Mobilizing for a Stronger Tomorrow

Redefining Leadership in Times of Change

On October 18th, 2024, extraordinary young changemakers in Toronto came together for our biggest event of the year, our 2024 Leadership Forum: Mobilizing for a Stronger Tomorrow. 

The leadership forum is one of Fora: Network for Change’s signature events — and one of the most impactful and empowering events of the year for young leaders looking to expand their reach for change. Hosted in Toronto in October 2024, the Leadership Forum is designed to equip the next generation of decision-makers with the skills, insights, and networks needed to navigate and lead, even during uncertain times. 

Each year, the Forum brings together exceptional young women and leaders who navigate gender-based discrimination, as well as professionals from the non-profit and corporate sectors, for a full day of training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and meaningful connection. 

The Forum is curated by and for young leaders, though everyone of all ages and genders are welcome (and encouraged) to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in thoughtful conversations, inspiring workshops, and networking sessions among leading trailblazers and leaders across sectors.

WHAT WAS COVERED

Tackling the world’s biggest challenges can be overwhelming. From the climate crisis, growing income inequality, attacks on sexual and reproductive health, rampant misinformation, and a pushback on human rights – it’s easy to feel hopeless, as though we’re moving backward instead of forward.

That’s why youth voices and leadership are needed now more than ever. Bold, innovative solutions from young trailblazers are needed to ensure decisions are made with them instead of for them. Marginalized voices need to be heard, and have been left out of the conversation for far too long.

At last year’s Leadership Forum, we unpacked social justice and global issues with expert panelists, activists, community-leaders, and facilitators who provided tools and resources on how you can drive change in your community. Beyond energizing panels and workshops, the event also facilitated networking and mentorship as part of the solution.

2024 AGENDA

  • Folks will be invited to register, meet attendees, and get excited for a day of leadership development.

  • Opening remarks and Land Acknowledgement by Naba Saeed, followed by remarks from Fora's Chief Executive Officer, Emma Asiedu-Akrofi, and special guests.

  • Join Michelle Chubb, also known as Indigenous Baddie, as she kicks off our 2024 Leadership Forum. At just 24, Michelle has already made waves in the worlds of fashion, media, and activism, using her platform to uplift Indigenous voices and educate non-Indigenous audiences.

  • During this time, we'll host a special recognition event that has helped make this work possible.

  • Pressured to Lead: Problem Solving in Turbulent Times.

    In a world where global challenges grow increasingly complex, young leaders find themselves at the forefront of innovation and change. This panel will delve into the experiences of young leaders who are addressing global challenges, and discuss the pressures they face, along with the innovative solutioning to drive forward global movements for justice and equity.

  • Guests will have a chance to transition between sessions and have a short bio break.

  • Choose between attending any of the following workshops:

    WORKSHOP A:

    Deal or No Deal: Winning Strategies for Advocacy Through Negotiation

    DETAILS:

    This workshop is designed to equip participants with essential negotiation techniques and strategies to advocate effectively, both within and beyond their organizations. Whether you're advocating for policy changes, public education initiatives, or organizational reforms, this workshop will empower you to take up the space you deserve, using the tool of negotiation. This workshop is ideal for young leaders, corporate professionals, and mentors committed to promoting gender equity and social justice in the spaces they occupy, resist, work, and play.



    WORKSHOP B:

    Building Bridges: Multigenerational Mentorship and Coalition Building

    DETAILS:
    This session will delve into the unique benefits and challenges of intergenerational mentorship. Participants will learn how to effectively bridge generational gaps, leverage diverse experiences, and build resilient coalitions that not only celebrate the wisdom of our elders but also empower the leaders of tomorrow.



