The Asian Youth Network (AYN), an initiative of York University's Asian Business and Management Program, is a dynamic community built for ambitious Asian-identifying students and young leaders across Canada. We recognize the incredible potential within our diverse community, and AYN is designed to be your national platform for connection, collaboration, and empowerment. Whether you're looking to expand your network, gain invaluable skills, or contribute to a vibrant collective, AYN is here to support your journey. Join us in shaping a future where Asian youth are empowered to thrive and lead.
Youth Leadership Council
At the heart of the Asian Youth Network is the Youth Leadership Council (YLC), a dedicated team of student leaders and participants in ABMP's programs. The YLC is the driving force behind AYN, working passionately to create the programs, events, and initiatives that benefit our members. These student leaders are committed to fostering an inclusive and engaging environment, ensuring AYN remains relevant, impactful, and truly reflective of the needs and aspirations of Asian youth across Canada. The YLC embodies the spirit of peer-led support and is always eager to connect with and empower the AYN community.
Marketing and Communication Leaders
Sneha Elavarasan
Sneha is a final-year Economics student at the University of Waterloo, specializing in Econometrics and Statistics. She recently gained valuable experience in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Forensic Accounting through her completed internship with RBC’s Global Special Investigations Unit (GSIU). Her skill set includes data analysis, economic research, advising, and teaching. Passionate about community-building, Sneha is dedicated to supporting YLC by helping fellow Asian-identifying students develop and maintain strong professional networks.
Sevde Karaca
Sevde is a recent graduate of York University with an Honours degree in Political Science and a Professional Certificate in Public Administration and Law. Her academic background demonstrates a strong interest in the intersection of policy, technology, cultural affairs, and development. Passionate about fostering interprofessional collaboration, Sevde is dedicated to driving meaningful innovation across diverse sectors. As an active member of the YLC, she co-manages communication strategies to enhance engagement and strengthen connections within the Asian-identifying student community across Canada.
Jialong Niu
Jialong is a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto Scarborough, pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a focus on finance and investment. He has gained practical experience in trading and financial modeling, including a recent internship at BMO’s trading department. Jialong also holds the CFA-ESG certification, demonstrating his commitment to ethical and sustainable finance practices. Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys connecting with mentors and peers to build a supportive professional network. As a member of the YLC, Jialong is eager to contribute to the program's mission of fostering growth and leadership within the Asian business community.
Sharif Sircar
Sharif holds a Bachelor of Computer Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland and is a skilled communicator and marketer with a client-focused approach to innovation. He possesses expertise in digital marketing, software development, and data analytics, allowing him to effectively translate technical solutions into impactful messaging. As an active member of both International Association of Business Communicators-NL and the YLC, Sharif is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and promoting collaborative, accessible communication strategies that shape the future of engagement and community-building.
Events and Engagement Leaders
Kavya Kaypee
Kavya is a third-year student at York University, working towards a Bachelor of Commerce degree. She has a passion for strategy, transformation, and marketing, and brings diverse experiences from startups and companies across the UAE, Canada, and India. Driven to make a difference, Kavya co-founded the ABMP YLC with other Asian-identifying students to bridge the gap between students and industry leaders. As the Events and Engagement Leader, she is committed to fostering meaningful connections and creating valuable opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
Gina Quan
Gina is a fourth-year student at York University pursuing a degree in Math Education and Statistics. She is passionate about fostering inclusivity, promoting education, and building strong communities. With extensive experience in communications and event planning, Gina has worked closely with international students from around the world. Gina joined the York Science International Initiative Team in October 2022 as a Communication & Marketing Assistant, where she hosted international open houses and led efforts to engage prospective students globally. Inspired by her experiences and dedication to leadership, Gina co-founded the YLC alongside other Asian-identifying students to build a strong and supportive community for Asians in Canada.
Unlock Your Potential: Become an AYN Member Today!
Are you ready to take your aspirations to the next level? Joining the Asian Youth Network opens the door to a wealth of opportunities designed to propel your personal and professional growth. As an AYN member, you'll gain:
- Actionable Insights: Receive our monthly Career Insights Newsletter directly to your inbox. This essential resource delivers updates on upcoming events, exclusive opportunities, scholarship information, and inspiring success stories from fellow Asian youth – giving you a competitive edge and keeping you informed.
- Exclusive Career Advantages: Access career-focused events, internships, and job opportunities curated specifically for Asian-identifying students.
- Valuable Networking: Connect with a national network of peers, mentors, and future leaders who share your drive and understand your experiences.
- Inspiring Community: Be part of a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to self-development and collective empowerment.
Don't miss out on the chance to shape your future and contribute to a powerful movement. Join the Asian Youth Network today and unlock your full potential!
