In my view, the three most critical investments we can make as a people for the long-term health and vitality of our communities are investments in biodiversity, women, and the youth; especially those who have been gravely under-served and impacted by unjust policies, programs, and decisions. Many young people in socially-marginalized communities are subject to social stigmatization and exclusion, are vulnerable to sexual exploitation and increased abuse, and are at high risk of disparities in access and outcomes. But the evidence is clear—enabling youth to develop individual skills and believe in their inherent worth have multiplier effects that contribute to the prosperity of communities and societies. No discussion of vulnerability would be complete without the recognition of its counterpart—resilience. And youth are just that! They're resilient, they're optimistic; and they deserve our steady, empathetic attention. Youth Rising Above’s work is integral to peacebuilding and creating fruitful environments that foster youth to reclaim their freedom and voices and use it to transform their lives. They are recognized for their commitment in providing youth the opportunities to build safe, enriching lives through engaging and diverse programs, peer and mentorship support, accessible resources, and personal development initiatives. Their mission is anything but easy, yet one that is only made possible when people like you and me decide to care enough about the future of our world and act on it with others. I am thrilled and honoured to be on the Board of this incredible organization and to see firsthand how their caring efforts and programs have deeply impacted the youth participants they serve. I look forward to the opportunity of working closely with a dynamic team whose common goal is to empower and bolster the lives of young people. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this journey. 🧡 #youthrisingabove #youthdevelopment #boardofdirectors #npo #toronto #youthempowerment 📸 @kadeemellis