OUR TEAM |
RYAN LO
Co-executive director M.U.P., B.E.S. Ryan is an urban planner, community engagement practitioner, and youth advocate. As Co-Executive Director of Urban Minds, he bridges the gap between youth and decision makers by developing youth engagement strategies with municipalities and community partners. His work includes organizing the annual 1UPToronto Conference and the 1UP Leaders Lab program, where high school students learn about city building and gain practical skills in civic leadership. Ryan has extensive experience in facilitating engagement events for placemaking and transportation projects across Canada and the US. |
Angela Ng
co-executive director M.Arch., B.Arch.Sci. Angela is an architectural designer, educator, and youth advocate. As Co-Executive Director of Urban Minds, she elevates youth voices in the decision-making process of cities by delivering educational school workshops about urban planning and by mentoring a growing network of high school students. Angela is the recipient of the Sappi Ideas That Matter Grant, which funded the production of her 1UP Starter Kit, a key resource for high school students to lead their own community design-build projects. Her design expertise is recognized as winner of the City of Toronto’s Everyone is King: Design-Build Competition with her team’s youth-friendly curb lane public art installation, #WouldYouRatherTO. |
DEVELOPMENT TEAM
CATHERINE CAETANO-mACDONELL
Development LEad Catherine is passionate about designing with quality communication to understand users' needs and create moments of joy in peoples' daily lives. In June 2020, she graduated from Carleton University's School of Industrial Design with a Bachelor of Industrial Design and a Minor in Technology, Society, and Environmental Studies. In the past three years, she has been designing websites, graphic designs, communication materials, and physiotherapy products. She has been involved in research projects looking at co-design as a democratic design process. She hopes to become an Urban Designer in the future and improve walkability and transportation in the city. In her free time, Catherine loves dancing, doing yoga, studying new languages, and exploring the city. 
Daphne Zhu
Development CoordinatoR Daphne is a high school student passionate about youth advocacy, sustainable practices, and the fusion of art and design in communal spaces. Her interest in activism and creativity pushes her to craft innovative engagement strategies, particularly for inclusivity and empowerment in urban spaces. She enjoys reading, swimming, and experimenting with new recipes. |
Devesh Vaswani
Development Coordinator Devesh is a Grade 12 student currently pursuing a career pathway in business. He is thrilled to join this team and contribute his skills at a higher level, while also being passionate about learning and collaborating with others. Devesh is grateful for this opportunity to grow and make a positive impact. As he embarks on this new journey, he is reminded to never forget his roots or where he started. This serves as a grounding reminder for him to stay humble and appreciative of the experiences and values that have shaped his identity and character. |
Catherine Lin
Development Coordinator Catherine is an incoming Architectural Engineering student at the University of Waterloo, interested in how urban spaces can be shaped to be more accessible and sustainable. She looks forward to learning new skills and collaborating with an amazing team to promote youth engagement! During her free time she enjoys baking, crocheting and photography. |
PROJECT TEAM
Jane Law
project LEAD Jane is an urban planner with experience in arts-based community engagement for equity-seeking groups. She is interested in exploring how engagement processes can be made more creative, approachable, and compelling for people of all abilities and ages. Jane has previous experience working in the role of community engagement with the City of Toronto, the Toronto Youth Food Policy Council, the Toronto Ward Museum, and multiple Business Improvement Areas. Besides planning, you can find Jane participating in zoom ballet class in her basement, baking new recipes in the kitchen, and reading books in the comfort of her room. 
chanel chin
Project Coordinator Chanel is an Architectural Studies student at the University of Toronto. She is passionate about the development and enhancement of the city's built environment through urban planning and design, which she believes the youths should be a central part of. Coming from a design background, Chanel is excited to work alongside the Strategy + Design team and help develop creative, meaningful, and effective ways for youths to engage in the urban planning process. Outside of work, you can spot her traversing the vibrant streets and hidden corners of the city. She can provide you with guidance to the best cafes and brunch places in Toronto. |
MATTHEW CHAN
Project LEAD Matthew is a Master of Planning student at the University of Waterloo. He is passionate about empowering and encouraging youth engagement in the urban planning field; precisely, by facilitating and creating inclusive spaces for youth to confidently participate. With experience in peer mentorships, leading in peer support groups, and facilitating workshops; Matthew is eager to help foster an environment for aspiring youths in the urban planning field. 
