Rural Institute of Ontario intros its 2024 Rural Change Makers

These young leaders of change got their leadership training via the Rural Change Makers, a program developed by the Rural Institute of Ontario.

The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) has announced its 2024 young leaders of change, who have begun their leadership learning journey together through the Rural Change Makers (RCM) program.

“We have another incredible group of passionate emerging leaders this year, each with unique perspectives and lived experiences. 2024 participants in the program span northern, southwestern, central, and eastern Ontario. They range in age from 18 to 35 years old and are at various stages in their lives and careers, but all at the beginning of this leadership experience of change and growth,” stated Melanie Bidiuk, the ROI’s Communications and RCM Program Manager. “I am excited to see how we come together, lead, and how we give back to our communities.”

Added Ellen Sinclair, Executive Director of the ROI, “With fresh perspectives, diverse skills, and boundless passion, these young leaders will spark change, inspire action, and ensure their communities thrive and prosper for generations to come.”

This transformative program will equip emerging leaders throughout rural and northern Ontario with skills to mobilize community-led action on local priorities.

More than 20 regional partners and collectives are coming alongside these leaders, including: Opiikapawiin Services LP ??????? ??????????? (OSLP)—representing a collective of 24 First Nations in northwestern Ontario, Community Futures Huron, Trenval Business Development Corporation, Minden Hills/Haliburton Collective—representing over 20 leaders, experts, business owners, CFDCs, educators, organizations, and farmers, Four County Labour Market Planning Board, and Renfrew County alongside Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation.

“We believe the future belongs to our young leaders. First Nations peoples and communities are calling upon our young leaders to take a bold step forward—to lead, influence, and guide the sustainable and prosperous growth of our communities and homelands,” said Laura Calmwind, Opiikapawiin Services LP Training Manager.

“Farm Credit Canada is proud to support the Rural Change Makers program, which aligns closely with our commitment to fostering youth leadership, innovation, and economic resiliency in rural and agricultural communities,” exclaimed Perry Wilson, FCC Senior Vice-President. “This program empowers young leaders, including those from Indigenous and remote communities, to build connections, develop essential skills, and drive meaningful change. By investing in initiatives like this, we’re not only supporting the next generation of rural leaders but also strengthening the future of Canada’s agricultural sector.”

Throughout the program, Change Makers will participate in a series of developmental and experiential learning labs. They will complete community- and self-assessments, establish planning committees that inform the program, and develop Community Economic Development SMART Action Plans to guide their community projects as they build their preferred futures and create strong rural communities.

The 2024 Rural Change Makers are:

