Andrea Chakma, Gold Award Alumni Elected as International Youth Rep

May 08, 2025

Award Canada is thrilled to announce that Andrea Chakma, a Gold Award Holder from Canada, has been elected as one of the International Youth Representatives (IYRs) for the Americas Region for the 2025 – 2028 term. 

Andrea will serve alongside La’shan Gardiner from the Bahamas, representing the voices of young people across the region within the Award’s global governance structures, including the International Council. 

What is an International Youth Representative?

International Youth Representatives are elected Award Holders who represent the voices of young people across their regions within The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. They play a vital role in shaping the Award’s direction globally by contributing youth perspectives to its governance and ensuring young people remain at the heart of decision-making. 

Meet Andrea Chakma 

A PhD candidate in social robotics at the University of Waterloo, Andrea brings a unique blend of academic insight and lived experience to her new role. She completed her Gold Award independently in 2023 and has been a long-time leader in youth organizations, including her current roles as Chair of the National Youth Council for Girl Guides of Canada and Western Hemisphere Regional Volunteer for the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). 

Andrea’s Vision as IYR 

Andrea’s platform for the IYR role centres on three key goals: 

  • Connecting with Award participants across the region to better understand their experiences 
  • Advocating for the removal of barriers to participation 
  • Fostering deeper community engagement through the Award 
A Leader in Youth Empowerment 

Andrea has been involved in Guiding since the age of six, inspired by her mother’s experience as a Girl Guide in Bangladesh. A proud polyglot—she speaks five languages and is learning two more—Andrea is passionate about inclusive leadership and experiential learning. 

We are incredibly proud to see one of Canada’s own stepping into this global leadership role.  

Congratulations, Andrea! 

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