Peter Gilgan Leadership Award

Amanda began her journey with the YMCA of Oakville in 2019 as a Summer Camp Counsellor, quickly becoming involved in community initiatives like the Fill the Bus fundraiser. Her dedication to youth programming led her to become the Program Coordinator at Bronte Park and later join the Membership Services team in 2021, where she built strong relationships with staff and members.

Recently, Amanda was selected to co-lead mYnd Pump, a youth group focused on nutrition, mental health, and physical activity. This role has been a fulfilling opportunity to guide participants while further developing their leadership abilities.

Driven by a lifelong passion for education, she is also pursuing her dream of becoming a primary school teacher. This September, Amanda will begin the final phase of her studies, with the goal of creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment for children. She currently remains active in the YMCA’s Child and Youth department, running the Homeschool Game On program, and is seeking financial support to ease the burden of tuition costs so she can focus on her studies and future career.

Ghazal Golandamian is a dedicated Clinical Kinesiology student with a deep commitment to promoting community health and well-being. Her journey with the YMCA of Oakville began as a Wellness Coach, where she quickly became an integral part of the team, contributing her expertise during breaks and holidays while pursuing her education.

As a first-generation Canadian, she has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, which have enriched her ability to connect with and support individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her work at the YMCA is particularly focused on addressing the needs of individuals with chronic conditions, launching innovative programs like “Golden Hearts” to support those with cardiovascular issues.

With a passion for rehabilitation and preventive health, she aspires to become a Registered Kinesiologist, aiming to bridge the gap between medical care and physical activity. Her long-term goal is to lead community-centric initiatives that empower individuals to prioritize their health, ultimately fostering a healthier, more informed community.

Jacklyn Linhares has demonstrated a deep commitment to education and community service throughout her journey. After becoming the first in her immigrant family to obtain post-secondary education, she returned to school as a mature student to pursue her dream of becoming an Ontario Certified Teacher. Inspired by her father’s struggles with literacy, she developed a passion for helping others overcome educational barriers.

At the YMCA of Oakville, Jacklyn has made significant contributions as the Senior Director within the camp program, particularly during a period of budget constraints. Her leadership was pivotal in the successful OCA accreditation process, and she consistently supports her team, ensuring their well-being is prioritized. Beyond the YMCA, she has volunteered with Let’s Talk Science, engaging students in the wonders of science, and facilitated workshops on preventing and responding to sexual and relationship violence. Her leadership skills were further honed through her roles as an orientation and degree representative during her undergraduate studies.

Looking forward, Jacklyn is dedicated to becoming a full-time teacher and aspires to further her education with a master’s degree in leadership and policy. She is committed to creating a positive impact within the education system and the broader community.

Jada Bosland is a dedicated student at Toronto Metropolitan University, pursuing a degree in Business Management with a major in Business and Law and a minor in Criminology. Throughout her academic journey, she has maintained a strong connection to the YMCA of Oakville, where she has grown significantly both personally and professionally.

Her involvement with the YMCA of Oakville began as a Summer Camp Counsellor, where she developed essential communication, problem-solving, and adaptability skills. These experiences laid the foundation for her subsequent roles as a Camp Administrator and Assistant Director, where she honed her organizational, leadership, and conflict-resolution abilities. Currently, she serves as the Valens Site Director, further enhancing her strategic planning and operational management skills.

Driven by a passion for justice, Jada plans to attend law school after graduation, aiming to leverage her diverse experiences at the YMCA to excel in the legal field. Her journey as a black female immigrant has been marked by resilience and determination, overcoming challenges such as anti-black racism and economic barriers. Through her hard work and dedication, she aspires to make a meaningful impact in her community and beyond, serving as a role model for future generations.

Lovepreet Kaur began her journey with the YMCA of Oakville in March as a supply teacher, quickly building strong connections with the children and transitioning to a role as a classroom program educator. Her dedication to creating engaging activities and fostering positive relationships has earned her admiration from both students and colleagues.

Balancing her role at the YMCA of Oakville with her studies in social services, she has embraced every opportunity to share her knowledge and learn from her experiences. Her work reflects her commitment to being a positive leader and role model, embodying qualities of kindness and resilience.

Looking ahead, Lovepreet aims to deepen her expertise with a diploma in social services, aspiring to enhance her ability to give back to the community. Her future plans include continued volunteer work and further education, all while maintaining her positive influence at the YMCA. Her application for the leadership award is driven by a deep sense of purpose and personal dedication. Following the tragic loss of her father, who was the sole provider for her education, Lovepreet has managed to maintain a 3.8 GPA and remain steadfast in her goals. This award will provide her crucial financial support, allowing her to continue her studies and honour her father’s wish for her success.