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Here, you'll find a curated list of our esteemed fellows along with their bios, emails, and LinkedIn profile links. We encourage you to explore this directory and connect with your peers, fostering meaningful collaborations and friendships.
While individual networking is encouraged, for broader communications reaching all 66 fellows, we recommend utilizing our LinkedIn group. This will ensure efficient and inclusive dissemination of information and ensure we make the most of this group!
At the Dais, we believe in the power of collaboration, and so we're excited to see the connections and initiatives that stem from our fellowship community. Happy connecting!
AdriennE Arzaga
AdriennE Arzaga
Adrienne (she/her) is passionate about community-building and youth empowerment and holds a BA Honours in International Studies from York University. She works with the Ontario Ministry of Education as an HR Program Advisor, specializing in learning and development and communications. Adrienne also serves as the Director of Communications for New Grocery Movement, a non-profit focused on food justice.
Ahmad Almallah
Ahmad Almallah
Ahmad (he/him) is a Public Affairs Researcher in Ottawa, pursuing his Masters in political management at Carleton University. He holds a Bachelor degree from Malaysia, and a Masters from Dalhousie University in civil engineering.
Ahmad worked as a research assistant in engineering, sustainability, aging, and politics. He also worked as a consultant, engineer, public speaker, and coordinator for an NGO.
Amal Zeidan
Amal Zeidan
Amal Zeidan (she/her) completed a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, leadership certificate and a public policy certificate from the University of Guelph. She runs a non profit called Steps2Flourish promoting mental health for university students through resource sharing and workshop development. She's a community builder and advocates for social justice.
Amira Shousha
Amira Shousha
Amira Shousha (she/her), founder of The Youth Guide, was recognized as one of ACGC's Top 30 Under 30 in 2022 for her impactful work. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with dual minors in Sociology and Political Science. Currently she's pursuing a dual Master's in International Business at Ivey Business School, reflecting her passion for advocacy and commitment to expanding her global impact.
Angus Li
Angus Li
Angus Li (he/him), a second-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University, studies the intricacy of criminology and politics. With a strong interest in understanding the complex dynamics that shape political climates, Angus hopes to uncover how policies affect millions. He is eager to contribute to public conversation and pursues his academic goals with interest and perseverance.
Annanya Joshi
Annanya Joshi
Annanya Joshi (she/her), is an undergraduate student at Toronto Metropolitan University pursuing politics and governance who is driven by a strong desire to protect human rights and an abiding passion for social justice. Annanya is an avid reader who has an intense fascination for the subtleties of political institutions. They enjoy learning new things, taking on challenges, interacting with others who have different perspectives, and forming relationships with people from different backgrounds.
Aurélie Petit
Aurélie Petit
Aurélie Petit (she/her) is a PhD Candidate in the Film Studies department at Concordia University, Montréal. She specializes in the intersection of technology and animation, with a focus on gender and sexuality. During the Summer 2023, she was a PhD Intern at Microsoft Research. She is currently a Doctoral Fellow in AI and Inclusion at the AI + Society Initiative (University of Ottawa).
Betelehem Aligaz
Betelehem Aligaz
Betelehem Aligaz MSc. (she/her) is an accomplished Sr. Project Manager and Strategy Consultant with 7+ years' experience leading projects and 4+ years developing strategic plans globally. Her expertise include managing public health initiatives, business development, youth mobilization and various ESG projects.
Bipin Kumar Badri Narayanan
Bipin Kumar Badri Narayanan
Bipin Kumar (he/him) is studying Masters in Computer Science. He is very interested on topics of AI, Climate change and PSE. He plans to pursue his career in Tech policy. Bipin currently works at the University of Regina Students Union as a Government Relations Coordinator. He also volunteers with the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC). He also serves as the treasurer for Support Our Science (SOS).
Birawin Jeevothayan
Birawin Jeevothayan
Birawin (he/him) is a recent BCom Graduate from TMU and an alumnus of The Dais’ “Making the Future” course. As an emerging Social & Tech Entrepreneur and Responsible Technology Advocate, Birawin has actively volunteered and taken part in various research, social-impact & change-making initiatives with esteemed organizations dedicated to creating a more equitable and prosperous Canada and world for all.
Bisi Woldemichael
Bisi Woldemichael
Bisi Woldemichael (she/her) is an incoming 3rd-year law student at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Prior to law school, she completed her Bachelor of Commerce at Toronto Metropolitan University. She has 5-10 years of experience in the legal, financial, and retail industry. Outside of her studies and work, she loves spending time with family and friends, going to the gym and for walks, and travelling.
