Our Team

Matthew Newman

Founder & Global Head of Initiatives

Quietly embodying a spirit of service and compassion, Matthew is a young leader from Toronto, Canada. Since 2016, this university freshman, who balances studies with part-time work, has volunteered with the Newman Global Initiative, coordinating donations to support health, education, and displaced communities. His commitment includes a 2019 partnership with CNN Hero Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong to raise funds for Inspira, aiding over 1,000 families in Peru.

Matthew continues his outreach through collaborations with Inspira and India’s Shanti Bhavan School, overseeing initiatives at Newman Global. He approaches opportunities with humility, seeing his contributions as acts of service rather than personal achievements. Whether leading “Stop the Stigma” mental health campaigns or supporting his high school ski team as a two-time MVP, he motivates others to use their talents for a greater purpose. His involvement with the Caritas School of Life further reflects this dedication. Matthew was honored with the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers in 2023 and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.

Mercedes Tibollo

Managing Director, Global Strategies

Mercedes Tibollo is the Managing Director of Global Strategies at the Newman Global Initiative. Her background includes studying Biology and Philosophy at St. Francis Xavier University and Biomedical Ethics at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

A newly published author, Mercedes penned the thought-provoking book Meditations from the Eye of the Storm, reflecting her deep engagement with philosophy, personal growth, and spirituality. She recently presented on the ethical foundations of Forensic Psychiatry at the International Congress of Law and Mental Health in Barcelona, Spain.

Mercedes’ work is driven by a profound commitment to philanthropy, medicine, and philosophy. This aligns perfectly with her leadership role at the Newman Global Initiative, where she focuses on developing and implementing global strategies. Earlier this year, she founded the WE CAN HELP FOUNDATION, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients for treatments not covered by provincial health insurance.

Ilaria DiBattista

Student President & Systems Architect

Ilaria blends academic excellence with a strong commitment to social change. Her volunteer work in mental health and addiction, paired with her achievements as a swimmer representing Canada in the Maccabiah Games, highlights her diverse talents.

Ilaria’s passion for mental health advocacy extends beyond personal interest. She has been pivotal in organizing events for mental health and addiction organizations and launched “Project Butterfly,” an online initiative aimed at enhancing reading comprehension and addressing educational disparities.

Beyond grassroots activism, Ilaria has partnered with renowned fashion brands Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, leveraging these collaborations to amplify awareness and fundraising for mental health causes. By aligning with global names, she extends her advocacy to a broader audience.

Balancing a busy schedule, Ilaria remains focused on her academic and philanthropic goals.

Megan Rajkumar

Student President (United States)

Megan is a high-achieving student from Orlando, Florida, and a dedicated leader with the Newman Global Initiative (NGI) since 2021. A member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the National Honor Society, she actively contributes to student government and Varsity Club, demonstrating a strong commitment to service and leadership.

Her passion for philanthropy began at age 10. At NGI, she leads “Mental Health Matters” campaigns, supports international projects, and helps drive the Global Ambassador Program. Megan is known for her creativity, initiative, and ability to mobilize her peers to support meaningful causes.

Outside of school, she works as a certified swim instructor, teaching young children and building trust through patience and care. Whether in the classroom, community, or pool, Megan leads with purpose and compassion, always striving to make a positive, lasting impact.

Nicole Newman

Lead Butterfly Voice

Nicole leads Butterfly Voice, a volunteer project dedicated to transforming how children learn to read, with a deep focus on supporting those with special needs. Through conversational AI, her team is creating an inclusive and adaptive tool that personalizes the educational experience for every student. The project’s core mission is to merge cutting-edge technology with empathy, building a more engaging learning environment and breaking down traditional barriers to literacy.

This commitment to community extends to her fundraising and volunteer work for a range of impactful organizations, including Pasta it Forward, the Canadian Italian Heritage Foundation, the Newman Global Initiative (NGI), Caritas School of Life, Inspira, and Shanti Bhavan. Through these efforts, she strives to support diverse causes and help drive meaningful change.

Emma Rosso

Student President (Canada)

Emma is a compassionate and driven student dedicated to making a difference. From a young age, she has supported Toronto’s homeless and co-led a mental health campaign for the Caritas School of Life. Alongside her sisters, she sells tie-dye shirts to raise funds for the Hospital for Sick Children, showing both care and creativity.

A student at a Catholic high school in Vaughan, Emma is working toward her black belt in karate and actively recruits volunteers for community initiatives. In 2024, she was honored with the Vaughan Community Award for her service.

Emma now mentors and guides two impactful projects: the Modesto Project, offering small, no-obligation micro-funds to individuals and organizations; and Butterfly Voice, which uses conversational AI to support reading comprehension and children with special needs. Emma’s dedication, leadership, and compassion continue to inspire positive changes in her community and beyond.

Eric Newman

Co-Lead of the Modesto Project & Head of Fundraising

Eric is a high school sophomore and a competitive mogul skier who earned a silver medal in the combined event at the 2024 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 co-leads the “Nano Fund” (Modesto Project), an initiative that provides micro-grants to individuals, small businesses, and educational causes. Reflecting his belief in simple, scalable impact, the fund does not require repayment, asking only that recipients “pay it forward” with future generosity. This project embodies Eric’s deep commitment to community empowerment, compassion, and sustainable giving.

Julian DePaoli

Student Vice President (USA/Int’l)

A high school senior from the Greater Toronto Area, Julian is deeply committed to youth leadership and global impact. This passion is demonstrated through his leadership of The Modesto Project, an initiative mobilizing student volunteers for community change both locally and internationally. He extends his impact as a Special Advisor to the Butterfly Voice Initiative, where he guides youth advocacy, and through his work with the Sunflower Project, coordinating food access for vulnerable populations.

