What happens when you give young women the space to discover what they’re capable of?
This summer, a handful of GEM mentees had the opportunity to find out through a new partnership with the Lang Leadership Lab, joining young people from across Canada for its inaugural two-week Summer Institute, held July 5–18.
The immersive leadership development program brought together aspiring young leaders to learn from one another, build meaningful connections and challenge themselves in new ways.
For GEM, the partnership reflects something at the heart of our work: helping girls access experiences, relationships and opportunities that can shape how they see themselves and their futures.
Learning to Lead, Together
Throughout the program, GEM girls stepped outside their comfort zones, collaborated with peers and discovered that leadership isn’t always about having the loudest voice.
As one participant reflected:
“Leadership isn’t about being the loudest person it’s about listening and supporting others.”
Another shared how the fast-paced experience challenged her to embrace uncertainty:
“To adapt is to go out of your comfort zone and try something new. The world is full of new things and the only way I can succeed as a leader is to adapt to it.”
These are the kinds of lessons that stay with young people long after a program ends.
A Partnership Built on Shared Purpose
What makes this partnership especially meaningful is our shared belief in the power of mentorship and sustained support.
Like GEM, the Lang Leadership Lab recognizes that leadership development doesn’t happen overnight. Its approach extends beyond the Summer Institute, creating opportunities for continued mentorship and for participants to return as peer mentors to future cohorts.
The program also offers financial assistance, including transportation support for eligible students, helping make leadership development more accessible.
Through partnerships like this, we’re able to offer GEM girls experiences that expand their networks, strengthen their confidence and introduce them to possibilities they may not have considered before.
Because when we invest in girls today, we’re investing in the leaders, mentors and changemakers they’ll become tomorrow.
Interested in helping create more opportunities like these? Partner with GEM to help more girls access the people, experiences and connections that can change their futures.