HALIFAX AMBASSADORS
Rhea Gupta, She/Her
Age: 22
A song lyric that describes me…I fall in love just a little ol' little bit every day.... Not with every stranger, the stranger the better - Someone New, Hozier
A book I would recommend is… Song of Achilles
A movie that I would watch again and again… She's the Man
An issue I care about is… Healthy Relationships and Period Poverty
Why RISE? I would like to learn and practice project building skills. My goal is to continue project development and implementation long after this RISE cohort!
Jami-Lea Smith, She/Her
Age: 24
A song lyric that describes me… Take a moment just to take it in
A book I would recommend is… The Power of Now
A movie that I would watch again and again… Bridesmaids
An issue I care about is… Climate change, the environment and animals.
Why RISE? I joined RISE because I love getting to join a group not knowing anyone but creating new friendships, collaborating with others and learning new things. For me, RISE is something I want to do to be a part of my community, share my thoughts and opinions and hopefully promote change around me.
Rachel, She/Her
Age: 19
A song lyric that describes me… I've got no sense of direction or what to do
A graphic novel I would recommend is… 'Nimona' by Noelle Stevenson
A movie that I would watch again and again… Any Studio Ghibli movie
An issue I care about is… Representation, specifically concerning marginalized groups. Whether it be with racial representation in TV or disabled people in the modeling industry, everyone deserves a chance to be represented in different areas and not question themselves if they are "normal" or worthy enough to simply exist. I believe this is important because even in the year 2021, I still have to add "black people" at the end of a Pinterest search if I'm looking for a certain clothing style inspiration.
Why RISE? I believe that RISE will finally give me the opportunity to open a different chapter of my life that I've always longed for. Even before the Covid-19 crisis, I've felt very stagnant and demotivated to do the simplest of daily tasks, whilst it seemed like everyone around me was achieving such amazing things. RISE could offer me the space to impact not only my community but also impact how I feel about myself.
Seth Smith
Age: 20
A song lyric that describes me… What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
A book I would recommend is… Tuesdays with Morrie
A movie that I would watch again and again… Pirates of the Caribbean series
An issue I care about is… Mistreatment and inequality of children and minorities in healthcare
Why RISE? I joined RISE to bring my and others' ideas to help my community into fruition. I have always wanted to be a part of something beneficial to others. The RISE program seemed like the perfect place for me to learn and work with people who have the same goal as me. Throughout the RISE program, I hope to develop my communication and networking skills and knowledge to better myself in my future endeavors.
Makatendeka Biton, She/Her
Age: 21
A song lyric that describes me… I can do what I like, eat what I like and wear what I like!
A book I would recommend is… Atomic Habits
A movie that I would watch again and again… My Hero Academia
An issue I care about is… Healthcare especially for children
Why RISE? I got tired of sitting around while the world fell apart before my eyes. I chose RISE so that I would have the opportunity to make a difference however small it may be. I hope to nurture my emotional intelligence and event organization skills while being the change I want to see.
Jess Cholette-Barr, She/Her
Age: 22
A song lyric that describes me… I wanna be here, I wanna be there, I'm overthinking it, I'ma need to leave now - Overthinking IT by WILLOW
A book I would recommend is…The End of Policing by Alex S. Vitale (i'm reading it free online through @kingscoopbookstore!)
A movie that I would watch again and again… Bend it Like Beckham
An issue I care about is… Affordable housing in Canada
Why RISE? I joined RISE because I wanted to learn more about myself, my community, and how to make a meaningful difference in this city. I was excited about RISE as an opportunity to work on a youth-led community project, and a chance to work in collaboration with fellow young people who are passionate about change. From RISE, I want to experience how to make decisions collectively, how to build a project from the ground-up, and I want to see our project come into being, and feel like we’ve done something meaningful together.
Stacey Mungur, She/Her
Age: 22
A song lyric that describes me… Shine bright like a diamond - Rihanna. My teenage song that got stuck in my head
A book I would recommend is…The Science of Self Realization - a great book for growing in terms of spirituality.
A movie that I would watch again and again… Mama - beautiful horror movie and an emotional story behind.
An issue I care about is… Equality within our society. Equality between genders, sex, race, ethnicity, and communities differs by a lot. The more equality is present in our society, the more peaceful it will be.
Why RISE? Joining the RISE program is a way to make a change and to be part of an issue that I care about. I believe this program can create a meaningful project that will help those in need, and growing as a person.
Yiren, He/Him
Age: 26
A song lyric that describes me… Something like this
A book I would recommend is… Lord of the Flies
A movie that I would watch again and again… Avengers
An issue I care about is… How am I going to get there? lol
Why RISE? Give me an opportunity to be proud of by contributing myself to our community. I would like to know more friends here and learn from them as well. It is quite interesting that to use someone's perspective to see the world.
Nelly, She/Her
Age: 21
A song lyric that describes me…
A book I would recommend is…The Secret History by Donna Tartt!
A movie that I would watch again and again… Mamma Mia (I know, how basic)
An issue I care about is…
Why RISE?