Inclusion Works 2010

Last year I had the honor of being selected as a graduate for Inclusion Works '09, which took place last April in Vancouver (I had anticipated graduating after the fall semester in 2009 but I digress ....). This year I was invited back to Inclusion Works '10 as a Young Indigenous Professional (YIPs) volunteer coordinator.

It was an amazing experience for all involved in this event, whether they be recent graduates, alumni from last year, presenters, or those who are a part of the Aboriginal Human Resources Council (who put on the event). The event allowed all involved to see what educated, talented graduates are coming up who are looking to put their communities first to make a brighter future for all First Nations people in this country and beyond. It also gave the graduates and alumni a chance to network and talk to those who are more seasoned in their careers (including Senator Lillian Dyck, Lisa Meeches, Tal Moore, and Dan Brown, just to name a few) to inspire us to reach for the stars.

  The YIPs volunteer team (minus Conrad Young)

Jeremy Belyea, Diane Carriere (our AHRC leader), moi, Kathleen Sawdo, 

Samantha Elijah, Michael Stushnoff, and Geordie Biscaye)

Literally this was a life-changing experience for me as I saw some of the brightest business Aboriginal talent in Canada and it reminded me that I must continue to do the best that I can do so that one day I can be a leader like those that filled the rooms at this event. From speaking with many of the graduates and the YIPs volunteer team, I think many of us felt this way.

 Tal Moore and Kelly Lendsay sign the Good Faith Agreement.

I entered into the week-long event last week as a recent graduate who had just finished her studies and was unsure of where my future was heading after the week. I left feeling that there are endless opportunities available for me and it is only up to me to decide which direction I choose, and what road I desire for my career to. It makes me so proud to be part of such an event that lead to the same type of conclusions for many graduates. Some where hired on the spot, some are entering interviews to figure out their options, and some where given life-changing opportunities that will raise their careers to the upper tier of Canadian business talent, where they can be beacons of light to future generations.

Paul Sayers and I got to hang during the event. 

 

I am sure it sounds like I am gushing, but it is hard to downplay the type of positive energy that flowed from such an event. I encourage all of those who are graduating next year to keep an eye out for applications for the event next year to apply to become a part of the third-annual event next year in Montreal, there is no doubt that it should have the same effect on you.

Tweet

Pin It