WHO WE ARE
We Help Young People Discover the Courage to Speak Up and Be Themselves.
The Young Leaders is a not-for-profit organization committed to empowering youth with the mindset, leadership and public speaking skills needed to find their voice, achieve their dreams and to become better human beings. We encourage youth to step into their full leadership potential to make the world a better place for generations to come.
UPCOMING LEADERSHIP CURRICULUM 2021/2022
Listening
Beyond Words – why is it important to not only listen to the words, but on how we communicate
Teamwork
What Do Great Teams Have in Common?
Acumen
What It Takes To Be The Best
Creativity & Innovation
Moonshots – Why Is It Important To Look Beyond Your Area of Interest
Public Speaking
The Power of Postures
Decisiveness
Do You Know How to Make a Decision?
Empathy
Empathy and Social Media
Relationship Management
Different Ways We Communicate Friendship
Self-Awareness
The Growth Mindset
Problem Solving
The Problem Solving Mindset
Industriousness
Did You Really Fail? Failure Versus Results
Lifelong Learning
How to Learn – Different Methods of Learning
Critical Thinking
Mental Models. Friend or Foe?
Self-Confidence
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
Vision
The Power of a Vision Board
Strategic Planning
Planning For The Worst
Self-Care
You Snooze You Lose…Is Wrong. The Power of Sleep
Financial Management
Emotional Buying
Accountability
Why Motivation Doesn’t Work
Humility
Looking in the Mirror – Taking An Honest Look At Yourself
Emotional Toughness
How Gritty Are You?
Patience
Are You a Control Freak?!
Friendship & Mentoring
Your Circles of Friendships and How They Can Affect You
Resourcefulness
How to Find Your Jedi Master
WHAT WE OFFER
PUBLIC SPEAKING PROGRAM
Public speaking will build your child’s self-confidence and self-esteem!
It is a skill that takes practice. The best way to learn is by doing.
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That is why we host public speaking games during almost every class where your child will practice impromptu public speaking skills by delivering sales pitches, engaging in debates, telling creative stories and much more!
Throughout the year, your child will deliver 4 formal speeches which will be graded by skilled professionals on a 100 point scale.
Students receive detailed evaluations of their speeches and are coached on how to improve their skills.
Speech Mastery Skills:
- Architecture: Introduction, main points, transition, conclusion and overall organization.
- Content: Creative, research and originality of ideas.
- Language: Grammar, sentence structure and suitability of language for audience.
- Projection: Words clearly spoken and easily heard by entire audience.
Eye Contact: Giving the audience your undivided attention by looking at everyone. - Body Language: Effective use of posture, hand gestures, and expressions to convey confidence and emphasis of points.
- Enthusiasm: Excitement and passion throughout speech and how well you are able to keep audience engaged.
- Confidence: How relaxed, comfortable and confident you appear on stage.
COMMUNITY LEADERS: THE YOUNG LEADERS SOCIAL IMPACT PROGRAM
The Community Leaders Social Impact program enables youth to use their leadership skills to make a difference in the world around them.
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Throughout this innovative new program, students will learn about social movements that matter to them, and collaborate with other youth to mobilize social impact projects and make a positive impact on their communities.
Through this program, students will:
- Learn about topics of equity and social justice
- Collaborate with other youth leaders on impactful co-designed community projects
- Feel empowered to continue to make a difference in their communities
LEADERS ARE READERS: THE YOUNG LEADERS BOOK CLUB
Reading is essential to the development of your child’s vocabulary, writing and speaking skills. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer kids are cultivating the habit of reading.
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An average adult in North America reads 3-4 books per year which is a shame given how much reading good books can expand your horizons.
The Young Leaders Book Club will begin in the Month of September and is FREE to all students of The Young Leaders program. The only investment you would require however is to purchase the 5 books we will be reading. We recommend downloading an e-version of the book (kindle version) as this would be more cost effective and quicker, but you are always welcome to order a hard copy if you wish.
