Across our communities, young people are pushing for meaningful change, but too often their contributions are limited by structural barriers or token engagement. Moving past these obstacles and towards sustainable impact requires building safe, supportive environments that foster youth leadership.
In this inspiring webinar, youth leaders from across Canada share real-world examples and strategies about how to champion youth voice and drive lasting change together with young people. Gain insights into:
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How youth leadership is driving tangible community change across Canada
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Practical approaches to building trust, relationship, and belonging with young people
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The conditions organizations can create for youth to feel safe, heard, and valued
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The critical role adult allies play in mentoring, supporting, and championing youth leaders
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Real examples of youth-led innovation in employment, climate action, community development, and civic engagement
Speakers
Erin Cartan, Youth Collective Director, Territorial Youth Collective
rin (she/her) has worked in the youth field in outdoor education, programming, and project management and is passionate about creating systemic change for youth now and for generations to come. In the Youth Collective Director position she works to coordinate the Territorial Youth Collective and oversee the collaborations and projects within this group including the Territorial Youth Strategy. She is originally from Timmins, Ontario and has been in the Yukon for over four years working with youth and the community.
In her free time she can be found hiking in the mountains, at the pottery studio, or thrifting new treasures.
Angad Arora, Youth Development Coordinator, Territorial Youth Collective
Angad (he/him) enjoys creating opportunities for young people to build skills, share their ideas, and shape decisions that affect their futures. His work is rooted in relationship building and ensuring youth voices are heard alongside community leaders. Through the Territorial Youth Collective, he works closely with youth, First Nations, schools, employers, and community organizations across Yukon to support youth employment, leadership, and community engagement.
Originally from Delhi, India, and later living in Guelph, Ontario, Angad now proudly calls Yukon home. He believes every community already has the knowledge and strengths it needs, it often just takes the right conversations, partnerships, and opportunities to bring those strengths forward.
Kate Keaney, Program Director, Future North
Kate Keaney (she/her) is a proud advocate at heart that strives to support her community and make a social impact through her leadership in the non-profit sector. Through her experience as a student leader in the post-secondary world, she became passionate about helping youth tap into their potential. As an enthusiast of self-expression, with dyed hair and tattoos, she is driven to help create a safer space and a sense of belonging for young people in the community.
Kate uses her designations in Business Administration and Entertainment Technical Production to understand both sides of the coin when developing initiatives. While she loves hosting events and connecting with community members and partners, she is always looking for collaboration opportunities. Kate's goal is to continue developing partnerships aimed at breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive opportunities - especially in the areas of mental health, diversity, self-identity and confidence in young people.
Abhay Sachal, Founder and Executive Director, Break the Divide
Abhay Singh Sachal (he/him) is a Canadian youth climate justice activist whose research and work resides at the intersection of climate change, ecoanxiety, mental health, and spirituality. He is the founder of Break The Divide, a non-profit organization that empowers young people with resources to understand climate emotions and connects communities to build resilience and share knowledge amidst the climate crisis. Abhay served as one of 10 advisors in the inaugural Environment and Climate Change Canada Youth Council.
Outside of his activism, Abhay is currently a student at the University of Regina, completing a Masters of Education in Educational Psychology; a public speaker on environmental and climate issues; and, an avid ice hockey player and pianist.
