Peter Gilgan Leadership Award

Haaris McEwan has been deeply connected to the YMCA of Oakville since infancy, evolving from a participant to a dedicated staff member. With three years of service as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and now headguard, Haaris has demonstrated leadership, inclusivity, and a passion for teaching. His YMCA journey began in the taekwondo program, where he earned a black belt and competed on the rep team, volunteering with younger students and participating in community outreach through fundraising and demonstrations. Beyond the pool and dojo, Haaris has volunteered with YourTV on live hockey broadcasts and supported charitable causes with his family, embodying a lifelong commitment to community service.

Currently enrolled in the Honours Life Sciences program at McMaster University, Haaris aspires to a career in medicine or healthcare. His experiences at the YMCA have shaped his compassion, adaptability, and communication skills—traits that will support his academic and professional goals. As he continues his studies while remaining on staff at the YMCA, Haaris is committed to giving back to the organization that helped shape him. He hopes to use his education to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, wherever his path in healthcare may lead.

Phillip Chau is a committed and versatile team member at the YMCA of Oakville, where he has contributed in multiple roles over the past three years, including Aquatics Headguard, Adult Wellness Coach, Lifeguard, and Service Leader. His experience spans front-desk operations, aquatics, and inclusive camp programming, where he’s demonstrated leadership, empathy, and a strong dedication to member experience. Whether resolving concerns at reception, leading swim deck operations, or creating engaging, inclusive spaces for youth, Phillip approaches each role with professionalism and a people-first mindset. He’s known for building meaningful connections with members and teammates, creating a welcoming and positive environment wherever he’s assigned.

Currently pursuing a Specialized Honours B.Com. in Marketing at York University, Phillip aims to build a purpose-driven career in brand strategy or community engagement. Inspired by the impact of his YMCA experiences, he hopes to combine creativity, leadership, and social impact in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Despite the demands of a full academic schedule, he continues to work part-time at the YMCA while managing financial and time-related pressures. Phillip’s drive to lead with purpose and uplift others is at the heart of his professional aspirations, and he remains committed to staying involved in community initiatives throughout his career journey.

Jocelyn is a dedicated child care educator and aspiring teacher with over a year and a half of experience at the YMCA of Oakville. She currently works as a supply educator with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten-aged children at the Dr. David R. Williams YMCA Child Care Centre. Jocelyn’s journey with the YMCA began in her childhood through child care, summer camps and swimming lessons and has evolved into a deep professional and personal commitment. Her involvement includes not only child care work but also volunteer contributions with youth programs like HYPEE, where she supports and engages with high school students. Through her experiences, Jocelyn has developed strong leadership skills and a deep appreciation for diversity, inclusion, and the importance of fostering safe, welcoming spaces for children and youth.

Jocelyn is currently pursuing a Concurrent Education degree at Brock University with the goal of becoming a compassionate and forward-thinking educator. She remains connected to the YMCA community throughout her studies by returning to work during academic breaks and participating in wellness activities like fitness and swimming. Her passion for teaching was sparked in childhood and continues to grow through hands-on experience and academic learning. Jocelyn is driven by a desire to inspire young minds, nurture their confidence and creativity, and adapt her teaching to meet each student’s unique needs.

She aspires to create classrooms that empower children to reach their full potential—just as the YMCA has empowered her throughout her journey.

Georgia Ross is a dedicated YMCA of Oakville staff member with three years of experience as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and summer camp counsellor. Her lifelong connection with the YMCA began in infancy and evolved into leadership and service roles that reflect her passion for community engagement, health, and inclusion. Georgia has led fundraising initiatives like her family’s $2,000 contribution to the Strong Kids Campaign, volunteered with Best Buddies Canada, and mentored youth with developmental disabilities. She has also been a consistent athletic leader—serving as a team captain, high school mascot, and multi-sport athlete—earning multiple awards, including Athlete of the Year and the John Beraldo Award for excellence in athletics and community service.

Georgia is entering the Bachelor of Commerce degree in Sport and Event Management at the University of Guelph, where she plans to combine her passion for sport, human movement, and helping others. Her future goals include pursuing a career in adaptive physical activity, sports medicine, or coaching, with an emphasis on accessibility and wellness for all. She plans to stay connected to the YMCA by continuing her lifeguard and instructor roles during school breaks, further enriching her leadership and service experience. With strong academic performance and a deep commitment to creating inclusive environments, Georgia is poised to make a lasting impact in both community and professional settings.

Cieanna Walcott is the Senior Director of Day Camps at the YMCA of Oakville, where she leads with purpose, empathy, and a deep commitment to youth and community development. Though new to the Oakville team, her impact has been immediate—enhancing programming, strengthening staff training, and fostering an inclusive, engaging environment for children and families. With a background in social work and five years of program leadership at the YMCA GTA, Cieanna brings valuable experience in building accessible and transformative experiences for diverse communities. Her work is grounded in service, leadership, and a strong belief in the power of connection and belonging.

Currently pursuing her Master of Education, Cieanna’s goal is to bridge the gap between social services and education, creating trauma-informed, inclusive learning spaces that support academic and emotional growth. As the first in her family to attend graduate school, she is driven by a deep personal mission to advocate for underserved youth and families, drawing on her lived experiences growing up in Toronto and Peel. Her time at YMCA Oakville has been a turning point—where she has found both professional growth and a supportive, empowering community. Cieanna aspires to continue leading with authenticity and equity in roles that shape education, policy, and community engagement.