About Sebastian Barrera

Sebastian Barrera has been working in the social services field since 2011. During his career he has worked as a Community Development Coordinator at Action for Healthy Communities, a Program Coordinator at Boyle Street Community Services, and a Relentless Youth Worker at YOUCAN Youth Services. He is passionate about community development, grassroot movements, and youth engagement. In his past position at YOUCAN Youth Services, he has developed innovative strategies to work with youth in the justice system who face a variety of challenges, such as, invisible disabilities, FASD, cognitive delays, behavioral issues, ADHD, and lack of natural supports. A large part of his role is to develop relationships with the youth, advocate on their behalf, and collaborate with stakeholders to provide appropriate services. Sebastian is currently the Employment Programs Manager, where he coordinates and manages the day to day operations of our employment programming.

Sebastian believes that in order for youth to become successful in society, they need a holistic approach of support, that includes: employment, education, housing, mental health supports, and a community that acknowledges and recognizes their capacity for resilience and empowerment. Outside of his role at YOUCAN Youth Services, Sebastian runs his own not-for-profit organization called CREART Edmonton, that focuses on providing multidisciplinary, multicultural, and intergenerational arts and community development programs. This volunteer work has provided the opportunity to be recognized by the City of Edmonton with the PACE award for courage to innovate and the RISE award for Arts and Culture. Sebastian currently sits on the Board of the Heart of the City Music and Arts Festival and the Parkdale Crommdale Community League.