United Way GenNext presents its 10th Lessons with Local Leaders this week
An event taking place in Guelph this week brings together people in leadership positions with the aspiring leaders of tomorrow.
The United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin’s GenNext committee, which encourages people in their 20s and 30s to become involved with the United Way to fully understand community issues, is hosting its 10th annual Lessons with Local Leaders event on Nov. 19 at the Guelph Farmer’s Market.
“It’s a great event that brings together more established leaders in our community with people who want to make change and be leaders in the future,” Glenna Banda, executive director of United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, told Farms.com. “It’s a really great way for younger individuals and teams of employees to come together to think about their futures and community involvement.”
The event does this through networking opportunities and speaker presentations.
One of the multiple leaders scheduled to attend is John Kelly, Ontario’s deputy minister of agriculture, food, and agribusiness, who is also chairing the 2025 United Way campaign.
His philosophy on leadership suggests a person in a leadership position and the team that person leads are equally important to one another.
“If you’re leading a team that looks to you for direction, it’s important you understand the quality of your team and be able to nurture that team to be the best they can be,” he told Farms.com. “Because then that reflects well on you as a leader.”
Kelly is recognized for his leadership in Ontario agriculture, including in his work with the Bioenterprise Corporation, and as executive vice president of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association.
When leading in agriculture, active participation is a must, he says.
“You can’t sit on the sidelines,” he said. “You have to get involved at the right level, give your time, and value the interaction with other ag leaders. You want to be understanding about the implications of the decisions you make and if they’re going to affect others.”
Members of the GenNext committee with ties to ag encourage other young people in the sector to attend.
“My personal goal for this event is to increase our reach into the ag community as I know it is filled with valuable voices,” Kaitlynn Cleghorn, who helps farmers with risk management strategies, told Farms.com. “Building a supportive community requires insight from people of all backgrounds, including those in rural areas.”
Three speakers are scheduled to address the Lessons with Local Leaders audience.
Mryam AlSaad is the co-founder and executive director of GAIA, a nonprofit based in Guelph with a goal of creating social change.
Helen Stoumbos is a former member of Canada’s women’s World Cup soccer team, and the president and CEO of The GOOD Games, Canada’s biggest festival of sport, play, and community.
And Mike F. Jean is the chief growth officer of the GOOD Games.
Ticket information and other details can be found on the event website.