June 15, 2026 – More than 50 students from across British Columbia gathered at UBC Sauder School of Business from May 22–24 2026 for the inaugural JABC Youth Leadership Conference (YLC), a transformative weekend focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and personal growth.
Day 1: Building Connections and Exploring Entrepreneurship
Made possible through the generosity of JA Alumnus Kenneth Smith, the conference brought together young people from diverse communities to learn from accomplished leaders, connect with like-minded peers, and develop skills to help shape their futures. Opening the conference, JABC President & CEO Wendi Campbell welcomed participants before Kenneth shared how his own JA experience as a student, including attending a JA conference nearly 70 years ago, inspired his vision of creating a similar opportunity for today's young people.
The weekend began with a keynote conversation featuring Karen Danudjaja, Founder and CEO of Blume, moderated by Sharad Kharé, Co-Founder of Human Biography. Karen shared candid reflections on entrepreneurship, resilience, and building a values-driven business, encouraging students to stay curious, embrace challenges, and pursue opportunities with confidence.
Day 2: Innovation, Youth Leadership, and Future Pathways
Across three days, students participated in keynote sessions, workshops, and discussions designed to help them explore leadership, entrepreneurship, and future career pathways. A second-day keynote featuring Jaiya Varshney, Founder and CEO of Tydra Labs, moderated by Hayley Woodin Hastings, Strategic Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, explored how innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship can be powerful tools for creating meaningful impact.
Interactive workshops covered topics including admission preparation, artificial intelligence, the future of work, and venture funding. Led by Madison Guy (Admission Prep), Hanif Virani (Artifical Intelligence), Wynn Wang and Harleen Dhillon (Future of Work, CPABC), and Andrew Rowntree and Jade Porthault (Pitch Presentation & Venture Funding), the sessions challenged students to think critically about their futures while building practical skills in communication, leadership, career planning, and entrepreneurship.
Celebrating Student Achievement
A highlight of the weekend was the Youth Leadership Conference Awards Dinner, which celebrated outstanding JA students and student companies from across British Columbia. The evening featured a special conversation with Lyndon Cormack, Co-Founder of Herschel Supply Company, moderated by Samantha Falk. Students were highly engaged throughout the discussion, asking thoughtful questions and gaining valuable insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and building a career with purpose. Check out the winners here!
Day 3: Learning from Alumni and Leading with Confidence
The conference concluded with a JABC Alumni Panel featuring Jacqueline Sommer, Tiffany Spurgeon, Marsten Sequeira, and Ryan Wood, moderated by Jennifer Wilnechenko. Together, they shared personal stories and leadership experiences, offering students valuable perspectives on entrepreneurship, career development, and stepping outside their comfort zones. Students also heard from Katrina Owens, who spoke about confidence, personal branding, and the importance of showing up authentically.
Student Reflections
Beyond the learning sessions, one of the most meaningful aspects of the conference was the opportunity for students to connect with peers from across the province. Participant Bella Zhao reflected that "one of the best parts of the experience was connecting with so many driven and inspiring students from across British Columbia."
Another message that resonated deeply came from the Admission Preparation workshop: "Your story is your superpower." Participant Victoria Echelmeyer shared that the message served as a powerful reminder that personal experiences, challenges, and perspectives are often what make leaders most impactful.
Reflecting on the conference, Victoria said:
"Leadership is not just about being the loudest voice in the room, it's about owning your personal story and using it as a catalyst to create connections with others. It starts with self-awareness and showing up authentically every day. Thank you to everyone at the conference for creating a space where motivation is contagious."
By the end of the weekend, students left with new skills, fresh perspectives, meaningful connections, and greater confidence in their ability to lead.
The inaugural JABC Youth Leadership Conference would not have been possible without the vision and generosity of Kenneth Smith, the many speakers, facilitators, alumni, volunteers, educators, and partners who contributed their time and expertise, and most importantly, the students whose curiosity and enthusiasm made the experience so impactful. We look forward to seeing the difference they will make in their communities as the next generation of leaders.
