We are excited to introduce our new summer staff who have joined us here at Pillar for Summer 2024. These talented individuals will be helping Pillar carry out its mission of enhancing the operational capabilities of the impact sector. Their diverse skills and passions will be invaluable in supporting our initiatives and contributing to meaningful change within our community.
AMAN SAIGAL
Aman Saigal joined the Pillar team on Monday, May 27, as a Public Policy and Advocacy Intern. Aman is coming to us from Ivey and will really boost our ability to analyse data and tell data stories.
Aman Saigal is currently pursuing an MSc in Management (Business Analytics) at the Ivey Business School, Western University. Prior to Ivey, Aman worked with Ernst & Young as a Senior Analyst in Business Consulting Risk (Financial Services - Banking and Capital Markets). In this role, he spearheaded high-impact consulting projects, providing strategic insights and innovative solutions to enhance the financial stability and operational efficiency of leading financial institutions. He also served as the Strategy & Growth Director at Rejuvenus Dermatology Centre, where he led a digital transformation project, improving efficiency and driving growth through data-driven strategies. His role involved collaborating with digital experts and implementing new service offerings based on market research.
In addition to his professional experience, Aman has been very passionate about giving back to society in any way possible. As a member of Enactus, he led an eco-friendly initiative that created sustainable livelihoods for women in Mumbai. He also led initiatives fostering social and emotional skills for low-income school children in India through engagement with Saturday Art Class, a non-profit promoting social-emotional learning.
With a strong foundation in business analytics, consulting, and a passion for strategic growth, Aman is eager to apply his skills in public policy and advocacy.
CARL RITTER
Carl Ritter joined the Pillar team on 4th of June as a Verge Capital Assistant.
Carl is a student currently enrolled in the BMOS Finance program at Huron University College. Born to a Canadian mother and a South African father, he has had the unique opportunity to experience life in two different countries. Carl spent his early childhood in South Africa before moving back to Canada at the age of 8. Since then, he has grown up in the small but charming rural town of Bancroft, Ontario.
In his free time, Carl is passionate about kayaking, hiking in the woods, and wildlife photography. He also enjoys playing the Tenor Saxophone and has performed in small concerts in his hometown.
He is excited about the opportunity to meet and work with everyone this summer and help contribute to Pillar Nonprofit’s operations.
KHRYSTEL LIBAG
Khrystel Libag is a Huron student in marketing who joined the Pillar Team on May 27 and will be working with Melanie and I on the Resource Development team until August.
Khrystel is a marketing student at Huron University. She is a creative individual who loves meeting new people and finding new cafes to study in. Her hobbies include graphic design, photography, thrifting, and spending time with her family. She is passionate about using social media and marketing research to accomplish business goals.
Khrystel will be connecting with member organizations to develop impact stories for Pillar's fundraising and communications initiatives, as well as creating other tools, such as a "Ways to Give" brochure, to use when engaging with donors and sponsors.
MARYAM ABOUELELA
Maryam Abouelela joined the Pillar team on Monday, May 27, as a Public Policy and Advocacy Intern. Some of you may remember Maryam from her stellar and insightful contributions to the 2023 edition of Aditi Basdeo’s youth engagement panel.
Maryam has just finished her second year at Huron University, where she is studying governance and political science. She chose to study politics and governance because she grew up in the midst of the Arab Spring, sparking a desire to understand governance failures and their relation to foreign affairs.
Currently, Maryam invests her spare time in a project called Qudwa (meaning "role model" in Arabic), which aims to help tweens in grades 6-8 reach their full potential. She is excited to join Pillar's public policy and advocacy team because it aligns with her passions for leadership, community engagement, and advocacy.
The policy work Maryam is most interested in involves addressing hate crimes and racism in London. She decided to join Pillar to learn more about public policy in London and to engage with the amazing network of nonprofits and community partners at Pillar.