Launch Pad Youth Activity and Technology Centre (Launch Pad) in Hanover is excited to introduce Emily Morrison as the new Executive Director.  Emily is a local strawberry farmer and spent time developing youth entrepreneurial and skills-based learning programs for youth in North Durham Region.  Her work in Eastern Ontario developing entrepreneurial programs and youth-led small business initiatives were recognized by the Rural Ontario Institute in their inaugural Youth Engagement Showcase Competition.

“It’s an honour to be here,” explains Emily Morrison, “Working in Eastern Ontario, we looked to Launch Pad as the goal, what we had hoped our youth centre could one day become.  I am proud to be back closer to home, utilizing what I learned and bringing those same experiences back to youth in the rural communities I grew up in.”

Emily’s most recent employment opportunity was for the County of Huron, leading the marketing and communications for the 2017 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo hosted in Walton, Huron County.     

“I am excited Emily has chosen to join the team” out-going Executive Director, Jacinda Rudolph explains “She has the experience and knowledge needed to implement innovative skills initiatives, and the passion to drive it forward.  I am confident that she will continue to make Launch Pad a valuable resource for youth in our region to build stronger connections to their community”

Board Chair of Launch Pad, Kathi Maskell, explains Emily is herself, a goal of Launch Pad.  “Our board is thrilled to have this highly achieving, accomplished young woman join Launch Pad in the leadership role. Emily has experience in youth leadership and has earned several impressive awards for her work.  The board is confident she will be well received by our youth, staff, parents, donors, and the wider community served by Launch Pad.”

Launch Pad is open Tuesday to Friday 3:30 – 8:00 PM for 12-18 year olds and offers after school/evening programming around skills based learning in addition to youth drop-in space.  Through generous sponsors, partners and granting agents, Launch Pad recently completed renovations that include a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen and four-bay welding space.  Launch Pad also offers full day camps throughout the summer months.   For more information, or a tour of Launch Pad, check out our website at yatc.ca or call 519 506-6300.