Spencer Carew
President
Spencer Carew is the President of NATO Youth Canada and a Bachelor of Commerce student at Memorial University, specializing in International Business with a minor in German. He has represented Canadian youth in international and academic forums, previously serving as Vice President of International Relations and Regional President for Newfoundland, Labrador, and Québec within NATO Youth Canada.
With professional experience across Canada, Europe, and Africa, including research with the National Security Centre of Excellence and international program development in Kenya through Global Affairs Canada, Spencer brings a globally informed perspective to transatlantic cooperation.
Multilingual in English, French, German, and Swahili, he is driven by a passion for diplomacy and global security. Spencer is dedicated to strengthening Canada’s leadership in international relations and empowering youth to build a more unified transatlantic alliance.
Behzad Hakim
Secretary General
Behzad Hakim is a J.D. candidate at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and the founder of the Canadian Institute for the Defence of Democracies. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the Ted Rogers School of Management and has worked in finance and strategy with global firms including Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Starbucks. Behzad is deeply engaged in foreign policy and advocates for a stronger, more proactive Canadian role within NATO and on the global stage.
Jaden Braves
Vice President, Business Professionals Engagement
Jaden Braves, a student from Toronto, is the Founder and CEO of the Young Politicians of Canada and the youngest Federal Councillor in Canadian history. He serves as Chair of a federal party’s youth wing and was recognized as one of the Top 10 Canadians Under 18 by the Federal Government, CFC, and KPMG. A TEDx speaker and Global UN Peace Ambassador, Jaden leads research on democratic innovation with Cambridge University, advocating for youth engagement in democracy.
Antalya Popatia
Vice President, Communications & Marketing
Antalya Popatia, a Politics graduate from Queen’s University with additional qualifications in Public Relations from Simon Fraser University, has built a career in communications and diplomacy. With experience at the U.S. Consulate and the Aga Khan Council for Canada, she aims to elevate NATO Youth Canada’s voice in international security.
ROY HAN
Vice President, Finance & University Engagement
Roy Han is the Vice President of Finance and University Engagement at NATO Youth Canada. He is pursuing a Master of Information at the University of Toronto, specializing in digital strategy and technology management. With experience in the Royal Canadian Navy and in AI innovation, Roy integrates analytical precision with fiscal oversight to advance the organization’s financial governance and academic partnerships.
His work strengthens NATO Youth Canada’s presence across universities while promoting technological and strategic excellence in youth leadership.
Nicole (Wei-Tung), Ling
Vice President, National Affairs
Nicole Ling is a Political Science and Digital Humanities student at the University of Toronto, a diplomat trainee, and an AI entrepreneur. Her advocacy for human rights and digital governance has reached organizations such as the United Nations and various Canadian political groups. At NATO Youth Canada, she crafts policies that integrate technology with international security, passionate about shaping a future where technology and human rights align.
Martin Spielauer
Vice President, Membership Development
Based in Ottawa, Martin Spielauer has experience in legislative research and international relations through roles at the Senate and House of Commons. He brings a multilingual perspective to NATO Youth Canada’s membership and stakeholder engagement, fostering inclusive dialogue for a stronger future.
Nina Shelanski
Vice President, International Affairs and Outreach
Nina Shelanski is pursuing a Master of Arts in International Relations at Johns Hopkins SAIS, with a focus on Security, Strategy and Statecraft. Her regional concentration in Europe and Eurasia.
She consults for an NGO that focuses on Iranian-backed threats, and previously worked as an intelligence analyst specializing in the Middle East and North Africa. She holds a B.A. from the International Multidisciplinary Program in the Humanities at Tel Aviv University and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honour society.
Nina’s global lens and deep commitment to transatlantic security brings an important voice to NATO Youth Canada’s international outreach.
Nicole (Wei-Tung), Ling
Anthony Saiters
Vice President, Canadian Armed Forces Liaison
Anthony Saiters is a national security strategist specializing in Arctic defence, intelligence coordination, and youth diplomacy. Active within NATO-affiliated structures and Canada’s defence ecosystem, he works at the intersection of intelligence and strategic foresight. Currently pursuing studies in Public Affairs and Policy Management at Carleton University, Anthony applies a realpolitik perspective to strengthen alliance cohesion, expand youth engagement in security policy, and reinforce Canada’s strategic posture in an era of global uncertainty.
NATO YOUTH 🇨🇦 