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We were pleased to support a youth presentation on domestic violence, organized by the uTurn Project.

Giva Balasingam of Shim Law had the opportunity to speak with youth participants about domestic violence, including how it can affect individuals and families, the importance of recognizing harmful behaviours, and the role of legal awareness in understanding available protections and supports.

The session provided an opportunity for young people to learn, ask questions, and take part in an important conversation about safety, healthy relationships, and seeking help when needed.

Thank you to the uTurn Project for organizing the presentation and creating a space for youth education and awareness on this important issue.

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What does Sustainable Development Goal 10 really look like? 🌎 💗

At the Youth Connections Summit, we explored SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities through our Bridge Builders activity. Youth worked together in groups to combat challenges within their communities and create their own initiatives to make those communities more connected, welcoming, and inclusive.

Diversity is about so much more than race. It is about recognizing & embracing differences in ability, experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, love, and the ways we understand one another. Creating a more equal world starts with making space for everyone to feel seen, valued, and included.

We were so inspired by the ideas our youth created and the conversations they had along the way. These are the kinds of connections that can turn ideas into action. 🧡

And with 2027 YCS already in the works... which SDG will we focus on next? 🤔🌎

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A glimpse into August 8th 🧡

@uturnproject.inc &
@youth.connections.summit
would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every speaker, volunteer, summer student, partner, and young person who helped make the very first Youth Connections Summit possible.

From meaningful conversations and new friendships to collaborative workshops and inspiring stories, August 8th was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when we come together, embrace our differences, and build connections.

Thank you for helping us bring United Through Diversity: Building Connections, Breaking Barriers to life. 🌎🧡

This is the start of something beautiful ✨

#YouthConnectionsSummit #UnitedThroughDiversity #BuildingConnections #SDG10 #CalgaryYouth

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✨ What an incredible experience! 🇨🇦💜 ✨

I was so honoured to be invited as a special guest to sing the Canadian National Anthem 🇨🇦🎤 at the @uturnproject.inc Youth Connections Summit 2026!

It was such a meaningful day filled with connection, diversity, inclusion and youth empowerment. I loved having the opportunity to meet and network with other young people, hear their stories and be part of an event focused on making sure every young person feels like they have a voice and a place to belong. 💕🌎 . And was great to hear some inspiring words by our City of Calgary Mayor @jeromyyyc !

I was also so grateful to have the opportunity to share my @sickkidsvs @sickkidstoronto fundraising campaign as part of my journey with @regionalcanadapageants. 👑💜

And the BEST news… thanks to everyone who supported me, donated and cheered me on, we were able to DOUBLE my original fundraising goal!! 🎉💰🙌 Thank you again @notmatalyn for organizing this and letting me taking part!

I am so thankful to the uTurn Project for welcoming me, giving me the opportunity to use my voice — both through music 🎶 and through giving back — and for supporting a cause that means so much to me.

This experience reminded me that being a titleholder isn’t just about wearing a sash or crown 👑 — it’s about using your platform, connecting with your community and finding ways to make a difference. 💜

Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so special! 🇨🇦✨

#HannahMae #RegionalCanadaPageants #PreTeenCalgary #uTurnProject #YouthConnectionsSummit SickKids

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Today I had such a wonderful time attending the Youth Connections Summit 2026 at Calgary City Hall, alongside and supporting our Sister Queens. 👑❤️

Hosted by the uTurn Project, this year’s theme, “United Through Diversity: Building Connections, Breaking Barriers,” really resonated with me.

The afternoon brought together speakers, performers and interactive activities that encouraged all of us to reflect — on diversity, inclusion, the assumptions we make, the importance of listening to different perspectives, and how meaningful connections can help break down barriers.

As an educator, arts advocate and community volunteer, I loved seeing young people being given a space where their voices, ideas and experiences truly mattered. ❤️

There were so many powerful words shared today, and I’ll be highlighting some of our speakers and Sister Queens individually because each brought something unique and meaningful to the day.