Clarence Ndabahwerize
Clarence Ndabahwerize
Clarence (he/him) is an International Studies major from Vancouver in the final stages of his undergraduate degree. He aspires to be a lawyer and looks forward to taking on pro-bono human and refugee rights-related cases after passing the bar. He's chosen to be a CanStudyUS Fellow to better understand the dynamics that drive one of the world's most successful and enduring bilateral relationships.
Dana Hassan
Dana Hassan
Dana (she/her) is a first-year law student driven by a passion for justice and an unwavering commitment to human rights. An avid reader with a curiosity for the intricacies of the law, Dana is drawn to the complexities of legal discourse, fearlessly challenging the status quo. She thrives on exploration, trying new things, engaging with diverse perspectives, and meeting new people.
Daniel Dela Cruz
Daniel Dela Cruz
Daniel (he/him) is currently a student at Toronto Metropolitan University pursuing a certificate in Public Administration and Leadership. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from TMU in Language and Intercultural Relations (French) with a concentration in Organizational Behaviour, and a minor in Spanish. Daniel is interested in e-Government and digital service delivery.
Diego Vasquez
Diego Vasquez
Diego Vasquez (he/him) is a Research Consultant and Quantitative Methodologist with Crestview Strategy based in Toronto. Prior to joining Crestview Strategy, Diego worked in several research roles at both the University of Toronto and Columbia University, as well as serving as an International Presidential Fellow at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress in Washington, D.C.
Emily Poirier
Emily Poirier
Emily Poirier (she/her) is entering her fifth year at Huron at Western University in Global Health Studies. She served as the Vice-President External Affairs at the University Students' Council at Western University 2023-2024, where she worked with policymakers at all levels to address student issues. She also co-founded the non-profit Safe Campus Coalition which combats gender-based violence on campus.
Erika Drakes
Erika Drakes
Erika Drakes (she/her) has recently completed her first year of the MSCM (Master of Science in Management) program at the Ted Rogers School of Management at TMU. Her master's research focuses on the intersection of social psychology and computer-mediated communication. More broadly, she is interested in topics related to social perceptions and interactions.
Fatima Ahmed
Fatima Ahmed
Fatima (she/her) is passionate about advocating for people’s needs, uncovering and sharing insights, and creating experiences that are accessible for everyone. She graduated with a degree in Computer Science from the University of Toronto and has been working in consulting for the past few years. Her interests lie at the intersection of technology, governance, economic development policy, and innovation.
Gabe Blanc
Gabe Blanc
Gabe Blanc (he/him) is passionate about bilateral Canada-U.S cooperation in the fight against climate change. He was previously the co-chair of the Young Greens of Ontario. Living in Toronto, where he grew up, he has also worked and studied in the Northeastern United States.
Harresh Sivamohan
Harresh Sivamohan
Harresh (he/him) is an experienced policy professional with 5+ years of experience working in the public service, specifically working in the Ontario Public Service. Harresh holds a Master’s of Economic from McMaster University.
In his spare time, Harresh enjoys reading, training for a triathlon, playing video games, and baking.
hiba chihab
hiba chihab
Hiba (she/her/elle) is a McGill University graduate with experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of advocacy and outreach initiatives. A people-oriented and solution-focused collaborator, she is passionate about supporting grounded and community-oriented solutions, as reflected in her work with the Young Diplomats of Canada and the Loran Scholars Foundation.
Hilena Gebregiorgis
Hilena Gebregiorgis
Currently working in the international cooperation space, Hilena (she/her) has enriched her experiences in international policy, discovering meaningful ways to engage youth to advocate for policy changes. Her commitment lies in advocating for migration policies and governance within the realm of international affairs, aiming to contribute to the development of effective frameworks addressing migration.
Isma Zaamout
Isma Zaamout
Isma (she/her) is pursuing a Master's degree in the Political Studies program at the University of Saskatchewan. Having completed her first year, she is eager to begin working on her thesis, examining dynamics of media polarization and societal implications. Specifically, she aims to explore how divergent discourses may work against dialogue and conflict resolution, and the role of media in this process.
jaskiran shoker
jaskiran shoker
A community leader who is passionate about creating opportunities to empower women to take on leadership roles. As Partnership Lead for Laadliyan & Equal Voice Toronto, Jaskiran (she/her) facilitates initiatives focused on advancing gender equity & inspiring change through mentorship. With experience in public policy & government relations, Jaskiran is a Senior Policy Advisor for Cabinet Office with the OPS.
