You've got what it takes! Northern 'Learning to Lead' program helps young women explore their potential.


What does leadership mean to you? How can you use your unique strengths to be a great leader? Young women from across the North had an opportunity to discuss these ideas and more during the Minerva Foundation's "Learning to Lead" program, held in Prince George on May 4th to 6th.

The program brought together grade eleven students, graduate students, young professionals and women leaders in business and community from around Northern B.C.

"We are extremely pleased to have been able to host this third annual event," said Marie Nygaard, Chair of the Minerva Foundation's Northern branch. "The program provided young women with a fantastic mentorship opportunity as they learned firsthand from the experiences of women working in local management roles."

"And it's not just the students who benefited. Each woman had a chance to exchange ideas about leadership and gain fresh perspective on how to be a more effective leader in their current situations."

The program agenda included several keynote presentations, development workshops, team-building exercises, and participation in a leadership personality profile.

"Our world needs great leaders," said Lucy Beck, a program participant and Director of Public Health Prevention with Northern Health. "This program encourages women who attend to recognize their leadership qualities and helps them to envision a path to expand their skills."

"Learning to Lead inspired me to strive for my dreams," said Kassie Seaby, a then Kitimat grade eleven student who attended the 2006 Learning to Lead program. "One of the pieces of advice that stands out most for me was to go after something that scares you. After the conference, I made the decision to volunteer abroad in Peru for three weeks.

"Learning to Lead taught me about others, and even more about myself, and will always stay with me as I continue to make my way through life."

The Northern Branch of the Minerva Foundation plans to host another Learning to Lead program next year. A similar event is also hosted annually in Vancouver.

Formed in Vancouver in 1999, the Minerva Foundation for BC Women provides funds for projects that assist women to realize their potential and to create a safe place for them to live and work in B.C. It focuses on innovative projects in one of four priority areas:
education, safety, economic security, and leadership development. For more information, visit www.theminervafoundation.com