25 Inspiring Young Canadians Making a Global Impact

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From tech wizards and social justice warriors to scientists fighting climate change and entrepreneurs launching global startups from their bedrooms, Canada is producing a steady stream of young people making waves around the world. Here’s a toast to 25 under-30 Canadians who are proving that age is just a number and global impact is just a daily routine.

Ann Makosinski (British Columbia)

Ann Makosinski, hailing from Victoria, B.C., shot to international fame as a teenager when she invented the Hollow Flashlight—a flashlight powered entirely by the heat of the human hand. This thermoelectric marvel won her the 2013 Google Science Fair at just 15 years old, catching the world’s attention for its potential to bring light to off-grid communities. Not one to stop at a single invention, she later developed the eDrink, a mug that uses excess heat to charge phones.

Joshua Liu (Ontario)

A physician turned tech innovator, Liu co-founded SeamlessMD, a platform helping hospitals reduce readmissions and improve patient outcomes. Under Dr. Liu’s leadership, SeamlessMD has expanded its reach globally, with plans to grow in Europe and Asia. Dr. Liu’s innovative approach continues to transform patient care worldwide.​ Also, he’s received numerous accolades from Forbes and the Globe and Mail — and let’s be honest, anyone who makes surgery recovery smoother deserves a medal (or at least more pudding cups).

Maayan Ziv (Ontario)

Living with muscular dystrophy, Ziv founded AccessNow in 2015—a crowdsourced platform that maps the accessibility of locations worldwide. The app has expanded to over 100 countries, empowering millions to navigate spaces with confidence.​ Through AccessNow, Ziv has not only addressed physical barriers but also fostered a global movement for inclusion. Her relentless commitment continues to inspire systemic change, making the world more accessible for all.

Kehkashan Basu (Toronto)

UN Human Rights Champion, founder of the Green Hope Foundation, and youth environmentalist of the year — all before she was old enough to vote. Born in Dubai, raised in Toronto, Basu is the kind of person whose calendar probably has more UN events than birthdays. Academically, Basu graduated with high distinction from the University of Toronto and is pursuing an MBA at Cornell University. Plus, in 2024, she received the Spirit of the United Nations Award for her decade-long work with Green Hope Foundation.

Ikenna Ngene (Alberta)

Ikenna Ngene is a Nigerian-born Canadian storyteller, author, and coach making a global impact through his work in narrative development and personal growth. Based in Arnhem, Netherlands, Ngene holds a PhD in chemical process engineering from the University of Twente, where he conducted research on membrane technology and fouling mitigation.​ Ngene’s unique blend of technical expertise and narrative skill enables him to connect with diverse audiences, inspiring change and growth.

Alisha Arora (Ontario)

At just 14, she became a youth mental health advocate and AI researcher working with MIT. She also co-founded The Hope Sisters, a non-profit dedicated to supporting children in foster care, earning national recognition. ​Also, her advocacy extends to global platforms like the AI for Good Global Summit and Big Data & AI Toronto, where she inspires youth to engage with technology for social impact.

Hannah Alper (Ontario)

Dubbed the “eco-warrior” and “change-maker,” Hannah started blogging about environmental and social issues at age 9. Since then, she’s spoken alongside Malala Yousafzai and worked with the WE Movement. Also, as a motivational speaker, Alper has delivered over 400 speeches, including TEDx talks, and participated in more than 35 WE Day events across North America. Plus, she has collaborated with organizations like Free the Children and the World Wildlife Fund, and her activism has taken her to Kenya and Costa Rica, providing firsthand experience with global issues.​

Karim Bardeesy (Ontario)

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Karim Bardeesy is a prominent Canadian public service leader, educator, and policy innovator based in Ontario. He co-founded and serves as Executive Director of The Dais, a public policy and leadership institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, focusing on innovation, education, and democracy to promote shared prosperity in Canada. Previously, Bardeesy also held senior advisory roles under Ontario Premiers Kathleen Wynne and Dalton McGuinty, contributing to significant reforms in infrastructure, education, and pension systems.  

Alex Gillis (Nova Scotia)

Taekwondo champion and climate change campaigner? Yes. Gillis is proof that you can break boards and barriers. At just 15, he launched his first venture, Bitness, and later co-founded Spot Systems, a cryptocurrency-based payment platform designed to facilitate instant global transactions, addressing challenges faced by businesses in regions with limited access to traditional financial services.

Zaynah Bhanji (Ontario)

One of Canada’s youngest AI innovators, Bhanji has presented at Microsoft, TEDx, and Singularity University. Zaynah has spoken at over 40 international conferences, including in Dubai, Poland, and Toronto, and was honored as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2020. She is also a passionate advocate for girls in STEM, inspiring peers to explore technology fields.​ Not to mention, she was building neural networks while her peers were still figuring out how to build IKEA desks.

Autumn Peltier (Ontario)

An Anishinaabe water activist and Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinaabe Nation, Autumn has confronted Justin Trudeau on water policy. Her advocacy has earned her recognition as a “water protector” and has led her to speak at various international platforms, including the United Nations Global Landscapes Forum. Peltier’s work also underscores the critical intersection of environmental justice and Indigenous rights, inspiring youth globally to engage in activism for a sustainable future.​

Milan Malivuk (British Columbia)

A coder and biotech entrepreneur, Malivuk created software to detect Alzheimer’s in its early stages. At just 15 years old, he initiated the “Solution Schools Go Green” project, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of local schools through energy-efficient practices and waste reduction strategies. Various environmental organizations have recognized his initiative and has inspired other students across Canada to engage in similar sustainability efforts.

