Meet Our Team

Matthew Newman is a dedicated leader from Toronto, Canada, who embodies a profound spirit of service and strategic compassion. Currently a freshman at the University of Alabama, he seamlessly balances academic rigor with a sophisticated commitment to global philanthropy, setting a high standard for peer-led civic engagement.

In 2016, Matthew founded the Newman Global Initiative, a non-profit designed to mobilize resources for health, education, and displaced communities. His leadership reached a milestone in 2019 through a high-impact partnership with CNN Hero Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong, raising vital funds for Inspira, a Peruvian organization that has transformed the lives of over 1,000 families.

Beyond fundraising, Matthew architects’ sustainable partnerships with international institutions like India’s Shanti Bhavan School. He views leadership as a platform for empowerment, utilizing his “Stop the Stigma” mental health campaigns and involvement with the Caritas School of Life to foster resilience in others. By mentoring fellow students and identifying local needs, he bridges the gap between global awareness and grassroots action.

Matthew’s distinguished service was recognized with the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers (2023) and the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2024). Now expanding his footprint in the United States, he has launched the Legends 29 Initiative, a strategic effort to uplift and assist the local community in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Nicole Newman is a visionary leader dedicated to driving global educational equity and healthcare access. As the head of The Hummingbird Platform, a volunteer-driven project, Nicole is revolutionizing literacy through conversational AI. By merging cutting-edge technology with deep empathy, her team builds inclusive, adaptive tools that personalize learning for students with unique educational needs, dismantling traditional barriers to reading.

Her commitment to community impact is equally profound. Alongside Alessia Rosso, Nicole co-leads Project Sky Blue. Following a successful soft launch in 2025, this initiative is now hitting its stride, bridging critical gaps in healthcare and essential support services for underserved communities.

Her extensive volunteer leadership extends to the Newman Global Initiative (NGI). In collaboration with 2018 CNN Hero Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong, NGI drives an ongoing initiative through Inspira, aiding over 2,700 families in Peru. Inspira supports children facing severe medical challenges who must travel to Lima for treatment. While a newly constructed 7,300 sq. ft. shelter has tripled capacity to accommodate 120 guests, Nicole remains focused on securing the funding needed to elevate it past its current 50% operating capacity.

Nicole’s extensive volunteer work spans Pasta it Forward, the Canadian Italian Heritage Foundation, Caritas School of Life, and Shanti Bhavan. In November 2025, her service earned her both the Vaughan Community Service Award and the National Congress of Italian Canadians’ Youth Achievement Award.

Alessia Rosso is a dedicated student-leader and community advocate whose passion for philanthropy began at age eleven. As a long-standing volunteer with the Newman Global Initiative (NGI), she has actively championed mental health initiatives, educational programs, and international outreach through Project Inspira in Peru. Her academic excellence and leadership were recognized in 2024 when she was named middle school valedictorian and received her school’s community service award.

Now a high school sophomore, Alessia co-leads Project Sky Blue alongside Nicole Newman. Following a successful soft launch in 2025, this visionary initiative is hitting its stride, dedicated to bridging critical gaps in healthcare and essential support services for underserved populations. Additionally, Alessia is a key contributor to The Sunflower Project, an NGI program that delivers vital food, clothing, and household items to local and global organizations to micro-impact communities in need. She also supports the “Butterfly Voice” Initiative and works as a licensed swim instructor.

Driven by a keen interest in science, Alessia aspires to pursue a meaningful career in the health professions. Outside of her academic and humanitarian pursuits, she possesses a deep appreciation for culture and loves to travel, especially to her grandparents’ home in Southern Italy. An avid reader and swimmer, Alessia seamlessly balances her diverse personal interests with a profound commitment to global well-being.

Eric is a high school junior and a competitive mogul skier who earned a silver medal in the combined event at the Canadian Junior National Championships. His passion for philanthropy began at age nine and has grown to include active fundraising and volunteer support for organizations such as NGI, Caritas School of Life, Inspira, Shanti Bhavan, and Meagan’s Hug.

Currently, Eric leads the “Nano Fund” (Modesto Project), an initiative providing micro-grants to individuals, small businesses, and educational causes across Guyana, Trinidad, and Zambia. Reflecting his belief in simple, scalable impact, the fund does not require repayment, asking only that recipient “pay it forward.” This project embodies his commitment to community empowerment and sustainable giving.

