This year, WIC launched its pilot Fostering Future Leaders Student-Alum Coaching Program – an initiative rooted in our Voyageur ethos and aligned with our strategic priority to empower purposeful leadership through experiential learning. Designed to deepen student leadership development through mentorship, the program paired Head Prefects Makayla W. ’25 and Jaxon C. ’25 with WIC alum Brandon Harrar ’06, Founder & Creative Director at HRVST.
Over six in-person sessions, the trio explored leadership in action – bridging theory with practice and reflection in true Voyageur fashion – navigating real-world challenges with courage, curiosity, and integrity. Brandon generously volunteered his time to guide the students, meeting bi-monthly on campus alongside Steve Leroux, Assistant Head of Senior School, who coordinated the pilot.
Together, they addressed timely and authentic leadership moments: organizing student-led service campaigns, motivating peers during exam periods, and strengthening communication across the school’s vibrant and multicultural student community. This pilot marks a meaningful step forward in connecting generations of Voyageurs to cultivate leadership that is engaged, empathetic, and future-focused.
Leadership, Communication, and Self-Awareness
Throughout the sessions, Brandon led conversations on practical leadership topics, including inspiring a team, managing peer relationships, and understanding one’s leadership style. These lessons weren’t abstract – they were tied directly to the students’ daily responsibilities as Head Prefects.
One highlight came during the planning of the graduating class’s senior prank, which presented a real-world challenge in organizing and unifying a large group of students. With Brandon’s support, Makayla and Jaxon developed strategies for effective communication, delegation, and maintaining group focus on a shared goal.
“Brandon really helped us with strategies for getting people involved,” said Makayla. “It’s tough to lead peers – you can’t rely on authority. You have to find ways to motivate and collaborate.”
Jaxon found the self-reflection aspect of the mentorship especially helpful. “Once I understood my leadership style, I could actually explain it in a meaningful way,” he said. “That’s something I’ll take with me into interviews and future roles.” Makayla found the program both eye-opening and empowering, giving her valuable tools for personal and professional growth. “I learned the importance of active listening and managing group dynamics and frustrations. These insights have shaped the way I view teamwork and leadership, and I feel more confident navigating future challenges because of them.”
An Alum Giving Back
Brandon’s participation in the program stemmed from his involvement in WIC’s Fall 2024 Alum Career Fair, where he reconnected with the school community and saw the potential for deeper engagement.
“Seeing how thoughtful and mature Makayla and Jaxon were really impressed me,” Brandon shared. “They took the program seriously and came into every meeting with intention. It was clear they cared about doing the job well, not just holding the title.”
Reflecting on his return to WIC, Brandon acknowledged how formative the school had been in shaping his approach to leadership and work.
“I didn’t realize it at the time, but WIC created a foundation for success in my life,” he said. “The values and work ethic I developed here have stayed with me throughout my career.”
Looking to the Future
The Fostering Future Leaders program not only provided Makayla and Jaxon with practical leadership tools – it also laid the groundwork for a broader, long-term initiative at WIC. Starting next school year, the College will offer a Personal Project/Mentorship Program to Secondary 5 students as part of a Term 3 options course. This program will be designed to provide students with hands-on experience in their chosen field, paired with mentorship from WIC alums, thereby expanding the impact of this successful pilot.
Brandon’s volunteer contribution and the students’ meaningful participation made this first run a clear success. As WIC continues to innovate in experiential learning and strengthen alum-student connections, this initiative reflects the heart of Voyaging Together – our 2025–2030 strategic plan – by empowering student growth (People), designing real-world learning pathways (Programming), and deepening community engagement (Positioning). In the spirit of the Voyageur – curious, courageous, and future-focused – this evolving program lights the way for the next generation of leaders.