BYTE Welcomes Shelby Maunder to the Helm

We are excited to announce that Shelby Maunder has been selected as the new Executive Director of BYTE – Empowering Youth Society.

Shelby is originally from Aurora, Ontario and has extensive experience working with youth, through her prior roles with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club of Yukon and many other youth serving organizations across Canada. She’s lived in the Yukon since August, 2013. But she says she followed the work that BYTE does before she moved here. She is excited for the possibilities this job will bring to her.

“BYTE is a super dynamic organization and you can create a list a mile long when you are thinking of all the roles it can play for Yukon youth.”

She is also excited that this job will take her to the communities. Furthermore, Shelby says she is passionate about exploring the role BYTE can play to empower kids in care homes.

Former executive director Chris Rider says as hard as it is for him to leave his position at BYTE, knowing that he’s handing the reins to someone of Shelby’s capacity makes him very happy.

“She has an amazing balance of experience and we think she’s perfect for the role.”

Chris is referring to Shelby’s management experience, with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club, and her experience working with youth within those organizations.

Co-chair of the BYTE board, Felicia Bailey, says Shelby’s background of First Nation knowledge is a crucial asset for her role as BYTE’s new E.D.

“It’s important since BYTE works so much with the communities and relies on those bonds made through the workshops.”

Felicia says Shelby’s wonderful personality and sense of humour will bring something new and exciting to the BYTE team.

Amos Westropp is the other co-chair of the BYTE board. He also praises the experience Shelby will bring to her role.

“She has a proven track record of working with youth on a range of initiatives designed to advance youth empowerment.”

Amos, along with everyone else, extends a welcome to Shelby. The board looks forward to working with her, he says.

Shelby will start in April. Chris will continue to work part-time alongside Shelby for the month to ensure a smooth transition.