Danny Fidele Kalisa
Danny Kalisa is a policy, operations, and engagement professional based in Ottawa with experience supporting public-sector, non-profit, and innovation-driven initiatives. His background includes work in institutional operations, strategic communications, and event coordination through roles within university administration, national organizations, and community-focused entities. He has contributed to large-scale events, research and analysis, internal communications, and cross-functional projects, with a strong emphasis on clarity, organization, and impact. Danny has also supported program communications and public information initiatives with the High Commission of Rwanda in Canada. Actively involved in mooting and debate, he brings strong analytical, advocacy, and public speaking skills. His interests focus on public policy, strategy, partnerships, and people-centred work that strengthens systems and advances meaningful outcomes.
ROOTS & ROUTES
ROOTS & ROUTES is a youth-led career networking and mentorship event taking place in Ottawa on June 27, 2026. Organised by PLP Canada, it brings together 100–150 young newcomers, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+ youth, international students, and racialized young Canadians with 12–15 established professionals in a structured, welcoming brunch setting designed to forge real career connections. Through facilitated speed-networking, career panel discussions, and one-on-one mentorship moments, ROOTS & ROUTES directly addresses the professional network gap that disproportionately locks talented young people out of opportunity, not because of what they lack, but because of who they haven't met yet.
About this Project
Communities Served
My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.
How the project works
From April to July 2026, the team recruits youth and professional mentors, hosts a structured career networking brunch on June 27, tracks connections through a 30-day follow-up survey, and launches a digital community.
Project Impact
ROOTS & ROUTES connects 100–150 marginalized youth with diverse professionals, generating 200+ documented mentorship connections, launching a digital community of 75+ members, and ensuring at least 25 youth make meaningful career follow-ups within 30 days of the event.
Project Mission
ROOTS & ROUTES exists to dismantle the professional network gap facing newcomers, refugees, LGBTQ+ youth, and racialized young people in Ottawa, turning cultural background from a perceived barrier into a career asset, and ensuring no young person misses opportunity simply because they don't know the right people yet.
Project Team
Five dedicated PLP Canada volunteers, event producers, communicators, and community builders, who are themselves from the communities ROOTS & ROUTES is built to serve.
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