The Spotlight Series

The Spotlight Series helps tell the stories of youth who are the leaders of today. It includes a series of speakers panels and podcasts facilitated by the CYC, which focus on the theme of UNITY. It gives youth the opportunity to positively impact other students by sharing their stories and lessons, and by helping engage their peers in dialogue about how to build more inclusive communities.

our title sponsor

A huge shout-out to Mini Giants for their incredible ongoing support!

They are the CYC Spotlight Series Title Sponsor and our Table Host for the November 15th Donor Impact Event & Live Auction. We are beyond grateful for their partnership and commitment to empowering young people.

CYC CommUNITY podcast

Our CommUNITY podcast is a project facilitated by DTBY’s Community Youth Council (CYC); we are giving our young leaders an opportunity to step into bigger leadership roles and explore causes they are passionate about. Through this podcast we hope to highlight organizations in our community who we believe are doing amazing work, spread awareness about important issues and inspire viewers to get more involved in their community.

community podcast episode #1 – taylor and whit from pflag halton

We are extremely excited to launch the first episode of our CommUNITY Podcast! We are beyond honoured to have PFLAG Halton as our first guests to this series. Listen to Taylor and Whit’s inspiring story about leading the charge to support and advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across Halton. To learn more about PFLAG Halton and get involved: Visit their website https://www.pflaghalton.ca/ Follow them on their socials @pflaghalton

Check it out…

CommUNITY Podcast Episode #2 – Halton Learning Foundation

We are proud to present to you the second episode of our CommUNITY podcast featuring the outgoing CEO of the Halton Learning Foundation; Lesley Mansfield. We sat down with Lesley to discuss the financial barriers students in Halton face and how her organization works to eliminate these barriers. Thank you for all the amazing work you have done throughout your career Lesley, we wish you a very happy retirement! To learn more about the Halton Learning Foundation and get involved: Visit their website https://www.haltonlearningfoundation.ca/ Follow them on their socials @haltonlearnfdn

CommUNITY Podcast Episode #3 – Fayrouz from ROCK Halton

For the third episode of our CommUNITY podcast we are thrilled to welcome Fayrouz from ROCK Halton. ROCK is an acronym for ‘Reach Out Centre For Kids’, and is an accredited, multi-service organization and the lead agency for Halton’s child and youth mental health sector. If you or anyone you know are ever in a mental health crisis, ROCK offers a 24/7 crisp line at 905-878-9785. To learn more about the services ROCK offers visit: https://rockonline.ca/

To learn about their volunteer opportunities visit here: https://rockonlearn.ca/volunteering-with-rock/

community podcast episode #4 – laurie from halton women’s place

In this episode, we are honoured to interview Laurie Hepburn, the Executive Director of Halton Women’s Place.

We discussed how domestic violence continues to be a huge issue in a post-pandemic world, how we can create safe spaces for women and young girls, as well as the importance of male allyship and youth leadership.

We encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence to access their 24-hour crisis lines:

To learn more about Halton Women’s Place visit their website https://haltonwomensplace.com/ and follow them on Instagram @haltonwomensplace.

community podcast s2 episode #1 – cj and sean from nrg lites

Welcome to the second season of DTBY’s Community Podcast, this season we are discussing creating IMPACT!

For our first episode we were honoured to interview CJ and Sean from NRG Lites; two amazing

To learn more about this incredible community partner visit: https://www.nrglites.com xindividuals who are helping us put on our Play Day event on September 28th at Burlington Central.

To learn more about this incredible community partner visit: https://www.nrglites.com

community podcast s2 episode #2 – joseph from joe apps

In this episode, we interviewed a long-time DTBY supporter; Joseph from Joe Apps.

We had an amazing conversation about the impact of technology on youth and the importance of youth mentorship in a digital world.

To learn more about this amazing community partner visit: https://www.joeapps.ca/

community podcast s2 episode #3 – shaheryar from ljm developments

In this episode, we interview one of our lovely community partners who will be hosting a workshop at Youth Inspire Community Day (YICD) 2023; Shaheryar from LJM Developments.

We had an impactful conversation about Shaheryar’s career journey while discussing the importance carving your own path as a young person in the post-secondary and professional world.

To learn more about this amazing community partner visit: https://ljm.ca/

community podcast s2 episode 4 – steve from mini giants

In this episode we interviewed one of DTBY’s greatest supporters; Steve from Mini Giants.

We discussed the importance of giving back and instilling confidence in youth so young people can confidently tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.

To learn more about this amazing community partner visit: https://www.minigiants.co/

community podcast s2 episode 5 – fareen from python’s pit

In this episode we interview the incredible Fareen; the founder of Pythons’ Pit.

DTBY is partnering with Fareen for the Pythons’ Pit 2023 Live Event at Youth Inspire Community on November 5th.

Are you currently a Canadian high school student who has a business or social enterprise idea that can change the world?

Apply to Pythons’ Pit 2023 for the chance to win $1000, receive professional mentorship and pitch your idea in front of an audience at Youth Inspire Community Day 2023!

To learn more about this competition and how to apply visit: https://pythonspit.ca/the-contest/

DTBY is looking also looking for mentors and investors in the community to support the dreams of the top 3 winners and bring their Big Impact Ideas to life. If you would like to support young entrepreneurs fill out this form to get in touch: https://forms.gle/sKke3juw1B5W6YTVA