It’s clear there is no shortage of passionate young leaders in Renfrew County with four of the recently announced Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) Rural Change Makers 2024 coming from this area.
The young leaders of change who have begun their leadership learning journey together through the Rural Change Makers (RCM) program include: Abbie Lakhan, Christina Raddatz, Sarah Richer and Rachel Richer.
RCM is a program for young leaders offered by the Rural Ontario Institute in conjunction with regional partners that include the County of Renfrew and Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation (RCCFDC).
“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.”
Renfrew County’s Change Makers are involved in a variety of activities and initiatives.
Petawawa’s Abbie Lakhan is an Abbie Lakhan industrial hygiene technician at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories who is passionate about the environment and sustainability.
Christina Raddatz of Douglas is involved with her local crisis center. She has supported fundraising at the center, as well as at church and her children’s school.
Eganville’s Sarah Richer is a community development and administration assistant who is passionate about photography and the natural beauty of rural Ontario. Sarah is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Fund Development Committee.
Rachel Richer of Laurentian Hills is Deputy Mayor at United Townships of Head, Clara & Maria. She volunteers her time to her local snowmobile club and library board and is passionate about lifelong learning and preserving the natural beauty of the area she calls home. Rachel is a key member of this year’s Rural Change Maker Ignite Planning Committee.
“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.
Throughout the program, Change Makers will participate in various developmental and experiential Learning Labs. They will complete community and self-assessments, establish planning committees that inform the program, and develop Community Economic Development SMART Action Plans to guide their community projects as they build their preferred futures and create strong rural communities.
For more information on the 2024 ROI Rural Change Makers, visit the Rural Ontario Institute website.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)