Leadership
Our Incredible Team of Leaders
Meet the passionate young leaders driving NATO Youth Canada's mission to unite the next generation in transatlantic security.
Executive Leadership
Spencer Carew
President
Spencer Carew is a Bachelor of Commerce student at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, specializing in International Business with a minor in German. He is a founding member and President of NATO Youth Canada, where he works to expand youth engagement with NATO, defence, and transatlantic affairs across Canada.
His experience includes research with the National Security Centre of Excellence and international development work in Nairobi, Kenya through Colleges and Institutes Canada. He has represented Canadian youth at forums across Canada and Europe, participated twice in the CSSG program in Kassel, Germany, and studied at the University of Stavanger through the North2North program.
Elijah Nikiforuk
Secretary General
Elijah is passionate about building a better future for all Canadians and he believes Canada is strategically positioned within NATO to further promote international peace, global security, and an innovative multilateral world order.
As Secretary-General of NATO Youth Canada, Elijah is committed to working cooperatively with the President, the National Executive Committee, and with strategic partners in order to deliver on a concentrated and meaningful vision for the organization: one that enhances its reach in every respect and is capable of being built upon well into the future.
Antalya Popatia
VP of Communications & Marketing
Bachelor of Arts graduate in Political Science and Government from Queen's University, with additional qualifications in Public Relations from Simon Fraser University. Brings experience in communications, diplomacy, and public affairs through work with the U.S. Consulate and the Aga Khan Council for Canada. Combines a strong understanding of government and international affairs with practical communications experience, with a focus on strengthening NATO Youth Canada's public profile and engagement.
Nicole Ling
VP of Programs
Nicole Ling is an international political professional, independent journalist, entrepreneur specializing in energy security, defence procurement, and women-led advocacy network. She completed her degree in Honours Bachelor of Arts Political Science and Digital Humanities at the University of Toronto and has served in numerous international organizations, including the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY), Canadian Council of Young Feminists (CCYF-CCJF) under Senator Marilou McPhedran, the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Toronto, and political organizations across Canada.
Nina Shelanski
VP of International Affairs
Nina Shelanski is currently a Dean's Scholar in the Master of Arts in International Relations program at Johns Hopkins SAIS.
Having spent the better part of a decade living and working in the Middle East, she is skilled in advancing defense cooperation, policy advocacy, intelligence analysis, threat assessment, and in supporting multinational security initiatives.
Kaya Dupuis
VP of University Chapters
Honours Bachelor of Arts graduate in Political Science from the University of Victoria, with a focus on international security, defence studies, and deterrence. Has served on executive boards with the Canadian Security Association, the Canadian International Council, and several youth organizations. Also brings extensive public speaking experience and a strong interest in defence, security, and youth engagement.
Sasha Mathieu
VP of Francophone Affairs
Sasha Mathieu is a master's student in Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary, where her research focuses on critical undersea infrastructure, maritime and Arctic security, and NATO. Her current work examines how Canada and its allies can strengthen the protection and resilience of critical infrastructure in an increasingly contested security environment. She is also a Junior Fellow with Arctic360 and the 2026 winner of the European Commission's Schuman Challenge.
Selma von Maldeghem
VP of Finance
Selma is currently in her fourth year of International Relations and Security Studies at the University of Calgary, focusing on Security and Strategy in Europe. She is also the founding President of NATO Youth UCalgary and an aspiring researcher, she aims to undertake the role of VP Finance from a strategic perspective.
Want to Join Our Team?
NATO Youth Canada is always looking for passionate young leaders to contribute to our mission.