GUELPH, ON, December 2, 2024 – The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is excited to announce the 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,” says Melanie Bidiuk, ROI Communications and RCM Program Manager. “I am excited to see how we come together, lead and how we give back in our communities.”

“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,” says Ellen Sinclair, Executive Director, Rural Ontario Institute.

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 ᐅᐱᑲᐸᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᓇᐣ (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, CFDC’s, educators, organizations and farmers, Four County Labour Market Planning Board and Renfrew County alongside Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation.

“At Trenval, we believe that investing in leadership development for young people is essential for fostering a thriving and sustainable future. Leadership skills empower youth to think critically, collaborate effectively, and take initiative—skills that are not only vital for their personal growth but also for the growth of our communities. By supporting programs that nurture these skills, we are creating the leaders of tomorrow, capable of driving innovation, inclusivity, and positive change in the communities we serve. Trenval is thrilled to be a part of this year’s Rural Change Maker program by supporting five individuals from our area,” said Amber Darling, Trenval Executive Director.

Over the course of 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.

Please join us in welcoming the 2024 Rural Change Makers:

• 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
• 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, the Bay of Quinte Film Office, and a mentor through the Small Business Centre. Elizabeth is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Communications Committee.
• 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.
• 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
• 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 is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Communications

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, we invite you to 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 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 creating meaningful change with communities. We provide data research and analysis on rural priorities, sharing information and equipping communities with tools through our Rural Community Wellbeing factsheets and accompanying dashboards, and Rural Housing Information System – addressing the housing and homelessness crisis faced by thousands of Canadians.