To keep up with this reading club, your child would need to make a daily habit of reading 10-15 pages per day. Just imagine how transformative building such a lifelong habit will be for your child. Readers are truly leaders.
All book club meetings will take place online via Zoom and all attendees will receive a meeting invitation.
communities.
HEALTHY & STRONG
The Young Leaders Mental Health and Physical Well-Being Program
The Young Leaders Mental Health program enables youth to be physically and mentally fit.
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Your child will be introduced to invaluable wisdom and training related to:
- Boxing
- Yoga
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM (EST)
- Sat Oct 2nd, 2021
- Sat Nov 6th, 2021
- Sat Dec 4th, 2021
- Sat Jan 15th, 2022
- Sat Feb 5th, 2022
- Sat March 5th, 2022
- Sat April 2nd, 2022
- Sat May 7th, 2022
- Sat June 4th, 2022
The 5 Books being read at The Leaders are Readers Book Club
MEET THE TEAM
Freedom Malhotra - Team Member
Founder, President & Youth Empowerment Coach
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Freedom Malhotra is an educator, activist and social entrepreneur whose personal mission is to promote the principles and practices of altruism, the unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
As an outspoken critic of our mainstream preoccupations with happiness, he frequently delivers keynotes, seminars and webinars to various organizations on “The UnPursuit of Happiness: How Our Desire to Feel Good Can Sabotage our Leadership Potential.”
As an advocate for youth empowerment, Freedom Malhotra founded The Young Leaders, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to facilitating altruistic-based leadership education programs for kids, ages 10-18. Identifying the growing need for today’s youth to learn many of the real-world skills that are not taught in school, he took the initiative to start the program which now enjoys a nationwide audience.
Freedom Malhotra has co-authored Born on the Mountaintop: Reclaim Your Life & Unleash Your Spirit and, while promoting his book, made numerous guest appearances on radio and television shows including CTV Breakfast Television, CH@Home and the Good Life Show. For three consecutive years, Freedom Malhotra facilitated weekend workshops in Toronto coaching people on how to both self-diagnose and break free from 13 Psychological Life Addictions.
Alexis Carlota Cochrane - team member
Social Impact Program Coordinator
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Alexis-Carlota Cochrane (she/her/ella) is a passionate researcher, educator and activist based outside of Toronto.
As a PhD Student in Communication, New Media and Cultural Studies at McMaster University, Alexis has acted as a teaching assistant at the university level for classes with upwards of 300 students. She has mobilized community projects centring BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ experiences and Latin American mental health stigma, dedicated to making a positive change in her community. Alexis has mentored dozens of youth on community mobilization, research projects and non-profit communications.
Her goal is to empower the youth of The Young Leaders program to see that community leadership is possible at any age!
Kyle Sean Thompson - Team Member
Youth Empowerment Coach
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Honor All You Are.
Even Cherish What You Fear.
Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Kyle Sean Thompson embraces fear on stage, so others can do the same.
After graduating from York University with a Specialized Honours in English, Kyle honors who he chooses to be with confidence, grace and humility. Kyle is a teacher, poet, performer and more who divides his art into multiple personas, while reminding his audience that they too, have an inner world to explore. Appearing as a guest judge for Mississauga’s 2nd Annual Poetry Slam is one of many ways Kyle encourages those who create, leading them back to the reasons why they dream while offering critique.
Within the last year, Kyle has built a virtual community he calls family on Twitch, where he performs music, asks meaningful questions and makes people feel at home even though they’re miles apart. In January 2020, he joined The Young Leaders Public Speaking Club as a teacher alongside club founder Freedom Malhotra. Gaining and creating confidence both in himself and his students, The Young Leaders has become yet another gateway where Kyle can create positive change and inspire arguably the most important group: our youth.
Whether he’s sending shivers down your spine with emotional melodies as k y l i e , or inspiring you to pursue your passions as a teacher or KIT-Man on Twitch,the point is this: there is a world inside your heart. So honor all you are.