    WORKSHOP C:

    Working the System to Disrupt the System: Strategies for Purposeful Disruption

    DETAILS:
    This workshop is designed to equip participants with practical and strategic approaches to navigate and leverage existing systems for meaningful disruption. Using insights from a communications and advocacy perspective, this workshop will explore the dual approach of on-the-ground action and strategic public presentation. Participants will learn how to effectively educate the public, advocate for policy changes, and strategically use media to amplify their advocacy efforts. While existing structures continue to be nuanced, participants will leave with essential communication and advocacy strategies to work within and (and against) established systems.

  • Networking & a chance to break for lunch.

  • True to You: Navigating Leadership in Corporate Spaces

    DETAILS:

    This panel offers a thoughtful exploration of how leaders can remain true to their identities while advancing gender equity within corporate environments. Participants will gain insights from experienced leaders who have successfully navigated the complexities of corporate landscapes while staying true to their sense of self. The session will explore strategies for fostering true inclusivity and authenticity, even in spaces where traditional policies and practices may pose challenges to full expression and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) efforts.

  • Guests will have a chance to transition between sessions and have a short bio break.

  • Choose between attending the workshops or our speed mentoring session for those who have signed up [signups will close 3 weeks before the Leadership Forum].

    SPEED MENTORING SESSION:

    DETAILS:

    This session allows young leaders (ages 29 and under) to meet and connect with experienced and accomplished mentors across different industries.

    As emerging leaders and agents of change, you can ask questions and gain practical advice and strategies for your personal, professional and leadership growth. You will also be inspired by the success stories of experienced leaders and learn new ideas from other participants navigating the same challenges and opportunities as yours. Finally, this is a great way to expand your network and establish connections with like-minded individuals who are also passionate about challenging the status quo.

    *Please Note:

    1. You must be 29 years old or under to participate.

    2. If you are interested in attending a speed mentoring session, you must register in advance upon purchasing your ticket

    3. Spots for the speed mentoring session are extremely limited - and registration will take place on a first-come, first-serve basis.

    WORKSHOP D:

    Heartbreak and Hope: Stress Management for Youth on the Frontlines

    DETAILS:

    This workshop is designed specifically for young leaders facing the immense emotional toll of global issues. This session will address (and work to support) the challenges of activist fatigue, emotional burnout, and the struggle to maintain boundaries in the ever-demanding world of advocacy. Ideal for young leaders and activists, this workshop provides the tools needed to navigate the emotional highs and lows of advocacy work. Participants will leave with techniques to sustain their energy, protect their mental health, and build capacity before the burnout.

    WORKSHOP E:

    Instilling Equity Principles and Practices for Boards

    DETAILS:

    This workshop will guide nonprofit board members through practical strategies to embed equity and anti-oppression principles into their governance practices. Participants will learn how to identify and address systemic barriers, design more equitable decision-making processes, and foster a culture of respect and belonging within your organization. Whether you’re new to governance or a longtime board member, this workshop will equip you with actionable insights to drive meaningful change and strengthen your organization’s impact.

  • A spoken word performance & reflections upon closing out the 2024 Leadership Forum.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

  • Michelle Chubb [she/her]

  • Paul Taylor [he/him]

  • Cal Campos [they/them]

  • Liz Kamalando

  • Jenny Jay [she/her]

  • Evan Vipond [they/them]

  • Alienor Rougeot [she/her]

  • Amrit Parhar [she/her]

  • Brooke Cromar [she/her]

  • Marija Shaw [she/her]

  • Kate Fane [she/her]

  • Heather Watts [she/her]

  • Kélicia Massala [she/her]

  • Naba Saeed [she/her]

  • Nkemakolam (Nkem) Ogbonna [they/them]

WHAT WILL I GET OUT OF THIS EVENT?

Engagement that leaves participants empowered, inspired, and hopeful. Conversations that make participants feel represented, included, and heard. Connection to and support from a community of like-minded peers. Access to a space that is safe and comfortable to share experiences.  

