Timmins Youth Connect and Central Ontario Leadership Seminars (COLS) are proud to present the first-ever Timmins Leadership Lab, a one-day event on November 13, 2025, designed to inspire, empower, and connect young leaders across the community.

Timmins Leadership Lab will bring together Grade 10 students from all five local high schools for a day of interactive team-building, communication, and leadership development activities.

The event’s keynote presenter, Sunjay Nath, is an internationally recognized performance expert and Hall of Fame keynote speaker. Renowned for his engaging and inspiring presentations, Nath will share practical strategies for building confidence and developing leadership potential.

Throughout the day, participants will take part in a series of interactive sessions facilitated by youth and adult leaders from across Ontario. Each leader is a former COLS ambassador who has experienced the program firsthand and is now serving as mentor to the next generation of youth leaders. Through a variety of dynamic group activities, students will explore key leadership themes including communication, trust, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Approximately 50 students are expected to take part. Each activity is designed to help students experience effective leadership in action while connecting with peers from other schools. Parents and guardians will receive detailed information packages, including registration forms, prior to the event.

Quotes:

“One of the biggest priorities of Timmins Youth Connect is to ensure that youth have a voice in decision-making. That begins by creating space for young people to build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and see themselves as capable contributors to a safe and strong community. Too often, youth in the North have limited access to the programs and opportunities based down south – this initiative changes that.
~ Meagan Baranyk, Community Programs Manager, City of Timmins

"We are delighted to partner with Timmins Youth Connect on the first ever Timmins Leadership Lab and further our mission to empower young leaders, promote positive attitudes, and foster critical thinking skills. We look forward to working with 50 of Timmins’ most enthusiastic high school students who are ready to become leaders in their schools and their communities."
~ Rob Lysy, COLS President and Director

About the Partners:

Timmins Youth Connect is an initiative of the City of Timmins Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. It reflects the City’s shared commitment to fostering a youth-centered community that supports the well-being, resilience, and success of all young people.

Central Ontario Leadership Seminars (COLS) has a long-standing mission to seek out, recognize, and develop leadership potential among Grade 10 students. Their approach emphasizes collaboration, communication, and teamwork, equipping youth with the ability to learn how to think rather than what to think. Participants gain valuable skills and return to their schools and communities with renewed knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm. Programming includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, teambuilding exercises, and opportunities for peer connection with other emerging young leaders.