M.U.P.

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.

Cynthia is an urban planner in the public realm with experience in policy analysis and project management. Although her expertise lies primarily in technical aspects, she has a strong interest in exploring the creative side of urban design and is passionate about learning how to create vibrant, engaging spaces. She understands the need for community engagement to create and implement the necessary policies to achieve vibrant communities. In her free time, Cynthia enjoys travelling and recreating recipes from around the world. 

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.

Leyla is a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture and currently works as a Development Coordinator at a land development company. She is deeply interested in housing, urban planning and shaping cities to meet the needs of the future. Passionate about building better communities, Leyla is committed to advancing her career in the development field and contributing to a more livable, accessible, and well-planned Ontario. Her vision includes a future where housing is well-designed and responsive to the evolving needs of the residents. In her free time, Leyla enjoys baking, spending time with friends and going to the gym.

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. 

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.

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.

Inez is a 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.

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

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.

Aditi is a driven creative designer and architect who is passionate about finding creative solutions to complex challenges. She enjoys exploring her technical background in architecture and creative design in the context of designing for culture and community. Aditi is always ready to learn and is constantly looking for new ways to leverage her skills in design innovatively. Aditi aspires to be an Architect who designs sustainable and resilient spaces innovatively and while valuing quality and community interaction. In her free time, Aditi enjoys reading, learning new things and exploring the city.

Audy is an 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.

Humza is a first-year Civil Engineering student at the University of Toronto. He was previously a Photo and Video team lead with the 1UP Creatives team, notably MCing day one of the 1UP 2025 Conference. Humza aims to become a civil engineer to make a tangible difference in his community, one that people can see, feel and walk on! He enjoys photography, playing volleyball or ultimate frisbee, camping and anything else that gets him outside.

Fahima is a Master of Landscape Architecture candidate at the University of Toronto and holds a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University. She is passionate about the potential of cities and how thoughtful, inclusive design can reimagine urban spaces to better serve both people and the environment. With a strong interest in urban design, Fahima values community engagement as a key part of the design process and is committed to creating resilient spaces where communities—especially vulnerable ones—can thrive. She hopes to grow into a designer who addresses social inequities through landscape architecture and planning. Outside of work, Fahima enjoys long walks, exploring the city, reading, and spending time with her cat.

Sreeprabha Unni is a marketing professional with a passion for storytelling, youth empowerment, and inclusive city-building. With a Postgraduate degree in Global Business and work experience in marketing, creative strategy, and campaign management, Sree brings a well-rounded and thoughtful approach to communications and community engagement. At Urban Minds, she’s excited to support youth-led initiatives by shaping clear, creative, and thoughtful communications that reflect the organization’s values. She believes that effective storytelling can help bridge the gap between people and policy, especially when it comes to engaging the next generation of changemakers. Outside of work, she finds joy in exploring Toronto’s parks and charming small towns, staying grounded through yoga and wellness practices, and expressing herself through dance.

Aleena is a candidate in the Post-Professional Master of Interior Design program at Toronto Metropolitan University, where she also completed her Bachelor of Interior Design. With a background in design and visual communication, she is passionate about sharing ideas that inspire youth-led urban changemaking. Aleena is interested in how design communication can be used to create sustainable, inclusive, and equitable built environments. She is also deeply interested in healthy interior design and architecture, exploring how spaces can support well-being and promote care for their inhabitants. In her free time, Aleena enjoys sketching building facades, exploring the city, and spending quality time with family.

Nathan Abraha is a journalist and writer based in Toronto covering culture, the arts, and politics, with an interest in history. His next project, Beles Magazine, is a startup focused on connecting Eritrean culture and the diaspora overseas.

Vida Mirkovic is a recent graduate of Sustainable Urban and Transportation Planning from Seneca Polytechnic and completed her undergrad at the University of Toronto in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Environmental Ethics. Combining these two interests, she is passionate about how environmental systems and people can coexist in urban spaces. Also, working in the nonprofit sector on active transportation initiatives, she is passionate about equitable and safe city planning, high-quality public realm, and community well-being. In her spare time, she is a jeweler and enjoys riding her bike and spending time outdoors! 

Maxine is a recent graduate from McGill University, holding majors in urban studies and biology. As an aspiring urban planner, she is interested in issues of land development and environmental conservation, and  ultimately hopes to create green spaces that are accessible to all. She is passionate about youth engagement, and is excited to use her skills in community outreach and communication to empower young people to take an active role in their cities. Outside of her work, Maxine enjoys reading, photography, and live music.

Veronica Osei-Akoto Brown is an urban, land-use, and transportation planner with a university degree in Environmental Studies – Urban Planning. She has demonstrated experience working with multi-disciplinary teams on complex transit and infrastructure projects including many years of progressive experience in municipal and consulting environments. She is a highly motivated and organized team player committed to delivering high-quality service, willing to guide, direct, and mentor junior and intermediate staff. She has strong analytical, time management, and written and oral communication skills with the ability to collect, organize, query, analyze, and effectively communicate information. She is a Candidate Member in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and the Canadian Institute of Planners. Overall, she is an urban planner with diverse experiences in climate change adaptation research, policy-making, land-use planning, and transportation planning, making her a well-rounded, politically savvy, solutions-oriented leader.