Jasmine Cha
Jasmine Cha
Jasmine (she/her), a recognized member of Alberta's Top 30 Under 30, is committed to ending global inequality. Passionate about promoting gender equality and digital inclusion, she eagerly advances into the tech policy space. With the goal to influence policies for equitable technology access and eliminate biases, Jasmine bridges the gap between technology and social justice, striving for impactful change.
Jedidiah Amoako
Jedidiah Amoako
Jedidiah Amoako (she/her) is a Child & Youth Care Practitioner and third-year law student at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Passionate about improving the quality of life for underserved communities, she aspires to use her legal & public policy knowledge to promote social justice and help solve societal issues.
Jenna Manhau
Jenna Manhau
Jenna Manhau (she/her) is an independent policy analyst and the author of a tech policy newsletter named “Jen Z issues”. She has been working on research and projects about internet governance and digital literacy for a TLD registry in the Asia Pacific since 2018. She is also a flamenco dancer, writer, and a cat-lover. She was born and raised in Hong Kong and is now based in downtown Toronto.
Jenna Trent
Jenna Trent
Jenna (she/her) is currently a third-year undergraduate student. In her hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jenna attends the University of Manitoba and studies Economics with a minor in Political Science. Jenna is passionate about political economics and how the two disciplines intersect within each other.
Jesse Hitchcock
Jesse Hitchcock
Jesse (she/her) has eight years of experience in sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, and electric utility regulation. She holds an MSc in Environmental Science and believes that community-building and democratic engagement are fundamental to navigating the climate crisis. She has worked in the public and private sectors, and completed an environmental internship in the Canadian House of Commons.
Jordan Le Roux
Jordan Le Roux
Jordan Le Roux (she/her) is entering her fourth year of the History BA program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her primary research interests include international relations and modern Southeast Asia. By participating in the CanStudyUS Fellowship she hopes to bring a greater understanding of Canada-US relations into the final year of her studies.
Julianne Toupin
Julianne Toupin
Julianne (she/her) graduated from Laval University in law and King's College London in Global Affairs. She interned at the Jean-Charles Bonenfant Foundation in Quebec's National Assembly, then completed a Bar internship in international trade law with the Quebec Ministry of Economy. Now, Julianne practices constitutional and indigenous law at the Executive Council Office.
Kimberley Meijer
Kimberley Meijer
Kimberley (she/her/elle) is currently the Manager, Policy and Government Affairs with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Political Science with a concentration in North American politics and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Carleton University, and is currently completing her Master of Political Management from Carleton University.
Lamiha Haque
Lamiha Haque
Lamiha (she/her) recently earned her master’s degree in International Affairs, specializing in humanitarian policy. Drawing from her experience in civil society and the public service, she has cultivated a thorough understanding of policymaking and advocacy. Lamiha is now eager to explore bilateral relations between Canada and the USA further, particularly in refugee and immigration protection.
Larry Krimus
Larry Krimus
Larry Krimus (he/him) is a driven Politics and Governance student determined to make a difference in public policy. As a policy intern for Ontario's Ministry of Education, Larry played a critical role in modernizing the language curriculum to follow digital education trends. His experience in the Ministry of Infrastructure has honed his ability to analyze complex issues and chart effective paths forward.
Laura Robertson
Laura Robertson
Laura (she/her) is an environmental engineer with expertise in climate & environmental policy. As a senior consultant she supports clients navigate the transition to a net zero economy. Her work includes policy tracking, regulatory impact analysis, strategy development, and leveraging policy opportunities for greater ambition and impact. Laura has 10 years of prior experience in the energy sector.
Leandra Budau
Leandra Budau
Leandra (they/them) has a BEng in Computer Engineering and is currently pursuing an MASc. in Computer Engineering at TMU, researching Neural Networks and NLP in bioinformatics. Leandra has a passion of Ethical/Responsible AI and the policy creation surrounding it.
Lexia Simmons
Lexia Simmons
Lexia (she/her), based in Edmonton, AB, balances her roles as a change management specialist, communication instructor, and reading specialist teacher. Passionate about politics and policy, Lexia spends her spare moments immersed in political podcasts, always eager to explore new insights. She is thrilled to deepen her understanding of Canada-US relations through the CanStudyUS Virtual Fellowship.
Lillian Guy
Lillian Guy
Lillian (she/her/elle) is a graduate of McMaster University’s Justice, Political Philosophy and Law program, with a Specialized Minor in Commerce and a Minor in Social Problems, Social Policy and the Law. Her experience with civic and youth engagement, public policy, and EDI work are a testament to her inquisitive approach, ability to leverage critical synergies, and unwavering commitment to results.
