United, Michael is a Young Leader

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"It's so important for young people to get involved because ultimately they're going to be the ones living in that community and starting their own families."

Michael says United Way's Youth Relations Council, along with Urban Exchange, have been some of the most effective ways to connect with other young leaders and develop the skills necessary to take action on important youth issues.

While pursuing a degree in education, he leads by example as a youth coordinator at United Way partner Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad in the north end community where he's lived all his life.

Michael hopes to change the face of the area by encouraging the young people who live there to strive for more.

"They can achieve their goals, despite the stereotypes, and despite what low expectations may have been placed upon them. There's a lot of hope for this area; there's a lot of potential here for us to be great," he says.

"My main goal is to show people that just because I'm from the north end doesn't mean I'm not going to be successful. Just because I'm a young Aboriginal male it doesn't mean I'm not going to be successful."

Michael has been very successful in impacting youth across the city and in his own neighbourhood.

"I feel like being involved in United Way and with Ndinawe has enabled me to become the young leader that I've always wanted to be. I have a voice in my community and the ability to make a difference."