Making It Happen 2024

Burnaby, BC – The Jr Black Achievement Awards (JrBAA) is proud to announce ‘Making It Happen’, an uplifting event dedicated to educating and empowering young minds. This event will take place on Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Burnaby Neighbourhood House Community Hall.

‘Making It Happen’ is a platform for the youth of today to engage with experts and leaders in various fields. Our workshop leaders, Teryl Brown, Jennifer Curpen, and Candace Knoll, will deliver interactive sessions designed to equip the younger generation with essential skills for their future success.

Empowering Workshops on Education and Wealth-Building

Teryl Brown, Executive Director of JrBAA and CEO of Absolutely Studying, will lead "The Write Way" workshop, focused on effective essay writing techniques vital for academic achievement.

Jennifer Curpen, a renowned financial advisor with a CFP Designation that places her in the top 10% globally, will offer "Finance Unleashed," a wealth-building workshop that aims to teach essential financial skills to young adults.

Candace Knoll, President of JrBAA, with over 25 years of experience in communications and empowerment, will present the "Break Free" workshop to discuss procrastination's main causes and help participants overcome this barrier to personal and academic progress.

The JrBAA extends its gratitude to CUPE 15 and MoveUp for their generous sponsorship, which has made this event possible. This collaboration highlights the community's commitment to supporting youth development and achievement.

Event Information:

‘Making It Happen’ Date: Sunday, May 26, 2024 Time: 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM Location: Burnaby Neighbourhood House Community Hall, 5024 Rumble Ave, Burnaby BC

Registration is open at www.jbraa.org. Join us for an afternoon filled with education, food, prizes, and fun.

The Jr Black Achievement Awards Hosts Essential Workshops for Young Speakers on January 14, 2024

Coquitlam, BC – The JrBAA is thrilled to announce an enlightening and inspiring event on Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 1:30 to 4:30 PM. This event is a precursor to the much-anticipated Spring Youth Educational Weekend Retreat and features two key workshops aimed at empowering young speakers.

Workshop 1: “Delivering a Successful Presentation” by Candace Knoll

Join us for an engaging educational session with Candace Knoll, a life member of International Training in Communication and an International Speech Contest Winner. Candace brings decades of experience in training, including her significant contributions to the Miss BC Pageant and the POWERtalk Short Course Program. Her workshop will cover the top 10 tips for effective speaking, a vital skill for any aspiring student.

While the primary focus is to prepare Grade 11 and 12 contestants for the “Stellar Stars” Speech Competition, these workshops offer all attendees a chance to learn and refine their public speaking artistry.

Workshop 2: “Reclaiming Your Space” by Mabel Taunu

Mabel Taunu is an experienced Career Advisor and advocate for youth and single mothers. Mabel’s journey from London to Canada and her 19 years in the employment services sector bring a wealth of knowledge to this workshop. Attendees will learn invaluable skills for confidently owning their space in any environment.

Talk the Talk… A Stepping Stone to the Spring Retreat

This event is the last chance before the Spring Youth Educational Weekend Retreat. Participants aiming for the top prize in the Stellar Stars Speech Competition, a $2000 scholarship, must attend at least one JRBAA event to qualify. For more information and registration, visit www.jrbaa.org/stellarstars.

We invite all interested young speakers to join us at the Pinetree Community Centre, 1260 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC, Rooms 5 & 6, for this not-to-be-missed opportunity. Enhance your speaking skills, gain confidence, and take a significant step towards your educational and professional future.

Reaching for the Stars - Spring Youth Educational Retreat

Starting Friday, March 10th, 2023, the Jr. Black Achievement Awards Society is hosting a weekend retreat geared towards education and networking.  We will cover topics such as resume writing, interviewing techniques, vision boards and goal setting, and overcoming procrastination.  The weekend will also feature a Trades Employment Opportunities Panel as well as the Stellar Stars Speech Competition, with the first prize winner receiving a $2000 scholarship.

The Impact

Open Mind Counselling joins us to provide an education on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will also consult with a panel of students to examine how systemic racism has moulded their experiences within the education system and their interactions with their community.

Please join us for this engaging panel discussion on Saturday, November 5th, 2022, from 11 am to 1 pm