 Since relocating here 11 years ago, I’ve experienced nothing but opportunity. And, opportunities that led to other opportunities to engage more deeply in this community. Volunteering as a fresh Brock grad turned into board leadership for an international arts organization called the Turn Around Project of the Arts. Hosting students in Brock’s ESL Homestay program led to becoming a homeowner in Thorold at age 26. The network I built during a short-term contract at Leadership Niagara led to the appointment into my current role as project manager and professor at Niagara College. It all can be traced back to the opportunities that existed for my keen, young twenty-something self to get involved in the tight-knit community of Niagara.
As NEXTNiagara’s Chair for 2017, and Council member for three years prior to, I’ve had many opportunities to meet and collaborate with amazing organizations and individuals who share a great passion for engaging Niagara’s emerging generation in community leadership. I’m honoured to orbit around some very inspiring, highly community-minded next gen’ers. Here are their stories – …rather, here are the brief abstracts which preface the long list of amazing contributions they’re making in our community, specifically with a focus on governance: Vita Gauley, Board Chair, Design for a New Tomorrow; Board Member, Niagara Health Foundation (currently rebranding from OneFoundation); Board Member, YMCA of Niagara. Vita found her way to these opportunities through a combination of committee volunteering, such as on the YMCA’s Governance Committee, and encouragement from more senior colleagues who have pointed her in the right direction. She is a recently appointed Partner at Lancaster Brooks & Welch LLP and has found her Board experiences to benefit directly in her workplace. Vita has expanded the firm’s network and refined valuable professional skills. Most importantly, Vita has built relationships with many community leaders that she may not have otherwise met and is now surrounded by a dream team of mentors and friends… Read more from Rachel Crane | 