TAMI AYEYE
PROJECT COORDINATOR Tamilore is an undergraduate student and aspiring architect at the University of Toronto studying architecture and specializing in the technology of architecture. He is passionate about building communities through design and empowering youth to be involved in the design processes that shape our cities. He currently works with Black Students in Design and Building Black Success Through Design Program at UofT to mentor and engage Black high school students in design thinking and ways they can impact their communities through design. Outside of work, he loves watching sports and movies. |
MAlek abdel-shehid
Project LEAD Malek is an urban planner who is passionate about community engagement, equitable urban development, and mapping. He is interested in finding ways to encourage the participation of racialized youth in the planning process. Malek brings experience in research and community engagement through work in the private sector as well as academic institutions and non-profit organizations in the Greater Toronto Area. He also enjoys taking dance classes, exploring the city, and going to concerts. |
PRODUCT TEAM
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Derek Song
Product Coordinator Derek is a computer science student studying at Wilfrid Laurier University. He currently volunteers with TTCriders, where he advocated and researched on transit issues like the closure of Line 3 Scarborough, Wheel-Trans Family of Services changes, and RapidTO. He is also interested in youth engagement and design, and am currently interested in urban development in the Kitchener-Waterloo and Toronto regions. Besides transit advocacy, Derek also participates in the Laurier recreational dance program, likes to jog and go to the gym, and likes to hang out with friends. |
Venus Cheung
Product Coordinator Venus is an urban researcher and architectural designer who is interested in participatory design, multi-cultural planning and promoting health equity. She likes exploring co-creative strategies that enable users to design age-friendly cities and listening to different everyday experiences in the communities. Venus has worked with youths and social workers to enhance the user experience of community centres, and facilitated participatory design workshops with social enterprises, design diploma students, and elementary schools. She speaks Cantonese, Mandarin and English. She also has a strong passion to bridge the language barrier in improving integration and researching Chinatown. |
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COMMUNICATION TEAM
KELLY gINGRICH
Communications Lead Kelly is passionate about environmental and sustainability education and getting youth involved in climate action. She has a particular interest in climate justice on the local level. Holding a Master of Education from OISE/UT, and looking forward to beginning a Master of Environmental Studies at York University, Kelly is eager to learn about participatory and community-based research, youth engagement and co-creating new narratives to build collective futures. Kelly has more recently begun advocating in her community of Simcoe County for complete communities, active transportation and more democratic and collaborative planning processes. In her spare time, Kelly loves to read, learn how to grow vegetables and nerd out enjoying sci-fi. |
Audy Noor
Communications Coordinator Audy is an incoming Urban and Regional Planning student at Toronto Metropolitan University. Having previously been a Graphic Designer with 1UP, she is eager to continue to advocate for youth-led urban changemaking initiatives through her contributions at Urban Minds. Audy has a strong interest in the intersection between urban planning, the environment and Indigeneity and how to design public spaces that uplift all three of those principles. In her free time, she enjoys reading nonfiction books, taking walks in nature, and spending time with family and friends. |
Bianca TapangA
Communications Coordinator Bianca is a current third year Urban Planning student. She is passionate about transportation planning which has led her to specialize in transportation planning within her program. She believes that young people should be involved within the development of the city as we are the future. Growing up she never knew that young people had the opportunity and resources to help change their communities. Learning about this has motivated her to volunteer at Urban Minds to further help and educate young people about being active within their cities development. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the city, watching plays and doing pilates. |
PROGRAM TEAM
Samuel Matrosov
PROGRAM COORDINATOR, kitchener-waterloo Samuel Matrosov is an aspiring urban planner and youth advocate focused on fostering community engagement, educational opportunities, and resilient communities. Currently pursuing an undergraduate Planning Honors Co-op program at the University of Waterloo, he is passionate about facilitating impactful programs for youth and contributing to robust, equitable, and resilient communities. Samuel actively supports social and environmental justice, tolerance, and equality, engaging with his local community. He believes in involving young adults in the planning process for vibrant and sustainable communities. Through active participation in workshops and research, Samuel demonstrates his commitment as a strong voice in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. 
