Mandy MacDonald
Creating Spaces Where Youth Feel Seen
CLASS OF 2025
When Mandy MacDonald moved to Fort McMurray in 2007, she expected to stay for five years. Like many who arrive with temporary plans, she soon discovered that the community had a way of making people stay. What began as a relocation turned into a lifelong commitment.
Today, Mandy serves as the Executive Director of the Justin Slade Youth Foundation (JSYF), where she leads with heart, humility, and an unwavering belief in the potential of young people. For her, the most rewarding part of her work is witnessing transformation. She sees teenagers walk through the door shy and unsure, only to grow into confident, engaged individuals. Sometimes the breakthrough comes during a basketball game. Other times it happens while cooking together or laughing over board games. No matter the moment, Mandy treats each milestone as a triumph.
“It is powerful to watch a young person realize they are capable and valued,” she says. “I never take that for granted.”
Mandy’s approach to leadership is rooted in connection. She does not simply organize programs. She builds spaces where youth can be themselves without judgment. Whether she is planning an activity, mediating a disagreement, or sharing a meal with the teens, she always leads with empathy.
Her dedication to youth is deeply personal. Mandy is a mother of two teenagers who are 14 and 16. They are her biggest source of inspiration, and also her most honest critics. Their humour keeps her grounded. Their challenges remind her of how much support young people need as they figure out who they are. Their resilience motivates her to create environments where all teens feel safe, heard, and believed in.
Her passion for community involvement extends beyond her role at JSYF. Mandy has volunteered at numerous local events and initiatives, always with a focus on connection and belonging. Whether she is helping run programs related to mental health, culture, or empowerment, she brings the same energy she brings to her professional work. She believes that volunteering is not just about offering time. It is about building relationships.
What first motivated her to get involved was the spirit of Fort McMurray itself. She saw a town filled with people who cared for one another during hard times and celebrated together during good times. She knew she wanted to contribute to that spirit, especially for youth who often need a place to belong outside of home or school.
Looking ahead, Mandy hopes to continue growing as both a leader and a mother. Professionally, she wants to expand programs at JSYF so that even more young people have consistent access to safe and engaging spaces. Personally, she wants to soak up as much time as she can with her kids while they are still at home, all while continuing to challenge herself and learn new things.
She believes one of the biggest challenges Fort McMurray faces today is ensuring that all youth have access to the supports they need. The community has weathered wildfires, economic shifts, and periods of uncertainty. Those experiences have left lasting impacts on families and young people. To move forward, Mandy believes that investment in accessible youth programs is essential. It is not just about recreation. It is about mental health, identity, and connection.
Mandy sees her role as helping build a strong future by focusing on the next generation. Through JSYF, she provides more than activities. She offers guidance, advocacy, and a sense of belonging. By connecting youth with opportunities and community partners, she is helping build a resilient region shaped by confident, caring young leaders.
In her own words, she is here to create spaces where youth feel seen, supported, and unstoppable.