Asian Youth Network Members Spotlight
Douglas Quan, University of Toronto
In my earlier years of university, I often felt unsure of how to start building my career. As a Computer Science major with a Math minor at the University of Toronto, I was surrounded by ambitious students and talented peers—but I constantly questioned if I was doing enough.
I came to Canada from Hong Kong, and like many international students, I was focused on working hard. But it became clear that technical skills alone wouldn’t set me apart. I was late in building my portfolio, and networking felt intimidating. I’d hear people say, “It’s all about who you know,” and I had no idea where to begin.
Eventually, I told myself: “I need to try something different.” That’s when I joined the Career | Fit Professional Experience Program – Data Analytics and Machine Learning Applications in Business Optimization, led by Utkarsh Pandey, a mentor from IBM.
It turned out to be a turning point. I wasn’t someone who naturally sought out networking or mentorship, but this program gave me a space where I felt safe to try. I connected with students across the country who were also figuring things out. We didn’t have it all together—but we were all learning.
Utkarsh introduced me to the intersection of data, tech, and business—something I hadn’t fully considered before. I realized that communicating my ideas clearly and working well in teams mattered just as much as my technical abilities. I started practicing public speaking, explaining my projects, and reflecting on where I wanted to grow.
Career | Fit helped me reframe my thinking. It wasn’t about landing the perfect job right away. It was about building confidence, sharpening my skills, and showing up consistently. I used to avoid networking; now I see it as a way to learn from others and share my journey too.
There’s still a lot I don’t know—but that’s okay. I’m more comfortable being uncomfortable now. I know that progress isn’t always linear, and rejection doesn’t mean failure. It just means I have more room to grow.
As I prepare to graduate, I feel more connected, more prepared, and more excited to see where this path takes me. Career | Fit, supported by RBC Future Launch and ABMP, helped me take that first step—and I’m grateful for that.
Sharif Sircar, Memorial University of Newfoundland
“As graduation neared, I felt lost. I didn’t have a job or professional connections and kept hearing how “knowing someone” was the key. Being open to meeting new people, I decided to explore networking events.
In 2023, I wrote in my notes: “I enjoy meeting new faces and learning new things. I suppose I should start attending these networking events.” What followed were two years of exploration and self-discovery. Initially, my communication skills held me back. Frustrated after events, I realized I needed a different approach. With guidance from career advisors, my university’s entrepreneurship centre, and a mentor, I shifted focus from finding a job to understanding what I truly wanted.
After a year in software development, I recognized it wasn’t for me. Then came the Career | Fit Professional Experience Program at York University, where I joined the “Data Analytics and Machine Learning Applications in Business Optimization” program, led by Utkarsh Pandey (Advisory Automation Technical Specialist at IBM). This program broadened my perspective and connected me with students across Canada who shared similar struggles.
Utkarsh was a fantastic mentor who introduced me to the intersection of engineering and business—an area I hadn’t explored before. The program helped me see that my skills and interests weren’t dead ends; they just needed the right environment to thrive. Admitting my disinterest in a strictly technical path wasn’t imposter syndrome—it was a genuine shift in passion.
I started exploring different industries and career paths, eventually joining International Education Newfoundland and Labrador (IENL) and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC NL). Through both organizations, I gained access to mentors who helped me realize that so many people go through similar transitions. I even found myself growing more interested in the field of communications.
That’s when networking stopped being about "getting something" and became about building and nurturing relationships. I’ve had interviews where I messed up; I’ve had ones where I simply got outcompeted. And I don’t see that as failure—I see it as a tally of growth opportunities. Every rejection adds to a list of things I can refine.
This job market is tough. There are more graduates than openings, companies are hesitant to hire, and the economy is on edge. But that just means the long game of building skills, confidence, and community is more important than ever.
The story is still unfolding, and I am learning to enjoy the process.”
Kavya Kaypee, 3rd year student at York University
“Participating in the Career | Fit program through ABMP, supported by RBC Future Launch, was a transformative experience for me as a third-year York University student. It helped me navigate the corporate world, connect with inspiring professionals, and secure an 8-month internship at RBC. Through networking and mentorship, I gained valuable insights into RBC’s culture and developed meaningful relationships with several mentors. Collaborating with the ABMP team also sparked my passion for bridging the gap between students and industry leaders, which inspired the creation of the Youth Leadership Council.
Looking back, this journey has taught me a valuable lesson: Take initiative, step out of your comfort zone, and build genuine connections. Pursue what you love with passion and follow through on your ideas—because that’s where real growth happens. I encourage everyone to join ABMP’s Career | Fit programs—it's an incredible opportunity to develop your skills and expand your network for future success.”