History

In 2006, Deanna Werklund participated in an executive experiential leadership program so impactful that the participants wished they had been given the opportunity to attend as a teenager. Deanna quickly formed a vision of providing all teenagers with this type training as a vehicle to empower students with the skills necessary to excel in life.

Deanna shared her vision with her father, Dave Werklund, and his tremendous support, mentorship and empowerment provided a solid foundation to pursue her vision. Her passion was contagious, and she quickly began to develop an innovative leadership initiative that would profoundly impact students through world-class leadership experiences. Dave's only criteria: measure the results!

Dave's success had taught him to strive for excellence and measure results, and the Werklund Foundation elected to research this leadership program through a formal, long-term independent evaluation with the University of Calgary. In 2007, the study was completed and the University of Calgary found the results profound and unprecedented—the program delivered dramatic improvements in emotional intelligence, the ability to adapt to change, competence and goal attainment. The results exceeded everyone's expectations, and the Werklunds realized they had discovered a catalyst for social change.

The Werklunds recognized how well leadership training complemented formal education and the advantages it provided students who participated in these programs. Driven by the belief that every person is born with the ability to lead, the Werklund Foundation launched Empowering Minds™ leadership programs in several high schools. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the project, the Werklund Foundation developed additional courses for middle and high school students.

Today, Deanna's original vision has been achieved and the ongoing response to the program continues to highlight a simple truth - that Empowering Minds™ training is penetrating the core of many social issues, giving students the confidence to lead, and better preparing them to combat today's most difficult developmental issues, including bullying and peer pressure.