Thank you to the incredible @notmatalyn, uTurn Project, and the young people who helped make today possible. What a beautiful reminder that when we listen, learn and connect with one another, we build stronger communities.

And it’s always pretty special getting to support and cheer on the incredible young people in our beautiful province.

💎 Shine bright like a diamond. 💎

With Rhinestones,
Leeanne McLim
Ms Alberta 2026
World Universal Canada Ambassador 2026

@uturnproject.inc
@albertapageants
@youth.connections.summit
@mrscanadainc
@worlduniversalpageants
@tamannadargar
@blondvagabond
@marigoldmioc
@calgarypageants
@jeromyyyc
@notmatalyn

#YouthConnectionsSummit2026 #UTurnProject #UnitedThroughDiversity #BuildingConnections #BreakingBarriers

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We are excited to welcome Matalyn Schall, as one of our inspiring speakers at the Youth Connections Summit 2026! 🧡

Matalyn Schall is a passionate advocate, public speaker, and community leader from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Through her work, she is dedicated to empowering others, creating meaningful connections, and inspiring positive change locally and globally.

Her advocacy journey began with The Perfectly Pink Project, inspired by the loss of her great grandmother to breast cancer. Through education, awareness, and community engagement, Matalyn promotes the importance of early detection and has independently raised over $20,000 in support of breast cancer research and awareness initiatives.

Matalyn is a co founder of the Queen’s Confidence Academy, a youth empowerment program focused on building confidence, self worth, and leadership skills in children. She is also the organizer of the Youth Connections Summit, bringing young leaders together to celebrate diversity, encourage collaboration, and create conversations surrounding inclusion and community impact.

Passionate about discovery and learning, Matalyn has completed educational programs through Harvard University in archaeology and the University of Alberta in paleontology. In the fall, she will begin her studies at the University of Calgary, pursuing Archaeology with a minor in Geology, with the goal of becoming a vertebrate paleontologist.

Through advocacy, education, and leadership, Matalyn continues to use her voice to inspire others and create a lasting impact beyond borders.

Join us as we come together to connect, learn, and celebrate the power of young leaders creating a more inclusive future 🌎✨

#YouthConnectionsSummit #UnitedThroughDiversity #YouthLeadership #CommunityImpact #SDG10

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We are excited to welcome Jeromy Farkas, as one of our inspiring speakers at the Youth Connections Summit 2026!

Jeromy Farkas is the 38th mayor of Calgary.

Mayor Farkas was born and raised in East Calgary to parents wanting to build a great Canadian life for their family. Growing up, he worked in fast food and on the factory line in Forest Lawn, Marlborough, and Ogden before getting a degree in political science from the University of Calgary. At UCalgary, he also worked as the Executive Administrator for the Israel Studies Program and as a Research Team Lead in the Faculty of Medicine.

In 2017, he was elected as one of Calgary’s youngest city councillors. During his term, he championed public transparency, financial responsibility, and community safety. As Councillor, he also served as a Calgary Police commissioner and director of the Calgary Housing Company. Four years later, he ran for mayor, coming in second place.

In 2022, he hiked the 4,300-kilometer Pacific Crest Trail from the Mexico border to Canada to fundraise over $225,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters Calgary. A year later, he hiked 25 Rocky Mountains in 25 days to raise over $43,000 for The Alex Community Health Centre. He has since served as a non-profit director, community volunteer, and CEO of Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation–a role he held until earlier this year when he resigned to commit to his run for mayor.

Today, Mayor Farkas, along with your City Council, is committed to making Calgary a great place to make a living and a great place to make a life!

