Our Story
Founded in 2011 by Matt Ross, Young London began as an initiative to amplify young voices through the London Youth Advisory Council (LYAC). In 2013, Ross partnered with Adam Fearnall to reimagine youth council governance, inspired by the "Feathers of Hope" report and Indigenous talking circles. This led to significant changes, including a new council position at Western University in 2015.
As we grew, we expanded our staff and rebranded as Young London in 2019, reflecting our broader mission. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our progress, highlighting the urgent need for our services as 83% of youth reported worsened mental health. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to empowering youth.
A new chapter
In Spring 2024, Nikita Miller joined as Executive Director, bringing a fresh vision for Young London's sustainability and growth. Her leadership has been instrumental in rethinking our operations and focusing on innovative strategies to re-engage youth and strengthen our impact.
We are actively consulting with youth organizations and stakeholders to adapt quickly and effectively, ensuring Young London remains a beacon of empowerment for the next generation of leaders.
Meet the Team
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Nikita Miller
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Carolyn Holdsworth
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Meet the Board of Directors
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Heather Taylor
CHAIR
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Devin Vandenborn
VICE-CHAIR
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Brian Sakala
TREASURER
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Iman Elkassem
SECRETARY
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Adewale Ajayi
DIRECTOR