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.

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.

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.

Dhenu Patel is a fourth-year Urban and Regional Planning student at Toronto Metropolitan University, specializing in Transportation Planning and Design with a minor in Politics. She is passionate about building accessible, sustainable communities and enjoys working at the intersection of policy, law, and community engagement within the planning context. Outside of her studies, Dhenu loves going to concerts, traveling, and taking on creative DIY projects.

Naomie is an Urban Studies student at the University of Toronto. Having a background in Architectural Technologies, she is interested in the built environment and how sustainable and inclusive design can shape healthier cities. She uses her training in construction drawing production to draft plans for affordable housing units. Naomie is passionate about working with youth and is always fascinated by their ideas and perspectives on how to implement change. She is an artist, bringing her love for creative expression to spaces where others can be inspired and express themselves. In her free time, you’ll find her painting, chatting with friends and family or going on jogs. 

Karuna is an urban designer with a postgraduate degree in Urban Design and Project Management from Sheridan College, building on her academic background in architecture. She brings experience from community revitalization projects, public realm research, and city-building exhibitions. As a Fellowship Coordinator at Urban Minds, Karuna is thrilled to support youth in becoming active city-builders. She’s dedicated to creating inclusive, inspiring opportunities where young people can co-create design solutions and lead their urban interventions. Grounded in collaboration, creativity, and empathy, Karuna is committed to mentoring and growing alongside the next generation of changemakers. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys exploring city streets, sketching architectural details, and discovering new local cafés.

Adam is an undergraduate student at Toronto Metropolitan University currently studying Urban and Regional Planning while specializing in Housing and Development planning, he plans on furthering his education by pursuing a Master’s degree in the planning field. He is passionate about building strong communities and increasing the presence of all voices in the planning process to ensure everyone is represented, and feels strongly about neighbourhoods being accessible and built for everyone. He has experience in the private sector and is looking forward to working with a non-profit for the first time. In his free time, he enjoys reading, traveling, playing games and spending time with friends and family.

Chloe is an urban planner who specializes in land use planning, with previous experience in construction and civil engineering. She is excited to join the Urban Minds team, introduce youth to the field of urban planning, and empower them to participate in the development of equitable and sustainable cities. In her free time she enjoys gardening, watching musicals, cycling, and curling up on the couch with a good book. 

Sunny is an Urban and Regional Planning student at Toronto Metropolitan University. Sunny is passionate about equity within urban design and fostering sustainable community spaces for all. He is excited to support youth on their journey to get more involved in the planning profession, and to empower them to take steps in creating change in their own communities. Sunny brings volunteer experience in youth engagement, urban forestry, and experience with attending community meetings around the City of Toronto to better support his advocacy efforts. During his free time, Sunny enjoys playing music, exploring new places, and spending time in nature.

Enrique is an urban planner with a passion for land use planning, place-making, and sustainable urban design. He graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Planning, specializing in urban design and geography and environmental management.

He has experience supporting land use planning and permitting processes for infrastructure projects. As a Candidate Member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and the Canadian Institute of Planners, he is on the path to becoming a Registered Professional Planner (RPP).

He is particularly interested in the synergy between urban and rural areas, and how they can collaborate to create more climate-resilient communities through shared innovation and thoughtful planning.

In his free time, he enjoys staying active through sports and exercise, and relaxing with movies and TV shows.

Diana is a MA Planning student at the University of Waterloo. Prior to that Diana received her BA in Geography and Sociology from McMaster University.  She is passionate about community engagement, mentorship and youth education in urban spaces.  Diana has held various volunteer positions as within student governments and associations where she continues to promote interest in achieving equitable and vibrant communities. Combining her two strong passions, youth education and urban planning, Diana is thrilled to be a part of the 1UP team.

Ella is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Planning with a minor in Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo. She is passionate about building cities that are equitable and sustainable for all. Through her work experience in the public sector, she has developed a keen interest in civic engagement and education. She believes that robust, inclusive, and meaningful engagement processes are crucial for solving today’s wicked problems. In her role at Urban Minds, she is incredibly excited to engage youth in developing solutions, who have some of the brightest and most innovative ideas. In her free time, she enjoys veggie gardening and hanging out with her cat. 

Alec Tam is a waste practitioner with over three years of experience in waste planning, audits, and operations across municipal and private sectors. He has been involved in waste room design projects for multi-residential developments, conducted composition audits, and analyzed data for supporting recycling systems. Alec has also studied in Sustainable cities and is passionate about integrating waste reduction principles into urban development and fostering circular systems that support long-term sustainability in cities.

Bri is a dedicated community advocate with a Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University, currently serving as a Real Estate Agent. Her tenure in recreation services with the Cities of Hamilton and Brantford has fueled her passion for community development, particularly in parks and recreation. Bri champions the inclusion of youth voices in urban planning, believing they offer invaluable insights for designing inclusive communities. She is enthusiastic about joining an organization that empowers youth and exposes them to diverse career opportunities. In her leisure time, Bri enjoys photography, playing with her dog, and staying active through running and swimming.

