Youth Advisory Committee
The Youth Advisory Committee is made up of outstanding 4-H youth members who want to continue to play a role in, and contribute to, the growth of the 4-H movement in Canada.
Made up of 10 4-H’ers from across the country, the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members represent 4-H Canada at events and conferences and help drive the policy development and decision making of 4-H Canada. The Youth Advisory Committee meets regularly to make recommendations to 4-H Canada on programming, marketing, and communications, as well as policy development.
Each Youth Advisory Committee member actively participates in selected working groups to assist 4-H Canada staff with:
- Planning and facilitation of national conferences,
- Advising on the development of youth-friendly program resources,
- Digital communications,
- and more!
Youth Advisory Committee members may also take an active role in several 4-H Canada working groups, including:
- Two representatives on the Board of Directors (non-voting)
- Research and Data Committee
- Program Innovation Committee
- Brand Committee
- Standards and Youth Safety Working Group
- Marketing, Communications, and Fundraising Working Group
Meet the Youth Advisory Committee
Neleah Lavoie
YAC CHAIR, PEI REPRESENTATIVE
Neleah has been a proud 4-H'er for 11 years with the Cavendish 4-H club in Prince Edward Island. Neleah is a three time 4-H Canada Science Fair winner and was the 2023 L.E.A.D. Science & Technology Scholarship Recipient. Neleah is currently studying Health Sciences at Queen’s University, where she is combining her two passions: science and leadership. In her spare time, Neleah enjoys running, playing soccer and travelling.
Kianna McGregor
YAC VICE-CHAIR, ALBERTA REPRESENTATIVE
Kianna has been a proud 4-H'er with the Namao Trail Busters 4-H club since she was nine years old. Currently studying Education at Concordia University of Edmonton, Kianna aspires to continue her passion for empowering youth by becoming a high school social studies teacher. Prior to her involvement with YAC, Kianna was a Youth Service Leader through 4-H Canada's Hands to Larger Service Program. In her free time, Kianna enjoys playing ringette.
Emily Robb
YAC SECRETARY, MANITOBA REPRESENTATIVE
Emily is a Métis citizen who grew up in rural Southwestern Manitoba and is a proud 4-H'er of eight years. As an Agroecology student at the University of Manitoba, Emily holds holistic ideologies in agricultural education delivery and improving food system resiliency. Passionate about community engagement, Emily is a volunteer notetaker, teaching assistant, and the current U of M Future Leaders 4-H Club President on campus. In her free time, she enjoys practicing horticulture and spending time outdoors!
Austin Olson
YAC REPRESENTATIVE, SASKATCHEWAN
Austin has been a member of the Tisdale 4-H Beef Club for 12 years. Pursuing his goal to become a Journeymen Agriculture Equipment Technician, he currently works as a John Deere Service Technician with Brandt Agriculture. Outside of 4-H he enjoys curling, camping, and summer road trips. While no longer a player, his passion for volleyball continues as he referees on the weekends. Austin also works on a mixed cattle and grain operation, running equipment in the spring and cattle in fall.
Katie MacNeil
YAC REPRESENTATIVE, NOVA SCOTIA
Being a 4-H'er for 10 years with the St. Joseph’s 4-H club in Nova Scotia, Katie is a first-year representative of the Health Society at St. FX, where she is also a Research Assistant researching small farm issues. Katie is a former Regional 4-H Ambassador for 4-H Nova Scotia and is currently the President of her 4-H club. In her spare time, Katie enjoys both playing and coaching volleyball and basketball, and frequently volunteers with Special Olympics and L'Arche Antigonish.
Rebecca Welden
YAC REPRESENTATIVE, QUEBEC
A 4-H'er for seven years with the Lachute 4-H club in Quebec, Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and is currently pursuing her CPA designation. Prior to becoming a YAC representative, Rebecca was the president and Chair of Finance of 4-H Quebec. Outside of her involvement with 4-H, you can find Rebecca travelling and spending time outdoors!
Mary Brander
YAC REPRESENTATIVE, ONTARIO
An active 4-H member for nine years, Mary has finished 70 clubs to date, including (but not limited to): dairy, veterinary, go for the gold, woodworking, poultry, cooking and baking, sewing, outdoors, maple syrup, sheep, painting, quilting, scrapbooking, and field crops. Currently studying Agricultural Science at the University of Guelph, Mary is working towards becoming a large animal veterinarian with a focus on dairy operations. Outside of school, Mary is an active volunteer with her local fairs and was the 2023-2024 Fergus Fall Fair Ambassador. Outside of her many commitments, she enjoys working on her dairy farm, playing hockey and rugby, reading, and listening to music!
Sarah Maloney
YAC REPRESENTATIVE, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Sarah has been an active member of 4-H British Columbia for 13 years. She is from Vancouver Island where she raised sheep and was a provincial ambassador for the Island region for two years. Currently, Sarah is graduating from the University of the Fraser Valley with a Diploma in Agriculture Technology focusing on Livestock Production. Sarah is passionate about agriculture and animals, so while not working on 4-H tasks you can find her working and playing with animals and road tripping.
Olivia Taylor
YAC REPRESENTATIVE, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Olivia has been a member of the 4-H Goulds Challenging Pioneers for 10 years. Studying journalism at the College of the North Atlantic, Olivia hopes to pursue a career as a broadcast journalist. Olivia has participated in a variety of 4-H programs at the provincial and national levels, including the local AG expo, 4-H Canada Science Fair, Careers on the Grow internships, and club exchanges. In her spare time, Olivia enjoys many hobbies, ranging from gardening and knitting to hiking, welding, and more. She also enjoys spending time working at a local flower shop.
Kayleigh Brewer
YAC REPRESENTATIVE, NEW BRUNSWICK
As a member of the Keswick Ridge 4-H Club of 11 years, Kayleigh is passionate about showing youth that you don’t need to come from an agricultural background to be involved in agriculture! Currently taking a BSc Agriculture with a major in Animal Science and a certificate in Animal Welfare at Dalhousie University, Kayleigh plans on working within the dairy industry following graduation. Outside of school she’s an active member and Co-President of the Dal AC Judging Team, and enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Getting Involved with the Youth Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee members are selected by their provincial 4-H organization. Terms last two years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional one or two-year term. For more information on how to get involved with the Youth Advisory Committee, please contact your provincial 4-H office.