Ryan is a professional community developer, entrepreneur, and musician with 20 years of experience. He uses a collaborative, cross-sector approach to build stronger communities through youth and arts engagement. Ryan believes in the power of creativity and innovation to unlock human potential, fostering both economic and social prosperity within communities.
In 2012, Ryan co-founded Youth Art Connection (YAC), a registered charity dedicated to empowering young creatives. Through workshops, community hubs, festivals, public forums, and leadership development programs, YAC supports youth in using their creativity as a tool for personal growth and community impact.
Ryan’s long-term goal is to contribute to the development of social and physical infrastructure that addresses challenges faced by young creatives in establishing businesses and leading community projects. He believes that creating opportunities for young creatives to thrive will not only strengthen local leadership but also revitalize, grow, and, in some cases, help sustain communities and the local economy.