Eryl McCaffrey - Team Member
Yoga Teacher & Anxiety Coach
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Eryl McCaffrey is an Anxiety Coach, Certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher and Mental Health Speaker.
Her Yoga and Meditation Classes are mindfulness-based and help her clients release stress, build resilience and physical strength. Eryl also works 1:1 with clients who struggle with anxiety, to help them cultivate their own unique mindfulness toolkit for healing. When she’s not teaching or working with her clients, Eryl’s writing about her own experiences with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and other mental health-related topics. You can find more about her at www.erylmccaffrey.com and follow her on Instagram at @erylmccaffrey.
Her goal is to empower the youth of The Young Leaders program to see that community leadership is possible at any age!
Joey De Los Reyes - Team Member
Youth Empowerment Coach
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Joey De Los Reyes has been a professional martial arts coach for over 30 years.
He holds many credentials in martial arts, fitness, nutrition and coaching. One of his teachers was the late Larry Hartsell, a student and training partner of Bruce Lee.
Joey is also a co-owner of a martial arts academy, first starting his business in a parking lot, and growing it into one of the largest academies in North America. During this time, he has taught numerous martial arts enthusiasts, provincial, national and international champions and professional champions.
He has been most fortunate to be the head or co-head coach for 2 Canadian National Teams, the National Director for 2 sports, and has taught self defence and law enforcement skills to Wal-Mart Canada Inc., Sears Canada, a div. of Ontario Hydro, Carecor Security Services, Nexus Protective Services, SIS/ADT, Total Investigations Services, Wyco Security, Action-Plus Protection, Home Depot Canada and the Dufferin Roman Catholic School Board.
Besides his love of martial arts and fitness, Joey’s higher calling is to share the many lessons learned from sports and business and how we can use them, to be better human beings.
Michelle Sturino - Team Member
Meditation Instructor & Martial Arts Coach
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Michelle Sturino spent 15 years in broadcast media working on-air for Sportsnet The Fan590, CityNewsChannel, Sportsnet World and was one of 13 women in all of Canada to have a Hosting Job in Sports Radio while with NHL Network.
During that time, Michelle sharpened her skills in martial arts training, fighting and eventually teaching. Her passion for connecting with people and helping them evolve physically, mentally and spiritually grew with every class and person she taught which led her to doing this work full-time.
Martial arts is the perfect combination of releasing negativity, stimulating the mind and getting a phenomenal workout. It works on every level of our being as well as a phenomenal workout and emotional outlet. Combining the skills and empowerment of martial arts with the mindfulness of meditation creates an optimal experience of health and wellness.
Titles:
Over 15 years in martial arts, a former WAKO Amateur Low Kick Champion, Junior Kru in Muay Thai, 2020 Ontario Winter Games Coach, Certified Boxing and Krav Maga Coach. CTAA Meditation Instructor, CPD Wellness Coach
FEATURED GUEST SPEAKERS
Dr. Carlos Davidovich
MD, MBA. Executive & Performance Coach – Neuromanagement Expert-Speaker… “Leading Through Crisis and Transition”
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Carlos has over 20 years of experience supporting the development of leaders and management teams alike on an international scale. Raised and educated in Argentina, Carlos lived and worked in Europe for twelve years, in Canada for seven years where he worked as a Performance Coach and was given workshops and lectures on Neuromanagement, applying neuroscience in organizations and business. Actually, is back in Madrid working with clients from Europe, US and Canada. Originally educated as a Medical Doctor in Argentina, Carlos draws on this training in medicine, and understanding of the brain, to apply neuromanagement coaching modalities that lead to obvious, sustainable change for his clients.
Over the course of his career, for more than twenty years he has also gained management experience in business executive roles working for multinationals such as Hoffmann-La Roche and Pharmacia Corp/Pfizer in the area of Biotechnology applied to human health. He is a professor of Neuromanagement in the MBA program at the University of New York in Prague, a guest lecturer for the Masters in Leadership program at the Lang School of Business & Economics at the University of Guelph and a thought leader with the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate
Milan Pandya
PhD., Teacher, Trainer, Educator and Vice President of the Advancement of Critical Thinking Solutions… “Introduction to Critical Thinking.”
