YOUTH LEADERS OF TOMORROW
GlobalFest’s Youth Leaders of Tomorrow (YLOT) program allows young professionals to access an environment where they can be actively trained by senior staff in the complexities and intricacies of event production and gain the competencies needed to compete in today’s work force.
Affectionately known as the YLOTs, students from various higher education specialties come together to help make GlobalFest a success. These students are involved in virtually every aspect of the Festival, from production, marketing, programming, to procurement, client services, volunteer recruitment and training, as well as event coordination.
The internship program is supported by the Canadian Government’s ‘Canada Summer Jobs’ initiative.
2024 YLOT Interns
Top to bottom: Emma Marck, Anna Pham, Todd Ravenhill Matthew Farney and Hunter Pratt
Anna Pham
Program Coordinator
Anna Pham is entering her fourth year at the MRU Bissett School of Business, with a specialization in Marketing. Outside of work, her hobbies include watching interior design videos, listening to music, and trying new food spots in Calgary. One of Anna’s biggest achievements was during her third year of university, in which she and her group members won first runner-up in pitching a marketing plan for a health clinic. This experience helped her to refine her marketing skills to understand a business need and bring value to the company. Anna’s favorite musical artists are Taylor Swift, NCT, and Red Velvet, and her favorite festival foods are mini doughnuts and lemonade.
Emma Marck
Volunteer Coordinator
Emma Marck is a 2024 HBA graduate from the Ivey School of Business and is passionate for the opportunity to continue her studies at UCalgary Law this upcoming year. Her hobbies include weightlifting, equestrian sports, and exploring various art mediums. When Emma isn’t drawing or sketching, you could find her reading or listening to podcasts. Her favourite books include Trevor Noah: Born a Crime, and Rachel’s Holiday. In addition to literature, her favourite poet is Rudy Francisco.
Todd Ravenhill
Administrative Coordinator
Todd Ravenhill is entering his 3rd year at UVic in the Gustavson School of Business. His hobbies entail skiing, hiking, soccer, and working out. Todd’s biggest achievements come from when he was a competitive wrestler, placing first at both Greco-Roman Nationals and The Western Canada Summer Games. Todd’s favorite musical artists are Bad Nerves, Rihanna, and A$AP Rocky. His favorite festival food is ice cream.
Hunter Pratt
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Hunter Pratt is entering her fourth year of broadcasting at Mount Royal University. On her free time, you can find her creating entertaining content, thrifting, and living an active lifestyle. One of Hunter’s biggest achievements is operating her own baking business from age ten to fourteen where she and her business partner would go to multiple farmer’s markets to sell their creations. Through this experience, Hunter gained a strong work ethic and learned how to communicate with various types of people. Hunter’s favourite artists include Bryson Tiller, SZA, and Aaron May; as well her favourite festival food is funnel cake.
Past YLOT’s
Tyjana Connolly
(Volunteer Coordinator, 2021)
Tyjana is currently working as an Organizer for the Public Service Alliance of Canada, supporting unionizing and worker’s rights advocacy and education through outreach and events. She is also co-founder of Black Eco Bloom Sustainable Development Organization that focuses on bringing diversity into the environmental sector and building resilience in Black communities.
“Being an intern for GlobalFest was a really important experience for me because it helped find my passion for community development and outreach.”
Kendall Showers
(Administration & Programming Coordinator, 2020)
Kendall is the Coordinator of Development and Communication at Junior Achievement Southern Alberta – a youth education organization focusing on entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness skills.
“I had a great experience working at GlobalFest and planning their annual golf tournament. I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity for more hands-on experience in event planning and coordination.”
Emily Lund
(Volunteer Coordinator, 2020)
Emily is currently a Game Night Assistant for Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, working for the premium and group sales department to prepare, host, and manage corporate experiences during Calgary Flames games. She also works with Calgary Flames alumni to enhance these experiences and carry out suite visits. Emily is pursuing an MBA/MS in Sports and Entertainment Management at the University of South Florida this fall.
“Through working in the supportive environment of GlobalFest, I gained applicable skills of flexibility, creative problem solving, and event management that have helped me considerably as I began my professional career.”
Colton Cuckow
(Administrative Coordinator, 2018)
Colton is a Transformation Strategy Consultant, working with clients across Canada in a variety of sectors including oil and gas, power and utilities, non-profits, and healthcare. His daily tasks are incredibly variable – one week he is conducting in-depth research on how organizations in a variety of sectors redefine their data and analytics strategy, the next Colton is tasked with designing a framework for a client to prioritize their strategic initiatives. It’s a fast paced career that’s constantly evolving.
“Working with GlobalFest set me up for my career in ways I didn’t expect. In the non-profit space must constantly adapt to new challenges on tight deadlines with a lean team – which is exactly what I do in my career now. I would never discount the experience I received working for GlobalFest as I constantly leverage the transferable skills I received during my internship experience in my current role.”
Chris Erickson
(Marketing Coordinator, 2013)
Chris is currently working at a marketing agency called Thrive Digital in Vancouver as a Performance Strategist. He leads a team of three performance marketers and analysts to help clients across many different industries scale revenue and ROI through data driven marketing strategies.
“I was the Marketing and Communications Coordinator in 2013 and couldn’t have asked for a better first internship opportunity. I learned so much in those 4 months and gained relationships that last for years.
Annelise Milliken
(Volunteer Coordinator, 2013)
Annelise recently changed roles to the Senior Manager, Community Initiatives & Partnerships at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, currently leading the corporate and retail Children’s Miracle Network portfolio within the Canadian market. Previously she worked at the Calgary Flames Foundation, developing the charitable arms of the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corp, working on fundraising initiatives to signature events and overseeing the creation of amateur sports programming throughout southern Alberta.
“It was an unforgettable summer work experience. Being the volunteer coordinator gave me exposure to every angle of the event and set me up with a skill set I never knew I needed. I was pushed far beyond my comfort zone in the best way possible giving me the opportunity to lead an enormous workforce on a daily basis. Truly an exceptional experience that left me with lifelong friendships!”