Since joining the Newman Global Initiative in 2021, Julian has become a key contributor, earning recognition as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year. His work focuses on creating micro-level changes in developing countries and expanding cross cultural engagement, a role that includes leading international student recruitment across four continents. Outside of his service, Julian enjoys football and skiing.

Nicole De Marco

Head of Community Engagement

Nicole, a compassionate senior at a Lasallian high school in Toronto, leads “The Lotus Project” to raise awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis, inspired by her mother’s experience. A dedicated volunteer, she tutors students privately, through Kumon, and at an after-school club she founded at St. Alphonsus School. Excelling academically and active in DECA, Nicole also works as a swim instructor at Davina’s Swim House, where she has earned certifications in Bronze Cross and First Aid. Her diverse experiences and commitment to service demonstrate her potential to make a meaningful impact.

James McCormick

Junior Volunteer Food Security

James McCormick is a dedicated volunteer from rural Southwestern Ontario with a passion for community service and a particular interest in food security initiatives.  He has a long history of supporting impactful projects, notably contributing to the NGI’s Project Capricorn and The Lotus Project.  When he’s not volunteering his time, James enjoys the simple pleasures of rural life, including farming, watching and playing hockey, and cheering on his local soccer team – of which he was a provincial championship silver medalist.  His commitment to helping others and his love for his community make him a valuable asset to any endeavor.

Madelyn Rosso

Head of Food Initiatives

Madelyn, a high-achieving student from Vaughan, Ontario, has made a big impact through the Newman Global Initiative (NGI) since 2020. Her devotion to mental health activism is evident in her work with the “My Mental Health Matters” campaign and her support for women’s programs. Madelyn also leads many of our food-related initiatives, particularly the Inspira meal program in Peru.

A driven soccer player, Madelyn balances her athletic pursuits with academic excellence and extracurricular involvement. Her discipline and leadership complement her academic successes and aspirations for a future career in public accounting. Madelyn is a well-rounded individual dedicated to making a difference.

Matteo Triassi

Junior Volunteer

Matteo, a dedicated student, became a part of our team in 2021 and has been an active volunteer ever since. He plays a crucial role in our “My Mental Health Matters” campaigns and contributes significantly to fundraising efforts for Shanti Bhavan textbooks and Caritas School of Life detox beds. Additionally, Matteo has demonstrated exceptional speaking skills as one of the keynote speakers at our 2023 in-person event, focusing on mental health and addiction. Outside of his philanthropic commitments, Matteo is a competitive hockey player and a passionate skier.

Ishan Kenth

Junior Volunteer 

Ishan is a grade 10 student at a specialized science and technology high school in Brampton, Ontario. Passionate about coding and robotics, he shares his enthusiasm by volunteering with Brampton Library’s free LEGO robotics programs. Ishan also believes in giving back to his community through local clean-up initiatives. When he’s not building robots or improving his community, you can find him on the basketball court or soccer field. Ishan is excited to join the team and contribute his skills to the Project Butterfly initiative, especially in helping younger children learn.  

Alessia Marciano

Student Volunteer

Alessia, a highly motivated senior and active DECA participant at De La Salle College, is committed to making a beneficial impact around the globe. Dedicated to spreading positivity among young children, she tutors elementary students at St. Alphonsus School and manages the Girls’ Flag Football team at De La Salle. Through a co-founded “Path to Wellness” Initiative, Alessia aims to spread awareness regarding health issues that affect her community. Aside from volunteering, she is currently working towards her Level 9 Piano RCM certification. Her enjoyment of school and community involvement showcase her eagerness to apply these skills to a worthwhile cause.

Nayha Gill

Fundraiser

Nayha Gill, an 11th-grade student, is an honors student with distinction who excels in both academics and extracurricular activities. A regional and provincial DECA champion, Nayha is also a member of her school’s mock trial team. She has been a competitive swimmer with MSSAC and plays rugby, basketball, volleyball, and soccer at Mentor College. Nayha works as a certified lifeguard and swim instructor and dedicates her weekends to volunteering at The Shores Retirement Residence and the gurdwara. A travel enthusiast, she has visited over 13 countries, and she has been playing the piano since the age of five, currently pursuing Grade 6 at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Daniel Reyes Calderon

Junior Global Ambassador

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.

Alessia Rosso

Junior Lead “OpenArms” Canada

Since the age of 11, Alessia has been a dedicated volunteer with NGI, actively participating in mental health initiatives, educational programs, and Project Inspira in Peru. Now a freshman in high school, Alessia excels academically and enjoys reading and swimming. In 2024, she was recognized for her contributions by receiving her middle school’s community service award and the honor of being class valedictorian. Alessia also has a deep appreciation for culture and loves traveling, especially visiting her grandparents’ home in Southern Italy. With a keen interest in science, she aspires to pursue a career in the health professions.

Miguel Ângelo de Castro

Health Ambassador (Brazil)

Miguel, a medical student at PUCRS in Brazil, is committed to improving community health. He has a great interest in the area of mental health and public health. He contributes to the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Program (ProDAH), supporting research, teaching, and patient care. He also conducts research on childhood respiratory diseases like asthma and cystic fibrosis at the Infant Center and HSL/PUC, focusing on prevention and treatment. As our Health Ambassador in Brazil, Miguel plays a key role in expanding NGI’s global impact.