Youth Council

The EcoYouth Ottawa Council is a group of young leaders from across Ottawa who are committed to advancing local climate solutions and environmental sustainability. Supported by Ecology Ottawa, the Council provides a platform for youth to engage in meaningful dialogue, develop leadership skills, and collaborate on initiatives that strengthen community resilience in the face of the climate crisis.

Council members represent a diversity of experiences and perspectives, united by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, education, and advocacy. Together, they work on projects that promote climate equity, protect biodiversity, and foster inclusive, community-driven approaches to sustainability.

For last year's council, see Council Members for 2024-2025.

Alexandra

Council Member

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Alexandra

Rhapsody Forgues

Council Member

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Rhapsody Forgues

Aaron Hagos

Council Member

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Aaron Hagos

Lilya El Alaoui

Council Member

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Lilya El Alaoui

Noah Montpetit Armstrong

Council Member

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Noah Montpetit Armstrong

Kenzie Whalen

Council Member

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Kenzie Whalen

Ariella Gubbay

Council Member

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Ariella Gubbay

Dahlia

Council Member

Bio —

Dahlia

Kaamil Furtado

Council Member

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Kaamil Furtado

Malie

Council Member

Bio —

Malie

Claire Taggart

Council Member

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Claire Taggart

Makenze Blackburn

Council Member

Bio —

Makenze Blackburn

Dana

Council Member

Bio —

Dana

Alexandra

Council Member

Sasha is a 5th-year Biomedical Science and Environmental Studies student at the University of Ottawa. Her studies have fueled a passion for addressing microplastic pollution, environmental contaminants, and the importance of promoting both human and planetary health. Sasha believes that local and inclusive collaboration is essential to strengthening our role as environmental stewards, particularly in confronting urgent challenges like plastic and microplastic pollution. Through the EcoYouth Council, Sasha hopes to create meaningful change in the community by learning from and working alongside other youth engaged in climate action initiatives.

Rhapsody Forgues

Council Member

Rhapsody is a fourth-year student at Carleton University, majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Physical Geography. She is passionate about creating a sustainable future through environmental education, with a particular focus on fostering curiosity and care for the environment in youth. Rhapsody believes that humans are not separate from the environment but are an integral part of it—our health depends on the health of the planet. She is committed to helping people recognize their role, whether on a local or global scale, and empowering future generations with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and take meaningful action to care for the environment.

Aaron Hagos

Council Member

Aaron recently completed a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa. His passion for environmental sustainability and community engagement has shaped much of his academic and volunteer work. From planting trees and pollinator gardens to participating in cleanup drives and painting biodiversity-themed murals, Aaron has always sought hands-on ways to support his campus, community, and the wider world. As a member of the EcoYouth Council, he is particularly interested in addressing urban biodiversity loss, promoting green spaces, advancing recycling and waste reduction initiatives, and exploring the impacts of urban development. Aaron looks forward to working collaboratively with others and helping youth feel empowered to take part in climate solutions that are local, just, and inclusive.

Lilya El Alaoui

Council Member

Lilya is excited to be part of this year’s EcoYouth Council. She has always cared deeply about the environment and how communities can take better care of one another, whether through small everyday choices or larger collective efforts. Lilya is especially interested in protecting green spaces, reducing waste, and raising awareness among young people about the deep connections between people and nature.

Outside of her environmental interests, Lilya enjoys staying active through volleyball, skating, and biking, and spending time outdoors with friends and family. She loves finding ways to connect her passions for sports, community, and the environment, as all of them remind her of the importance of balance and teamwork. Lilya looks forward to meeting fellow council members, learning new things, and contributing to projects that make a positive impact.

Noah Montpetit Armstrong

Council Member

Noah Montpetit Armstrong is a 12th-grade student with a lifelong passion for the environment. From an early interest in becoming an agricultural scientist to his current explorations of ecology and climate change, Noah has always been curious about the many ways we connect with nature. Over the past five years, this passion has deepened, inspiring him to take on leadership roles—he is now in his third year with his school’s eco club and serving his second year as Environment Minister.

Noah is especially passionate about the botanical side of the environment and pollinators, though his interests extend widely across climate and ecological issues. He also enjoys blending his environmental passions with art as a form of expression and activism. For Noah, climate action is essential—he believes that whether through small actions or larger initiatives, everyone has a role to play in protecting our one Earth.

Kenzie Whalen

Council Member

Kenzie is a Master’s student in Earth Sciences at the University of Ottawa, having recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. Growing up in Prince Edward Island, Kenzie witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change and ecological disturbances, which sparked a lasting passion for environmental protection. Over time, their focus has shifted toward aquatic systems, recognizing their critical role in climate regulation. Kenzie is particularly interested in oceans and marine conservation and hopes to dedicate future research and career work to this field.

Alongside academics, Kenzie has extensive experience in sustainability and climate justice and is committed to bridging these perspectives with scientific research. By combining science and advocacy, Kenzie aims to help advance solutions that protect ecosystems while supporting the communities that depend on them.

