Growing Together Conference & Summit: Building Community

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Louis is inspired and driven by the success of entrepreneurs in Ontario. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, he has gained experience across a wide range of sectors, from multimedia production and agricultural automation to coffee roasting, a venture that earned him the Young Entrepreneur Award for two consecutive years.

From start-up management to business succession, Louis enjoys sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm. As Regional Director of the Société économique de l’Ontario, he implemented youth and entrepreneurial programs and built the largest team of GrowthWheel-certified business advisors in Canada.

Currently, Louis is leading workforce development and agri-food initiatives in the region through his work with the Eastern Ontario Training Board and the Réseau agroalimentaire de l’Est ontarien. His roles allow him to merge his entrepreneurial insights with a dedication to supporting the local communities.

Juliette is known for her passion for community. In the last five years in her role at United Way Centraide SDG (UWC SDG),she has shown this region that the UWC SDG is more than a fundraising organization. Her leadership pushed the UWC SDG to be a unifying voice in the region by building strategic community partnerships. In March 2020, she created the Regional Emergency Response Council with the Social Development Council of Cornwall which brought together over 25 agencies, non-profits and service clubs to invest millions of Federal Government investments into the nonprofits of this region. This group continues to work together today, meeting bi-monthly to discuss critical community issues and working on solutions collaboratively.

During the very challenging years to fundraise that lay behind us, she continued with her team to innovate and push limits, increasing the UWC SDG’s financial investment in projects, creating new and inventive solutions to some of our most pressing issues, and therefore increasing how our community helps our most vulnerable.  This was achieved through relevant, and key partnerships that continue to grow today.

Her commitment to ‘housing for all’ played a key role in the City of Cornwall’s Winter housing plan that brought individuals from encampments into transitional and supportive living arrangements over the winter of 2023.  The UWC SDG continues to be at the forefront of Housing initiatives in this region and has great ambitions for the possibilities if we all worked together and grow from each other.

 David Wood is a joyful and curious individual with a genuine love for his fellow man and a desire to uplift those less fortunate than himself. He is currently serving as the President of the Rotary Club of Cornwall, where he has been a Rotarian since 2001, participating in numerous community projects and committees. He is the husband of Sandy Wood and is deeply dedicated to their four grown children and four grandchildren.

As a member of the First Baptist Church in Cornwall, David serves as a worship leader, driven by his lifelong passion for music. He and Sandy also led youth ministries there for many years and served on the Board of Directors.

Career-wise, David began as a police officer in 1980 before transitioning to work with high-risk teens in the community. He served as a youth worker, program supervisor, director, and eventually president and CEO of Youth Now Intervention Services. In this role, he employed over 100 youth workers and oversaw five community residential centers and open custody facilities under contract with the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth. He retired in 2019 after a long and fulfilling career. David has served on many community panels and boards both locally and provincially.

David enjoys golfing, cycling (both motor and pedal), kayaking, fishing, and playing the piano (albeit badly). He is a news junkie and enjoys craft beer with friends.

 David’s commitment to the community can be demonstrated through his involvement over the years with the following organizations, where he has significantly contributed to the impact on communities: 

Youth Justice Ontario (Officer/Director)

Provincial North South Partnership with First Nations People (Member)

Coalition to End Family Violence in SD&G (Board of Directors)

Justice and Mental Health Coordinating Committee, SD&G (Chair)

Champlain Valley Justice and Mental Health Coordinating Committee (Member)

Centre York Centre (Board of Directors)

Heart of the Family Child Care (Executive Director/Board Member)

Youth for Christ Eastern Region (Board of Directors)

Boys & Girls Club SD&G (Chair)

First Baptist Church (Board of Directors)

Rotary Club of Cornwall (Board of Directors)

Rotary District 7040 Passport Club (Board of Directors)

Crystal Preston is an avid traveler and culinary enthusiast with a profound appreciation for culture and its many expressions. Her journey through diverse landscapes and cuisines has not only enriched her palate but has also deepened her understanding of the world and its people. Each trip she embarks on is an opportunity to explore new flavors, traditions, and stories, all of which she cherishes and weaves into her daily life.

Resilience is a cornerstone of Crystal’s character. Throughout her career and personal experiences, she has faced numerous challenges that have tested her strengths and determination. Each obstacle has taught her valuable lessons about perseverance and adaptability. She believes that being resourceful is essential in navigating both the professional realm and personal endeavors. Crystal constantly seeks innovative solutions and creative approaches to overcome hurdles, ensuring that she remains focused on her goals.

In her professional life, Crystal has cultivated a robust skill set that spans various administrative disciplines, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to any team or project she is a part of. She thrives in collaborative environments where she can share her insights and learn from others, fostering a culture of mutual growth and support. Her ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds enables her to build strong, impactful relationships that are essential for success.

Crystal is passionate about continuous learning and approaches each new challenge as a chance to expand her knowledge and skills. Whether through formal education, professional development, or personal exploration, she firmly believes that growth is a lifelong journey. Her commitment to self-improvement drives her to seek out new experiences, whether in the kitchen experimenting with international recipes or engaging with local communities.

In summary, Crystal Preston is a force to be reckoned with, blending her love for travel, culinary arts, and culture with resilience and resourcefulness. Her journey is a mosaic of experiences that have shaped her into the person she is today, and she looks forward to the adventures that lie ahead as she continues to explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of life.

Danielle McCormick has been the Public Educator and Volunteer Coordinator for Maison Baldwin House for 8 years. She believes that education is a crucial step in removing the stigma surrounding the shelter and its services, and it is also key to prevention. Every time she speaks to a group, Danielle creates awareness about what healthy relationships should look like and makes people aware of red flags and signs of abuse. By planting the seeds of respect, consent, and healthy communication, she hopes to help stop abuse before the cycle has a chance to start.

Danielle has also been a significant part of Serendipity Boutique, a social enterprise that supports the organization. As a collaborator and advocate, she is on a mission to help and support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking today.