minerva bc four women youth learning together

Youth Advisory Council

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH TO ADVANCE ON THEIR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY

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program purpose

LEAD WITH WISDOM

The Youth Advisory Council was created to engage a group of Learning to Lead™ alumnae committed to putting their leadership into meaningful action. This year-long program is a space for young leaders to build community, share ideas, and develop crucial leadership skills for the future.

Contact us if you would like to champion young women’s leadership through sponsorship of our Youth Advisory Council program.

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100% say their involvement in the YAC has contributed to their skills development

Girls have more leadership ambition when they have opportunities to practice and develop their leadership skills

Heldman & Giaccardi, 2019

program objectives

COMMUNITY

Connecting with a network of leaders is one of the most important aspects of the program. Youth Advisory Council members have many opportunities to build community, mentor, and be mentored.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Being part of the Youth Advisory Council is an opportunity for youth to continue their leadership development after their Learning to Lead™ experience. Within a supportive group of peers, members gain hands-on experience and strengthen the important skills needed to take the next steps in their education and career.

RESILIENCE

Cultivating resilience as healthy leaders is a key area of focus for this group. Youth Advisory Council members deepen their ability to take healthy risks and grow their confidence by taking action toward issues they care about.

minerva bc two women youth looking at cards with adjectives

structure & governance

HOW THE YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL WORKS

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is led by two youth co-chairs with guidance and support from the Minerva team. The co-chairs serve as leaders and mentors to the YAC, working in partnership to engage, advance, and develop young leaders.

In addition to the YAC, all members join a sub-committee that plans and executes various projects throughout the year. Previous initiatives included mentorship events, educational webinars, and the Mindful Moments podcast. Through participation in the YAC, youth gain valuable team building, project management, and meeting facilitation skills.

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how toapply

Minerva BC greatly values the wisdom of young leaders and we’re committed to amplifying their impact across BC. If you’re a Learning to Lead™ alumna with ambition, optimism, and the desire to take the next step in your leadership journey, we encourage you to reach out to our team to apply for the Youth Advisory Council.

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past activities and initiatives

The Youth Advisory Council is a year-long program with members meeting formally and informally each month to work on different projects and participate in activities. Previous YAC initiatives include:

  • A career readiness workshop delivered by a senior leader from Aritzia

  • Facilitation, coaching and workshop delivery

  • Highlighting youth voices on the Mindful Moments podcast

  • Launching a youth-focused newsletter

  • Developing and executing social media campaigns

  • Developing peer mentorship events for students starting university

meet the youth advisory council

LEARNING TO LEAD™ ALUMNAE PUTTING THEIR LEADERSHIP INTO ACTION

Learn about our Youth Advisory Council co-chairs and the work of the YAC through the Mindful Moments podcast.

testimonials

“ The Minerva YAC has provided me and so many other young women with community, opportunity, and unconditional acceptance. It’s a privilege to learn and grow alongside this group of outstanding people! ”

“ The YAC has played a pivotal role in my growth and professional development. From mentorship to public speaking and workshop facilitation, I have had the opportunity to build on many invaluable skills. Thank you, Minerva! ”

minerva bc happy woman youth dressed up with glasses

still have questions?

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Program Supporters

This program is made possible by the generous support of all our donors and sponsors. Thank you for empowering future leaders!