Starts with Y

Our incredible guest Nicole created her business CuteRoots with a simple goal in mind “to put smiles on faces, and flowers in the ground.” Nicole wanted to ensure she was standing behind an eco-friendly, impact-focused business and ensured all of her greeting cards (including the envelops) were made from 100% recycled paper. Her punny and incredibly well-designed cards are all embedded with wildflower seeds which means they can all be planted and her “impact line” of greeting cards focus on supporting various organization from the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, the loveland foundation and many more.

13-year-old Alyssia Duda launched her non-profit, Alyssia’s Dream, in hopes ensuring ballet and the arts are accessible at all youth regardless of age, race or gender. In a recent interview with the Chicago Tribune, Alyssia shared that “often times in ballet class, students of colour, especially black girls, are the only black student in the class." Being the only black dancer in some of her own ballet classes, Alyssia's goal is to ensure all youth are provided with the same opportunity to experience the power of dance, regardless of the colour of their skin.

18-year-old Jameson embodies what it means to be a change-maker who "rises to the occasion". Whilst in self-isolation during the pandemic, Jameson created his organization known as Circle of Friends, to support the children of frontline workers through mentorship and virtual connectivity. Jameson continues to work hard to instill a sense of peace and community within these youth while their parents/guardians are so bravely working their day jobs.

Following a trip to South Africa and learning about the threats facing wildlife during a safari,  8-years-old Kate was determined to do something to help the animals who were being harmed by humans and knew she had to also educate young people about this issue. It is for this reason that Kate wrote "Lets go on Safari". A book that provides examples of small-scale, achievable animal advocacy projects that kids can initiate. Profits of the book go to organizations devoted to wildlife conservation, such as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Jane Goodall Institute and Global Wildlife Conservation.

As a daughter of Mexican immigrants, 17-year-old Marina is proud of her heritage and culture and has grown up taking advantage of the resources and knowledge she’s gained through her unique experiences. It is for this reason that she created her website "Culture of Change" as she wanted to create a safe online space that allows youth of all ages to educate themselves on various topics including the US justice system, the crisis in Yemen, the act of protesting and so much more. Marina firmly believes that everyone has the power to grow their mindset hopes her website is able to provide information that offers different perspectives that will open minds and hearts.

At only 11 years of age Gitanjali was named America’s Top Young Scientist of 2017 with a device to detect lead in water faster than any other current techniques. She has created several other inventions including "Kindly" an artificial intelligence service to detect and stop cyber bullying as well as a snake bite detector tool that measures the severity and type of venom injected during a snake bite using thermography. Gitanjali actively combines science and kindness as a catalyst for social change and to make a difference and hopes to continue to make positive impacts in the world... one innovative invention at a time.

9-year-old Justin began his journey in kindergarten when he learned that one-third of frog species are on the verge of extinction. As he continued to research more about frogs and their incredible impact to our ecosystem as well as the importance of protecting these beautiful species, he set a goal for himself to conserve 30% of the planet by 2030. He hopes to make the planet safer by promoting the idea of plastic reduction to better our planet and our water quality for the frogs and beyond.

Sammie came across her first “buddy bench” at only 8-years-old. The idea had a profound impact on her, as sitting on a “buddy bench” is a nonverbal way of asking for a friend. Sammie knew she needed to bring this idea to her community so she began creating "Sammie's Buddy Bench". Her goal is to not only ensure youth across the globe have access to a buddy bench, but she also creates these 6ft benches in the most environmentally friendly manner as each bench is solely made of 200 lbs. of plastic caps and lids.

Blerina Ago firmly believes that the power of education is one of the most powerful tools the world has to offer but is also a tool that is not equally accessible to all. With this, Blerina founded Backpacks for Brainiacs, a non-profit organization aimed towards helping provide children in need with the basic necessities they need to succeed in school. To date, her incredible cause has supported 3 charities and delivered over 100 backpacks and school supplies to those in need.

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According to “Affinity Numerology” the number 24 represents strength, compassion and long-term security. 3 words that perfectly sum up what the past 24 episodes of Starts with Y have felt like.

This platform has become an outlet that continues to instill a sense of hope within us that the world is in good hands as the next generation of youth are made up of strong and compassionate leaders who are already fighting for meaningful change and long-term security to ensure our world is one that is inclusive, kind, safe and peaceful.

We hope you enjoy this "Season Finale" blooper reel episode as much as we do! See you all back for more laughs, incredible new “Y” words and even MORE stories of remarkable change-makers for Season 2 of Starts with Y.