As the Event Chair of the Newmarket Youth Leadership Group, a not-for-profit organization, the first big event we planned for the 2023-2024 school year was a Networking Conference called “Empowering Youth Leaders.” Being a leader can seem daunting and scary, but when I came up with the idea for this event, I wanted to showcase that anybody can be a leader. I was an MC for the event, which featured a 3-speaker panel and Q&A session with renowned leaders in the community, followed by a networking opportunity for the incredible youths who joined us. We partnered with the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce to bring this event to life, and held a press briefing with the local paper. For the speaker panel, we invited Erin Cerenzia, a Manager of Community Relations at Magna International & Neighbourhood Network; Matthew Palomino, a Youth Director of the Newmarket African & Caribbean Canadian Association; and Dr. Christopher Gannage, a former ER chief and current ER doctor at Southlake Regional Health Centre. These talented speakers gave some incredible insights on their professions and what it means to be a leader. Everyone who participated donated non-perishable foods for the Newmarket Community Fridge. Through this event, the NYLG advocated for the success of youth in the community. My extempore closing speech won many accolades and was greatly appreciated by the speakers, and the NYLG’s mentors & senior leaders. For me, this was a great learning experience and paved the way for many more events to come.
You might also like
