Youth Council at Interac
The Interac Youth Council was established to consult, advise, and inform Interac on strategic initiatives to help ensure we are catering to the diverse needs of Canada’s future leaders.
Who we are
At Interac, we empower Canadians to be in control of how they pay, verify, and authenticate their data. We are constantly pushing the boundaries to create innovative solutions. By joining the Interac Youth Council, you can help empower Canadians and pioneer Canada’s next innovation.
You’ll be representing and advocating for the voices of Canadian youth, so that we can take Canada’s fintech ecosystem to the next level.
Why Join the Interac Youth Council?
Drive Meaningful Impact
Your ideas and contributions will be valued from day one –you bring a fresh perspective and skills we need to innovate. You’ll have the chance to collaborate on initiatives that can directly shape Canada’s digital economy.
Learn and Grow
You’ll gain exclusive access to workshops, mentorship programs and training sessions designed to provide insights into emerging industry trends and enhance your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Expand Your Network
Expand your professional network by building relationships with industry experts, senior leaders and fellow Interac Youth Council members who can help shape your career.
With flexible hours and exciting social events, we are committed to providing the best experience for you.
Meet the current Interac Youth Council members
The Interac Youth Council is a diverse group of young leaders aged 16-24, representing various backgrounds and regions across Canada. Each member brings unique talents and perspectives to the table, working together to shape the future of Canadian fintech. Through their collaboration and insights, they play a vital role in guiding the direction of Interac and ensuring that the next generation’s voice is heard in the evolving financial landscape.
Amy Xia
Ex-Officio Member
She/Her | Toronto, Ontario
I was born and raised in Canada as a Chinese Canadian. I pursued my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto Scarborough, where I graduated with a degree in Management & Marketing.
Currently, I work at Interac on the client strategy team, where I focus on sales enablement and customer experience insights. My role involves implementing new processes and tools to support our client team, ensuring that we deliver the best possible service to our partners.
My passion for diversity has led me to take on a leadership role as the head of the Interac East Asian Employee Resource Group. In this capacity, I actively promote cultural awareness and inclusion within the company. I take pride in organizing cultural celebrations, such as hosting traditional lion dances and mahjong tournaments, which bring people together and foster a sense of community at work.
Outside of work, I am interested in the evolving payments and neo-banking landscape in Canada. The rapid innovation and increasing competition in this industry keep me strongly engaged.
In my free time, I love exploring cafes, playing video games, and spending quality time with my cat. I am excited to be a part of Interac Youth Council and help bring Canada to digital prosperity.
Breezy Prabahar
Co-chair
She/Her | Toronto, Ontario
My background is Tamil, though I was born and raised in Qatar. During my time there, I was an active member of Qatar’s Toastmasters Gavel’s Club, where I won national level awards in public speaking contests. An interesting fact about me is that I am an incredibly fast walker and came first in Qatar’s Walkathon competition. Additionally, I can recite the entire Lion King movie verbatim and love to sing and make music covers in my free time.
I pursued my undergraduate degree at York University, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Science. Following that, I completed a Paralegal Post-Graduate Certificate at Humber College. Currently, I am seeking work in the corporate law and finance law fields, as I find these areas particularly fascinating. My goal is to provide my knowledge to a company, learn new things related to my job, and grow alongside the company.
I am thrilled to be a part of the Interac Youth Council as a co-chair. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow council members to foster financial literacy among younger generations.
Falhada Farah
Youth Leader
She/Her | Toronto, Ontario
I am a third-year student at the University of Toronto Rotman Commerce, specializing in Finance and Economics with a focus in Data Science. My passion lies in product innovation within the payments space, and I am dedicated to exploring how technology can revolutionize the financial sector.
Currently, I am a summer student in the Research Analysis and Evaluation Branch at the Ministry of Health, where I contribute to projects that shape public health policies. My experiences in the public sector have deepened my appreciation for public policy and fueled my values around innovation, inclusivity, and creating a positive societal impact.
Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I find joy in exploring diverse cuisines, embarking on new adventures, and traveling to new destinations. I am enthusiastic about collaborating with diverse teams to drive positive change and influence the future of the financial sector. My goal is to leverage fintech innovations to spark transformative progress and unlock new opportunities for growth and empowerment. I am excited to bring my passion for innovation and my commitment to positive change to the Interac Youth Council.
Frédéric Feknous
Secretary
He/Him | Montreal, Quebec
Born in the south of France and raised in Montreal, I embrace my Francophone heritage and am fluently bilingual in French and English. My educational journey includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics and politics from the Université de Montréal and the University of Toronto, and I am currently pursuing a BCL/JD at McGill Law, showcasing my commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
For the past five years, I have dedicated myself to working in government, gaining extensive experience in public administration and policy. I currently serve as a regional advisor for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, where I have honed my skills in diplomacy, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Driven by a commitment to public service, my primary goals include advocating for policies that promote social equity, fostering international diplomacy, and empowering youth through education and civic engagement. I value integrity, inclusivity, and innovation, and believe in the power of diverse perspectives to drive meaningful change.
