The YMCA of Greater Saint John is recognizing two leaders for their contributions to the community.
Janet Thompson-Price is the recipient of the 35th Annual Red Triangle Award, and Cameron Keyes will receive the Leader to Watch Award.
Thompson-Price is an immigration lawyer at Atlantic Fusion Law Group.
She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions and advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Thompson-Price offers free legal services to immigrant communities, co-founded a citizenship clinic, and helps secure permits for victims of intimate partner violence.
Her journey with the YMCA has come full circle, from participating in their programs as a teenager to serving on their board as an adult, and now her children attending Y programs.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to see it from a 360-degree angle,” Janet said.
“Hopefully, this recognition can help continue the work for other newcomers to feel included and welcomed in our community.”
Cameron Keyes, the Leader to Watch, is known for his dedication to supporting people with disabilities and promoting inclusion.
Keyes’s inspiration comes from his sister, who has Down syndrome.
” Growing up I saw a lot of the struggles that she had getting to work with our community and when there was a lack of accommodation,” Keyes said.
He helps organizations such as L’Arche Saint John and the Saint John Down Syndrome Society.
Keyes is also the president of Best Buddies at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, where he builds friendships between students and adults with intellectual disabilities.
“Inclusion’s always been my biggest thing and it’s something that I’ve tried to embody within my day-to-day life,” He said.
Both recipients will be celebrated at an upcoming gala in April, where they will share their inspiring stories and visions for a more inclusive and supportive community.
