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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GUELPH, ON, October 16, 2025 - The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is excited to announce the 22 young leaders of change who have completed their leadership journey together through the Rural Change Makers (RCM) program. The class will celebrate with a private graduation ceremony this October.

“We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of these bright young leaders,” says Melanie Bidiuk, ROI Communications Manager and RCM Program Manager. “The graduation ceremony is the culmination of a yearlong learning journey and meaningful rural development outcomes. It’s an opportunity to honour these young rural leaders and celebrate the incredible personal and professional achievements they have made over the course of the program.”

“As a sponsor and supporter of Change Makers, we extend our congratulations to this year’s graduates and organizers,” says Dana Soucie, Executive Director, Four County Labour Market Planning Board. “We are excited to see what achievement these amazing young leaders accomplish in both their communities and careers.”

Over the past year, Change Makers have participated in a series of skills-building Learning Labs, in-person leadership sessions and hands-on, real-world application of skills through professional and rural development activities. Supported by mentors, partners and peers, participants conducted community and self-assessments, formed planning committees to guide the program, and created Action Plans for community economic development based on identified needs and goals. Many graduates have since applied their training to new or ongoing initiatives, stepped into new leadership roles and employment opportunities, and some have even developed plans for social enterprises and business start-ups.

“We are grateful to our program sponsors and partners for supporting Change Makers and sharing their program journey,” says Ellen Sinclair, ROI Executive Director. “Your contributions and support have equipped these young leaders from across rural and northern Ontario with the necessary tools to create bright futures and strong rural communities.”

“Congratulations to the graduates of the Rural Ontario Institute’s Rural Change Makers program,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Our government is proud to support this program as it equips the next generation of leaders in rural and northern Ontario with essential skills to strengthen communities across our province.”

“Strong leadership skills are essential to creating thriving rural communities,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs. “The Rural Change Makers program is an incredible way to build the confidence of emerging leaders throughout Ontario, which will help rural businesses and entire communities be their absolute best. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the 2025 graduates of the Rural Change Makers program.”

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