My Time at the TYC: Andrea Fernández, Director of Policy and Advocacy

Back in 2016, I was on the lookout for my next major project. I have always been very civically inclined, often joking to my peers that I’ve spent more time in volunteer roles over the past 10 years than in paid employment. I was in the process of moving back to Toronto after finishing my Master’s in Public Administration at Queen’s University. I felt like I had learned a lot about practical approaches to policymaking during grad school and I was ready to put my new skills to use. That’s when one of my friends invited me to my first meeting at the Toronto Youth Cabinet. I never looked back.

During the last two years, I have held various roles at the TYC. Currently, I am the Director of Policy and Advocacy. I’ve had the fortune of working with incredibly talented young people, city officials and community organizers from all walks of life that are brought together by the mission to build an equitable, accessible, and youth-friendly Toronto.

It is difficult to find the words to describe just how impactful this experience has been on my personal and professional development. Whether it was facilitating consultations with newcomer youth across the city, or leading advocacy efforts on behalf of the TYC, I have enjoyed and grown through every minute of it. Since joining, I've had the privilege of meeting with Councillors, advancing TYC's policy positions through our advocacy efforts and co-authoring various reports. I have also formed incredible working relationships and friendships that I know will last far beyond my time at the TYC.

We are currently recruiting Executives, and Working Group Leads for the 2019-2020 term. You can check out the available roles here and here. If you have questions about specific positions or the organization, I’m more than happy to share my experience.

Andrea Fernández is the Director of Policy of Advocacy for the 2018-2019 term. In this role, she is responsible for identifying policy and advocacy issues where TYC can intervene, researching and analyzing City policies and strategies, making recommendations to the Cabinet on policy and advocacy positions.

Established in 1998 by Toronto City Council, The Toronto Youth Cabinet is the official youth advisory body to the City of Toronto. The Toronto Youth Cabinet (TYC) is a youth-led advocacy group that promotes youth participation in civic affairs and in policy development. TYC membership is open to youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who live, work, or learn in the City of Toronto