What is the initiative?
Empowering Youth Through Capacity Building is a community-driven initiative that supports newcomer and vulnerable youth through leadership development, mentorship, and civic engagement. The initiative integrates capacity-building workshops, a resource navigation hub, and a youth-led train-the-trainer model to create a sustainable leadership pipeline. Rooted in trusted community spaces, it addresses gaps in access to opportunities and shifts youth from being recipients of services to active contributors within their communities.
What is your connection to your chosen community?
My connection to this community is grounded in my ongoing work with newcomer and vulnerable populations through community-based initiatives. I have built relationships with youth navigating barriers such as access to opportunities, mentorship, and resources. Through this work, I have observed gaps in existing programs, particularly their short-term and adult-led nature. This initiative reflects those lived experiences and is shaped by direct engagement with the community.
What are you looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to working alongside youth to co-create and implement a program that reflects their needs and experiences. I am excited to pilot workshops, build partnerships, and support participants as they develop confidence and leadership skills. I am particularly interested in seeing how the train-the-trainer model evolves and contributes to long-term sustainability within the community.