One of the things that separates the Leadership Conference from the rest has always been the quality of delegates in attendance. This page profiles just a few of the high quality delegates that we have hosted.
Past Post-Secondary Delegates
Alvin Shin
With a background in engineering physics combined with leadership experience, Alvin started a business in 2004 in network marketing which sold travel memberships to North Americans. He managed all aspects of the business, including: payroll, budgeting, ordering, hiring, and training. The business averaged $22,000 in sales each summer. In 2005, Alvin founded a charity, DREAM, with a mandate to raise funds for educational facilities in developing countries. By the end of its first year, DREAM raised $10,000 and funded the construction of a computer lab at Angkor High School in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Alvin has followed in the footsteps of his favorite entrepreneur, Bill Gates, whom he has admired for both his passion and his ability to influence positive change.
Prerna Chandak
Last year, Prerna was chosen to be among the top 32 of our Impact Apprentice competition where she was able to meet, network, and build relationships with peers. In addition, during last years Leadership Conference, Prerna was also the winner of the 2006 Impact Student Leader award where she received recognition for her excellent leadership. In now her 4th year of accounting at the University of Windsor, Prerna has worked for MYAC Mississauga, World Vision, Canadian Cancer Society, and International Youth Parliament. Not to mention, Prerna also founded her own organization, W.O.M.E.N (Women seeking Opportunities and Mentors for Empowerment Network).
Tiffany Hsiao
Tiffany, a recent graduate from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia, is a natural-born leader who has the passion of helping other people. Following the path of two of her favorite entrepreneurs, Donald Trump and Jack Welch, Tiffany branched out to undertake her own initiative--Ignite!, a conference which brought together over 300 of the most talented business students. Ms. Hsiao also has plenty of work experience in her field of accounting including working with companies such as: Price Waterhouse Coopers Ltd and Colin Fraser Financial Service Ltd. Furthermore, Tiffany is also highly active at her university taking on many roles such as: Director for the Executive Mentoring Program, Promotions Coordinator, and Finance Director to name a few.
Natalie MacNeil
Natalie MacNeil, a political science and business student at the University of Waterloo, was a member of the winning team at last year's Impact's National Apprentice competition. Since August 2005, she has travelled to more than 40 countries and represented Canada as an ambassador. In years past, Ms. MacNeil has been awarded and recognized for her excellent leadership and outstanding public speaking skills. Moreover, in April 2006, Natalie started her own decorating business, Spiced Up Spaces, and her designs were featured in the Interior Decorator's International magazine. Her latest business venture, Garage Entrepreneurs, is an online network for entrepreneurs and investors around the world. She also has a media and market company in the works that is set to launch in January 2008.
Past Secondary Delegates
Steven Wang
Steven is the founder and CEO of CABY (Community Action By Youth), a newly founded non-profit organization that seeks to empower youths to make an impact in their community. Within a month of starting, he recruited almost 100 members, donated $150, completed 2 projects, spoke at 2 events, and received media attraction. His goal is to plant a "CABY" in every community so that every second of everyday, a person's life is being changed for the better. Mr. Wang also began his own company, EduGear Corp, which is designed to provide educational services Steven's other past accomplishments include: achieving a 98% average in high school, serving as a former school president, and winning the Shad Valley Merit Scholarship.
Meera Persaud
Meera, who is entering her last year of Pine Ridge Secondary School, has been actively involved in both her community and her school. She has been involved in various organizations such as: Culture of Peace, I am the Change, and Caribbean Children Foundation Inc. where she has learned to develop her leadership while making a difference in the lives of people around her. Meera is a member of the Student Activity Council at her school and managed to achieve honour-roll level status throughout most of her life. Meera has also worked for Warner Music Canada where she performed accounting and financial duties.
Sarah Katyal
Sarah was a senior in high school when she first got involved with Impact. She attended the Leadership Conference in 2005 and was extremely impressed. At that time, the conference was mainly for post-secondary students; however in 2006, Sarah took it upon her self to run the very 1st Impact High School Conference in parallel with the university conference, attracting 150 secondary students from across the nation. Sarah is still actively involved with Impact, as she is currently the Executive-Vice President of Internal Affairs. Ms. Katyal is also co-founder of another non-profit organization, A.I.D.E (Aiming for Individual Development and Empowerment), and is entering her 2nd year at the Schulich School of Business.
Renee Tong
Renee, who has recently graduated from University of Toronto Schools, has enjoyed academic success as well as gained valuable work experience. She was a member of Junior Achievement, the U of T Mentorship program, the Duke of Ed program, as well as many athletic clubs. Ms. Tong had the opportunity to attend a weekend seminar put on by Teen Vogue, where she was able to learn about both business and design. Renee not only captured what she learned, but she has put it into realty by creating her own online retail company for individually silk-screened goods.