In my free time, I enjoy exploring Montreal’s vibrant cultural scene, engaging in political discourse, cycling, and staying active at the gym. I am passionate about sports, cultural exchanges, and contributing to community development initiatives. I am excited to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to the Interac Youth Council and look forward to collaborating with fellow council members to develop initiatives that empower young people and promote financial literacy.
Justin Langan
Youth Leader
He/Him | Swan River, Manitoba
Residing in the rural community of Swan River, Manitoba, I am a 25-year-old internationally recognized LGBTQ2S+ Métis advocate dedicated to environmental protection, Indigenous rights, and health equity. I hold an undergraduate degree in Political Studies from the University of Manitoba, which has fueled my passion for advocacy and public service.
As the Executive Director of O’KANATA, I integrate traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern strategies to address issues such as diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the impacts of climate change on health. Motivated by a deep connection to my Métis heritage and the urgent need to combat environmental degradation, I am committed to projects that empower Indigenous communities and promote sustainable practices. My efforts have led to significant advancements in community health and environmental policies, fostering greater inclusion and resilience among Indigenous populations.
My dedication to these causes is driven by a belief in the power of collaboration and cultural heritage to create meaningful change. I am excited to bring my expertise and passion to the Interac Youth Council, where I look forward to working with fellow members to develop initiatives that empower young people and promote financial literacy.
Nabil Anouti
Co-Chair
He/Him | Outremont, Quebec
As a Canadian Lebanese with a diverse international background, I have lived in Spain, Canada, Jordan, Switzerland, Lebanon, and Egypt. I graduated as the valedictorian of my Bachelor of Commerce program at McGill University, which laid the foundation for my career in innovative, data-informed, and human-centered strategy and solutions.
Professionally, I have honed my skills through roles in digital strategy at Adobe, consulting at Deloitte, marketing at CBC, and economic affairs for Quebec. Currently, I lead NAB Design, a Canadian web agency I founded, dedicated to creating exceptional websites that meet client goals. Additionally, I manage several YouTube channels and e-commerce stores on the side.
Fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic, I deeply value inclusion and exploration, and I’m a strong advocate for stepping out of one’s comfort zone—whether that’s moving to a new country, starting a business, or engaging with new people. I enjoy good food, travel, fitness, reading, and discussing entrepreneurship, design, tech, personal finance, and ethics. I am excited to contribute my international experience and diverse skills to the Interac Youth Council.
Oleksandr (Alex) Zhoravovych
Communications Officer
He/Him | Toronto, Ontario
I moved to Canada from Ukraine on my own at the age of 16. My life has taken me to over 25 countries including work experience in multiple regions, providing me with a deep understanding of diverse cultures. I hold a Business Marketing Diploma from George Brown College and a Digital Marketing Certificate from York University. My academic achievements have been recognized with awards including the 5 to Watch Endowment and the Ontario Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship.
Currently, I work at Interac Corp., where I initially joined as a Brand and Marketing Intern in September 2023, becoming one of the youngest full-time interns in the organization’s history. After a successful internship, I returned to Interac as a Digital Content and Social Media Coordinator, where I continue to contribute to the company’s communications and marketing efforts.
I am a strong advocate for lifelong learning and plan to pursue multiple degrees in law, economics, political science, and risk management over the next 15 years. Throughout my life, I faced words “you are too young” many times, but I eat “no” for breakfast, breaking stereotypes about age. I aim to make a positive impact on youth, encouraging them to stand up for themselves and achieve their goals regardless of obstacles. I am excited to work with the Interac Youth Council as a Communications Officer and contribute to building financial confidence for the youth across the country.
Precious Uzoh
Youth Leader
She/Her | Toronto, Ontario
As a Nigerian Canadian, I have always embraced my cultural heritage while pursuing my academic and professional goals. I hold a Master’s Degree in International Relations and have traveled to 20 countries, broadening my perspective, and enriching my understanding of diverse cultures and global issues.
Currently, I work as a Junior Regional Program Officer with Indigenous Services Canada, where I contribute to initiatives that support Indigenous communities. My career goal is to become a Humanitarian Advisor for the United Nations, driven by a deep commitment to humanitarian work and global equity. I value empathy, inclusivity, and cross-cultural understanding and am passionate about making a positive impact on the world through my work.
I am excited to bring my experience and dedication to the Interac Youth Council. I look forward to working with the council to embrace the voice of youth in the financial industry.
Warner Schaettgen
Youth Leader
She/Her | Ottawa, Ontario
I am a youth from Ottawa, Ontario, dedicated to political and civil activism, particularly in advocating for the equality rights of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. My commitment to these causes has been recognized through my role as a WEday speaker and being honored with the Governor General’s Award for Volunteerism.
Currently, I provide advisory work for non-profits and national organizations across Canada, focusing on project management and ensuring inclusivity measures and functionality are effectively implemented to convey organizational goals. As a passionate high school student, I am dedicated to advancing equality and progress within the political and civil arenas, addressing crucial legislative changes across Canada. I plan to pursue a career in Business and work towards promoting a more inclusive and safer Canada for everyone, regardless of their background, goals, or beliefs.