The Team

Meet the Team!

Get Involved

Committee Executives

David Vaz

he/him

Program Coordinator

Hi! I’m David and I’m a project coordinator with QSpeak. In my role, I work closely with my co-project coordinator, Jose, to manage the committees associated with QSpeak and keep everything running as smoothly as possible. I’m always looking for ways we can improve the program to give our QSpeakers the best experience possible! Outside of QSpeak, I’m a second year BHSc student at McMaster University, I watch exorbitant amounts of anime in a day, and I recently became obsessed with making baba ganoush.

Angela He

she/they

Project Coordinator

Hello, my name is Angela and was previously the lead ambassador but have since transitioned to the Project Coordinator exec. I now work to create a fun, inclusive and interactive program for all our QSpeakers to enjoy. I also work on a lot of the organzation's development and growth. School wise, I'm studying to become a Computer Engineer so if you ever need someone to geek out over programming (and video games!) I'm here :)

Damiano Perrella

he/they

Graphics Executive

Hi!

Elizabeth Ho

She/Her

Social Media/Events Executive

Hi, my name's Elizabeth and I manage the QSpeak social media! I'm currently completing my second year of my Bachelors of Laws at the University of Edinburgh, and whilst I've been locked down in Canada, I've spent my time building my small Etsy shop and playing my favourite instruments. I'm so excited to help build a nation-wide community for teens and young adults alike to have a safe space to make new friends and have a great time!

Thom Haghighat

he/him

communications/outreach Executive

Hi! I'm Thom and I'm the communications/outreach executive at QSpeak! One of my roles is to help support the outreach initiatives at QSpeak and make sure we're reaching as many people across Canada to partake in the program! Outside of QSpeak, I'm a third year Cognitive Sciences student at McGill University, and have a passion for fashion!

Zoe Chavigny

She/Her

Lead Ambassador

Hi!! My name is Zoe and I’m the Lead Ambassador. It’s my job to manage the Ambassadors and make sure everything is going smoothly within the groups! I’m in my second year at Simon Fraser University studying psychology, but when I’m not doing that, I’ll be watching anime, playing with makeup, or listening to some good music :)

QSpeak Ambassadors

Sarah Chernoff

She/Her

QSpeak Ambassador

Hi, I'm Sarah and I am a QSpeak Ambassador. My job is to create a safe environment for QSpeakers to connect and have fun and interesting conversations! I'm a third year Psychology student at Simon Fraser University, and spend too much of my free time watching Twitch while cuddling with my senior rescue cat, Ashe.

Ollie Roberts

they/them

QSpeak Ambassador

Hi! I'm Ollie, and I'm an ambassador here at QSpeak, which means I’m one of the friendly faces students will see week to week to discuss LGBTQIA2+ topics, or overseeing the space while students make meaningful connections through the QSpeak program. I'm 4th year environmental science student at Simon Fraser University, and in my free time you can find me playing rugby, rock climbing, snowboarding, or backpacking, depending on the season.

Sally Co

she/they

QSpeak Ambassador

Hello hello, the name's Sally! I am so excited to be a QSpeak ambassador and having conversations about identity, relationships, & queer-related topics. I'm a 4th-year health sci student at Western, and I like to spend my time watching animation, making art, and searching for funky secondhand items!

Margaret LuoCai

she/her

QSpeak Ambassador

Hey! I'm Margo, and I'm a QSpeak ambassador! I am passionate about fostering meaningful connections within the LGBTQIA+ community, and pursue my passion as an ambassador by creating a welcoming and safe environment for QSpeakers to connect and get to know one another. I'm a second year Economics student at Western University, and in my free time you can find me reading, doing yoga, or trying new coffee shops!

Emma Jean

She/Her

QSpeak Ambassador

Hi! My name is Emma and I'm a QSpeak ambassador. I get to lead discussions with teens each week about LGBTQ2S+ topics, and am always looking for ways to do this blessing of a role better. I'm also a third-year student at Simon Fraser University studying communications and political science. When I'm not doing those things, I like to write, listen to music and podcasts, and make great focaccia bread.

Graphics

Nic Pinheiro

She/They

Graphics

Hey, I'm Nicky, and I work for the Graphics team at QSpeak! I really enjoy the process of creating graphics and I love that I get to share LGBTQ+ content through what I make! I hope the content QSpeak creates and the message we share helps QSpeakers everywhere. I am currently a second year BBA student at Wilfrid Laurier University who spends a lot of time (outside of studying) reading and watching videos.

Core Program

Helen Tran

She/Her

Program Core

Hello, my name is Helen Tran and I'm part of the Program Development Team for QSpeak. I work with other committee members to plan activities and generate meaningful topics for the LGBTQ+ youth who participate in our discussions. We want participants to feel as comfortable and open as possible with their identities and opinions! I'm currently a second year Chemical Engineering student at the University of Toronto who plays video games, can make a mechanical keyboard, and has way too many yarn crafting hobbies from Tunisian crochet to weaving on a loom.

Iulia Rus

She/her

Social Media

Hi there! I'm Iulia and I am one of the many wonderful core program developers. Our team works to put together the interesting and thought-provoking activities for our QSpeakers. Using research, discussions and prompts, we strive to develop a fun and interactive way for our participants to create bonds and friendships through collective learning. I am a recent high school graduate and former QSpeaker myself. I absolutely love teaching, especially since I am in my first year in Concurrent Education at Queen's University. Outside of academics, I am a huge nerd with an obsession for Dungeons and Dragons, video games and cosplay.

Events

Wiktoria Pestka

She/Her

Program Core

Hi! My name is Wiktoria and I’m a member of the events committee for QSpeak. Our team is involved in planning and running fun events that bring QSpeakers closer together. I’m currently completing my second year at Western University studying psychology, but in my spare time I love making playlists, reading, or finding ways to get involved with my community.

Social Media

Julia Sarkany

She/they/he

Social Media

Hi! I'm Julia and I'm a member of the social media team here at QSpeak. My job is collaborating with other program developers to create an immersive, educational, and gratifying program for everyone taking part. Currently I'm a fourth year student at Western University majoring in Psychology, who has proudly exhausted every bubble tea place in her region and loves to watch anime.