OUR TEAM | 

Ryan Lo
​Co-Founder

M.U.P., B.E.S.

Ryan Lo is an urban planner, community engagement practitioner, and youth advocate. As Co-Founder of Urban Minds, he bridges the gap between youth and decision makers by developing youth engagement strategies with municipalities and community partners. His work includes organizing the annual 1UPToronto Conference and the 1UP Leaders Lab program, where high school students learn about city building and gain practical skills in civic leadership. Ryan is also a Project Coordinator at internationally renowned non-profit, 8 80 Cities, with extensive experience in facilitating engagement events for placemaking and transportation projects across Canada and the US.

wendy wang
director of finance

Wendy is a student at University of Toronto Schools. She hopes to help create and participate in an open-minded and youth-driven environment that pushes for progress in local communities. She joined the 1UP Youth City Builders Program because of her interest in sustainability, particularly as it relates to urban life and infrastructure. She is also interested in medicine, specifically urgent care, which stems from her experience in life-saving.

Jemma Tam
director of programs

Jemma is a student at Bill Hogarth Secondary School. She wants to help youth develop fun, unique, eco-friendly communities where people would come and enjoy. Jemma loves travelling to different places, gaining new experiences that ultimately help people, and always putting a smile on people’s faces.

Angela Ng
co-founder

M.Arch., B.Arch.Sci.

Angela Ng is an architectural designer, educator, and youth advocate. As Co-Founder of Urban Minds, she elevates youth voices in the decision-making process of cities by delivering educational school workshops about urban planning and by mentoring a growing network of high school students. Angela is the recipient of the Sappi Ideas That Matter Grant, which funded the production of her 1UP Starter Kit, a key resource for high school students to lead their own community design-build projects. Her design expertise is recognized as winner of the City of Toronto’s Everyone is King: Design-Build Competition with her team’s youth-friendly curb lane public art installation, #WouldYouRatherTO.

allen lu
director of marketing

Allen is a student at A.Y.Jackson Secondary School. He hopes to develop his business acumen and artistry while learning more about urban planning and sustainability, a field that he is considering for his post-secondary education. In his spare time, Allen likes to chat with friends and get involved with various musical activities.

Karen Yeung
Director of Events

Karen is a student at Markville Secondary School. Through the 1UP Youth City Builders Program, she hopes to create opportunities for youth to build change into their communities and cities. Karen loves photography, poetry (especially spoken word), music, and meeting new people.

chantel guo
president

Chantel is a student at York Mills Collegiate Institute. She wants to address the elevated levels of academic related stress among the student population, so her goal this year is to improve their mental and physical health. She is a frequent reader and sports enthusiast who can often be found stressing about the little things.

amir asgarali
director of programs

Amir is a student at Markville Secondary School. He hopes to empower youth, to help them spark change in their communities, and to explore sustainable options in urban planning. He loves swimming, skiing, photography, and Kanye West.

jessica lim
director of technology

Jessica is a student at Agincourt Collegiate Institute. She hopes that through 1UP Youth City Builders Program, youth will become empowered as they realize the positive impact they can have in their community. Jessica loves being active and exploring different experiences that help her discover her passions.

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