GenNext Advocates
Get to know the current team of GenNext advocates and find out why they choose to volunteer and support our movement.
Working closely with United Way East Ontario staff, these incredible volunteers are community voices on how to stand up for the causes they care about, how to support GenNext, and how to get involved through our events and activities.
Giancarlo Cerquozzi (He/Him)
How would you introduce yourself to a new person at a Mix & Mingle?
Hi! My name is Giancarlo Cerquozzi (he/him). I am a cisgender queer professional dedicated to advancing Gender-Based Analysis Plus and 2SLGBTQ+ allyship within the federal public service.
I enjoy cooking, watching horror movies, and thrifting for mid-century modern furniture and vintage clothing in my spare time. I have a major sweet tooth and could easily eat an entire strawberry-rhubarb pie for breakfast (yum!).
Why did you want to become a GenNext Advocate?
I am particularly passionate about advocating for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and advancing awareness around 2SLGBTQ+ themes such as: gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation; inclusion and representation; and intersectionality. GenNext East Ontario is addressing discrimination and lack of inclusion head on, and I am privileged to join them in their cause.
I joined the GenNext East Ontario movement because I am passionate about supporting and connecting with my local community. It is so important for me to understand who my neighbours are and to contribute to my community’s wellbeing.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in our region?
Year upon year, Ottawa’s culinary scene has gotten more diverse and tastier! A few of my favourites eateries/food trucks include: AdMare Seafood, Angry Dragonz, Erling’s Variety, Genji, Town/Citizen and Union 613. I am dedicated to eating my way through the downtown core and beyond!
Maddy Davis (She/Her)
How would you introduce yourself to a new person at a Mix & Mingle?
Hi! My name is Madison, though I usually go by Maddy. I’m a third-year Commerce student studying at Carleton University.
I enjoy staying busy and trying new things. Most recently I decided to try volleyball, although I’m not quite good at it I really enjoy the teamwork. I also like movies and pretending I don’t fall asleep after the first five minutes, as well as music and basketball.
Why did you want to become a GenNext Advocate?
I want to become a GenNext advocate because I am passionate about many of the values and issues they support and have volunteered with the United Way Hastings and Prince Edward (UWHPE) for the past 4 years. After moving away for school, I continued to volunteer with UWHPE online, but I was looking for ways to be involved in the Ottawa community that I now consider home. GenNext is an opportunity that allows me to stay involved with the United Way while gaining in-person experience and meeting others within my new community.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in our region?
My favourite hidden gem is Koichi Ramen on Somerset. Not only do they have amazing food but the atmosphere is incredible. Even though it’s a small place it should not be overlooked. Located in Chinatown there are so many other places to explore around it as well (including Drip House!).
Bassant Mohamed (She/Her)
How would you introduce yourself to a new person at a Mix & Mingle?
Hi! My name is Bassant Mohamed. I am going into my 4th year at Carleton University, studying global and international studies with a focus on Global development. I’m someone who loves to travel and experience new cultures because it almost widens my perspective on reality, exposing me to all the different ways in which people live their lives around the world. For this reason, I love putting myself out there and seizing opportunities to meet new people. I find there is always something interesting to learn from each individual’s life experience.
Why did you want to become a GenNext Advocate?
GenNext targets local issues that represent all the topics I am passionate about, from mental health, youth homelessness, equitable employment, diversity and inclusion, and more. For me, the topic of mental health is of particular importance as I firmly believe that to build a prosperous society, there needs to be a focus on building up the individuals within it by prioritizing their mental health. For this reason, GenNext allows me to work amongst other advocates to tackle these issues head-on and give back to my community.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in our region?
Hands down, the Rockliffe lookout! As someone who loves sunsets, this lookout is beautiful and overlooks the Ottawa River/Gatineau. If you haven’t been yet, this is your chance to go. I usually like to come down there if I ever need to wind down and take in the view!