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Engaged citizens make stronger, healthier, more connected communities. Future leaders with strong leadership skills, values, and community involvement are key to economic recovery and resiliency.

The Engaged Leadership Program is designed for managers and entrepreneurs who are looking to take the next step in their career progression. The program will provide Resilient Leadership training, Mentorship, and Community Engagement opportunities for our future leaders.

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The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is committed to building thriving communities. The late Dr. Don Rix, a renowned philanthropist and Governor of the Board of Trade, was dedicated to supporting the development of young people. Through his generosity, the Rix Centre for Corporate Leadership Endowment was established in 2009 and has provided programming through our Leaders of Tomorrow mentorship program.

“Championing the next generation of leaders was a passion and priority of my Father. He would be delighted to see this program coming to life which will teach the many aspects of being an engaged citizen in business and in the community.”
Said Laurie Rix, daughter of the late Dr. Rix.

Through the Rix Centre for Leadership, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade will has build built on that vision and is launching the fourth cohort of the Engaged Leadership Program in January 2025.

Who will benefit:

• High-Potential Managers
• Forward-Thinking Strategists
• Innovative Leaders
• Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs

Why participate:

• Futureproof yourself for the workforce of today and tomorrow
• Develop a network of peers and industry trendsetters
• Establish yourself as a leader by contributing to the community

2025 Cohort schedule:

Cohort A

Cohort B

*Please note that you must attend all three courses, three roundtables, and participate in at least one community outreach initiative to qualify for a certificate.
Dates are subject to change

The Engaged Leadership Program consists of 20-30 hours of course material, community engagement, networking opportunities, and roundtables with high-profile business leaders over a 6-month period. Program activities start in January and participants are required to attend courses and roundtables and to participate in events and community outreach activities.

2025 roundtable speakers to be announced. Past speakers include:

• Hon. Janet Austin, O.B.C., Lieutenant Governor of B.C.
• Sue Paish, Q.C., CEO, Digital Technology Supercluster
• Keith Henry, President and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)
• Mayor Ken Sim, City of Vancouver
• Martin Thibodeau, Regional President, British Columbia, RBC Royal Bank
• Chris Lewis, Director of Indigenous Initiatives & Reconciliation, SFU and Former Spokesperson & Elected Councillor, Squamish Nation
• Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, O.B.B., CEO, Century Plaza Hotel and Co-Founder & Director, Pacific Autism Family Network

• An undergraduate degree in any discipline — industry experience may be considered in place of an academic degree.
• Have a minimum of five years of professional work experience, including two years of management or leadership role^*.
• Reside in the Greater Vancouver region for the duration of the program.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

* Most participants have between 5 and 15 years of professional work experience.

Learning requirements: In order to earn a Certificate of Completion, participants must attend all three courses: Innovation and Engagement, Change Management, and Board Governance.

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