Sir Alexander Mackenzie Student Olivia Cahoose has been selected to participate in the Minerva Foundation’s Learning to Lead workshop at the University of BC in late May.
The three-day program Learning to Lead is an annual weekend program held at the University of British Columbia. It provides Grade 11 girls with the opportunity to discover self, develop confidence and explore their leadership potential, while creating a network of women and girls who will support them along their journey.
It’s an inspired girls-only learning space where students expand their capabilities, share their feelings and experiences, and learn to build networks that will influence them throughout their leadership journey.
Only 50 girls from across BC are selected and of that 70 percent are selected from the Lower Mainland so it’s very prestigious for Olivia to be selected to participate. Olivia is the second SAMS student in recent years to participate in the program. In 2014 SAMS graduate Ashley Moore participated in Learning to Lead.
Participants develop their confidence through workshops that identify their key strengths and core values, while shaping how they can positively impact the world around them
Olivia has also been selected to participate this summer in an offshoot of the Learning to Lead program known as SHAD. SHAD provides the opportunity for students from across Canada and internationally to attend STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) month-long program, in- residence at one of Canada’s host universities. In Olivia’s case the program will be at UBC.
The four-week summer program SHAD builds on the STEAM foundation, introducing participants to a multi-disciplinary program that offers exposure to big ideas, unique experiences and often leaves students with a new understanding of the world. Speakers include top university professors, business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, inspiring students to set aspirational goals. They help students gain confidence and encourage them to find ways to start making a difference. Participants also develop an entrepreneurial mindset by innovating solutions to a big complex issue.
Sir Alexander Mackenzie School knows it will be well represented by Olivia in both programs and wishes her well!