From an early age, former Ponoka resident Yaël Witvoet knew she wanted to lead - and to have an impact on the world around her.
And much of that inspiration, and the foundation to move forward with her dreams, stems from her past involvement with BGC - Wolf Creek (formerly known as the Boys and Girls Club).
Witvoet, who is finishing her degree in criminology at the University of Alberta, recently landed a nomination for BGC Canada 'Youth of the Year.' She didn't win, but the nomination certainly provided a platform to further express her plans for the future.
Meanwhile, along with her studies, she is an after school programmer with BGC Edmonton, plus she volunteers with the organization's after school program in a local elementary school.
She also volunteers with Kids Help Phone, the Make A Wish Foundation, and she is a Jack Talks speaker.
For Beth Reitz, executive director of the Ponoka Youth Centre and BGC Wolf Creek, seeing the potential Witvoet had for helping others - and for being an effective and inspiring leader - was clear years back.
Reitz recalled that Witvoet started out with BGC Wolf Creek by getting involved in the teen programs, and she eventually signed on with the Keystone Leadership program.
"She then became president of the Keystone program for about two years, until she graduated," said Reitz.
"And then when she moved up to Edmonton, that is when we nominated her to be on the National Youth Council."
Witvoet would go on two serve for two full years on the council.
"We worked on a number of initiatives - for example, when I was on the council, I was on the social justice committee," she said.
"We also worked on a micro-grant that went to youth across Canada to put on anti-racism initiative. That was something I worked on as a part of that committee. On top of that, it's advocacy work."
Witvoet, who is originally from the Netherlands but immigrated to Canada as a young child, noted that being on the National Youth Council is also ultimately what helped led to her recent nomination for Youth of the Year.
Meanwhile, her connection with the Ponoka Youth Centre, and BGC Wolf Creek, started around the time she was 12.
"The youth centre introduced me to leadership, the idea of helping others, and to being a part of something that was and is bigger than myself," she said.
"So it was kind of through BGC Wolf Creek that I became a really ambitious advocate for all things youth-related," she said, adding that her parents were a strong influence in that regard as well. "They very much encouraged my participation in the youth centre - they encouraged me to go every day if i wanted to."
Reitz also recalled when Witvoet started getting involved in the Keystone program, she noticed the young woman's leadership skills started to truly flourish.
"She really owned it. She grew that club to a point where they were doing community service projects. The whole point of Keystone is it's youth-led - you do have an adult there who is mentoring, but they aren't supposed to lead it.
"That's when we also knew there was a bigger role for her within BGC."
As for the recent nomination, Witvoet said a person has to be a BGC youth staffer or a volunteer to be eligible. Part of the process included her reflecting on how BGC Wolf Creek and the organization in general has impacted her life - from youth, to volunteer, to staff member.
"I discussed how BGC Wolf Creek was there for me and my younger sister. We also talked about how BGC supports you so much."
For those out there who are considering checking out what BGC is all about, Witvoet couldn't be more encouraging.
"I remember when I first joined, i was hesitant. I was one of those youths who just didn't know if they wanted to participate in something like this. But now I would say, just take that first step, and even attend one program. You have no idea what an opportunity has for you unless you take it. Our slogan is 'opportunity changes everything,' and it's absolutely true."
Looking ahead, Witvoet would like to keep on working for BGC after she graduates, but in an even larger capacity.
"Right now, I'm part-time because I am in school. But once I graduate, I hope to take a full-time position as perhaps a facilitator, or something in that area. But my long-term goal is to hopefully start a not-for-profit that is focused on anti-trafficking efforts - specifically in helping the victims," she explained.
"That has been my dream since about Grade 9."
What helped to spark this passion?
"For one thing, I didn't think it was talked about enough. It's an uncomfortable subject. Many people try to avoid the conversation altogether which only makes it worse," she said. "I feel some of the areas we are lacking in are with offering more support for victims."
This is key, as without a strong support system, many people can be re-victimized, she said.
In the meantime, Reitz is quick to point out that even though BGC Wolf Creek had an influence on Witvoet, her goals, determination, and passion for leadership are "all her."
"I'm glad we were there for her at the right time. That is the goal of all BGC clubs - that (the leaders) are there at 'that moment' to help put someone on the right trajectory. That is totally why we do what we do," she said.
"But in the end, I'm proud of her because this is her initiative."
As for her passion to support youth, Witvoet said much of it stems from her own experiences.
"I feel very passionate about being that person to reach out and to provide support where I can. I believe through my initiative and through the leadership skills I have acquired over the years, I will be able to hopefully provide a big impact in this area."
