4-H Alberta The Bella Sweet Experience
A case study

Cultivating Confidence: Leading the way for the next generation

For Bella Sweet, leadership wasn't always second nature. Growing up in a small rural community, the prospect of leading large groups felt daunting. Despite being outspoken in her tiny class of only 13 students, Bella recalls being "really, really shy" as a child when stepping into larger environments. However, through 4-H Alberta’s Youth Leadership & Development Programs, supported by the ATB Community Foundation, Bella grew from a shy student into a Premier’s Award recipient, embodying the next generation of women leaders who are 'Powering Possibility' across our province.

Bella’s transformation was sparked by 4-H’s "learn to do by doing" philosophy. She transitioned from a club member to taking on high-level executive roles, eventually serving as a regional vice president at just 15 years old—often the only youth in a room full of adults. "I really found my passion and my voice for leadership in 4-H," Bella shares. "It helped me realize that I can be someone that a lot of people look up to".

This growth was particularly evident during her time in YLEAD, a youth leadership program where she served as a camp counselor. The experience forced her to practice self-regulation and problem-solving. These moments built the social-emotional resilience she now carries into her university studies in psychology and her future goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist.

This International Women’s Day, Bella’s story highlights how 4-H supports girls through female mentorship with about 63% of youth leadership and development attendees identifying as female. "It really just helps showcase how much of an impact women can have and how far using your voice can take you," Bella notes. Now, as a Premier’s Award recipient—the highest honor for a 4-H member—Bella not only represents 4-H across the country but mentors younger members, helping them find their own voices just as she found hers.

The ATB Community Foundation envisions a future where children and youth possess the skills and confidence to navigate a complex and ever-changing world. By investing in initiatives that foster innovation and leadership, we are nurturing the next generation of problem-solvers and changemakers. This past year, about 299 youth achieved innovation in children and youth outcomes through ATB’s investments.  At ATB, 'Powering Possibility' means ensuring that young women like Bella have every opportunity to unlock their potential. Supporting these initiatives nurtures the leaders who will contribute to a strong, resilient economy for all Albertans.

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The ATB Community Foundation champions a thriving, resilient and equitable society for current and future generations.  If you’re part of an organization dedicated to creating meaningful change for your community or equity-seeking group, we want to know you.