Eric’s leadership extends across multiple domains; he heads the Zermatt Bern Investment Club and leads the Sette e Mezzo Club, which keeps seniors socially connected through strategic gaming. Balancing his academic and community pursuits, he also works as a part-time warehouse supervisor, managing inventory, shipping, and receiving.

A dedicated champion for winter sports accessibility since 2024, Eric has collected essential ski gear for children who might otherwise miss the chance to experience the slopes. Driven by the generosity of friends and family, he has successfully outfitted numerous young athletes across the Greater Toronto Area. Looking ahead, Eric is scaling this impact through the official 2026 launch of Project Alpine Echo, ensuring every child can experience the exhilaration of winter.

Connor is a Connecticut high school junior who has been an active, highly valued member of our team since 2022. Demonstrating a remarkable commitment to community outreach, he plays a central role in the Modesto, Sunflower, and Butterfly Voice Projects, consistently contributing his vibrant energy and natural leadership to each unique initiative.

His primary focus is Project Capricorn, our flagship mentoring initiative dedicated to helping young student-athletes balance their rigorous athletic pursuits, mental well-being, and academic responsibilities. Within this impactful program, emerging sports talents are paired with seasoned athletes who mentor them on critical skills like time management, stress reduction, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Through Project Capricorn, Connor helps equip these budding athletes with the essential tools needed to thrive both on the ice and in the classroom.

A dedicated student himself, Connor beautifully balances his own academic success with a tireless pursuit of excellence as an elite hockey prospect. Beyond the competitive arena of the rink and the structured environment of the classroom, he brings a deeply thoughtful interest in philosophy, showing a constant eagerness to reflect on complex concepts, learn from others, and share insightful ideas. Known across our organization for his unwavering reliability and generous spirit, Connor is always ready to lend a hand wherever it is needed most.

A dedicated student-athlete and active volunteer across the Greater Toronto Area, Ethan Ferrante is a high school junior at a Lasallian school deeply committed to leadership, academic excellence, and purposeful community service. He thoughtfully balances challenging coursework with high-level competitive athletics while actively participating in prestigious Case Competitions and Math Contests that reflect his strong intellectual curiosity and analytical problem-solving skills.

Ethan extends that same drive to service through the Modesto Project alongside his friend Eric, as well as the Hummingbird Platform, where he collaborates with his schoolmate Nicole to support impactful grassroots initiatives. An accomplished competitive golfer, Ethan proudly represents both his high school team and regional tournament circuits with dedication, focus, and exceptional sportsmanship.

Beyond athletics, Ethan regularly volunteers with the Smiles of Innocence Memorial Fundraiser, local food banks, and vital school programs that foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for all students. He is also an integral member of our dedicated seniors initiatives, most notably the Sette Mezzo seniors club, where he helps build meaningful intergenerational connections. Furthermore, Ethan generously dedicates his time to the Blue Mango Academy, tutoring young children to strengthen their foundational learning, expand their curiosity, and develop lasting academic self-confidence on a regular basis.

Will Cameron is a highly competitive 6’2″, 173-pound hockey player and recent OHL draft pick, widely recognized by scouts for his expansive reach, poised puck control, and soft touch under early pressure on the ice. Beyond the rink, Will has actively contributed to the Newman Global Initiative since 2024. He plays an essential role in NGI’s flagship mental health and mentoring program, Project Capricorn, where he is deeply committed to guiding young student-athletes as they navigate and balance rigorous athletics, demanding academics, and personal well-being. Additionally, he remains heavily involved with Project Sky Blue, an initiative dedicated to bridging critical gaps in healthcare access and essential support services for underserved communities. In recognition of his exceptional leadership, outstanding dedication, and community service, Will was recently nominated for NGI’s Volunteer of the Year award.