Mikiya is a planner who is interested in building resilient and sustainable communities and making planning more accessible for youths. He brings experience in environmental planning, data analysis, and engagement. While completing his Master’s degree in planning, Mikiya conducted research related to conservation and transportation planning. Outside of planning, he enjoys running, watching horror movies, and exploring different neighbourhoods with a cup of coffee in hand.

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.

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.

Alicia is a first-year student at the University of Waterloo with the long-term goal of becoming an urban planner. Recognizing that youth will inherit the cities we design, she is dedicated to involving them in creating equitable and sustainable urban spaces. She also has an interest in planning for efficient public transportation that contributes to urban sustainability and equity. In her free time, she likes playing Dungeons and Dragons and going on nature walks.

Satnam is an urban planner currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Planning at the University of Waterloo. She is passionate about creating inclusive, accessible, and sustainable communities through thoughtful transportation and infrastructure planning. With experience in both the public and private sectors, she has contributed to projects that strengthen mobility networks, support community engagement, and advance environmental resilience. As an advocate for youth empowerment, Satnam is excited to help connect young people to the world of urban planning and inspire the next generation of changemakers. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, exploring local cafes, and spending time outdoors with family.

Paul is an architect and urban planner passionate about how cities grow, move, and connect people through thoughtful land use and transit planning. He is deeply interested in the relationship between urban land economy, mobility, and socio-cultural systems, and how these forces shape daily life. Having worked on international design and planning projects across mixed-use, commercial, and leisure developments, he brings experience in development review, site planning, and urban design documentation. He believes that meaningful change in cities starts by engaging and educating youth, helping them understand how urban systems work and inspiring them to build better communities. In his free time, he enjoys playing badminton, photography, exploring cities, and outdoor trails.

Shifa is an undergraduate student pursuing Urban Planning at the University of Waterloo. She’s passionate about community development planning and designing inclusive, connected city transit systems. She loves exploring cities and researching their unique initiatives in utilizing their urban space for their residents. She believes that by understanding what a community desires, cities can design their spaces to be equitable and inclusive to all demographics. Outside of volunteering, Shifa enjoys travelling to new cities, reading, crocheting, and photography. 

Bertha Asiimwe is a fourth-year architecture student at the University of Toronto, where she’s minoring in Global Leadership. She’s passionate about how design can help people feel a sense of belonging—making spaces that help everyone feel seen, included, and connected. Her interests bring together architecture, urban design, and community work, especially focusing on youth and people of colour. Aside from her studies, Bertha loves empowering young people and creating opportunities for them to get involved in shaping their environments, whether through design, leadership, or policy. She works as a Residence Don at the university, supporting students and helping build a strong campus community.

Paul is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts, specializing in Architecture and Urban Studies. As an aspiring urban designer and planner, he’s passionate about creating equitable public spaces, housing, and transit infrastructure that make a real difference in cities and their inhabitants. During his undergraduate studies, Paul developed architectural and urban design projects, including collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and local government on a “Toolkit for Youth Engagement in Urban Revitalization” for his Multidisciplinary Urban Capstone project. He’s also passionate about event planning, seeing it as a powerful way to connect people and strengthen communities.

Fiona is an undergraduate student currently in the Honours Planning co-op program at the University of Waterloo. Interested mostly in land development and transportation planning, she hopes to contribute her past experiences in project management and community engagement to the Urban Minds team and foster an environment where youth feel welcomed and empowered to participate in shaping the fabric of their cities. In her spare time, she’s passionate about art and design and enjoys drawing, playing games, and spending time with friends. 

Sonelle Crawford is an urbanist dedicated to building equitable, inclusive, and sustainable communities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University. Working in the non-profit sector, she has contributed to the development of youth-focused architecture and planning initiatives that explore city-building through cultural identity and storytelling. Her work spans policy research, stakeholder engagement, and cultural heritage preservation, with a focus on Afro-Caribbean placemaking and community-led development. Sonelle has also contributed to several community–academic partnerships, including the Black Experiences with Planning in Canada project at Toronto Metropolitan University, advancing research and practice that promote equity in urban planning.

Farah is an urban planning student at the University of Waterloo. She is passionate about shaping the built environment in ways that improve quality of life and make cities more inclusive, accessible, and people-focused. As a youth herself, Farah brings a creative and fresh perspective to how we approach urban challenges. She is especially drawn to how GIS helps us see the bigger picture and identify patterns in land use, transportation, and community needs. Wherever she contributes, she likes to bring a storytelling element to engage the community and tell meaningful stories that reflect the people that live there.

Bhuvaneswari is an Architect and Urban Designer/ Planner passionate about creating people-centered, inclusive, and sustainable spaces. She believes that good design can bring communities together and make cities more livable for everyone. With experience in planning, design, and community engagement, she enjoys finding creative ways to connect people with the spaces around them. She’s also deeply passionate about youth engagement and loves empowering young people to see themselves as changemakers in their cities. Through her work, she hopes to blend creativity, collaboration, and storytelling to make city-building more accessible and inspiring for all.