Youth Leaders of Tomorrow

With the competitiveness of today's working force, GlobalFest realized a number of opportunities and challenges within the industry:

An event's success depends on teamwork and on ideas generated by bringing new people into the organization;
In the industry, most of the current successful major event organizers are aging and there are few training or mentorship programs to support the development of future industry leaders;
The above-mentioned challenges can only be met with the support of institutions in the city's corporate and educational communities.

For these reasons, GlobalFest, along with the support of First Calgary Financial, has led the initiative in developing a future corps of active and informed community leaders through the Youth Leaders of Tomorrow (YLOT) program. The YLOT program is a youth mentorship initiative designed to offer a career-building experience young and upcoming leaders.

Affectionately referred to as YLOTs, these individuals are sought out and seen as some of the best that this city's post-secondary educational institutions have to offer. With undergraduate backgrounds ranging from Business Degrees at the Haskayne School of Business, to Event Management Diplomas at Bow Valley College, these students are actively trained in the complexities and intricacies of event production.

YLOT interns are actively involved in the production, marketing, programming, procurement, client services, volunteer management, and event coordination of the organization's summer events. For post-secondary students, the YLOT program helps students develop the foundation and skills necessary to remain competitive in today's workforce. Without the support of institutions like First Calgary Financial, these one-of-a-kind experiences and opportunities would not be possible for these students.

Meet the 2012 YLOTs!

Michelle Belisario - Executive Assistant/Administrative Coordinator
	Michelle is a third year student at Mount Royal University majoring in Anthropology. Michelle has been an intern at GlobalFest for the past two summers and is returning for the third time as the Administrative Coordinator and Executive Assistant thanks to the Youth Leaders of Tomorrow Program. Michelle's experience at GlobalFest has taught her about the many different cultures thriving in Calgary, and how diversity plays a big role in the city. Michelle's passions include music, riding her motorcycle and hanging out with friends. Michelle is most excited to celebrate GlobalFest's 10th Anniversary alongside thousands of GlobalFest fans.
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Lisa Fleming - Human Rights Forum & Marketing Coordinator
	Lisa Fleming is a graduate of the University of Calgary's Hotel Resort Management program, with a keen interest in Marketing and Tourism. A previous graduate from SAIT's Hospitality Management program, 2010 is what marked Lisa's first year with GlobalFest. She aspires to be an event planner dedicated to working with the community, and is grateful for the networking opportunities that GlobalFest and the Youth Leaders of Tomorrow Program have presented her. Returning for her third year, Lisa is looking forward to sharing in GlobalFest's 10th Anniversary celebrations.
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Bryan Francisco - Marketing & Communications Director/Youth Forum Coordinator
	Bryan Francisco is a Communications student at the University of Calgary and he is returning to GlobalFest for his third year with the organization. Alongside his duties on the Marketing Team, Bryan will also be coordinating the Youth Forum and all GlobalFest Urban Arts Initiatives for the second year in a row. Bryan is excited to once again be working with the Calgary urban arts community and all of its talented artists. After-School programs, artist retreats, and a brand new Urban Arts Stage at GlobalFest are just a few of the new duties Bryan will be excited to take on for GlobalFest's 10th Anniversary programming. GlobalFest and First Calgary Financial Youth Leaders of Tomorrow program are continuously providing Bryan with new and exciting opportunities to network and grow as a competitive, young professional.
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Krystyn Persaud - Production Assistant
	Krystyn is a first year Events Management student at Bow Valley College; next year, she will graduate with her Events Management Diploma. She previously completed three years in the Bachelor of Arts Program at Grant Macewan University in Edmonton. Krystyn is very outgoing and has a passion for people. She feels that GlobalFest will be a great way to network and meet new people in Calgary. Krystyn is a member of the Students Association at Bow Valley and enjoys volunteering for numerous events in both Edmonton and Calgary. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, and one day hopes to work in the tourism industry to continue her love of travel. Originally from Edmonton, Krystyn is experiencing GlobalFest for the first time and is excited for what the summer holds.
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John Pham -Sponsorship Fulfillment
	John is currently enrolled in the School of Hospitaliy and Tourism at SAIT Polytechnic. He will graduate with his Hospitality Management Diploma next year, and hopes to continue his education by obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Commerce. John has been involved with GlobalFest for the past two summers as a part of site-crew, and is returning this summer as GlobalFest's Sponsorship Fulfillment and VIP Hospitality Village Coordinator.
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Greg Ross - Volunteer Coordinator
	Greg is a third year Commerce student in the Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria, with plans to specialize in International Commerce. Born and raised in Calgary, Greg is excited to be returning to his hometown to work as GlobalFest's Volunteer Coordinator. Since 2009, Greg has worked with numerous organizations providing services for people with disabilities, including the Between Friends Club and Developmental Disability Resource Centre of Calgary of Calgary (DDRC). With plans to one day run his own not-for-profit, he is eager to expand his knowledge of the not-for-profit and event management sectors by stepping into his new role at GlobalFest. Greg's outside interests include learning new languages, music, art and sports.
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