Linxi Mytkolli
Linxi Mytkolli
Linxi Mytkolli (she/her) leads healthcare innovation at Diabetes Action Canada, blending research with lived experience to enhance diabetes care. She champions patient-centric research and systemic reform, focusing on community-driven change and inclusivity. A first-generation Canadian and disability advocate, Linxi also influences global health policy, ensuring youth-centered, impactful strategies.
Margaret de Leon
Margaret de Leon
Margaret (she/her) is pursuing a PhD in International Comparative Higher Education at the University of Toronto. Her research explores affordability and access to post secondary in the United States and Canada. Her doctoral project is supported by the Fulbright Scholarship, and she hopes to leverage the knowledge and connections made in this fellowship for her research at Stanford University in the fall.
meena waseem
meena waseem
Meena (she/her) works at local, provincial, and national levels on education, mental health, workplace well-being, and accessibility policies. She is an award-winning professional public speaker, a Loran Scholar, and supports national mentorship programs. Her work has been amplified through various awards, national media, and in the House of Commons.
Michael Lecchino
Michael Lecchino
Michael Lecchino (he/him) is a curious student and dedicated volunteer known for his impactful contributions to academic excellence, community service, and inclusive initiatives. His passions range from designing visual identity systems to exploring the great Canadian outdoors. Michael works for Parks Canada, volunteers as President of the CJL, serves as a Board Member, and was a G7 & G20 Youth Delegate.
Mustafa Abbas
Mustafa Abbas
Graduated with honors in Political Science from Al-Neelain University, Almustafa (he/him) developed a passion for social justice. He is apart Youth Network at Canadian Council for Refugees.With expertise in youth advocacy, refugee rights, climate action, and the UN system, he is eager to join the fellowship to learn more about the bilateral relations between Canada and US.
Nana Quainoo
Nana Quainoo
Nana Quainoo (she/her) is a Senior Strategic Communications Planner with the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs Ontario. She has more than a decade of experience in journalism and government communications. Nana has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Political Science with a concentration in International Relations from Carleton University and a certificate in Food Policy from City, University of London UK.
Natalie Pilla
Natalie Pilla
Natalie (she/they) is a researcher, evaluator, and project manager who helps communities, governments, non-profits and socially conscious businesses make strategic decisions that are data-driven, timely, and deeply informed by lived experiences. She's excited to learn more about how she can apply her work to policy issues facing Canada and the US.
Nicole Taylor
Nicole Taylor
Nicole (she/her) is interested in the intersection between business, history, and gender in mature industries. In particular, she explores how multinational institutions use language to (re)create power dynamics and how individual women at all levels (ie. entrepreneurs, workers, managers, or executives) shape, and are shaped by, such institutional policies.
perihane abdelsalam
perihane abdelsalam
Perihane Abdelsalam (she/her), a skilled young professional with considerable experience in international cooperation and policy development. She has served in various notable positions in the Egyptian government. Recently relocated to Canada, she dedicates her time to empowering immigrants, advocating for their political rights, and encouraging civic engagement. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English.
Pragya Tikku
Pragya Tikku
Pragya (she/her) is currently working with the OCIC as their Community Engagement & Gender Equality Specialist. Prior to this, she was working with UN Women as a Consultant for Inter-Governmental processes, Humanitarian Action, Women, Peace & Security. Leveraging her educational background and work experience, her expertise lies in the development and policy issues relating to women and children.
Rachel Sutton
Rachel Sutton
Rachel's (she/her) background is in environmental science and geography. Her current focus areas are low-carbon buildings, sustainable finance, and industrial decarbonization. She has experience in operations and policy and previously served as an advisor to two of Canada's federal Cabinet Ministers. She presently serves as a Senior Policy Analyst at the Pembina Institute.
Rawan Mustafa
Rawan Mustafa
Rawan Mustafa (she/her) is a UofT graduate with a Honours BA in Sociology and Equity Studies, and a Master of Education. She has dedicated the last few years of her career to working in community centred spaces; from working in child care, to youth facilitation, to her most current position working to better the Arab-Canadian community.
sahib kaur dhaliwal
sahib kaur dhaliwal
Sahib (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Economics and Public Policy from the University of Ottawa. Through her role in planning International Development Week conferences and leading the Sikh Student Association, Sahib strove to collaborate with students to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and advocate on social justice issues nationally and internationally.
shaina sharma
shaina sharma
Shaina Sharma (she/her) works as a Legislative Assistant to a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons. She graduated from the University of Toronto in June 2023 with a degree in Economics and Political Science. She has experience in political organizing as Policy Chair in the Mississauga-Malton Liberal Association. In her free time, she is an avid reader and enjoys cooking Indian food.
