We all know the famous saying that “laughter is the best medicine". Here at Starts with Y, we hold that thought close to our hearts as we have seen the way laughter has brought people together on this platform. We have also learnt about the ways in which laughter triggers healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. We have had the pleasure of connecting with young experts who have explained the ways in which laughter boosts the immune system and triggers the release of pleasure-inducing neurochemicals in our brain. It is for this reason that we wanted to end our incredible season two with “Y Bloopers, Zein and Lauren” ... a final episode filled with a great deal of love, gratitude and laughter.

Everett Thorn created the clothing brand "Carbon Oil and Coil" in hopes of protecting our planet and environment. Proceeds from every purchase made through this sustainable clothing brand is donated to "Choose Today Carbon Capture"  that supports various carbon sequestration projects focused on fighting against climate change. Everett firmly believes that we should be pushing for a world that focuses more on ethical clothing, as it can be stylish and affordable (whilst standing behind great causes) ... and he hopes this clothing brand is doing just that! Y not support and learn more about Everett: carbonoilandcoal.com 

Cassidy Murray founded Changemaker Odyssey alongside her sister Kaitlin in hopes of creating a global youth-led educational platform that provides young people with the tools to transform their lives and make a positive impact in the world. The goal of Changemaker Odyssey is to create a movement of young people empowered to enrich their lives and push humanity forward. They do this by providing service-learning resources (from webinars, books, videos, coaching and much more), all geared towards supporting change-making youth make meaningful impacts in the world around them. Y not learn more and support Cassidy: https://www.changemakerodyssey.com/

10-year-old Dana Perella’s goal has been to educate people about rare diseases impacting youth such as Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and more. It is for this reason that she created Cookies4Cures. To date she has baked over 10,000 cookies and raised over $86,000 to support the research and treatment of rare diseases. Her work has been widely recognized as she was awarded the 2020 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes this September. Y not learn more and support Dana: https://www.cookies4cures.com/

“For the Menstruator” (previously know as Accessible and Affordable Sanitation for Women or AASW) was founded by Ziyaan Virji at only 15 years of age. The initiative stemmed from Ziyaan learning about the struggles his mother faced in finding comfort in menstruating as a child. After watching documentaries such as “India’s Menstruation Man” and further educating himself on this topic,  Ziyaan began producing and distributing reusable sanitary packages to equip girls with necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to better understand the process of menstruation. His goal is to provide over 10,000 girls with access to sanitation in the next year. Y not learn more and support Ziyaan: https://www.wearefamilyfoundation.org/ziyaan-virji https://www.flow.page/forthemenstruator.

Our incredible guest Nicole created her business CuteRoots with a simple goal in mind “to put smiles on faces, and flowers in the ground.” Nicole wanted to ensure she was standing behind an eco-friendly, impact-focused business and ensured all of her greeting cards (including the envelops) were made from 100% recycled paper. Her punny and incredibly well-designed cards are all embedded with wildflower seeds which means they can all be planted and her “impact line” of greeting cards focus on supporting various organization from the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, the loveland foundation and many more. Y not learn more and support Nicole: https://cuterootscards.com/

13-year-old Alyssia Duda launched her non-profit, Alyssia’s Dream, in hopes ensuring ballet and the arts are accessible at all youth regardless of age, race or gender. In a recent interview with the Chicago Tribune, Alyssia shared that “often times in ballet class, students of colour, especially black girls, are the only black student in the class." Being the only black dancer in some of her own ballet classes, Alyssia's goal is to ensure all youth are provided with the same opportunity to experience the power of dance, regardless of the colour of their skin. Y not learn more and support Alyssia: https://www.alyssiaduda.com/

18-year-old Jameson embodies what it means to be a change-maker who "rises to the occasion". Whilst in self-isolation during the pandemic, Jameson created his organization known as Circle of Friends, to support the children of frontline workers through mentorship and virtual connectivity. Jameson continues to work hard to instill a sense of peace and community within these youth while their parents/guardians are so bravely working their day jobs. Y not learn more and support Jameson: https://www.circlefriends2020.org/

Following a trip to South Africa and learning about the threats facing wildlife during a safari,  8-years-old Kate was determined to do something to help the animals who were being harmed by humans and knew she had to also educate young people about this issue. It is for this reason that Kate wrote "Lets go on Safari". A book that provides examples of small-scale, achievable animal advocacy projects that kids can initiate. Profits of the book go to organizations devoted to wildlife conservation, such as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Jane Goodall Institute and Global Wildlife Conservation. Y not learn more and support Kate: https://www.amazon.ca/Lets-Safari-Kate-Gilman-Williams/dp/1933987278

As a daughter of Mexican immigrants, 17-year-old Marina is proud of her heritage and culture and has grown up taking advantage of the resources and knowledge she’s gained through her unique experiences. It is for this reason that she created her website "Culture of Change" as she wanted to create a safe online space that allows youth of all ages to educate themselves on various topics including the US justice system, the crisis in Yemen, the act of protesting and so much more. Marina firmly believes that everyone has the power to grow their mindset hopes her website is able to provide information that offers different perspectives that will open minds and hearts. Y not learn more and support Marina: https://www.cultureofchange.org/