The Rick Hansen Foundation School Program Youth Leadership Committee was formed to bring young Canadian disability advocates together and support their professional growth and advancement through a voluntary mentorship program.
The Committee’s goal is to improve and increase access through personal and committee driven advocacy projects, amplifying the message of the diverse needs and priorities of youth with disabilities across Canada, and making positive change in communities both nationally and globally.
The Committee is made up of past RHF School Program Difference Maker of the Year award recipients, youth demonstrating exceptional leadership in the realm of accessibility and disability inclusion, and delegates from the 2017 RHF Canada 150 Youth Leadership Summit.
We are accepting applications for new members until September 25, 2024.
Meet the Committee
Mihai Covaser (he/him), 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.
Lucy Diaz (she/her), 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 (she/her), Member. Payton is a high school student and advocates within her community to make schools and classrooms accessible. Payton has been pushing for captioning at her city's council meetings and convinced Premier Doug Ford to change language on their website surrounding the d/Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Alexis Holmgren (she/her/they/them), 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 and long-time advocate for youth with disabilities. Her research seeks to amplify the voices of young people facing barriers, who often do not have their perspectives heard. Alexis has been a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility through an intersectional lens from the age of 12. She shares her story speaking at many national conferences and events, to educate people and change attitudes toward persons with disabilities. 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.
Maggie Manning (she/her), 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
Ainsley Wood (she/her), Member. 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.
YLC Alumni
- Élise Doucet
- James Kwinecki
Featured Stories
Celebrating RHF School Program Youth Leadership Committee member Ainsley Wood on International Women’s Day 2024
March 8, 2024
Ainsley Wood’s life took a seismic turn in the summer of 2020 when she was 14.
Living with Cerebral Palsy: Teenager, Payton Given, Advocates for Accessibility for All
March 25, 2024
Payton Given, 15, fights for access every day.
Meet Lucy Ruth Diaz
Born and raised in the greater Vancouver, BC area, Diaz is a student who has dedicated over four years to improving accessibility and inclusion in the built environment, with a focus on accessible washrooms.
Meet Alexis Holmgren
For Alexis, being a Difference Maker has meant initiating positive change in the world. To be recognized by Rick, whom she met when she was 16 years old at the RHF Youth Leadership Summit in Ottawa in 2017, meant the world to her, she said.
Youth Exchange: Disability and Social Justice – A Recap
December 12, 2022
In honour of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which takes place annually on December 3rd, the Rick Hansen Foundation School Program (RHFSP) virtually brought together members from RH
Youth with Disabilities Discuss Inclusive Learning Environments
March 1, 2022
The best people to ask about the state of accessibility and inclusion in the Canadian school system are those with firsthand experience – the students themselves.
Interested in Being a Part of the Youth Leadership Committee?
We want to hear from you! Please fill out the application and when we have openings on the Committee, we will contact you. To learn more, email us at schools@rickhansen.com