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EMPOWERED STRIDES 

COHORT 2

Creative Leadership. Creative Skills. Creative Futures.

Walk in Your Truth. Create Your Future.
Empwrd Strides Cohort 2 Poster-IG_edited

 

Proudly presented in collaboration with The Mandate Development Centre (TDMC)'s Moncton Creates, this cohort features a transformational 10-week creative leadership and career development program designed for young people aged 15–30 from immigrant and racialized communities.

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Whether you are passionate about fashion, photography, filmmaking, content creation, storytelling, digital media, design, music, entrepreneurship, or simply discovering your creative voice, Empowered Strides provides a supportive environment where you can build skills, confidence, networks, and opportunities for the future.

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At UCOF, we believe creativity is more than artistic expression. It is a pathway to confidence, belonging, leadership, economic participation, and community impact.

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Through hands-on learning, mentorship, collaborative projects, and exposure to Atlantic Canada's growing creative economy, participants are empowered to explore their talents and transform their ideas into meaningful opportunities. 

What You Will Gain

Creative & Technical Skills​

Entrepreneurship & Career Readiness​

Explore creative disciplines and develop practical skills in areas such as:

  • Content creation & Storytelling

  • Digital media

  • Fashion and creative expression

  • Photography and visual arts

  • Creative entrepreneurship

  • Branding and personal identity

Confidence & Leadership Development

Learn practical skills that support your future success, including:

  • Creative entrepreneurship

  • Personal branding

  • Professional networking

  • Career planning

  • Goal setting

  • Industry pathways and opportunities

 Mentorship & Community​

​Build the confidence to:

  • Express yourself authentically

  • Speak with confidence

  • Lead and collaborate with others

  • Present your ideas publicly

  • Navigate personal and professional challenges

Build relationships that can support your personal and professional growth long after the program ends by connecting with:​

  • Creative professionals

  • Industry mentors

  • Community leaders

  • Fellow emerging creatives​

Who Should Apply?

​Empowered Strides is for participants aged 15–30 who are:

  • Immigrants or newcomers

  • Racialized youth in New Brunswick

  • Emerging creatives (interested in photography, videography, content creation, visual and performing arts, fashion and modelling etc)

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs in the creative space

  • Storytellers and community builders

  • Individuals seeking confidence, leadership, and career development opportunities

 

No previous creative experience is required.

 

All you need is curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to grow.

Program Format

Participants from Moncton may attend sessions in person where feasible while the youth from Fredericton and Saint John will participate virtually throughout the program and will be transported to the final showcase and graduation in person. This hybrid participation model ensures that geography is not a barrier to participation.

HOW TO APPLY

By the end of the programme, participants will:

  • Develop greater confidence and self-awareness

  • Strengthen creative and professional skills

  • Build meaningful peer and mentor relationships

  • Create a personal or collaborative creative project

  • Expand their understanding of career pathways in the creative industries

  • Increase their sense of belonging and community connection

  • Gain exposure to Atlantic Canada's creative ecosystem

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join a community of emerging leaders, creators, and changemakers who are shaping the future through creativity.

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