STEPH Tywonek
program coordinator, kitchener-waterloo Steph is an aspiring designer with a strong interest in urban planning and a passion for creating thoughtful, inclusive experiences in people's day-to-day lives. As a graduate of the Knowledge Integration program at the University of Waterloo, Steph has been taught to look at complex problems from a variety of different perspectives and loves collaborating to find innovative solutions to such problems. Steph is passionate about sharing knowledge and encouraging students to deeply question things around them, including the spaces they occupy and how and why they were designed that way. Through her work with Urban Minds, she hopes to increase understanding of the importance of true interdisciplinary collaboration in solving problems within our cities and communities. 
Shanzay Khokhar
PROGRAM COORDINATOR, KITCHENER-WATERLOO Shanzay is an aspiring urban planner and undergraduate student at the University of Waterloo’s Planning Co-op program. She is passionate about enhancing civic engagement and elevating public voices within political structures and decision-making processes. Shanzay is especially interested in methods to increase civic engagement amongst youth across all levels of government. Shanzay hopes to one day see an Ontario with robust inter-municipal transit featuring frequent trips and extensive network coverage. In her free time she enjoys playing games, reading, and spending time with her family, friends, and cat. |
Muntasyir Al Wafi
Program Coordinator, kitchener-waterloo Wafi is a forward-thinking urban planner with a passion for creating inclusive and sustainable urban environments. Educated in urban and regional planning and currently finalizing his master's in architecture. His academic pursuits are deeply rooted in inclusivity, resiliency, and smart cities. His professional journey includes impactful roles as a research assistant an urban planning intern, where he applied his expertise in resilience and inclusive design. A dedicated volunteer, he is currently active as a Youth Jury Member for World Green City Awards, emphasizing his commitment to integrating youth voices in urban development. Wafi's hobbies, including music, movies, and traveling, add to his well-rounded perspective, making him a dynamic advocate for innovative, inclusive urban futures. 
Christine PizzoFerrato
Program COORDINATOR, Hamilton Christine is currently studying Social Psychology & Urban Planning at McMaster University. With a passion for housing development, her studies allow her as a future developer to understand how to build communities from a psychological perspective through learning how people live and adapt within different communities and housing styles. She hopes to contribute to building better inclusive communities. 
Inez Iorgovits
Program Coordinator, greater toronto area Inez is a recent graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Planning program, where she has discovered her passion for placemaking and child-friendly cities. She has experience working in both public and private planning sectors and is now excited to explore the realm of a non-profit organization with Urban Minds. In her everyday life, Inez sees the potential in transforming towns and cities to reimagine the landscape for prioritization of urban design principles that cater to people instead of cars. As Inez’s career progresses, she aspires to become an urban designer to address social inequities and to advocate for complete communities. |
Violeta manastirliu
PROGRAM COORDINATOR, KITCHENER-WATERLOO Violeta is a current undergraduate student studying Urban Planning at the University of Waterloo and is extremely passionate about positive community design and youth advocacy. With a background in working with youth in creative and recreational environments, Violeta brings unique perspectives to her volunteer work. She is enthusiastic about helping Urban Minds engage with youth, empowering them to voice their opinions about their communities. In her spare time, she loves to paint, go camping, and experiment with different design softwares. In the future, she aspires to further her career in urban design and landscape architecture. 
