Our Story

Hello, I’m Jaelynn Miller. I’m from Kelowna, BC, and now live in Coquitlam. I graduated from UBC Okanagan in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I started with the Women in Leadership Foundation as a summer student and discovered a love for storytelling and digital engagement. I’m now the Communications Lead for the Emerging Leaders Placement Project and chair the Youth Steering Committee. I’m passionate about youth leadership and believe young people are changemakers today. Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, yoga, colouring, and watching reality TV.

Hello, I’m Juliette Sullivan. I am a grade 10 Student from Niagara Falls and a new member of the Women In Leadership Youth Steering Committee. I am an involved community member with awards in academics and community service. I am also an aspiring human rights advocate. I do Brazilian jiujitsu, musical theatre, singing, and host prayer groups! I hope to one day use my interests collectively to create change across a wide spectrum of people. I also participated in the HIP 2025 gathering which focused on learning and honouring Indigenous culture through concepts such as Two-eyed Seeing. It is with this background that I plan on sharing strong ideas pertaining to equity and justice. I look forward to working with this foundation tremendously.

Hi! I’m Emma-Leigh Johnston. I am a youth advocate, student leader, and incoming student at Trent University studying a dual degree in Medical Sciences. I recently finished my term as the Indigenous Student Trustee for ALCDSB, and now I work as a Director & Youth Engagement and Outreach Coordinator with CMHS. This year I’m running a grant-funded project, bringing Indigenous cultural programming into local high schools. The goal is to create a safe space for students to connect with their culture through workshops led by community members, and build stronger peer networks.  I care a lot about Indigenous representation, mental health, and supporting young people to feel proud of who they are and what they can achieve. My long-term goal is to become a pediatric surgeon and return home to work in my community.

I find meaning in building, creating, and understanding, whether through technology or the quiet work of shaping ideas into something real. With a background in computer science, management, and project coordination, I am passionate about designing intuitive, inclusive systems that support diverse needs and celebrate individual strengths.

Isaac Joe Manuel is a passionate and culturally grounded young man with a strong dedication to learning through hands-on experience and community engagement. As a neurodivergent individual, Isaac brings a unique perspective to his work—combining creativity, empathy, and deep cultural knowledge. He has gained diverse experience working in hospitality and community-based roles, including as a Server at Valley Graze Box, an Indigenous Youth Ambassador at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, as a Youth Camp Worker with Upper Nicola Band, which demonstrates his ability to lead, support others, and work with the community in an engaged manner. Isaac has participated in meaningful volunteer initiatives, including the Youth 2 Youth Program with Honouring Indigenous Peoples and now on the Women in Leaderships Emerging Leaders Program. He holds several certifications, such as Superhost, Food Safe, Emergency First Aid, and WHMIS, and possesses practical skills ranging from outdoor survival and food preservation to taekwondo and traditional medicine making. He is a recent high school graduate this past June 2025. Isaac has also completed the Manhood Rites of Passage program, developing discipline, resilience, and a deepened understanding of his cultural identity. He is an animal lover, land, water and cultural guardian, and life-long learner who thrives through experiential learning and community connection.

Hi, I’m Rylann Harding! I’m heading to Kwantlen Polytechnic University this fall to study Business Administration. I’m a proud autistic advocate who is passionate about creating inclusive spaces for all neurodivergent people. I love working with kids, reading, and standing up for human rights. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to join the 2025 Honouring Indigenous Peoples trip, which was truly eye-opening. It deepened my commitment to raising awareness about Indigenous communities and amplifying their voices. As part of the Women in Leadership Youth Steering Committee, I’m excited to share ideas that help make leadership more inclusive and accessible to everyone. I’m honoured to be working with this foundation and can’t wait to help create meaningful change.

Hi! I am Ashley Chanaga. I am a grade 10 student in Niagara Falls and a new member of the Youth Steering Committee. The joy of helping people and bringing the community together is my motto, and with the Women in Leadership program I believe it to be possible. Through volunteering opportunities I have gotten to meet multiple amazing people and I look forward to connecting even more with the youth in my community. I am also a proud winner of the Youth Philanthropy Initiative Project, successfully getting a $5000 grant towards the Canadian Tire Jumpstart charity. I love to try new things! I do figure skating, dance, and catholic youth groups and I aspire to use my interests in unity to amplify wide points of view. It is with this background that I really look forward to working with this amazing foundation and sharing eye-opening ideas to promote equity and inclusion within the community.

