Nessa is a proud community member of the Kingston Galloway Orton Park (KGO) neighbourhood, where she participates as an organizer, advocate, and mobilizer for various social justice and grassroots initiatives. She has community development experienc,e particularly in areas of poverty reduction, homelessness, and women and children’s health. Nessa has had the pleasure of working with her fellow community members and stakeholders to bring a collective voice to the three levels of government to inspire and continue to advocate for meaningful change.

Silma first joined Healthy Living Through Arts (HLA) at the age of twelve, where art became a meaningful outlet for her to express herself as a newcomer to Canada. What began as a creative space soon grew into a source of community, confidence, and belonging. As she continued to grow within the HLA family, Silma took on greater responsibility by volunteering, supporting programs, and mentoring younger participants who were discovering their own voices through the arts. Her long-standing connection to HLA comes full circle today, as she now serves as Chair after more than a decade of involvement. Silma is committed to nurturing the next generation of young artists and community members, strengthening HLA’s programs, and ensuring it remains a welcoming space where creativity, culture, and community thrive.

Prabir Kar is a banking professional with a longstanding record of community service. Since 2009, he has combined his financial expertise with a strong commitment to social responsibility, contributing to a range of nonprofit initiatives. In his banking career, he focuses on upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Beyond his professional role, Prabir actively supports community-based organizations, promote inclusion, and strengthen support systems for underserved populations. His dual engagement in the financial sector and the nonprofit space reflects a consistent dedication to fostering sustainable, positive change in the community.

Aaishah serves as a Board Member Treasurer at Healthy Living Through Arts (HLA). She began her journey with HLA at the age of 9, and the organization significantly influenced her childhood. Now, she is thankful to contribute by supporting HLA's efforts from behind the scenes. In her free time, Aaishah loves creating henna art and volunteering in the community, particularly in hospital environments.

Shillan Jabbar is a visual artist, and creative event organizer who has worked and volunteered with HLA since 2007, contributing to educational programs and community-based art initiatives.

She has organized student art exhibitions in hospitals and community recreation centres, creating opportunities for artistic visibility, confidence-building, and public engagement. Through her teaching and event work, she supports artistic skill development while encouraging personal expression and shared creative experience. Her work has also been featured in art collections and publications, including international projects that bring together artists from around the world.

Mariam serves as a Board Member at Healthy Living Through Arts (HLA). She began her journey with HLA at the age of 5, and the organization significantly influenced her childhood. Now, she is thankful to contribute by supporting HLA's efforts from behind the scenes. In her free time, Mariam loves to read, paint, create pottery and volunteer in the community,