Elementary Leadership Symposium
“I can see their confidence growing, along with a deep sense of pride in being chosen to attend. This boost in self-esteem significantly impacts both their personal and academic lives, fostering meaningful growth. They seem more eager to volunteer, more engaged in class, and far less hesitant to take initiative when asked. It’s incredible to witness how this experience empowers them to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new opportunities.”
–Intermediate Teacher, TDSB
Past Events
Lessons In Leadership
Four distinct paths, each navigating adversity, overcoming obstacles and learning leadership skills along the way.
They gathered at the Hockey Hall of Fame to address young minds from Grades 5 to 8, as part of the Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation 2025 Elementary Leadership Symposium. The day-long event designed to educate students about character and leadership featured tailored interactive workshops, a scavenger hunt and exploring the hockey shrine.
“It was very important for me to be here today on so many different levels,” shares Chef Imrun Texeira, one of the invited speakers. “For me personally, I lacked that kind of leadership or that kind of mentorship when I was a kid, especially based on the line of work I came from,” he says. “We were always told that when being a chef, you can work in these kind of A, B or C avenues. And now, as I’ve grown up and gone through my career in the industry at large, there’s so many different ways that we can go down.”
Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 30-Under-30 leaders in hospitality, the Ottawa-born chef spoke to more than 50 students and teachers about his 15+ year journey in culinary — which began at the tender age of 14. His presentation entitled, The Hockey Stick Journey of a Chef, was followed by an interactive component for students.
“I want them to double down on what they love and what they’re passionate about,” says the owner of Wanderlust, a private chef service. “They’re going to find so much more success, not just in their lives, but in their community’s lives, by sharing that passion with other people.” The 2025 Symposium featured schools from across Toronto and the GTA and included an electric mix of speakers.
In addition to Chef Texeira, there were presentations delivered by a poet, a teacher/coach and a former politician.
What Kind of Changemaker Are You? The title appeared on screen during the keynote address by Mitzie Hunter, one of the first recipients of a Future Aces scholarship. She challenged students to discover their own superpower.
The former Toronto mayoral candidate and current President and CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation shared her story of growing up in Scarborough and dreaming of doing big things. That desire led her to reach the highest level of government in Ontario, including serving as Minister of Education — during a 10-year political career.
For Wali Shah, adversity has par for the course throughout his life. As a young immigrant from Pakistan, Shah experienced tough teen years before discovering his voice through spoken word. The Mississauga resident is also an author. He engaged his young audience with poetry, challenging the 10 to 13-year-olds in front of him to find their own voice and use it to inspire change.
The event was capped off with prizes handed out by special guest Constable Isabelle Cotton of the Toronto Police Service.
What truly resonated with Education Lead Michael Handrigan was witnessing ‘”the students’ confidence grow as they went from one activity to the next and knowing that the Creed continues to have a lasting effect.” Similarly, Education Assistant Kami Fevery found it “inspiring and motivating to see students taking steps to be a part of something bigger – a community, a movement, a legacy.”
100% of attendees at the 2025 Symposium reported the programming’s impact on leaderships skills as impactful to very impactful
FEEDBACK
Student Reflection
Programming feedback and reflections were collected from students on the efficacy and impact of the programming on student leadership, willingness to help others and self-esteem.
“I learned on how to be a leader, show courage, to help others, and to spread awareness.”
“I can help by telling people to believe in their self.”
“I will always try my best. I will use my words because they have power.”