Julia is a driven high school student dedicated to leadership, healthcare, and community service. As a provincial competitor on her school’s DECA team and an active member of HOSA–Future Health Professionals, she consistently refines her business acumen and clinical knowledge. Her commitment to helping others extends to the track and field team, the Lasallian Service Society, and her ongoing volunteer role at Kumon. Deeply passionate about health equity, she created Project Sky Blue, an impactful initiative aimed at bridging critical gaps in healthcare access and essential support services for underserved communities. She continues to champion systemic change and community wellness every day. Furthermore, Julia serves as a key contributor to The Sunflower Project, a Newman Global Initiative dedicated to delivering vital food, clothing, and household items to both local and international communities in urgent need.

Matteo, a Grade 10 student at St. Andrew’s College in Aurora, Ontario, is a dedicated student-athlete excelling academically while competing on SAC’s U16 football and U18NC hockey teams. Outside school, he plays U16AA hockey for the GTHL’s Greater Toronto Capitals and spends summers refining his swing on the golf course. Matteo continues to broaden his leadership through SAC’s Leadership in Training programs and mentors’ youth as a Veneto Centre camp counselor. Since joining our team in 2021, he has been an invaluable volunteer, contributing significantly to the Modesto Project, The Sunflower Project, and fundraising detox beds for Caritas School of Life. A confident communicator, he showcased his public speaking skills as a keynote presenter at our 2024 mental health and addiction event. Matteo looks forward to expanding his role and future impact with NGI.

A 13-year-old from Maple, Ontario, Daniel is passionate about sports, particularly soccer. As an aspiring goalkeeper playing at the representative level, he’s constantly improving his skills. Daniel is also leading NGI’s first major “Global Ambassador” program, an initiative to provide 100 desks to a school in Honduras.

Beyond the soccer field, Daniel is working towards his Bronze Medallion to become a certified Swim Instructor and Lifeguard. Fluent in both French and English, he’s also learning Spanish to connect with his Hispanic heritage.

Adriano is a 9th grade student and dedicated community volunteer who began his service journey in the summer of 2025. As an active member of the Newman Global Initiative, he is currently focusing his efforts on the Modesto and Sunflower Projects, which support education and food security initiatives around the world. Adriano is known for his enthusiasm, reliability, and leadership potential. Outside of volunteering, he is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys golf, soccer, skiing, and fishing. He also has a growing passion for cooking, often experimenting with new recipes. Adrian brings energy, compassion, and curiosity to everything he does.

Isabella is a dedicated high school freshman and strong student who has been helping out at the Newman Global Initiative since the young age of nine. Proudly following in the philanthropic footsteps of her older sisters, she is eager to make her own mark. Isabella will focus her efforts on the Sunflower Project, working closely alongside Eric to learn the intricate ropes of non-profit fundraising. Additionally, she will be heavily involved in helping the development of the Hummingbird platform. Outside of her volunteering and academics, Isabella is an avid sports fan who truly enjoys swimming and competitive volleyball.

Nikhail Gill is a driven Grade 10 student at Mentor College in Mississauga, combining athletic leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service. A former Middle School President and active DECA competitor, Nikhail is passionate about market trends and creative problem-solving. On the field, he captains his soccer team and competes across basketball, track, and baseball. Beyond athletics, Nikhail co-founded Skills Sphere in 2024 to advance global literacy in underserved communities. Dedicated to empowering youth, he volunteers as a soccer coach with Futsal Club Toronto and teaches swimming while pursuing his National Lifeguard Certification. An avid traveler, he embraces new cultures and challenges with initiative.

Ishan is an ambitious science and technology high school student in Brampton, Ontario, with a strong passion for coding, engineering, and robotics. He actively gives back to his community by volunteering with Brampton Library’s free LEGO robotics programs and participating in local environmental clean-up initiatives. Outside of STEM and community service, Ishan stays active playing basketball and soccer. He is eager to contribute his skills and enthusiasm to the team, mentoring younger youth through the Project Butterfly initiative and advancing healthcare equity for underserved populations with Project Sky Blue.

Meet Isabel Rajkumar, a vibrant 13-year-old and 8th-grade student in Florida who balances a rigorous academic schedule with a passion for creative expression. Currently enrolled in honors math and English classes, Isabel is also a dedicated two-year AVID student, building a strong foundation for future college success. Outside the classroom, she is an active swimmer and a talented artist and musician. Committed to her community and well-being, Isabel proudly participates in mental health initiatives and the Legends 29 program.