Nadya Khoja (Ontario)

​Nadya Khoja is a dynamic Canadian marketing leader based in Ontario, renowned for her expertise in content and SEO growth strategies. Currently serving as the Head of Content & SEO at Pettable, she has significantly enhanced the company’s digital presence by focusing on high-conversion keywords and streamlining content efforts to boost revenue.​ A sought-after speaker, Nadya has presented at global conferences like Women in Tech SEO Fest, discussing strategies to balance earned, owned, and paid media for brand growth.

Aria Mia Loberti (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Aria Mia Loberti isn’t your average Netflix star—unless your average star is a blind academic-turned-actor-turned-UNICEF ambassador with a black belt in breaking barriers. Born in Rhode Island (not Newfoundland and Labrador, but hey, close enough in spirit), Loberti dazzled the world as Marie-Laure in Netflix’s All the Light We Cannot See—her first-ever audition, no less. Before stealing scenes, she was stealing hearts in academia, triple-majoring in Philosophy, Communication Studies, and Political Science, with minors in Ancient Greek and Rhetoric.

Jesse Brar (Ontario)

Jesse Brar, a proud Ontarian and full-time overachiever, is making global waves with his relentless drive to empower youth and advocate for mental health, especially within the South Asian community. He’s the founder of The Mental Health Spotlight, a platform tackling stigma with the grace of a TED Talk and the sass of a relatable Instagram reel. And, from speaking at international conferences to collaborating with organizations like Jack.org and the World Economic Forum, Jesse’s been busier than a Tim Hortons during morning rush.

Sabrina Cruz (Ontario)

YouTuber, educator, and host of Answer in Progress, Cruz has turned her curiosity into a global fanbase. Armed with a degree in math, economics, and statistics from the University of Toronto, and a Schulich Leader Scholarship to boot, Sabrina proves you can be both brainy and hilarious. She’s also hosted Crash Course Kids, making science fun for the younger crowd.​ Also, with over 1.6 million subscribers and 105 million views, Sabrina’s content is a delightful mix of nerdiness and wit.

Andréa LeBlanc (New Brunswick)

A passionate youth climate activist, she’s been shaking up global conversations on climate justice like it’s her part-time job (which it kind of is, along with being a full-time awesome human). And, as a member of the Youth Climate Lab and a delegate to multiple international climate conferences (including COP26), Andréa doesn’t just talk the talk—she walks the walk, plants trees on the way, and probably composts her snacks. Think Greta Thunberg, but Canadian, bilingual, and with better snow survival skills.

Curtis Carmichael (Ontario)

Author of “Butterflies in the Trenches,” a speaker, and founder of Ride for Promise, Carmichael empowers youth through cycling, technology, and perseverance. By day, he’s the CEO of Shurii, an AI company helping K-12 teachers bridge learning gaps. By night, he’s a PhD student researching Abolitionist AI and Quantum Computing. Oh, and did we mention he’s a Team Canada duathlete? Because why not add an elite athlete to the résumé?

Avan Jogia (British Columbia)

While known for acting gigs on Victorious and Netflix, Jogia is also an author, poet, and activist. Jogia is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights; in 2011, he co-founded the organization Straight but Not Narrow, aiming to reshape the viewpoints of teenagers and adults on matters about the LGBTQ+ community. He is also a published author, with works like “Mixed Feelings” (2019), exploring multiracial identity, and “Autopsy (Of an Ex-Teen Heartthrob): Poems of Love, Rage, Sex, and Sadness” (2025).

Sam Demma (Ontario)

A motivational speaker who talks to tens of thousands of students annually, Demma turned a soccer injury into a calling. Demma’s message centers on the power of “small, consistent actions,” a philosophy he embodies through his work and his book, Empty Your Backpack, which encourages readers to shed self-limiting beliefs. His efforts have earned him accolades such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award and recognition as one of the Top 25 Under 25 Environmentalists.​

Mandy Françozo (Manitoba)

Mandy Françozo from Manitoba isn’t just another Canadian with a cool last name — she’s a global go-getter making waves like a prairie kid who found the ocean. As a sustainability advocate, she’s been involved in climate leadership programs from the United Nations Association in Canada to Youth Climate Lab. Mandy’s passion for environmental justice has landed her at international conferences where most people are twice her age and only half as motivated.

Ethan Song (Quebec)

Born in Quebec and raised on style (and probably maple syrup), Song didn’t just chase trends—he rewrote the playbook. By 2019, Frank And Oak had over 35 stores and a cult following of stylish millennials who care about the planet and good lighting. After selling the company to Unified Commerce Group, Song turned his eye toward investing and mentoring new entrepreneurs.

Taran Singh (Ontario)

Founder of TS Tech Talks, Singh is educating underserved communities in coding and robotics. In 2024, Taran bagged the President’s Service Award for Excellence, proving that being helpful and charming can indeed be a full-time job. He’s the mastermind behind campus events like Diwali celebrations and the “Kids Take Over UBC” day, ensuring that both students and toddlers leave with a smile—and maybe a book or two.​

Kayley Reed (New Brunswick)

Mental health advocate and founder of Wear Your Label, a fashion brand reducing stigma. From humble beginnings—screen-printing shirts in her living room—WYL now graces international runways, including New York Fashion Week, and has been featured in outlets like MTV and People magazine. Kayley has also spoken at WE Day events and partnered with organizations like RBC as part of their #ChangeAgents campaign.​

Simran Dhunna (Ontario)

Simran Dhunna, an Ontario-based dynamo, is out there proving that age is just a number when it comes to making waves. And, whether it’s her work in social justice, advocating for the environment, or leading initiatives that help marginalized communities, Simran has a knack for turning her ideas into action. She’s dedicated to using her voice to empower others and inspire the next generation to make their mark.

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