22 young leaders graduate from Rural Ontario Institute’s Change Makers Program

From community action plans to new business ventures, graduates are already applying their skills to strengthen rural and northern Ontario communities.

The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) has marked a milestone in rural leadership development with the graduation of 22 participants from its Rural Change Makers (RCM) program. The private ceremony, held this October, celebrated a year of learning, collaboration, and community impact.

“We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of these bright young leaders,” said Melanie Bidiuk, ROI Communications Manager and RCM Program Manager. “The graduation ceremony is the culmination of a yearlong learning journey and meaningful rural development outcomes. It’s an opportunity to honour these young rural leaders and celebrate the incredible personal and professional achievements they have made over the course of the program.”

The RCM program equips participants with leadership skills through learning labs, in-person sessions, and hands-on projects. Graduates conducted community assessments, formed planning committees, and developed action plans targeting local economic development. Many have since launched initiatives, stepped into leadership roles, and even started social enterprises.

“As a sponsor and supporter of Change Makers, we extend our congratulations to this year’s graduates and organizers,” said Dana Soucie, Executive Director of the Four County Labour Market Planning Board. “We are excited to see what achievements these amazing young leaders accomplish in both their communities and careers.”

Government leaders also praised the program’s impact. Trevor Jones, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, stated, “Congratulations to the graduates of the Rural Ontario Institute’s Rural Change Makers program. Our government is proud to support this program as it equips the next generation of leaders in rural and northern Ontario with essential skills to strengthen communities across our province.”

Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs, added, “Strong leadership skills are essential to creating thriving rural communities. The Rural Change Makers program is an incredible way to build the confidence of emerging leaders throughout Ontario, which will help rural businesses and entire communities be their absolute best. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the 2025 graduates of the Rural Change Makers program.”

Over 20 regional partners supported the program, including Opiikapawiin Services LP (representing 24 First Nations in northwestern Ontario), Community Futures Huron, Trenval Business Development Corporation, Minden Hills/Haliburton Collective (representing over 20 leaders, experts, business owners, CFDCs, educators, organizations, and farmers), Four County Labour Market Planning Board, and Renfrew County alongside Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation. Sponsors included the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, RBC Foundation, and Northern Credit Union.

For graduates like Chirag Parcha, the experience was transformative: “Rural Change Makers has been a truly transformative experience. It has helped me, along with many other changemakers, grow and evolve in ways that words can hardly capture. The program has not only shaped us to become great leaders but also inspired us to serve communities selflessly, foster collective growth, and create a future where everyone thrives.”

The Rural Ontario Institute continues to champion rural leadership through programs like RCM and the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP), alongside research initiatives addressing housing, community well-being, and economic development.

Meet the 2025 Rural Change Makers (in alphabetical order by first name):

• Abbie Lakhan (Petawawa) – Industrial Hygiene Technician at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories; passionate about sustainability.
• Bobbie McKay (Thunder Bay) – Youth Amplifier for Feathers of Hope; values family and nature.
• Chirag Parcha (Belleville) – Entrepreneur, author, artist, and founder of Official Humans of Canada.
• Christina Raddatz (Douglas) – Active in the local crisis centre and community fundraising.
• Davinder Singh (Timmins) – Advocate for food security; member of Fund Development and Ignite Planning committees.
• Elizabeth Edwards (Trenton) – Economic Development Officer; involved in multiple boards and committees.
• Francesca Solomon (Guelph) – MSc student in International Development; member of Fund Development Committee.
• Dr. Jessica Becking (Bath) – Research Coordinator at Loyalist College; interdisciplinary researcher and artist.
• Josée Labelle (Kapuskasing) – Network Support Specialist; promotes sustainable economic development.
• Kasha Kakekagumick (Wabigoon) – Environmental monitor; advocates for First Peoples’ rights.
• Kiydan Zacariah (Picton) – Youth advocate; supports municipal youth engagement projects.
• Mina Bahador (Richmond Hill) – Urban planner pursuing a Master’s in Rural Planning and Development.
• Morgan Scott (Brighton) – Community Engagement Officer; active volunteer.
• Natalee Schors (Hillsdale) – Works with the Rural Ontario Medical Program; passionate about rural medicine.
• Rachel Richer (Laurentian Hills) – Deputy Mayor; committed to lifelong learning and natural preservation.
• Ropheka Adofo (Thunder Bay) – Planner for Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; community-focused.
• Samantha Loney (Barrie) – Producer for Travelling Metis podcast; filmmaker and journalist.
• Sarah Richer (Eganville) – Community Development Assistant; passionate about photography and rural beauty.
• Shay Hutchings (Haliburton) – Co-owner of Reform + Restore Wellness Hub; supports youth initiatives.
• Skye Kakekagumic (Sandy Lake) – Dedicated to learning and supporting her community.
• Will Wellington (Stratford) – Social Research and Planning Specialist at United Way Perth-Huron.
• Zeel Parmer (Windsor) – Urban and regional planner; brings global experience to rural development.