Join us as we come together to connect, learn, and celebrate the power of young leaders creating a more inclusive future. 🌎✨

#YouthConnectionsSummit #UnitedThroughDiversity #YouthLeadership #CommunityImpact #SDG10

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We are excited to welcome Mildred Rincon, as one of our inspiring speakers at the Youth Connections Summit 2026! 🧡

Mildred Rincon is a passionate advocate for children’s rights, born and raised in Colombia. Over the years, she has made a significant impact on the international stage as a competitor in beauty pageants, representing Canada in various prestigious competitions. Her pageantry journey includes notable participations in Indonesia and Bolivia, dominated in her victory at an international pageant held in Vietnam.

Mildred’s advocacy work is deeply rooted in her commitment to addressing domestic violence, particularly its effects on children. She has traveled extensively across Asia, leveraging her platform to raise awareness about this critical issue. Her efforts have led her to collaborate with local communities in both Vietnam and the Philippines, where she has worked directly on initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable children.

In addition to her work in Asia, Mildred has partnered with Latin American charities to highlight the urgent need for funding in education. She is dedicated to promoting the importance of accessible education and extracurricular activities for children from low income backgrounds, believing that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.

Through her multifaceted approach combining pageantry, advocacy, and community service Mildred Rincon continues to inspire and empower the next generation, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.

Join us as we come together to connect, learn, and celebrate the power of young leaders creating a more inclusive future 🌎✨

#YouthConnectionsSummit #UnitedThroughDiversity #YouthLeadership #CommunityImpact #sdg10

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Why did we start the Youth Connections Summit?

Because connection has the power to create change.

We saw a need for a space where young people from all backgrounds could come together, share their stories, learn from one another, and build relationships that extend beyond a single afternoon.

The Youth Connections Summit was created to celebrate diversity, encourage meaningful conversations, and empower youth with the confidence and practical skills to become leaders in their communities.

This isn't just an event. It's the beginning of a community built on understanding, inclusion, and the belief that our differences make us stronger.

We can't wait to welcome you on August 8. 💛

#YouthConnectionsSummit #UnitedThroughDiversity #YouthLeadership #SDG10 #CalgaryYouth

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Every great leader begins with one moment ✨️

Join us for the inaugural Youth Connections Summit: United Through Diversity, Building Connections, Breaking Barriers, an afternoon dedicated to celebrating diversity, building meaningful connections, and inspiring the next generation of community leaders.

Through inspiring guest speakers, interactive workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities, participants will gain practical leadership skills while exploring how we can build stronger, more inclusive communities together.

📅 August 8, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
📍 Calgary City Hall Atrium

🎟️ Free registration | Limited to 80 participants

Secure your spot today through the link in our bio or by copying the link here!

We can't wait to welcome you! 💗

https://forms.gle/w3Sfro22ButGG5gJ6

#YouthConnectionsSummit #YouthLeadership #UnitedThroughDiversity #CalgaryYouth #SDG10

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Every meaningful connection begins with one conversation 🧡

On August 8, we're bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate multiculturalism, learn from inspiring leaders, and discover how we can build stronger, more inclusive communities together.

✨ Save the date. More details coming soon.

#YCS #SDG10 #youthempowerment #eventsyyc #youthsummit

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Culture Creates Connection
A cup of Vietnamese coffee.
A traditional áo dài.
A familiar song.
A story shared between generations.
Culture can help people feel connected to where they come from while creating opportunities for others to learn, understand, and appreciate something new.
Viethub believes cultural activities can bring communities closer together and help create a stronger sense of belonging in Canada.
—
Văn hóa tạo nên sự kết nối.
Một ly cà phê Việt.
Một tà áo dài.
Một bài hát quen thuộc.
Một câu chuyện được truyền lại giữa các thế hệ.
Văn hóa giúp mỗi người kết nối với cội nguồn, đồng thời mở ra cơ hội để những cộng đồng khác cùng tìm hiểu, thấu hiểu và trân trọng những giá trị mới.
Viethub tin rằng các hoạt động văn hóa có thể giúp mọi người đến gần nhau hơn và cùng xây dựng cảm giác thuộc về tại Canada.

#Viethub #CulturalConnection #CommunityBelonging #MulticulturalAlberta

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