Daniel Sun
Program COORDINATOR, greater toronto area Daniel is wrapping up his final year in high school and will soon begin his Undergraduate degree studying Urban Technology. He hopes to become an urban planner and enjoys learning about topics relating to urban design, sustainability, transportation, and designing public spaces. During university, he hopes to gain an additional perspective of how technology can be applied to make our cities more eco-friendly, efficient, and accessible. In his free time, Daniel enjoys creating both 2D and 3D art pieces, often revolving around urban planning and architecture topics. As a Program Coordinator, Daniel will primarily help create events and support 1UP School Chapters. He will additionally assist with the development of exciting projects in the works by the Product Team. 
Kaylie Chan
Program Coordinator, greater toronto area Kaylie is a dedicated Urban and Regional Planning student specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the University of Waterloo. With a focus on transportation planning and GIS integration, she is committed to leveraging her skills to enhance urban environments. She hopes to connect youth to the world of planning, inspiring them to envision and shape the future of their communities while also striving to empower more women to enter and excel in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. In her leisure time, she enjoys playing volleyball with friends, exploring shopping destinations with her family, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. |
SHIHO SASAKI
Program cOORDINATOR, greater toronto area Shiho is a Human Geography, Political Science and Diaspora and Transnational Studies student at the University of Toronto. She is passionate about building inclusive and sustainable communities by amplifying the voices of marginalized people. She believes that young people are one of the important populations to be included in the city planning process for the future of our cities. She is motivated to work closely with youth to learn and understand their unique ideas, opinions and concerns to improve our communities. In her free time, she likes watching sports, especially soccer and volleyball games. |
Shehzeena Khan
PLACEment student Shehzeena is an ambitious undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, currently in her final year pursuing a degree in Sociology, Urban Studies, and Human Geography. Driven by a deep interest in city building and urban development, she plans to further her studies by pursuing a Master's in Planning. One of her key interests is incorporating youth perspectives into city planning, as they bring a fresh, forward-thinking approach that is crucial for shaping future urban spaces. Her love for creating vibrant communities shines through in her volunteer work with Evergreen Brick Works and at local community centers. In her leisure time, Shehzeena enjoys exploring Toronto, sampling its diverse culinary offerings, discovering new places across the Greater Toronto Area, and spending quality time with her family |
Paul Carniglia
Program Coordinator, greater toronto area Paul is an Anthropology and Geography student at Western University and an aspiring urban planner. He has a passion for community involvement in planning with a special interest in active transportation and environmental conservation. He hopes to work towards facilitating a more intersectional approach in planning that includes greater involvement from every aspect of the community. Paul is excited and motivated to work with the Urban Minds team to incorporate the ideas and energy of the youth groups we work with to deliver a holistic view on planning. In his free time, Paul enjoys trail running and skiing. |
OUR ADVISORY BOARD |
AMUNA BARAKA-CLARKE
Amuna is passionate about access. She has almost three decades of experience working in the areas of homelessness, education, social justice, legal advocacy and policy. She works as a Senior Human Resources Leader in Community Healthcare and is an active volunteer across many communities. She has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and English Literature and a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Administration and Law. 
wesley Reibeling
Wesley Reibeling (he/him) is the Toronto Program Manager at Park People and Co-chair of Jane's Walk, with the recent addition of joining the advisory board at Urban Minds. Wesley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies from York University and is working toward a Certificate in Community Engagement at Toronto Metropolitan University where his recent mentorship skills assisted TMU School of Urban and Regional Planning students through Public Life studies on Urban Parks and equitable consultation. Wesley Reibeling is a multidisciplinary artist and urbanist whose work has a focus on community, psychogeography, belonging and equity in cities. He is also a member of the Arts and Letters Club in Toronto and dabbles in street photography, podcasting, and other art forms in his spare time. |
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Our 1UP Creatives Team serves as our youth advisors on our projects and initiatives.