Hello! I am Mackenzie Rankin, a grade 11 student from rural Southwestern, Ontario. I’m excited and honoured to be a member of the Youth Steering Committee for WIL. I feel strongly about connecting youth with like minded peers, supports and community members. Leaders that can help youth grow, build confidence in themselves, encourage them to explore their cultures, history, languages and interests. At the same time helping them unlock their unique talents and encouraging them to share their thoughts and ideas.  My interests in human rights, politics and community service stem from my time working as a Page at Queens Park.  I have a special interest in Indigenous Language and Culture, Human Rights and youth mental health. I volunteer for various events at school, in the community and with local sports teams.  As an athlete, I believe greatly in all youth having access to local sports and having representation amongst the coaches and athletes within sports. I play on local hockey, lacrosse and rugby teams. I look forward to bringing my unique perspectives and ideas to the committee and learning from other strong leaders as we work together for positive change in our communities. 

Hi! I’m based in Calgary and have over 7 years of experience in Human Resources, supporting the full employee lifecycle and helping create positive workplace cultures. Volunteering is a big part of who I am. I mentor youth at YMCA Calgary, support newcomers through the Calgary Professional Immigrant Mentoring Circle, recruit for the Canadian Cancer Society, and advise the Women in Leadership Youth Steering Committee. Seeing people grow, overcome challenges, and reach their potential is incredibly rewarding, and it fuels my passion for fostering positive environments both inside and outside the workplace. Outside of work and volunteering, I’m a gym enthusiast and Zumba lover, and I’d describe myself as outsidey but not outdoorsy—I enjoy being active without necessarily roughing it in the wilderness.

Freya Lu is a project management professional, where she supports large-scale digital transformation projects to operational efficiency. Beyond her corporate role, Freya is passionate about advancing gender equity and leadership development for women in the workplace. As a dedicated volunteer with the Women in Leadership (WIL) Toronto Chapter, Freya contributes to marketing planning and community engagement initiatives that empower women to thrive in their professional and personal journeys. Drawing from her background in project management, marketing and education, she brings creativity, structure, and purpose to every initiative she supports. Freya believes in leading with empathy, resilience, and authenticity; values that align deeply with WIL’s mission to inspire and equip the next generation of women leaders.

Hi! I’m Lillian, a Grade 10 student from Niagara Falls and a proud member of the Youth Steering Committee. I’m passionate about leadership, criminal justice, and gender equality, and I believe that youth voices have the power to create real change. I have always loved getting involved in my community and finding ways to make a difference, whether it’s through volunteering, advocacy, or creative projects. Outside of that, I enjoy dance, writing, and spending time with animals. I’m very excited to bring my ideas and passion for equality to this amazing team and help create a stronger, more inclusive community for everyone.

Hi! I’m Peggy, I’m a grade 12 student in Oshawa, and I serve as Prime Minister for my school and Regional Representative on my school board. I joined the Youth Steering Committee to make change on the highest scale possible alongside fellow youth leaders. I love painting, all things art, and watching movies!

Hey! I’m Joann, a Grade 11 student from Niagara Falls, who loves exploring new opportunities and turning ideas into action. I joined the Emerging Leaders committee because I wanted to be part of the brainstorming and decision-making that drives real change. I’m passionate about helping others, stepping up when people need support, and bringing positive energy wherever I go. Through volunteering and group projects, I’ve had the chance to plan events, step outside of my comfort zone, and meet so many amazing people. I love challenges because they make life interesting and give me a chance to grow. I also enjoy trying new things, whether it’s creative projects, learning random skills, or finding ways to make everyday situations more fun. Outside of volunteering, you’ll usually find me cooking, listening to music, or playing sports. And finally, something I care a lot about is growing, staying inclusive, and being someone who actually lifts up the people around me.