About us
Youth Digital Talent, a novel solution, bridges the digital skills gap in Canada by connecting high school and undergraduate students with nonprofits and small businesses.
Budding from a high school Digital Talent Association in 2022 and scaling up to a nonprofit tech startup, Youth Digital Talent helps more youth become digital talent while making a real impact for social and economic good.
Meet the Team
Max Du
Founder, Co-CEO
Max Du is a high school student in Calgary, Alberta, passionate for innovation to better people’s lives. Max enjoys tackling complex interdisciplinary challenges using robotics, AI, aerospace engineering and design. Max innovated a Novel Pre-Hospital Indoor Rescue Drone System for Cardiac Emergencies, won top Platinum Award Innovation at CWSF 2022 and represented Team Canada at the ISEF 2023. As Captain and Chief Programmer, Max has built 14 robots with his FRC/FTC teams over 9 yrs and was granted the highest Dean’s List Award at 2024 FIRST Robotics World Competition, one of only 10 students selected from +7000 nominees worldwide for outstanding leadership, technical expertise, and community impact.
Through helping solve family financial struggles, Max founded Youth Digital Talent, an innovative solution, winning National Ingenious+ Youth Innovation Challenge 2022 Regional Award and National 2023 Sprout Ideas Fellowship Award. He hopes to empower more youth to become digital talent and impact meaningful for both social and economic good.
Teruya (Terry) Yamanouchi
Chief Communications Officer
Teruya (Terry) Yamanouchi is a current grade 11 student at Sir Winston Churchill. Terry enjoys various music, whether The Alchemist, Somali Yacht Club, Kali Uchis or New Jeans, Terry’s playlists rarely revolve around just one genre. He spends much of his free time in the kitchen, from a simple brioche to an elaborate traditional Japanese meal consisting of multiple courses, He enjoys the beauty in the preparation of all food. His many experiences, between Cadets, CalgaryMUN and school, formed Terry into an effective communicator. Terry is excited to join the Youth Digital Talent Team as the Chief Communications Officer.
Eric Feng
California Director
Eric Feng is a senior at the Troy Tech High School in Fullerton, CA, spending his hours building his multiple businesses or playing the cello. He enjoys business and STEM while having a side hobby in art.
Andy Wang
Chief Marketing Officer
My name is Andy, and I’m a member of the executive team. Some of my hobbies are playing soccer and badminton with friends and playing the guitar. Some of my accomplishments include winning medals at debate tournaments and winning awards for multiple math contests. I currently work as an English tutor for kids in China.
Directors
Mickael Naouri
France Director
Ryan Wang
Chief Technology Officer
Ryan's passion for technology and communications fits him well as the Chief Tech Officer for our non-profit. In his second year of high school, Ryan joined the non-profit with a focus on creating the digital services required to connect youth with their communities. Academically, he enjoys math and chemistry; participating in the AHSMC, COMC, CCC, as well as Waterloo's Caley and Fermat. In his spare time, he partakes in his school's robotics team or playing (and teaching) one of many musical instruments - violin, piano, alto sax, and flute.
Adam Fisher
New Jersey Director
Thrilled to embark on my role as the New Jersey Director for this incredible non-profit. My name is Adam Fisher and i am senior in high school. With a dynamic entrepreneurial background, I successfully launched a protein bar company in 2022, highlighting my commitment to innovative endeavors. Beyond business, my enthusiasm extends to maintaining a healthy lifestyle through workouts, Ju Jitsu training, and connecting with nature. Currently, I’m eagerly channeling this passion into a new venture—heading a company focused on selling DiSC surveys. Excited to contribute my diverse skills and dedication to positive change, I look forward to making a meaningful impact as part of this non-profit team.
Gary Sun
Chief Technology Officer
I am very thrilled to start my role as the Chief Tech Officer for this amazing non-profit. My name is Gary Sun and I am a high school student at Sir Winston Churchill High School taking the IB diploma programme. Some of my interests include mathematics, engineering, chemistry, and technology. I am very passionate about problem-solving and have participated in numerous math contests, winning many awards. As a high school student with a passion for anything STEM-related, I am committed to expanding my knowledge and skills in areas like electronics, robotics, and artificial intelligence. I am looking forward to making an impact and contributing my skills as a part of this non-profit.
Patrick Li
Chief Operations Officer
My name is Patrick Li and I am a IB Diploma student at Western Canada High School. Having been a tech nerd browsing iPhone specs since elementary school, I am very excited to be a member of the Youth Digital Talent Team as the Chief Operations Officer. I am currently also involved in various other activities, including Model United Nations and Speech. In regular life, you will likely find me listening to Stray Kids or AJR, falling down a random Youtube rabbit-hole, or dreaming up and cooking up recipes in the kitchen.
Jessie Zou
Co-CEO
As a high-school student currently in the full IB program, curiosity and a hunger for learning comes with the territory. While having a predisposition for humanities, Jessie has always been engaged with STEM topics since youth. From maths contests to science fairs to coding experiences, Jessie is always eager to add valuable technical skills to her skills set. However, after branching out into interests like Model UN and poetry, it's been evident that the need for digital literacy is more vital than ever in our advancing technological age. While committing to school-based leadership positions such as Student Council and CBE Representative, Jessie has been able to venture into avenues in which Youth Digital Talent desperately needs to be utilised, which she will do her best to accomplish through this non-profit.
Chelsea Li
Chief Learning Officer
I’m Chelsea Li, a student at Sir Winston Churchill High School, and I’m truly honored to be part of this non-profit organization. I’ve been fortunate to participate in various math contests, speech tournaments, and piano competitions, where I’ve earned several awards. I’m eager to deepen my skills in computer science and electronics, and I’m excited about the opportunity to apply my creativity and expertise in these areas. Outside of academics, I enjoy filmmaking, playing piano, art, and taekwondo. I also currently work as a piano teacher for younger students. I’m excited to contribute to this organization and look forward to growing both personally and professionally as part of this team.