shehara athukorala
shehara athukorala
Shehara Athukorala (she/her) has over 10 years of experience in the legal and development field. She has worked with various donors, government institutions, non-profits, electoral management bodies, and civil society in areas such as governance and advocacy, human rights, capacity building, and inclusion of gender, disability, and youth in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, and Canada.
shoukot ali
shoukot ali
As an academic and digital education content designer, Shoukot Ali (he/him) has effectively blended teaching, administrative, and event coordination skills across various roles at Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Daffodil International University. Mr.Ali's passion for public policy is evident in his academic focus and enthusiasm for AI policy literature. He is honoured to join the program.
simone mao
simone mao
Simone Mao (she/her) is pursuing a Joint Degree in Business Administration(ALB, ALM) at Harvard University, with minors in Finance and Government. With a background in Economics, Philosophy, and Classics, she contributed to academic works in these fields. She worked on policy analysis and consultancy on urban and industrial economics. Her interests lie in international politics and socio-economic equality.
skylar johnson
skylar johnson
Skylar (she/her) is finishing her undergraduate studies in communications and sociology at the University of Ottawa, and particularly enjoyed courses in media studies and Indigenous politics. Originally from Edmonton but now living in Ottawa and working at the Senate. She is interested in the fields of digital journalism, social work, and information management.
sophia nettleton
sophia nettleton
Sophia Nettleton (she/her) is a recent Toronto Metropolitan University graduate, with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and minor in Criminology. Throughout her journey, Sophia has demonstrated a passion for understanding human behaviour and interaction. As VP of Events with BoostHER, Operations Jr with SASSH, and her many other ventures, Sophia is dedicated to uplifting others and creating change.
stacie smith
stacie smith
Stacie (she/her) holds degrees in Kinesiology and Education from Dalhousie and UNB, respectively. Currently pursuing a Master's in Arts in Education at Mount Saint Vincent University. She founded the Mental Health Student Support Network, collaborates with Frayme, and serves as Director of Finance at the Young Canadians Roundtable on Health. Additionally, she is the Youth Programs Lead at YWCA Halifax.
sydney marshall
sydney marshall
Sydney (she/her/elle) was raised in Woodstock, Ontario and is now based in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. As a 2nd generation Canadian, Sydney also proudly holds an American citizenship. She earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Cultural Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University and is currently pursing her Masters in Public Safety. Sydney is as a Border Services Officer for the Government of Canada.
tatiana parrish
tatiana parrish
Tatiana (she/her) is an international student from the US currently finishing her MA at Simon Fraser University in Political Science. She completed the SFU NATO Field School and gained Canadian and American political policy perspectives through participating in the Canadian think tank, the Canadian International Council and the American political organization, Democrats Abroad.
tempestt mpofo
tempestt mpofo
Tempestt Mpofo (she/her) is a dedicated Sociology and Politics & Governance student at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is very driven and has many goals planned for her career. She has dreams of becoming an amazing lawyer and/or politician after finishing her studies. She ajax also looked into being a professor as well. This young intellectual will soon provide even greater impact to the world.
turner moore
turner moore
Turner Moore (he/him) is a student at University of Prince Edward Island and majors in Political Science. He is interested in Global Affairs. In his free time, Turner enjoys fitness, hiking, swimming, and learning.
victoria barclay
victoria barclay
Victoria Barclay (she/her) is a Research Associate at Viewpoints Research. She’s skilled in using qualitative and quantitative methods to inform policy, campaign development, and integrating equity into municipal decision-making processes. Victoria holds a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of British Columbia and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto.
wyatt jerome
wyatt jerome
Wyatt Jerome (he/him) is a 3rd year Political Science student at the University of Alberta. He is passionate about making systemic changes and is excited to get more involved when it comes to policy. Motivating this, is experience helping, and learning about marginalized groups through his education and personal affairs. In his spare time, he enjoys volunteering, and spending time with friends and family.
zanele chisholm
zanele chisholm
Zanele Chisholm (she/her) is a storyteller, community advocate, and multi-disciplniary artist passionate about empower communities to get involved in leadership, using interdiscplinary methods for co-creating dynamic, inclusive, and positively impactful systems and programs that can help reimagine our ways of life to fit the needs of all beings including the Earth.
zehra erkul
zehra erkul
Zehra Erkul (she/her) is a Politics and Governance and Sociology student at TMU. She developed an interest in politics and governance while growing up in Turkey and her interest in international relations grew more after she moved to Canada. She has a strong desire to build connections and is committed to learning more about the current affairs between Canada and the United States.
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