The goal is that participants leave with new (or renewed):

CONFIDENCE

ADVOCACY SKILLS

CONNECTIONS

INNOVATIVE IDEAS

With these skills, we aim to ensure attendees leave with a better understanding of themselves as leaders, and are excited to participate in decision-making spaces with new tools and resources. They will leave with a new network of like-minded peers, sector-specific professional connections, tangible skills to become stronger advocates and overcome leadership barriers, and make even more meaningful contributions in decision-making spaces, as well as innovative youth-led perspectives and insights on advancing social justice. 

IF YOU ARE…

  • An advocate (or aspiring advocate) who wants to learn about innovative ideas, tools, and skills to have a greater impact in your local and national communities through workshops and panel discussions 

  • A student or young professional excited about social justice, who is looking to build connections through networking and mentorship sessions, and learn from renowned experts and thought leaders 

  • A corporate partner or nonprofit leader, excited to share knowledge, showcase your commitment to gender equity and youth leadership, and learn from young experts in the room 

...then this event is for you! 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    • Access to the entire day of panels, workshops, networking, and programming

    • A light breakfast and lunch, and refreshments throughout the day

    • Opportunities to connect with other attendees, speakers, program alumni, and leaders across the nonprofit, government, and corporate sectors

  • YOU! This event is designed for and by young leaders navigating gender-based discrimination and will bring together changemakers from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and interests to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, through a gender equity lens. It’s also an opportunity for participants to connect with established leaders across the corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors, as well as community-based organizations and advocates.

    If you are...

    • An advocate (or aspiring advocate) who wants to learn about innovative ideas, tools, and skills to have a greater impact in your local and national communities through workshops and panel discussions

    • A student or young professional excited about social justice, who is looking to build connections through networking and mentorship sessions, and learn from renowned experts and thought leaders

    • A corporate partner or nonprofit leader, excited to share knowledge, showcase your commitment to gender equity and youth leadership, and learn from young experts in the room

    ...then this event is for you!

    While the Leadership Forum will center on the experiences of young women and everyone marginalized by their gender, participants of all genders are welcome at the event.

    Note: If you would like to attend but the pricing is a barrier, please reach out to programs@foranetwork.org.

  • Accessibility looks different for each person. The Toronto Reference Library is wheelchair accessible. A prayer room will also be available for participants. If you require accessibility outside of these accommodations, please reach out to us directly by emailing jennifer.vachon@foranetwork.org

  • Yes! You can help us make this event more accessible to students, youth, and underemployed individuals by donating a ticket to a youth participant. Please select “Donate a Ticket” from the ticket types, choose the number of tickets you would like to donate, and complete your contact and payment information. Your ticket will go directly to someone who would not otherwise be able to access this event.

  • Please fill out the following form, and we will do our best to support your attendance: https://airtable.com/appUpUiXdSzfRitoK/pagrG4E0xhVC7sXGE/form

  • Fora will do our best to accommodate all dietary restrictions. Please note that due to catering schedules, we may not be able to accommodate all restrictions for tickets purchased after October 1st.

  • This session allows young leaders (ages 29 and under) to meet and connect with experienced and accomplished mentors across different industries. As emerging leaders and agents of change, you can ask questions and gain practical advice and strategies for your personal, professional and leadership growth. You will also be inspired by the success stories of experienced leaders and learn new ideas from other participants navigating the same challenges and opportunities as yours. Finally, this is a great way to expand your network and establish connections with like-minded individuals who are also passionate about challenging the status quo.

    *Note: If you are interested in attending a speed mentoring session, you must register in advance upon purchasing your ticket. Very limited spots available, registration will take place on a first-come, first-serve basis.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

Thank you to our generous sponsors for making this happen!

“Fora’s Leadership Forum was an excellent environment for young leaders to connect and share experiences. I enjoyed the variety of lecturers and the opportunity to network with executives in the private sector. I will definitely be taking what I learned to my day-to-day!“

Sapna Rajput (she/her)
Rise on Boards Young Director,
Cohort 6