For a select group of 42 ambitious, goal-oriented emerging leaders, the next 10 months may well be among the most pivotal moments of their lives.

These already-outstanding individuals (they have to be, or they wouldn’t pass the rigorous selection process) have been chosen to take part in the 2012 21Leaders program – an intense parttime leadership development initiative that includes action-oriented learning, personal coaching and classroom instruction. Once selected, participation in all parts of the program – including three long weekends called “accelerators” and a six-day study tour – is mandatory. There are no tuition fees associated with the experience, though participants are asked to contribute a $100 “commitment fee” at the outset.

According to 21inc spokesperson, Sara Ehrhardt, the 21Leaders program was developed by the alumni of the NextNB program, a dialogue on the future of N.B. that was initiated by University of New Brunswick in 2004. “Those 21 young people felt that their experience was so profound that they wanted other young people to be able to benefit from it and so they incorporated a non-profit organization – 21inc.”

Though it was originally specific to New Brunswick, 21inc alumni and partners encouraged the organization to expand into the other Atlantic provinces. As a result, this year marks the first expansion with 21Leaders Nova Scotia. “Over the next five years,” says Ehrhardt, “we would like to build a network of 300 emerging leaders across the region. We believe this network will be crucial for the development and sustainability of our region over time.”

Many apply, few are chosen.

Hundreds of nominations were received for the 2012 program, with only 21 individuals selected for each province (42 in total).

Eligible nominees for the bi-annual program must be between 20 and 35 years of age. Following a call for nominations, nominees receive additional information about the application process via email. To proceed to the next phase, each nominee must submit an application package including additional information about them and their work, short essay responses and two letters of reference. 21inc then works with Knightsbridge Roberston Surrette to develop a shortlist of candidates from each province. The final selection is made by a jury comprised of provincial community leaders.

21Leaders New Brunswick

• Remi Boudreau Owner, Remi – A World of Magic
• Keith Brideau VP & Co-founder, Historica Group of Companies
• Christy Clarke Founder & Exec. Dir., Earth Spirit Horse Rescue/Gratitude Works
• Robert Foley Software Developer, IBM/Q1 & Co-founder, Startup Kitchen
• Steph Fox Dir., Community Development, United Way/Centraide (Central N.B.) Inc.
• Maxime Gauvin Coordinator, Community Schools, Language & Cultural Development, School District Francophone South
• Paul Lang Dir., Economic Development & Tourism, Town of Shediac
• Jenna MacDonald Director of Marketing, Belledune Port Authority
• Myles Malley Sales & Marketing, Malley Industries Inc. • Lethania Martinez Customer Contact, ExxonMobil/Owner, Mayan Accents
• Mike McAloon Manager, Commercial Marketing Program, Enbridge Gas
• Beth MacMahon Exec. Dir., Canadian Organic Growers
• Promise Mwenga Exec. Dir., New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council
• Sally Ng Community & Product Marketer, Clarity
• Vanessa Paesani Program Delivery Officer, The Gaia Project
• Shawn Peterson IT Consultant, T4G Limited
• Claire Ryan Consultant, MT&L Public Relations
• Adam Savoy Manager, NB Liquor
• Matt Sheriko Communications Officer, St. Thomas University/Ass’t Dir., Camp Triumph
• Jenelle Sobey Partner Relations Manager, New Brunswick Business Council
• Erinn Wattie Independent Consultant

21Leaders Nova Scotia

• Gillian Bond Student, Dalhousie University
• Andrew Button Exec. Dir., Lunenburg Queens RDA
• Mufaro Chakabuda CEO, Maritime Centre for African Dance Inc.
• Emilie De Rosenroll Exec. Dir., NSARDA
• Julia Feltham Social Entrepreneur
• Sophia Horwitz Founder/Director, Co*Lab
• Angela Johnston Owner, Valley Cloth Diaper Company
• Isabelle LeVert-Chiasson Heartwood Associates
• Lia MacDonald Dir., Field Operations, NS Power
• Emily MacDonald Dir., Integral Geomatics
• Nick Macgregor Business Development, MacGregor’s Custom Machining
• Melissa MacMaster Catalyst, Accelerate Centre for Youth Entrepreneurs
• Monica Njoku Alumni Officer, Saint Mary’s University
• Sarah Pyke Recent Graduate, Cape Breton University
• Blair Ryan Co-founder/CEO, The Empathy Factory
• Kyle Schmeisser Sector Strategist, NSBI
• Leah Skerry Managing Partner, Norex
• Rebecca Lea Thomas Student, Dalhousie University
• Ryan Veltmeyer Founder/CEO, Youth Art Connection
• Hannes Weiland Business Analyst, CarbonCure Technologies
• Bruce Wood Manager, Assurance and Advisory, Deloitte

For more information about this year’s program participants, see www.21inc.ca