Meet the Youth Team Behind the Conference

Meet the high school students from Ontario and BC shaping this year’s conference. Led by two dedicated team leads, they bring unique perspectives on AI and its role in their future. Their passion and teamwork reflect the power of youth to lead and inspire.

Ripple Foundation conference event promoting educational innovation and leadership.
Christine Meng (ON Team Lead)

Hi, I’m Christine, and I am a Grade 12 student enrolled in the AP program studying in Ontario. This will be my second year as Ontario’s Lead of Youth Events. I have been volunteering with the Ripple Foundation for around four years, and this will be my fourth conference hosted with the Youth Events team.  I look forward to seeing what this year’s conference will bring with the diverse intricacies of our topic this year, Social Media.

Ripple Foundation conference attendee smiling during the event, showcasing professional engagement in education and community initiatives.
Hanna Grover (BC Team Lead)

Hi, I’m Hanna, a Grade 12 student at Southridge School in B.C., driven by a passion for youth advocacy on a local and national scale. This year, I’m thrilled to serve as the B.C Youth Team Lead for my second year. Having volunteered with Ripple for four years, I’ve learned firsthand how meaningful it is for youth to have spaces where they feel heard, valued, and inspired. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together at this year’s conference, exploring the crucial topic of social media.

Lucia Alfonso

Hello, my name is Lucia and I am a Grade 10 student in the GTA. This is my first year as a part of the Ripple Foundation Youth Events Team, however I have worked with Ripple Foundation as a writer for their Wave Blog. I am incredibly excited to help organize such a large event and to work with the other incredibly talented volunteers!  I am looking forward to seeing the conference, especially the guest speakers, in action! 

Ripple Foundation conference speaker at an educational event in Canada, engaging educators and stakeholders in innovative learning strategies.
Jamie Dhulipala

Hi, I’m Jamie Dhulipala, a student at the University of Toronto. Inspired by my grandfather, I developed a love of literature at a young age. In my free time, I enjoy reading about eccentric historical figures, attempting to write plays, and spending time with my mom. Now in my second year on the Youth Events Team, I believe writing can spark meaningful change, and I hope to one day inspire others as I’ve been inspired. I’m looking forward to this year’s social media theme!

Young woman smiling at Ripple Foundation conference, promoting education and community engagement, in a professional setting focused on educational innovation and leadership.
Bhanvi Girdhar

Hi, I’m Bhanvi, a Grade 10 student in Ontario. This is my second year with the Youth Events Team. I’ve been involved with Ripple Foundation through the Write It Workshops, first as a participant and now as a facilitator. It’s been an enriching experience collaborating with others who share a passion for promoting creative literacy. I’m excited to continue with the Youth Events Team on a conference focused on social media, a topic highly relevant to today’s youth.

Ripple Foundation conference speaker engaging in innovative educational strategies for STEM learning.
Eloise Gibbens
I’m Eloise, a high school student from British Columbia who thrives on challenges—whether it’s mastering the violin, inventing new recipes, or keeping up my three-year Wordle streak. I love hiking scenic trails, diving into literary worlds, and exploring creativity through writing. Now in my second year on the Youth Events Team, I’m guided by curiosity and enjoy embracing new experiences and opportunities to grow. I’m looking forward to this year’s social media theme and its timely relevance.
Ripple Foundation conference speaker promoting innovative educational strategies and collaboration.
Joyce Hong

Hey, I’m Joyce. I’m a grade 11 student in Ontario, and I have volunteered with Ripple Foundation as a Wave Blog writer, a Word on the Street volunteer, and a member of the Youth Events Team. This is my second year working on the Express Inspire Conference and I’m excited to meet our new team members from across the country. With regard to this year’s theme of social media, I enjoy lurking on K-Pop Twitter and religiously liking all of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Instagram posts. 

Tani Martins

My name is Tani Martins, a Grade 11 student residing in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I have a deep passion for writing stories tailored to a youthful audience, and I aim to encourage and inspire my listeners as I do so. I am really excited to volunteer with Ripple Foundation, because I have the opportunity to work with other amazing and creative peers, and experience many of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ that make up such a fun and impactful event.

Myah Litteljohn

Hi, my name is Myah, and I’m a Grade 9 student from Toronto. In my spare time, I love writing fantasy, reading, and listening to Phoebe Bridgers on repeat. I’ve been involved with Ripple Foundation for the past two years—as a Kids Write 4 Kids winner, a judging panel participant, and a Word on the Street volunteer—and I’m thrilled to now be joining the Youth Events Team!

Ripple Foundation conference speaker at healthcare education event promoting innovative solutions and collaboration in healthcare.
Vicky Zhu
HEY! This is Vicky Zhu. I’m a senior at Southridge School and a part-time, self-declared writer. To me, writing is the closest approximation to experience, without its ephemeral nature. Now in my second year on the Youth Events Team, I’m honored to work with Ripple Foundation to help young writers create visceral, resonant work. When I’m not brooding over a Google Doc, I’m likely brooding over a debate motion or robot design instead—or binging niche indie music.
Inaaya Zia

Hi, I’m Inaaya, and I’m a Grade 9 student from London, Ontario. I’ve been involved with Ripple Foundation for the past three years, starting as a participant in the Write It Workshops and later volunteering at Word on the Street. This is my first year on the Youth Events Team, and I’m excited to be part of the Express Inspire Connect Conference! In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing badminton and basketball, and debating.