Youth Development
Leadership Program shapes future changemakers
“LBD is like a buffet, you have to take what you want and discard what you don’t.”
A spirit of celebration, pride and optimism filled Victoria College on Saturday, June 27th, 2026, as the Lifelong Leadership Institute (LLI) marked two major milestones: the graduation of Leadership By Design’s Cohort 23 and the program’s 10th anniversary.
The graduating Grade 12 students began their Leadership By Design (LBD) journey in September 2023. Over the past three years, they participated in leadership workshops, CIBC Hackathons, Pursue STEM and Pursue Business initiatives, summer programs and community-building activities designed to prepare them for academic success and civic leadership.
Despite entering high school after experiencing the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the graduates demonstrated resilience, academic excellence and a commitment to serving their communities.
Veteran broadcaster Michael Andrew Cuffe, with more than 40 years of radio and television experience in Jamaica and Canada, served as master of ceremonies. Through engaging stories and humour, he reminded graduates that perseverance, leadership and hard work remain the foundation of lasting success.
Several current and former students reflected on how the program transformed their lives.
Star Lewis, a member of the inaugural 2016 cohort, spoke about how Leadership By Design encouraged her to pursue opportunities she once believed were beyond her reach. She credited the program’s mentorship with helping her gain admission to Queen’s University, where she plans to pursue graduate studies combining business and law.
Cornell University student Imani Reid, a graduate of Cohort 2020, reflected on balancing academic excellence with athletic achievement. Now studying Electrical and Computer Engineering, Reid highlighted the discipline and confidence developed through Leadership By Design while excelling in provincial track and field competition.
Grade 10 student Yeab Melaku, a member of Cohort 2025 and a student at University of Toronto Schools, shared lessons about leadership and personal growth. Quoting LLI Chair Trevor Massey, he reminded the audience, “LBD is like a buffet, you have to take what you want and discard what you don’t.”
He described effective time management as one of the program’s greatest lessons.
Graduating student Joshua Dorman, valedictorian of St. Marcellinus Secondary School, praised the mentorship and leadership opportunities that prepared him for the next chapter as he begins studies in Commerce at Queen’s University.
Other graduates also highlighted experiences that shaped their educational journeys. Ifechi Okwuagwu, a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School, will study Mathematics and Economics with a minor in Computer Science at the University of Toronto. Ife Akinloye, a graduate of Milton District High School, described the University of Toronto’s Pursue STEM program as a life-changing experience that inspired his decision to study Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
Isabella McLeod reflected on participating in the “We Are Canada Project,” which documented the stories of accomplished African Canadians. Aniyah Millet Morgan shared lessons learned during the 2026 CIBC Hackathon, while Michael Akinola discussed the practical business knowledge he gained through the Pursue Business program before beginning Commerce studies at McMaster University.
Music added warmth and emotion throughout the celebration. Juno nominee and Dora Award winner Jonelle Sills, accompanied by pianist Vlad Soloviev, delivered stirring performances that inspired the audience. Ontario Tech University engineering student Cayden Holland also impressed guests with piano performances of Beethoven’s Für Elise and Bob Marley’s One Love.
One of the evening’s most emotional moments honoured 17-year-old Chloe Chukwuda Chizea, who passed away in November 2025. Remembered as an exceptional student leader and co-president of her school’s Black Student Union, she was celebrated for her kindness, determination and commitment to excellence.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Mary Anne Chambers, Chancellor of the University of Guelph. Drawing on more than four decades of leadership experience, she encouraged graduates to dream boldly and embrace every opportunity to lead with purpose, reminding them that dreams create possibilities that inspire innovation, hope and meaningful change.
The evening concluded with the presentation of 10 scholarships recognizing outstanding academic achievement. Presented by leaders from CIBC and PepsiCo Canada, the awards reflected the collective investment of educators, mentors and community partners in developing the next generation of leaders.
As Leadership By Design celebrates its first decade, the accomplishments of Cohort 23 stand as a testament to the program’s enduring mission: equipping young people with the confidence, character and leadership skills to shape stronger communities and brighter futures.