Student Voices

Hunter Wigelius is from Northern Ontario and is a former business student from Algonquin Collage (Ottawa) Who joined YCR in May. He has a very passionate interest in the Canadian energy sector and Canada as a whole, and focuses on video editing and public speaking at YCR while pursuing a real estate career in the future.

Young Canadians for Resources (YCR) inspires young Canadians to advocate for and participate in Canada’s natural resource sectors. We promote people, planet, and prosperity through social media, events, and career development.

Manorama Joshi is a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in Biomechanics and Medical Devices. A recipient of the esteemed Schulich Leader Scholarship, and the prestigious Alberta Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, she is recognized for her academic excellence and leadership. Driven by a passion for change and innovation, Manorama is keen to explore diverse industries and identify ways in which current technology can enhance and interconnect them. Outside of her studies and professional activities, she is a dancer and an avid outdoor explorer.

With an interest in law and politics, William is a political science student at the University of Calgary from Laval, Quebec. William has extensive experience in journalism and business.

Aiden Gonsalves is a JD candidate at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Professional Communications from the University of Victoria. Aiden is passionate about all things Canadian energy, with a specific interest in the intersection between energy, law, and public policy.

Martin Edwini-Bonsu is a Chemical Engineering student at the University of British Columbia on the Vancouver campus. He is interested in studying energy supply, promoting renewable energy production, and making oil and natural gas production more sustainable. In his free time, he enjoys cross-country running and cycling.

My name is Kate Barrett and I am a Chemical and Biological Engineering student at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. I am passionate about exploring controversial topics within the energy industry, especially when it comes to sustainability. I also love to paint portraits and hike in my free time.

Mariana Moncada is a master’s student in bioresource engineering at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. As a member of the Sustainable Food Systems Engineering lab, she combines her expertise in biotechnology engineering with her passion for food and sustainability.

Joy Chan is a Political Science graduate from the University of Toronto, studying the intersection of cyber security and global affairs. She is an incoming Cybersecurity Analyst at PwC and writes about how to keep Canadian critical infrastructure safe from cyber threats.

Myles is a Master of Arts in International Affairs student at Carleton University. He is interested in the intersection of energy, natural resources and international affairs.

Abi is YCR’s Sustainability Coordinator and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia. She has a focus on environmental chemistry and is specifically passionate about air and water chemistry. She is interested in how chemistry is practiced in the renewable and nonrenewable energy sectors.

Zeeshan has a master’s degree in Environment and Sustainability Science from ‘The Energy and Resources Institute.’ He is really interested in using natural resources wisely to help Canada’s economy grow and ensure a better future for the next generation

Andy was born and raised in the resort town of Banff, Alberta. He is a commerce student at the University of Alberta, majoring in Operations Management. In the fall of 2023, Andy will be entering the final year of his undergraduate. During his time at YCR, he enjoys learning about and advocating for Canada’s natural resource sectors.

Lily is a well-spoken Indigenous Resource Advocate currently residing in Calgary, Alberta, Treaty 7 Territory. She is a band member of the Cowessess First Nation located in Treaty 4 Territory. Lily has been with YCR for just over a year, creating growing connections and experiences.

Sebastian is a Strategy Consultant based in Calgary, Alberta, with experience advising clients in the public sector, as well as the energy and resources industries. He is a recent graduate of Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario. His areas of interest include energy and resources, economics, public policy and history, and particularly the intersection of each.

Roxanne is a YCR regional ambassador from Quebec. She graduated from the University of Laval in environmental sciences. Adventurous and passionate about anything sciences related, she is kind of a cross between Lara Croft and Amy Farrah Fowler from The Big Bang Theory.

Abigayle is a third year student at Mount Royal University where she studies public relations and law. She grew up on her family farm in central Saskatchewan. Growing up on a farm fostered Abigayle’s passion for agriculture and community.

Trent is from Vernon, BC, and is a 3rd year student at the University of Calgary. He is currently studying finance and economics.

My name is Ella Jones, I am a tire technician/apprentice. I am dual citizen of the UK and Canada. I am passionate about: history, current events and politics.

Mawiz Hassan is a Political Science student from McMaster University. Being a student with a specialization in International Relations, he is passionate about researching and discussing international relations and how they affect the energy sector in Canada.

Rafay Usman is a dedicated individual currently studying Business Management program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University), situated in Toronto, Ontario. He recently joined YCR as a Regional Ambassador for Ontario to learn about and advocate for the natural resource sector.

Hassan is a mining engineering student from Toronto. He is passionate about all things mining and is a big nerd for minerals. Throughout his time with YCR, he is actively learning about natural resources and finding ways to drive innovation in this industry

Bertholeen is a young Cameroonian who immigrated to Canada 6 years ago to pursue her studies in international business and entrepreneurship at Laval University in Québec. She now lives in Mirabel as a temporary worker and simultaneously pursues her post-graduate studies in Creative Project Management.

Lyndon is a graduate of the University of Lethbridge where he pursued his degree in History. Born in Saskatoon but raised in Calgary, he interacts with YCR members through co-hosting educational and social events, as well as doing outreach presentations to expand YCR.

I grew up in Burnaby, British Columbia, and moved to Calgary in 2020.  I studied International Relations at the University of Calgary and I have just completed that degree, starting law school this September. Politics and conflict, agriculture, and the environment are particular interests of mine.

Ryan grew up in the small forestry town of Temiscaming, Quebec. He created and organized free speech and mobilization campaigns through global initiatives platforms across digital spheres and has been a strategist and advisor for various political parties, charities and organizations.

Bjorn is from Saskatoon, where he is entering his third year of academic study in biochemical engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. Bjorn has worked many jobs in the resource sector including reforestation and as a technician.

Elysia is from Vancouver, BC. She is entering her fourth year of geology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario where she is a member of the cheerleading team.

Nadhiya is from Calgary, Alberta and going into her second year of geology at the University of Calgary

JAred was born and raised in Calgary, AB. He is going into his third year studying finance at Trine University in Angola, Indiana where he is a member of the NCAA Hockey and Golf teams.

Braden Istace is a hard-working third-year public relations student currently working at Suncor Energy Inc. He is extremely passionate about corporate communications and his work helps enforce positive perceptions about the brands he works for in the media.

I am a fifth year civil engineering student at the University of Alberta with program electives in geotechnical and water resources engineering. I am also a Dean’s Research Award participant with a recent concentration on hydrogen storage in salt caverns. I am excited to share my knowledge with SFC and hopefully inspire more young Canadians to learn about hydrogen.

Amelia is entering her final year of Chemical Engineering with a Biochemical concentration at the University of Saskatchewan. She is passionate about promoting Canadian resources and is particularly interested in how Canada can be a leader in science, technology and innovation.