Welcome to the 2024 Ontario Young Leaders Emerge Conference
After the resounding success of our inaugural event, we are thrilled to invite you to the 2024 ONYL Emerge Conference. This year, we are expanding our program to one and a half days of interactive workshops, keynote speeches, and panel discussions designed to equip young leaders with the skills and insights needed for their professional growth. Last year, we saw over 100 enthusiastic participants and an impressive lineup of 25 speakers and committee members. We are committed to making this year even more impactful, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Agenda
To aid your travel plans, we have included a high-level schedule below.
Wednesday, September 25
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
A light lunch will be provided while attendees register for the conference.
Welcome to the conference! We’re excited to kick off this event, bringing passionate leaders and innovative minds together for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and growth.
We’re honored to welcome Michelle Manary to the stage at the 2024 Ontario Young Leaders Emerge Conference! As the President and owner of ReframeHR, Michelle is a powerhouse in the world of HR, known for her expertise in organizational effectiveness. With over 25 years of experience, primarily in the Canadian Co-Operative system, she’s not just a consultant—she’s a visionary leader and lifelong learner.
Michelle’s achievements speak for themselves: from being a finalist for the HR Association of Manitoba’s Visionary Leader Award to winning the National Young Leader’s award in the Canadian Credit Union system. Her passion for helping organizations thrive and her dedication to developing the next generation of leaders make her a speaker you won’t want to miss.
Learn more about Michelle’s work at ReframeHR at reframehr.com.
Interacting and meeting other attendees, this engaging activity led by the Credit Union Leaders Association (CULA) will foster connections and encourage dynamic collaboration throughout the conference.
The credit union system is a place where many of us have built fulfilling careers, but what is it about the system that has caused us to stay? Not only is there a vast array of opportunities—both inside and outside of our organizations—but there is also a robust learning and development network to continue to evolve your skillset to prepare for new opportunities. Whether you’re new to the system, early in your career, or simply seeking inspiration, this panel will delve into the unique opportunities available and feature insights from individuals who have leveraged them to grow their careers.
Panelist:
Bianca Rocha
Purpose Integration Specialist – Climate, Libro Credit Union
Dana Elliott
Learning and Development Manager, Kawartha Credit Union
Sara Maharajh
Engagement Manager, League Data
Will Prest
Financial Analyst/Compliance Officer, Oshawa Community Credit Union
ONYL Committee Moderator:
Musonda Yamfwa
Project Manager, FICANEX Services
Thursday, September 26
8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Both breakfast and lunch will be provided.
We’re thrilled to introduce Dr. Caroline Brookfield as a keynote speaker at the 2024 Ontario Young Leaders Emerge Conference! A veterinarian, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, Caroline embodies the fusion of creativity and science. Known as a Reluctant Creative, she brings a unique perspective to integrating diverse skills, from receiving honors in veterinary medicine to earning an Innovation Award at Nestlé Purina. A published author and certified creative problem-solving facilitator, Caroline’s passion for challenging norms and helping others embrace their originality makes her an inspiring voice you won’t want to miss.
Learn more about Caroline’s work at carolinebrookfield.com.
Dive into a Human Library, where real people become “books” that you can “borrow” for an unforgettable conversation. In this interactive experience, our human books share powerful personal stories, offering unique insights from lives shaped by diverse and often challenging experiences. Readers get the rare chance to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue, all within a safe and respectful space. It’s more than just listening—it’s about connecting, learning, and expanding your perspective through the lived experiences of others.
Interacting and meeting other attendees, this engaging activity will foster connections and encourage dynamic collaboration throughout the conference.
Financial services and credit unions have all seen their fair share of change over the years. When we experience disruption in our industry it often means that we as individuals need to skill-up or learn new skills entirely to keep up with the pace of change. Working through change can be hard and overwhelming to map out where you want to go, how you will get there, and the emotions that come along. This panel will be aimed at helping the audience navigate change more effectively within our organizations and our careers.
Panelist:
Carol-Ann Northcott
Chief Risk Officer, Central 1
Kirstin Dias
Director, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Your Neighbourhood Credit Union
William Boucher
CEO, Desjardins
ONYL Committee Moderator:
Josh Juhlke
Communications Manager, First West Credit Union
Networking Event
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Join us after the first day of the conference for our Young Leaders Networking Event! In a relaxed atmosphere with tasty appetizers and drinks, this is the perfect chance to connect with fellow attendees, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships. Plus, we’ll be providing young leaders the opportunity to get a professional headshot done during the event!
