Yo Bro | Yo Girl2026 edition

My LegacyGrowing & giving back.

In their own words: three youth leaders on building their futures, finding their confidence and supporting the next generation.

Arsala Rasool

Engineering, leadership and giving back

Over the past year, I've grown academically, professionally and personally while continuing to give back to my community.

I'm studying Systems Engineering at Simon Fraser University, where hands-on projects have helped me develop my technical and design skills. I designed a modular desk organizer for engineers using SolidWorks, and I'm now developing a robotic desk buddy that lets me explore my interests in engineering and technology.

I've also taken on new leadership opportunities. In March, I served as Director of OpFair, helping lead a two-day engineering career fair that brought together more than 300 students and 15 companies. I represented TCF SFU at a fundraising event where our team took the stage as part of an effort that raised more than $400,000. More recently, I've become involved with Salam Central, which brings Muslim communities together through programs, outreach and charitable initiatives such as Charity Week.

This semester, I joined the REAL Training program through Beedie Luminaries. A three-day trip gave me the opportunity to build meaningful connections, learn more about myself and reflect on my personal growth.

A group on stage at a Citizens Foundation fundraising event — Representing TCF SFU as part of a fundraising event that raised more than $400,000 overall.

Learning. Leading. Giving back.

One of the most meaningful parts of my year has been continuing my journey with Yo Bro | Yo Girl. I work part-time with the organization, visiting schools to tutor students in chemistry, teach wrestling and play basketball with high school students. I've also helped teach on weekends at the new Cloverdale Youth Hub while continuing my own martial arts training during the week.

Through YBYG, I've advanced two belt colours and competed in my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament. Competing alongside youth I train with made the experience especially meaningful. Earning my first tournament medal was an unforgettable milestone.

These experiences have helped me become more confident, independent and willing to challenge myself. I'm especially grateful to Yo Bro | Yo Girl and Captain Scott for providing an environment where I can keep learning, growing and giving back to the next generation. The skills and confidence I've gained through the program now carry into my studies, leadership and community involvement, and I'm excited to see where they take me next.

YBYG martial arts participants in blue uniforms with their instructors — Training and growing together at YBYG.

YBYG group with medals at the Prime Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu championship — A milestone at Arsala's first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament.

“These experiences have helped me become more confident, independent and willing to challenge myself.”Arsala Rasool

Ammar

From youth leader to program assistant

Since graduating from high school and completing five amazing years as a volunteer youth leader with YBYG, I've stepped into a staff role as a program assistant. Staying connected with the initiative and continuing to support my community has been incredible as I transition into university.

I'm currently studying Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University, with plans to pursue a career in healthcare. Alongside my studies and work with youth, I volunteer in the emergency department at my local hospital and recently began volunteering as a crisis responder with Kids Help Phone.

Outside of classes, work and volunteering, I stay active through weightlifting, hiking and recreational sports whenever I get the chance.

“Staying connected with the initiative and continuing to support my community has been incredible as I transition into university.”Ammar

A group together in front of a Captain Scott backdrop — Together with the YBYG community.

Javeria

From participant to mentor

Four martial arts participants in blue uniforms with instructors behind them at YBYG — Together at YBYG.

I graduated from Princess Margaret Secondary in 2025 and am now in my second year at Simon Fraser University, studying Criminology. I'm grateful for the opportunity to further my education, and I hope to pursue a career in law where I can advocate for others and give back to my community.

Alongside university, I've been working part-time with Yo Bro | Yo Girl for over a year. I've gone from being a participant who looked up to the mentors around me to working alongside those same people. Learning from them while supporting and inspiring the next generation of youth means so much to me.

I'm grateful for the relationships I've built, the lessons I continue to learn and the opportunity to give back to an organization that has played such an important role in my life. YBYG has helped shape who I am today, and I now have the chance to offer other young people the support and encouragement I received growing up.

As I continue through university and work toward my future goals, I hope to carry these values with me and keep finding ways to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Two people seated beside microphones in a recording space — Sharing a conversation.

Five people together beneath illuminated amusement park rides at night — An evening together.

YBYG group in front of the Prime Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu championship backdrop — Together at a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu championship.

“I now have the chance to offer other young people the support and encouragement I received growing up.”Javeria