Ariella Gubbay

Council Member

Ariella is in her final year of Environmental Science at Carleton University. She is an active member of CAFES (Community Action for Environmental Sustainability) and ESSA (Environmental Science Students’ Association), and enjoys being involved in local environmental initiatives. Ariella is passionate about helping others learn and take action on environmental issues so that everyone feels engaged and empowered to make a difference.

She especially enjoys teaching kids about climate change and highlighting the positive steps they can take, as well as brainstorming creative ideas that bring together diverse community groups to tackle environmental challenges. Through the EcoYouth Council, Ariella is excited to link her dedication to sustainability with collective action to create a healthier Ottawa community for the future.

Dahlia

Council Member

Dahlia is a high school student in Barrhaven and has been leading her school’s environmental club for the past two years. Passionate about climate change since early childhood, she was inspired by her grandmother, who taught her the importance of keeping the planet healthy and how even one small action can spark meaningful change. Dahlia sees the effects of climate change and global warming in everyday life, which fuels her drive to create change within her generation.

She is especially interested in marine biology and conservation and hopes to pursue these passions as a future career. Dahlia is eager to expand environmental education in Ottawa, particularly among youth, and looks forward to collaborating with other passionate members of the EcoYouth Council. She hopes to bring confidence, creativity, and dedication to positively impact the council’s work.

Kaamil Furtado

Council Member

Kaamil Furtado believes in grassroots environmental advocacy, which has driven him to continue his commitment with the EcoYouth Council for the second year. He is ready to learn, engage with more experienced activists, and promote sustainable practices in Ottawa.

Kaamil is a Grade 12 student at Glebe Collegiate Institute, and he plans to study environmental science at university. To participate in
this field before starting post-secondary education, he contributes to citizen science initiatives by photographing and documenting local
wildlife. He submits his observations to iNaturalist and the Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Community-Based Monitoring initiatives. Through iNaturalist, he also verifies observations made by other members of the community so that their data is of the highest quality. This work helps scientists understand the presence of different species within an area and their respective population trends.

In his free time, Kaamil likes writing poetry, exploring the Greenbelt, and reading fantasy fiction.

Malie

Council Member

Malie is a Grade 12 student and joined the EcoYouth Council as an opportunity to lead and collaborate on environmental projects in Ottawa. Her passion for the environment runs deep, shaped by her family’s work in conservation and environmental protection. In high school, Malie took an environmental science course that deepened her understanding of the climate crisis, while her travel experiences—from hiking in the forests of Haida Gwaii to volunteering with beach cleanups and trail building in Costa Rica—have shown her the importance of biodiversity and conservation firsthand.

She is particularly excited to work with the Council on sustainable transportation, biodiversity protection, and energy efficiency, while also helping to educate other youth about how they can make a difference. Outside of her environmental work, Malie enjoys hiking, cooking, scrapbooking, reading, and traveling.

Claire Taggart

Council Member

Claire is a second-year Environmental Studies student at the University of Ottawa. She moved to Ottawa in the fall of 2024 and quickly fell in love with the city’s green spaces, active commuter lifestyle, and community of youth passionate about environmental action. Some of her best experiences include attending her first large climate march, volunteering with uOttawa’s Green Reps program, and exploring issues she cares deeply about through her studies.

In her second year, Claire hopes to expand her perspective beyond campus and become more involved in Ottawa’s city-wide green movement. Through Ecology Ottawa’s EcoYouth Program, she is eager to collaborate with other youth in the environmental field and promote stewardship and environmental literacy within the Ottawa community.

Makenze Blackburn

Council Member

Makenze is a fourth-year Environmental Studies student at the University of Ottawa and is serving her second year as a member of the EcoYouth Council. Her main areas of interest include promoting climate change law, policy, education, and activism in Ottawa. Over the past few years, she has attended and organized workshops engaging university students in volunteer work and discussions on climate change and environmental sustainability.

Through her studies, she aims to deepen her understanding of the climate crisis and gain the knowledge needed to take meaningful action. This year, she is excited to give a presentation on birdwatching to school students in Ottawa—a personal passion that has strengthened her appreciation for the environment and that she hopes will inspire other youth

Dana

Council Member

Dana is a fourth-year Environmental Studies student at the University of Ottawa, passionate about climate equity and community building. A unique aspect of their experience includes studying glaciers in Iceland. In their free time, they are active with the Women’s Biodiversity Caucus, the Queer Gardening Collective, and the Carleton Climate Commons.

Dana also recommends local organizations such as CAFES (Community Action For Environmental Sustainability) and the Women’s Sustainability Network Ottawa (WESNO) for those interested in environmental issues, networking, and mentorship opportunities.

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Youth Council

Alexandra

Council Member

Rhapsody Forgues

Council Member

Aaron Hagos

Council Member

Lilya El Alaoui

Council Member

Noah Montpetit Armstrong

Council Member

Kenzie Whalen

Council Member

Ariella Gubbay

Council Member

Dahlia

Council Member

Kaamil Furtado

Council Member

Malie

Council Member

Claire Taggart

Council Member

Makenze Blackburn

Council Member

Dana

Council Member

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