Young Urban Forest Leaders

Meet Wameeya and Jesse, two recent graduates of LEAF’s Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) program! They both gained valuable experiences in the fields of arboriculture, urban forestry and community engagement throughout the 2023 program. Our Education Coordinator, Natasha Jovanovic, recently caught up with them to learn more about their experiences as YUFL participants.

Hello – my name is Natasha, and since completing the Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) program at LEAF last year, I’ve become the Education Coordinator. In this capacity, I’m responsible for organizing this free, hands-on training and mentorship program for Toronto youth. I’m excited to share how the program helped me find a fruitful career path in the environmental sector and how it inspired me to lead the 2024 cohort.

After completing her undergrad, Sam was motivated to connect with others while establishing a career for herself in the environmental field. As a Young Urban Forest Leader (YUFL) in 2022, she was strengthened by the collective atmosphere of personal growth, community care and hope for the future alongside fellow young professionals. See how the YUFL program empowered Sam to grow her career.

Kathryn found herself in a position that may be relatable to other young adults: a strong desire to build a career, in her case in the environmental sector, but having limited work experience. Fortunately, through her participation in the Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) Program, Kathryn found herself on a path to achieving her career goals!

For Mary, the Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) program was an opportunity to realign herself with the environmental field before she began a Master’s program. Participating in the YUFL program challenged her to go beyond her comfort zone and revealed an unexpected passion for community engagement and outreach. Learn more about Mary’s experience in the program and how it has shaped her career.