Speakers
ONYL is excited to present our speaker lineup for the 2024 Emerge Conference.
We are working diligently to finalize an impressive roster, so keep checking back for updates!
Keynote
Panelist
Bianca Rocha
Purpose Integration Specialist – Climate, Libro Credit Union
Kirstin Dias
Director, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Your Neighbourhood Credit Union
Carol-Ann Northcott
Chief Risk Officer, Central 1
Sara Maharajh
Engagement Manager, League Data
Will Prest
Financial Analyst/Compliance Officer, Oshawa Community Credit Union
Dana Elliott
Learning and Development Manager, Kawartha Credit Union
William Boucher
CEO, Desjardins
Where to Stay
1224 Upper James Street
Hamilton, ON L9C 3B1
$189 (+ tax) per night
Conference attendees can use the link below to make reservations online, or call the hotel to book using the code “ONY”.
Book before Saturday, August 24, 2024, to take advantage of this rate.
Hotel Phone: 905-383-7772
49 Goderich Road
Hamilton Ontario L8E 4W8
$170 (+ tax) per night
Conference attendees can use the link below to make reservations online, or call the hotel to book using the code “Ontario Young Leaders” or email: Neema Patel neema.patel@sunraygroup.ca and fd.fphamilton@sunraygroup.ca.
Book before Saturday, August 24, 2024, to take advantage of this rate.
Hotel Phone: 905-578-1212
1195 Upper James Street,
Hamilton, ON L9C 3B2
$209 – $239 (+ tax) per night
Conference attendees can use the link below to make reservations online, or call the hotel to book using the code “Ontario Young Leaders”.
Book before Saturday, August 24, 2024, to take advantage of this rate.
Hotel Phone: 905-488-0555
What to Expect
Engaging leaders and industry experts who will share their knowledge and experiences.
Interactive panel discussions focused on leadership and change.
Networking opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
To stay up to date on all things ONYL and our 2024 Emerge Conference, follow us on LinkedIn.
Feel free to come as you are, but consider bringing along items such as a notepad or laptop for note-taking, as well as your business cards for networking opportunities. Additionally, bringing some extra snacks and drinks might be handy for those moments between meals, although breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided during breaks.
For any inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact us via email at ontraioyl@gmail.com or through our LinkedIn page.
We suggest business casual attire for the conference. As you’ll be mingling with peers and seasoned leaders in the credit union system, presenting yourself professionally will leave a positive impression.
Absolutely! Your ticket includes breakfast, snacks, lunch, and beverages. If you have any dietary restrictions, please specify them when purchasing your ticket.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance; they will not be available for purchase at the venue.
This event is tailored for attendees under 40 years old, aiming to engage and inspire young leaders within the credit union system.
Certainly! Accommodations are available, and you can find details on how to book at our discounted rate under “Where to Stay” on this page.
All sales are final.
Absolutely! Our conference is designed to facilitate networking among young leaders. We will have dedicated networking sessions, breakout discussions, and social events where you can connect with peers, industry experts, and potential collaborators.
Yes, at Ontario Young Leaders, we offer Coffee Connects, Webinars, and other great ways to learn and network all year. Join our newsletter to keep up to date on upcoming events and workshops. Also, follow us on LinkedIn to get connected with our network!
Yes, we welcome sponsorships for our 2024 ONYL Emerge Conference. Sponsorship packages are available, offering various opportunities for visibility and engagement with our audience. Please reach out to our ONYL Conference Chair, Kaitlin Antler, at kaitlin.antler@northerncu.com. We look forward to discussing how you can contribute to this impactful event.
To stay informed about conference news, updates, and important announcements, we recommend subscribing to our newsletter and following us on LinkedIn.
Our Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Are you interested in supporting the next generation of leaders in the Credit Union system?
We invite you to explore sponsorship opportunities for the 2024 ONYL Emerge Conference. Please reach out to our ONYL Conference Chair, Kaitlin Antler, at kaitlin.antler@northerncu.com. We look forward to discussing how you can contribute to this impactful event.