GUELPH – 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 (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.
Francesca Solomon is one of the change makers from Guelph.
Solomon 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 is currently pursuing an MSc in Capacity Development & Extension with a focus on International Development Studies and Public Policy at the University of Guelph.
Solomon is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Fund Development Committee.
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.
To view the full list of the ROI change makers visit the ROI website at ruralontarioinstitute.ca.
