The goal of this program is to provide post-secondary students + new professionals with first hand experience of what it is like to take on leadership roles in various industries,+ reinforce that women do belong + thrive in leadership positions. The experience will provide students + young professionals or “Associates” with an opportunity to collaborate with a seasoned local “Professional” mentor to collectively solve a problem while both building + exercising leadership qualities. In turn, the “Professional” offers space for the “Associate” to share their experiences + knowledge on how their company/organization can better support youth-focused issues, attract young women +/or gender-diverse individuals + create spaces that set up the next generation of leaders for success.

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Why is it important to offer space for youth in decision-making positions? The next generation of leaders is here + is watching. Youth have been at the forefront of all major social justice movements, + since youth experience the world differently, they are able to ameliorate work environments to a more modern + creative space. Including youth in conversations breaks down intergenerational divides to allow any + all organizations to have sustainable development. Welcoming the youth’s unique perspective offers insight into issues + context to issues that might have been largely ignored or simply unknown.

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After hearing from past participants of the program, some of the top skills gained +strengthened throughout the experience included, but were not limited to:

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• Leadership

• Networking

• Public speaking

• Writing/communication

• Compassion

• Creativity

• Team-oriented thinking

• Compassion

• Learning perspectives of youth was very valuable, 

• Patience