Emerging leaders from North Bay meet Duke of Edinburgh

North Bay's Riley Ong & Jolene Carter met the Duke of Edinburgh at a reception for young leaders. OutLoud North Bay called it an "incredible" experience.

Two young representatives from OutLoud North Bay attended a reception with the Duke of Edinburgh in Toronto on Saturday, celebrating emerging leaders in an event described as both inspiring and validating.

Riley Ong and Jolene Carter were among the guests at the gathering, held in the historic Lieutenant Governor’s Suite, where they met Prince Edward and other community leaders. The organization shared their experience in a social media post, calling it “a truly unforgettable experience” that fostered connection and reflection.

“This event didn’t just celebrate emerging leaders – it inspired them,” the post read.

“And for those of us who have walked alongside them in their journeys, it was a moment of quiet joy and immense pride.”

The post described the atmosphere as warm and respectful, with youth engaging in thoughtful conversations about their passions and challenges.

“For the youth in attendance, it was more than just a royal reception – it was a moment of recognition,” the organization wrote.

OutLoud North Bay founder Seth Compton noted that official photos from the event are still pending.

“We are waiting on official professional photos because there were no cameras allowed while His Royal Highness was on site,” he said in the post.

“Excited to get the official photos to share,” Compton added in a message to CTV News on Tuesday.

Founded in 2019, OutLoud North Bay provides support and resources for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies in northeastern Ontario. Starting as a small downtown initiative, it has since expanded to a larger facility on Delaware Avenue and gained registered charity status in 2021. The organization focuses on mental health, peer support, and creative programming, serving as a vital hub for young people in the region.

The reception underscored the impact of youth leadership, with OutLoud emphasizing the pride felt in seeing its members recognized on such a prominent stage.