Volunteer Directory
Meet the skilled volunteers of Civic Tech WR
Apurva Banastarker
I am a data-oriented marketer and technology strategist with a deep understanding of advertising, audience engagement, and performance analysis. I currently work as a Digital Strategist at Preppod Systems building digital solutions and partnering with teams and clients to tackle marketing, business, and tech complexities. My professional skill set includes managing large ad campaigns, interpreting data for strategic insights, and creating content that aligns with organizational objectives. I have two degrees in Business with Information Technology and Mobile Solutions Development.
I can provide support by executing social media campaigns, managing advertising systems with precision, or organizing data for strategic insights. I am also able to assist with event coordination, oversee promotional outreach, and evaluate results to refine efforts, delivering professional assistance that strengthens your objectives.
Cameron Slipp
Cameron Slipp is a stage manager, production manager, and technical director based in Kitchener, ON. Stage manager: Suitcase, The Bell, I Don’t Know, The Last 15 Seconds, Uncivilized. Production manager: Inter Arts Matrix COVOX, The Elora Festival ‘22, Tottering Biped 2022 Season, IMPACT '23, MT Space 2024-25 season. Co-technical director at The Registry Theatre in Kitchener. Account executive at Sherwood Systems.
Cole Westerveld
I'm currently studying computer science student at the University of Guelph. I've worked on web and mobile apps, including a mobile app that I designed and built with Flutter to log and analyze fitness progress. For 4 years I taught STEM programs to children through the Stanley Park Community Centre and STEMOTICS. I'm interested in working on web and mobile apps that use machine learning and will give me an oppurtunity to develop my design skills.
Daniil Paskal
I'm a developer with academic and freelance experience in full-stack web and mobile development. Outside of software development, I write and create digital art. I'm always looking to refine and combine my skills in coding, communication, and design.
Dre Levesque
I’m a civic technologist passionate about self-hosting, cybersecurity, and open technology as tools for social good. With a strong background in networking, containerization, and privacy-focused infrastructure, I work to build secure, accessible, and community-driven tech solutions.
I’m actively involved in local civic tech initiatives, using my expertise to support grassroots organizations, improve digital equity, and enhance collaboration between tech and social impact groups. Whether it’s strengthening digital security, optimizing self-hosted environments, or bridging the gap between technology and community needs, I’m always looking for ways to apply tech for positive change.
Farhan Akhtar
I am a Web Development student at Conestoga. I have a keen interest in programming an designing and have come a long way since my first line of code. I also have Project Management experience, which improved my communication and interpersonal skills.
Fiona Lau
I’m an operational strategist passionate about building inclusive workplaces and driving growth through collaboration. As the Director of Partnerships and Global Growth for WomenHack, I spend most of my time between connecting top innovative companies with underrepresented talent all around the world, and helping small businesses navigate and compete in saturated markets.
As a Southeast Asian, 2SLGBTQ+ professional who’s worn many hats over the span of my career, I bring over a decade of experience scaling growth, fostering high-impact partnerships across startups to Fortune 500 companies, automating cross-functional workflows for $5M+ revenue, and amplifying brands through data-informed strategies (ie. hyperlocal storytelling) - enabled by deep cultural fluency across NAMER, EMEA, and APAC markets.
Gabriela
I’m a Ruby on Rails developer with experience in web development, authentication systems, and database management. I enjoy helping others navigate technology, whether it’s building secure applications, simplifying workflows, or troubleshooting challenges.
I’m open to collaborating on projects, offering guidance, or lending a hand where my skills can make a difference. If you need support with web development, authentication, or integrating tools like Stripe, Supabase, Firebase, GitHub, or Slack, I’d be happy to help!
Indy Ng
I currently work in the Computer Science Computing Facility team at the University of Waterloo, where my day-to-day work life involves deploying LLM models, managing HPC clusters, and building/maintaining solutions for researchers at the CS department of UWaterloo. In my undergrad, I was primarily involved in computational research roles that utilized statistical/data analysis, high-performance computing, and machine learning algorithms to derive research insights and build models.I'm also an elected Community Leader (CL) on the Inter-Cooperative Council for Waterloo Co-operative Residence Inc. (WCRI), where I work with other elected CLs to organize events for WCRI members. Some examples of events that I've helped organize are Therapy Dog Visits, Study Cafes, and Game Nights.
Jeevithan Muhunthan
I am an executive member at KW Robotics Club. We are a group of youth who want to put our tech skills to use to make a difference in our own community. We are working on a homeless shelter project, to build easily set up shelter for homeless people. We are actively looking for potential projects in our community where we can help out.
John Kruzlics
I worked for a few years as an educational assistant and also created some programming for after school programs.
I'm self taught in Python, Autodesk Fusion (formerly Fusion 360) and Arduino to create some of my own personal side projects and have more ideas that I will ever possibly have time for.
It's quite exciting to have discovered this group and have the opportunity to help out :)
Julian Morley
I'm a DevSecOps engineer by heart and have worked on several projects across various fields like full stack, cybersecurity, business continuity and infrastructure with Intel, Microsoft, and Google.
Bolstering a decade of leadership, public engagement, and collaboration in the entertainment industry at a global scale, I've pivoted into tech fully in 2017 and formed Lara Joh IT Services in 2020 where we provide tailored services ensuring client business evolution to the next success metric. Additionally, I have started a few projects with various teams, each with diverse solutions and outlooks. Most notably, we have recently completed a prototype for a US target market ATM system that bolsters native digital wallet transactions as well as an advertisement platform and engine targeted towards the Bahamas.As a self-taught individual, member of the Microsoft Partner Network, AWS Partner Network and Google Partner Network with over 7 years of technical excellence, I'm currently working on obtaining my bachelor's degree in computer science at Conestoga College with the ultimate target at obtaining a PhD in Computer Science (still planning the focus of study).
Sahir
Over the past half decade, I have worked on startups and corporations wearing many hats over the years - designer, developer, communications and even assistant lecturer for a while. Most proficient in creating branding and marketing creatives. Always looking for fresh and exciting projects.
Shay
I'm a creative developer with a decade of experience spanning full-stack web development, web design, graphic design, online communications, and project management. I am the founder of Dreamside Digital, a digital product studio that works with nonprofits to accelerate their impact.
Stephen Baldwin
I'm the Director, Digital Product at Imagine Canada, a national charity, and a former tech journalist. I'm interested in working on a variety of content, data, tech, and product-focused projects, particularly those focused on the creation of social enterprises. At Imagine Canada, I work mainly on our Grant Connect and HR Intervals products.
Terry Foster
I am a futurist, innovation strategist, and consultant with expertise in business, humanitarian efforts, civic policy, and sustainability. I have mentored and advised businesses across multiple industries, from restaurants and retail to holistic medicine, helping refine strategies and operations.
My work spans civic issues, human rights initiatives, and cost-of-living policy advocacy, with a focus on housing, fiod security, renewable energy, and transportation.
With a background in entrpreneurship, multimedia communications, and business mentorship, I bring a creative, strategic approach to designing sustainable solutions for both businesses and communities. I thrive in innovation teams, think tanks, and accelerators, where bold ideas and long-term vision are needed.