Leadership
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Rehan Mazid
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As the founder of the Civic Clarity Foundation, Rehan is a policy-based advocate leading evidence-driven policy initiatives and fostering collaboration across multiple stakeholders. He founded the Civic Clarity Foundation on three main beliefs: governmental transparency, accountability, and the meaningful inclusion of all stakeholders in a democracy.
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Ishan Acharya
DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS & OUTREACH
Ishan Acharya is a Grade 11 student at Laurel Heights Secondary School in Waterloo, Ontario. Passionate about local representation and community service, Ishan has contributed over 250 volunteer hours to political campaigns, advancing community-driven change.
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Kinjal Kaur
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Kinjal Kaur is a Grade 12 student leader dedicated to fostering a united community foundation through impactful initiatives and meaningful change. Kinjal is also the founder of the student-transit group, transit2learning.
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Neelab Ahmed
DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT
Neelab Ahmad, a first year legal studies student at the University of Waterloo. Neelab is Passionate about civic engagement and global issues. She serves on the Waterloo Youth Advisory Council, and volunteers extensively to empower youth.
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Amey Sharma
DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
Amey Sharma is a Grade 11 student. He applies a structured, process-driven approach to leadership, strengthening internal operations and fostering collaborative, mission-focused systems that empower teams to work toward civic impact.
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Shahmeer Khan
DIRECTOR OF POLICY & LEGISLATON
Shahmeer is a Grade 12 student, self-taught developer, and community organizer from Cambridge, Ontario. He co-founded Maqsad, coordinates a family-run food bank, and serves as Deputy Director of Outreach and Partnerships at the Civic Clarity Foundation.
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Devu Rayaroth
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT
Devu Rayaroth is a grade 11 full IB student at Glenview Park Secondary School who is dedicated towards giving back to the community. She strives to represent the voice of the youth and create a meaningful impact, making sure that everyone, regardless of background, feels seen. -

Mahir Rahman
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
Mahir Rahman is a Grade 10 student at Fletchers Creek Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario. He is passionate about youth involvement in civic spaces, communicating complex ideas, and making politics understandable for all.
Board of Directors
Councillor Colleen James
Colleen James, a lifelong Kitchener resident and business owner, was elected Regional Councillor in 2022. With 15+ years in municipal government and advanced degrees, she champions sustainability, community dialogue, accountability, and inclusive leadership while serving on various Regional Council committees.
Professor Donald E. Abelson
Donald E. Abelson, PhD, is a Professor of Political Science at McMaster University and a leading expert in Canada-US relations, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. He previously served as the inaugural director of the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government.