About BOLD

Why was BOLD created?

Since their youth, Claire and Val have shared a deep passion for public speaking. Recognizing its power to inspire confidence, leadership, and effective communication, they founded BOLD to ensure all young people have equal access to these essential life skills.

In what ways will you benefit from BOLD?

Boosted Self-Confidence
Improved Communication Abilities
Building Connections with Like-Minded Peers
Foundational Skill Development at an Early Stage
Cultivating Lifelong Skills for Personal and Professional Growth

Here is a sample session breakdown:

4:00-4:05 Welcome and intros

Sit at tables
Have refreshments

4:05-4:15 Icebreaker game

Personality bingo: all participants receive a bingo card and must interact with other participants in order to fill up bingo card spaces (card spaces could be like :find someone who has a pet dog). The winner receives a prize!

4:15-4:20 Public speaking video introduction

4:20-4:30 Split into groups of 2 or 3 to get to know each other and discuss a given topic (example: Navigating a group project at school). The task will be to create a skit to explain a real-life scenario.

4:30-4:40 Each group presents to the audience using three tactics that are taught:

Voice projection & volume
Eye contact
Audience engagement

4:40-4:45 Talk about long-term goals for the program and each individual, and make fun stickers as a souvenir to end off the session.

Get to Know Us!

Claire Yang: co-founder

Claire is a Grade 12 student at Appleby College who is a passionate public speaker. Through Model United Nations conferences and leading Appleby College Model United Nations Conference, she has developed a passion for bringing people together through the power of speech. She founded and hosts In ’n’ Out Insights, a podcast highlighting inspiring youth and local GTA organizations and businesses. She is also a TEDx Youth speaker, OYAC chair, and host of Canada-wide youth events. Through each of these experiences, Claire hopes to make public speaking more accessible, empowering young people to speak with confidence and purpose.

Email: claireyangtm@gmail.com

Val Jimenez: co-founder

Val is a co-founder of the BOLD Public Speaking Program. Inspired by personal experiences overcoming a fear of public speaking, Val helped create the program to guide others in finding their voice. In addition to this work, Val has volunteered with various community initiatives in Oakville, supporting local programs and youth development. Through workshops and events, Val strives to empower youth to speak with clarity, purpose, and confidence.

Take a listen to Claire's podcast called In 'n' Out Insights on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rGdrZp2fUKvhEDFfgsRdF?si=iAtfVtkbQre5dHeEWGDF0A

Ahmed Anjum: Chapter Lead

Hi, I'm Ahmed Anjum, a Grade 12 IB student passionate about leadership, community engagement, and creating positive change. I enjoy working with youth, organizing initiatives that bring people together, and contributing to projects that make a meaningful impact. Through volunteering, advocacy, and leadership opportunities, I strive to help build stronger and more connected communities.