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Milan Pandya is a Teacher, Trainer and Educator in the field of Critical Thinking & Argumentation, English Language Teaching & Communication Skills.
He currently holds a position of Vice President of Advancement at Critical Thinking Solutions, Ontario, Canada. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, he has trained over 30,000 people in Critical Thinking & Argumentation around the world.
Jill Hewlett
Speaker, Trainer and Author at Jill Hewlett Inc…. “Rewiring the Brain.”
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Jill Hewlett is a nationally recognized speaker, author, Brain Fitness Expert & Wellness Authority.
Combining user-friendly neuroscience and inspired common sense strategies, Jill draws out the natural leadership, resources and resilience in individuals and organizations to support them in achieving greater levels of productivity, wellness and success.
You will be equipped with the information, motivation and tools, to proactively build your Fit Brain & Fit Life!
Joey De Los Reyes
Founder and Owner of Kombat Arts Inc., Martial Artist, Coach…. “Building Good Habits and Breaking Bad Ones.”
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Joey De Los Reyes has been a professional martial arts coach for over 30 years.
He holds many credentials in martial arts, fitness, nutrition and coaching. One of his teachers was the late Larry Hartsell, a student and training partner of Bruce Lee.
Joey is also a co-owner of a martial arts academy, first starting his business in a parking lot, and growing it into one of the largest academies in North America. During this time, he has taught numerous martial arts enthusiasts, provincial, national and international champions and professional champions.
He has been most fortunate to be the head or co-head coach for 2 Canadian National Teams, the National Director for 2 sports, and has taught self defence and law enforcement skills to Wal-Mart Canada Inc., Sears Canada, a div. of Ontario Hydro, Carecor Security Services, Nexus Protective Services, SIS/ADT, Total Investigations Services, Wyco Security, Action-Plus Protection, Home Depot Canada and the Dufferin Roman Catholic School Board.
Besides his love of martial arts and fitness, Joey’s higher calling is to share the many lessons learned from sports and business and how we can use them, to be better human beings.
Gaetan Boutin
B.Sc Kine, CSCS, CCP, Elite Athletic Performance Coach, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Nutrition Coach and Mindset Coach… “Mental Toughness.”
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A co-founder of Strong Athlete and former national level athlete, Coach Gaétan is a world-class performance coach and functional movement master who has worked for many years with elite professional and amateur athletes and individuals who want to take their health and performance to the next level.
From cutting-edge strength & conditioning design and advanced sports nutrition protocols, to elite performance mindset coaching, Coach Gaétan delivers incredible results for his extensive clientele. Coach Gaétan also specializes in addressing and treating chronic and acute injuries that keep hard-training individuals from achieving their full potential.
His techniques are forged through over 15 years of extensive research, testing and application and are based on his personal philosophy of achieving a healthy balance between the mind, body and spirit. Coach Gaetan has also been a presenter at some of the most prestigious international conferences in the world including the SWIS Symposium (Society of Weight Training and Injury Specialists), The Strong Summit, and the CanFit Pro Conference.
Edward De Nobrega
Toronto Police Officer, Cancer Survivor, Ranked #8 in world for Muay Thai… “How to Handle Stress and Difficult Situations.”
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Edward De Nobrega is a Police Officer who has always been an incredibly active person. In fact, he used to work out twice a day. Edward always ate very healthy and was always ready to go on any adventure. He felt like he had done everything right when it came to health and lifestyle. After experiencing some back pain for a short time, what was first thought to be a bulging disk, he was shocked to uncover that he had a tumour attached to his spinal cord. To his dismay, Edward realized he had a very rare form of cancer that was causing damage and needed to be removed asap.
