Alexis Gardner

Alexis completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Studies of Women and Gender from Vancouver Island University. She grew up in Abbotsford, British Columbia and has a strong passion for helping people, specifically children and youth. Alexis hopes to pursue a Masters of counselling with a specialization in couple and family therapy and to one day own and run a wellness centre that offers multiple services for low-income families.

Partner: TakingITGlobal

Policy Brief: Supporting Youth from Underrepresented Demographics in Leadership Initiatives + Infographic – Supporting Youth in Leadership Initiatives

Final Report: Supporting the Empowerment of Underrepresented Demographics of Youth in Leadership Initiatives

This research explores how youth-serving organizations can adapt their outreach strategies to better support the empowerment of youth from underrepresented demographics in leadership initiatives. Key findings of this research identified what main barriers contribute towards the social isolation of underrepresented demographics of youth, common challenges, common successes, levels of community support and supports needed. Additionally, this research explored the current outreach strategies of five youth-serving organizations across the country and was able to identify current strategies working well for supporting underrepresented demographics of youth, room for improvement and additional barriers youth encounter. The findings of this research also identify recommendations moving forward to better support the empowerment of underrepresented demographics of youth in leadership initiatives at both the policy and program level.

Keywords: underrepresented demographics, youth, community service, empowerment, leadership, civic engagement, Montreal, youth-serving organizations, non-profit, charity

Community Engagement Initiative: Celebr’Action
Alexis organized an event called #Célébr’Action, which consisted of a storytelling session with former #RisingYouth grantees, food and a collaborative graffiti art session. Watch the video below to learn more about the event and other grantees’ initiatives across Canada.