supported initiatives that aim to provide youth with the tools and confidence they need to thrive in both personal & professional growth. Being quadrilingual and a minority in her own community, she has developed a passion for community development, youth advocacy, and DEI. She hopes to connect English-speaking youth across the province and provide them with meaningful opportunities to grow.
Osric Parry-Canet
Director
Hello! I’m Osric, a 21-year-old born in New Zealand to a French mother and a Kiwi father. I’m currently the Science and Education Manager at the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark and in my final year of a bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Territorial Development at Laval University. Through my work, I am working with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO to build the Canadian Youth Declaration for UNESCO Designated Sites.
Funders
We would like to thank our funders for their generous contributions to Y4Y Québec.
Without them, our work would not be possible.