Edward found himself in the hospital getting ready to be operated on, before the operation he was told by the surgeon that the operation would not cure him, and he would be a paraplegic for the rest of his life and he would never walk again. His chances to walk were virtually zero and he was told by doctors that he would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
Against all odds, Edward chose to believe in himself and started working as hard as he could. After a year and a half of being in a wheel chair and after many hours of exhaustive rehabilitation he began to walk again with the help of walking sticks and is still working towards his goal of full recovery. Edward has become a public speaker and role model for people living with disabilities as well as helping many people reach their life and fitness goals.
Nuriyah Pochee
Mental Health Occupational Therapist… “Optimizing Your Mental Health.”
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Nuriyah Pochee is a registered Occupational Therapist. She graduated with both a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Northampton in the United Kingdom.
Nuriyah worked in physical health for over 9 years but it was during a placement in grad school where she uncovered her passion for mental health. Since then, she spent some time working with adults who struggled with ongoing mental health issues, as well as concussion rehab & chronic pain management, while working part-time treating kids with autism. More recently, she made the switch to working with children and adolescents who have dual diagnosis of a mental health diagnosis & some form of learning disability.
Nuriyah balances work with working out, martial arts, spending time with family and friends, baking and traveling as much as she can!
Most Commonly Asked Questions:
How long is each class?
90 minutes.
How often do the classes take place?
Classes take place on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm EST. Please see Calendar for days classes are open and closed.
Where do the classes take place?
Classes take place online via Zoom. Before each class, all students will receive a link and password to login via email.
What is the cancellation policy?
Registration fees are non-refundable.
What happens if my child misses a class?
The instructors will make reasonable efforts to provide an overview of material missed during class. There are no make-up classes.
Do I need to pay anything extra for the guest speaker events, book club and the healthy and strong programs?
No. There are no extra fees, except kids choosing to participate in the book club may have to buy the books if unavailable from library. Registration includes all Saturday classes and all of our extracurricular bonus programs which all occur on Saturdays too. Guest Speaker events are free to students and their parents.
When does the Leaders are Readers Book Club meet?
The Leaders are Readers book club meets on the last Saturday of class each month from 10:00 am to 10:45 EST. This is an optional program available to your child as part of his/her membership.
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM (EST)
- Sat Sep 25th, 2021
- Sat Oct 30th, 2021
- Sat Nov 27th, 2021
- Sat Dec 18th, 2021
- Sat Jan 29th, 2022
- Sat Feb 26th, 2022
- Sat March 26th, 2022
- Sat April 30th, 2022
- Sat May 28th, 2022
- Sat June 25th, 2022
When do classes for Healthy and Strong: Mental Health & Physical Well Being take place?
This program is optional to students and part of their membership. Yoga, meditation, boxing and mindfulness classes will take place on following dates:
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM (EST)
- Sat Oct 2nd, 2021
- Sat Nov 6tth, 2021
- Sat Dec 4th, 2021
- Sat Jan 15th, 2022
- Sat Feb 5th, 2022
- Sat March 5th, 2022
- Sat April 2nd, 2022
- Sat May 7th, 2022
- Sat June 4th, 2022
WHAT EXACTLY WILL MY CHILD LEARN?
During our classes your child will learn:
- Learn to develop 24 essential Leadership Skills.
- Learn public speaking techniques to enhance preparation and delivery of high impact speeches.
- Collaborate with other youth to mobilize social impact projects and make a positive impact on their communities.
- Evaluate the performance of their peers and learn to provide constructive feedback.
- Review and discuss a Leadership Case Study based on the Harvard Business School method of learning.
- Learn Success Principles such as the importance of positive thinking, goal setting, removing limiting beliefs and much more.
- Enjoy fun and interactive games that encourage learning through play. All our games reinforce public speaking, leadership and team building skills.
- Be given Real World Assignments to apply what is learning and demonstrate leadership in their lives.
Email: bursary@theyoungleaders.ca
for more information.