Youth Leadership Committee

Mihai Covaser, Chair and Youth Delegate at the 2017 Rick Hansen Foundation Youth Leadership Summit. Mihai is currently an undergraduate student at UBC Okanagan and co-chair of UBC’s inaugural Accessibility Committee. He has worked as a language and writing tutor and Student Ambassador on campus and is a long-time fundraiser and host for events that highlight accessibility and inclusion.

Ainsley Wood, Vice Chair. Ainsley is an undergraduate student at the UBC Okanagan. She is a peer mentor with Spinal Cord Injury BC and creates change by sharing her lived experience. Ainsley contributes to research as a speaker with the goal of improving rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries.

Emily De Boer, Member. Emily is an artist, athlete and activist. Mastering in Fine Arts, competing on the Canadian Women’s Para Ice Hockey team and volunteering within her community. Devoted to inclusion, equitable care and the building of accessible spaces, whether physical or experiential, she teaches those around her how to better build communities everyone can access and grow within. Devoted to her community, she invests her time dismantling barriers and reimagining the spaces that have historically been inaccessible for certain bodies. 

Lucy Diaz, Member and 2022 recipient of the RHF School Program Difference Maker of the Year award. Lucy is a high school student currently working on a documentary and hopes to get into university to become a forensic pathologist. She has presented at many conferences advocating for human rights including those with disabilities.

Payton Given, Member. Payton is a high school student and advocates within her community to make schools and classrooms accessible.

Alexis Holmgren, Member and Youth Delegate at the 2017 Rick Hansen Foundation Youth Leadership Summit and 2021 RHF School Program Difference Maker of the Year Award recipient. Alexis is a researcher seeking to amplify the voices of young people facing barriers and has been a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility through an intersectional lens since the age of 12. Alexis is also highly active volunteering with non-profit organizations centering inclusion and youth engagement.

Jordan Lowe, Member and Youth Delegate at the 2017 Rick Hansen Foundation Youth Leadership Summit. Jordan runs his own YouTube channel about elevator history and accessibility. He also ensured that accessible parking was included at his aviation club.

Talina Papzian, lauréate du prix Personne qui fait une différence de l’année du Programme scolaire de la FRH pour 2024, est une étudiante de premier cycle qui aspire à une carrière en médecine pédiatrique. Elle est l’autrice de « You Taught Me », un livre pour enfants au sujet de l’inclusion et la fondatrice d’une organisation du même nom. Grâce à son travail, Mme Papzian collabore avec des écoles, des hôpitaux et des organisations d’un bout à l’autre du Canada en vue de faire la promotion de l’inclusion. Ses efforts ont été présentés dans les médias, notamment CTV et le quotidien Toronto Star.

Maggie Manning, Member and Youth Delegate at the 2017 Rick Hansen Foundation Youth Leadership Summit. Maggie is working on improving access and inclusion in para sport across Canada. She is an ambassador for I am a HIPpy to raise awareness for hip dysplasia. She is a sledge hockey athlete and cast member of season five of All-Round Champion