About: RDR Empower, Lead, Thrive. (ELT) Youth Project
The RDR Empower, Lead, Thrive (ELT) Youth Project is a one-year, youth-led program designed to empower Black, newcomer, asylum seeker, and refugee youth (ages 14–29) in Peel Region through leadership development, mentorship, and DEI training. Funded by the Region of Peel Stabilization Grant, the initiative aligns with RDR’s mission to foster anti-racist, anti- oppressive (ARAO) and inclusive communities.
Key Program Dates
We invite you to join us at the following events:
What: Workshop #1 | Power Communication
- When: Wed, Aug. 12, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Burnhamthorpe Community Centre, Burnhamthorpe CC Fleetwood Village Room
(1500 Gulleden Dr, Mississauga, ON L4X 2T7)
What: Workshop #2 | Leadership Styles
- When: Wed, Aug. 26, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Burnhamthorpe Community Centre, Burnhamthorpe CC Fleetwood Village Room
(1500 Gulleden Dr, Mississauga, ON L4X 2T7)
What: Mentor-Mentee Connect #1
- When: Wed, Sep. 9, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: TBD
What: Workshop #3 | Leadership & Lived Experiences
- When: Wed, Sep. 23, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: TBD
What: Workshop #4 | Trees Have Roots
- When: Wed, Oct. 21, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: TBD
What: Mentor-Mentee Connect #2
- When: Wed, Nov. 11, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: TBD
What: Workshop #5 | Personal Health
- When: Wed, Nov. 18, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: TBD
What: Workshop #6 | Rise to the Challenge
- When: Wed, Dec. 9, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Virtual
What: Workshop #7 | Problem Solving through Critical Thinking
- When: Wed, Jan. 13, 2027, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: TBD
What: Workshop #8 | Truth to Power through Allyship
- When: Wed, Jan. 27, 2027, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: TBD
What: Year-End Ceremony
- When: March 2027 — exact date to be determined
- Where: TBD
ELT Youth Program Announcement
ELT Youth Program Staff Information
Varsha Naik,
Executive Director, RDR
Efemena Eghujovbo
ELT 1.0 Program Coordinator
efe@regionaldiversityroundtable.org
Sarah Poulose
RDR Coordinator
efe@regionaldiversityroundtable.org