Leadership Month Feature - Distinguished Secretary, Shauna McLeod

From a single invite in 2018 to a home for purpose, KYPK transformed an introvert into a leader. What began as curiosity at a meeting grew into years of service, growth, and lasting friendships, lessons no classroom could teach. This Leadership Month, our recently appointed Distinguished Secretary, Shauna McLeod did the honour of sharing how KYPK helped her to find her voice, build confidence and turn quiet commitment into meaningful impact.

Hey, I am DS Shauna!

My journey with the Kiwanis Club of Young Professionals, Kingston (KYPK) began in 2018 when Noya, a colleague from my Human Resource Development Master's programme introduced me to the club. She spoke so passionately about this group of young, like-minded individuals committed to service that I decided to attend a meeting. Little did I know that one decision would become such a meaningful part of my life.

From the moment I walked into that first meeting, I was welcomed with warmth, kindness, and a genuine sense of belonging. I was introduced to the BUG initiative and the incredible work they were doing in the community. Seeing the passion and dedication of the members touched something deep within me because service has always been at the core of who I am. It wasn't long before I knew that KYPK was where I wanted to be.

As someone who has always been a strong introvert and still is ☺, I often found comfort in staying behind the scenes. I chose KYPK because I hoped it would help me grow, challenge myself, and step outside of my comfort zone in a supportive environment. Looking back now, I can honestly say that KYPK has transformed me in ways I never imagined. It gave me the courage to find my voice, the confidence to take on leadership roles, and the opportunity to discover strengths within myself that I did not know existed.

Over the years, I have participated in projects that have not only impacted communities but have also changed me personally. Every service project, every fellowship activity, every meeting, and every challenge has contributed to my growth. Through KYPK, I have learned lessons that no classroom could teach, formed friendships that I deeply cherish, and created memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.

I chose KYPK because it is more than a service club, it is like a family. It is a place where people believe in you even when you doubt yourself, where your growth is celebrated, and where serving others becomes a shared mission. KYPK saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself, and for that I will always be grateful.

As I look ahead to the coming years, I am filled with excitement and hope. I look forward to continuing to serve, to touching more lives, and to helping create lasting change within our communities. I look forward to mentoring and encouraging future members, just as others encouraged me when I first joined. Most of all, I look forward to continuing this journey with a group of people who have become more than fellow members-they have become friends, supporters, and family.

KYPK has given me so much more than I could ever give back. It has given me confidence, purpose, growth, and a place where I truly belong. My hope for the future is that together we continue to inspire, uplift, and serve, ensuring that the impact of KYPK is felt for generations to come. ❤️

"Service brought me to KYPK, but the people, the growth, and the sense of family are what made me stay."