By: Layan Barakat
Working for the EPICentre, I get to see budding entrepreneurs navigate the business world and develop stronger communication and leadership skills. It’s probably one of the most rewarding aspects of my position; When I get to aid in their journey in helping with their marketing and branding, it makes it so much better. So when Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor (aka WEST of Windsor) invited me to come speak during the Leadership and Community Development for Newcomer Youth, I immediately jumped at the opportunity.
The Leadership and Community Development for Newcomer Youth program welcomes female newcomers within the ages of 14-24 to participate in 25 workshops hosted by local professionals through various sectors of the Windsor/Essex community, networking opportunities and group projects. The goal of this program is to help young women develop leadership skills for future success and encourage them to find their passion.
“This is the second time the program is offered and there will be 2 more intakes where 40 new youth will have opportunity to learn about leadership” said Anabella Hatami, Settlement Councilor at WEST “In the current group there will be 20 who receive a certificate when they deliver their presentations but we had 30 girls engaged through out. The next intake starts August 8th and will run 3 days a week until school starts in September which then will change to Wednesday evenings until all the workshops are done”.
While visiting the girls, I had the opportunity to find out more about their career goals which range from flight attendants to scientists and teachers. We talked about advertising in the careers they’re most interested in, the history of advertising and its current state. We discussed popular social media platforms and ways we could use them to help further their careers. Their excitement was extremely contagious, watching all of these young women pursuing their goals and realizing that anything is possible was extremely inspiring. I’m so excited to see these girls grow into amazing leaders of our community. Thank you WEST of Windsor for having us.
