Youth Leading Change Panel

Have you ever wondered what drives Alberta’s Top 30 Under 30? On March 27, I had the opportunity to present as part of the Youth Leading Change panel hosted by Edmonton's Newcomer Centre. Throughout the panel I exchanged ideas and approaches to creating change with fellow award winners Jean Bruce Koua, Ren An Lim, Vidhi Desai, and Tracy Dinh.

Among all award winners, the recipe for success was the same. We all spoke about the importance of being resilient in the face of challenges, especially when your ideas are questioned. We also reflected on the need to be patient because impact takes time, relationships, and consistency. All award winners highlighted the importance of communicating your story in a way that resonates with your audience, because what matters to you may not yet matter to others. Finally, we emphasized staying humble and recognizing that impact is not measured by recognition, but by the difference you make, even if it is in one person’s life.

What stayed with me most, however, was the response from the audience. There was an initial sense of awe from many of the youth in the room. You could feel the realization growing that there are people like them who are stepping forward, asking questions, and working to shape their communities. But what followed was the awe shifting into the possibility that they, too, could be part of that change.

This experience bridged inspiration and action, and helped me remember why I love Get on the Bus. Whether supporting newcomers or long-time residents, our focus remains the same. We are building pathways for young people to engage, lead, and create more accessible and connected communities.

What this panel reinforced for me is that change is not reserved for a select few. It is something that everyone can be part of. There are steps that can help you move forward, but the most important thing is starting and continuing.