• Abbie Lakhan (Petawawa) - Industrial Hygiene Technician at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories who is passionate about the environment and sustainability;
• Bobbie McKay (Thunder Bay) - Youth Amplifier for Feathers of Hope, who is passionate about the work that she does, spending time with her family and in nature;
• Charlie Plourde (Timmins) - Charlie is from Timmins and recently moved to Sudbury. They volunteer with the Timmins Youth Wellness Hub, as well as run a chapter of the charity Sending Sunshine from Timmins. Charlie has a passion for accessibility and mental health, especially among youth;
• Chirag Parcha (Belleville) - Entrepreneur, community volunteer, author, artist, and founder of Official Humans of Canada. Chirag is passionate about creating real change; he empowers others through mentorship, writing, art, and community initiatives;
• Christina Raddatz (Douglas) - Christina lives in Renfrew County and is involved with her local crisis centre. She has supported fundraising at the centre, as well as at church and her children's school;
• Davinder Singh (Timmins) - Davinder is involved with Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins, an organization that fights hunger and works for food security. He has been involved in meetings and discussions for the improvement of his community and always tries to bring new and creative ideas to both his community and his workplace to make it a better place. Davinder is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Fund Development Committee as well as the Ignite Planning Committee;
• Elizabeth Edwards (Trenton) - Economic Development Officer for the City of Quinte West. Outside of work, Elizabeth volunteers on the Northumberland Fare Share Foodbank Board of Directors, is a unit leader assistant for the Sparks (Girl Guides), is on the Board of Directors for the Ontario East Economic Development Commission, the Port Hope Environmental Advisory Committee, the Loyalist College Business Program PAC, and the Bay of Quinte Film Office, and is a mentor through the Small Business Centre. Elizabeth is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Communications Committee;
• Francesca Solomon (Guelph) - Francesca is a passionate advocate for leadership, public policy, and international development. Fun-loving and grounded in strong family values, she comes from a close-knit family of five and shares their life with a lively dog named Ragna. She lives in Guelph, Canada, where she is currently pursuing an MSc in Capacity Development & Extension with a focus on International Development Studies and Public Policy at the University of Guelph. Francesca is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Fund Development Committee;
• Jesselyn Gray (Pikangikum) - Jesselyn is interested in mentoring young leaders to guide future generations. She has previously been a youth leader, working with Right to Play and community youth intervention. Jesselyn has experience with raising funds for new programs for youth, as well as hosting a cooking class for youth;
• Jessica Becking (Bath) - Jessica is a passionate interdisciplinary researcher, artist, and administrator. Jessica holds a PhD in Cultural Studies from Trent University and is currently the Research Coordinator for Loyalist College. She is actively involved in applied research and research creation, and she is a passionate place-poet. Jessica is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Fund Development Committee;
• Jolenè Drouin (Niagara Falls) - Jolenè is the mother of two boys. She is a maple farmer and beekeeper and works with Niagara Bee. Jolenè values being a steward of the land, and it is important to her to highlight the challenges facing pollinators and educate the public about biodiversity;
• Josée Labelle (Kapuskasing) - Network Support Specialist at College Boreal's SSM. Josée is passionate about sustainable economic development for Northern Ontario and is dedicated to promoting and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. Josée is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Ignite Planning Committee;
• Kasha Kakekagumick (Wabigoon) - Kasha helps her family raise money for community members and events, as well as for her school and church. She is an environmental monitor and is a strong advocate for communication and the environment. Kasha wants to start an environmental team owned by the reserves and start-up training services for students finishing high school. She advocates for the inherent rights of First Peoples;
• Kiydan Zacariah (Picton) - Youth advocate from Prince Edward County. Kiydan has worked closely with many non-profit organizations in their community to improve youth well-being and leadership and is now supporting youth engagement for various projects with their municipality. Kiydan is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Ignite Planning Committee;
• Matthias Brown (Angling Lake) - Matthias is working with Pennco to build a new school. He has helped youth raise funds to travel to other northern communities for volleyball tournaments. Matthias would like to see a double volleyball court facility in his community for local volleyball players of all ages;
• Mina Bahador (Richmond Hill) - Mina Bahador is a dedicated urban planner and is currently pursuing her Master’s in rural planning and development at the University of Guelph. She is passionate about contributing to community-driven, resilient planning initiatives that improve the quality of life in rural areas;
• Morgan Scott (Brighton) - Community Engagement Officer for the Municipality of Brighton who is passionate about making a positive impact in her community through her volunteerism. Morgan Scott is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Communications Committee;
• Natalee Schors (Hillsdale) - Recent graduate of the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) program at Queen’s University, currently working with the Rural Ontario Medical Program (ROMP), based out of Collingwood. Natalee is passionate about rural medicine and improving economic development in rural communities;
• Rachel Richer (Laurentian Hills) - Deputy Mayor at United Townships of Head, Clara & Maria. She volunteers her time to her local snowmobile club and library board and is passionate about lifelong learning and preserving the natural beauty of the area she calls home. Rachel is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Ignite Planning Committee;
• Ropheka Adofo (Thunder Bay) - Planner for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Ropheka is a dedicated mother and a wife who values quality time with her family and is passionate about travelling, meeting new people, and actively seeks to make a positive impact in her community. Ropheka is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Fund Development Committee;
• Samantha Loney (Barrie) - Producer for the Travelling Metis Podcast, filmmaker, and journalist for Simcoe Community Media. Samantha is passionate about travelling around Turtle Island and sharing the stories of the Metis people. Samantha is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Communications Committee;
• Sarah Richer (Eganville) - Community Development and Administration Assistant who is passionate about photography and the natural beauty of rural Ontario. Sarah is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Fund Development Committee;
• Shay Hutchings (Haliburton) - Shay is the co-owner of Reform + Restore: Wellness Hub, a Registered Massage Therapist, and a certified Spins Instructor and is passionate about supporting youth in her community;
• Skye Kakekagumic (Sandy Lake) - Skye is a passionate, determined Change Maker who is eager to participate in the Rural Change Makers experience and learn how to better support herself, her family, and her community;
• Vijay Monias (Sandy Lake) - Vijay is eager to learn new things. His goals are to become the first Indigenous bodybuilder, to spread positivity, and to motivate and inspire youth to become a better version of themselves every day. Vijay helps with fundraisers at his job and a local elementary school and recently helped fundraise money for prom. He also volunteers to coach kids in after-school sports;
• Will Wellington (Stratford) - Social Research and Planning Specialist at United Way Perth-Huron. Will is passionate about conflict transformation, housing affordability, public policy, and organizational development;
• Zeel Parmer (Windsor) - Zeel is an urban and regional planner. She completed her Master of Science degree in Italy and would like to contribute her innovative approaches to the program. Zeel has worked for a government smart village scheme designed to enhance community development and create a better life for residents.

Follow Rural Change Makers’ Journey: ROI Connect | Blog – Rural Change Makers

Support for the 2024 Rural Change Maker Program has been generously provided in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, and Farm Credit Canada. If you would like to support young rural leaders, become a program sponsor. Your sponsorship ensures youth have access to expert training and necessary resources to make a difference in their community. For more information, please contact mbidiuk@ruralontarioinstitute.ca.

About the ROI
The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is a non-profit organization committed to developing leaders, informing decision-makers, and connecting communities. ROI delivers the renowned Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP), entering its 40th year, and the Rural Change Makers Program, a leadership and rural development program working to create meaningful change within communities. It provides data research and analysis on rural priorities, sharing information and equipping communities with tools through its Rural Community Wellbeing factsheets and accompanying dashboards and the Rural Housing Information System to address the housing and homelessness crisis faced by thousands of Canadians. www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca.