CONGRATULATIONS TO YES ON 30 YEARS OF IMPACT!
For three decades, YES has been a cornerstone of support for Quebecers — helping nearly 70,000 people find their footing, launch new ventures, and pursue their creative passions.
BDO is proud to sponsor this milestone celebration and to support YES’s continued mission to build stronger, more resilient communities through employment, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
To continue offering our services, we rely on the generosity of people like you. Government funding covers only part of what we do, leaving critical programs unfunded. Your support can help bridge this gap, ensuring that we can maintain affordable, accessible services for everyone.
Scan the QR code to make a donation!
THANK YOU TO OUR 30 th ANNIVERSARY GALA COMMITTEE:
Chair
Anne-Marie Henson
Co-Chairs
Ana Marinescu
Andrew Molson
Helen Antoniou
Ambassadors
Lina Aristeo
Marina Boulos-Winton
Pino Di Ioia
Elizabeth Gomery
THANK YOU TO TONIGHT’S MCS:
Andy Nulman
Caroline Van Vlaardingen
A NOTE FROM OUR COMMITTEE CHAIR
On behalf of the 30th Anniversary Gala Committee, welcome and thank you for being here tonight.
This evening is more than a celebration. It’s a milestone. A chance to reflect on where we came from, to recognize the people and moments that shaped YES, and to look boldly ahead to where we’re going next.
Thirty years ago, YES was founded with a clear purpose: to provide English-speaking Quebecers with the tools, support, and guidance to build meaningful careers and businesses — right here at home. Since then, YES has helped over 70,000 jobseekers, entrepreneurs, and artists find their footing, unlock their potential, and thrive.
But the story doesn’t end here. In fact, it’s still being written—by the +3,000 individuals YES supports each year, and by all of us who believe in the power of opportunity, resilience, and community.
Tonight’s gala is also one of YES’ most important fundraising events. The energy, generosity, and connection in this room help ensure YES can continue to offer free, accessible services that empower people, reduce economic vulnerability, and build a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable Québec.
Thank you for showing up. Thank you for believing in YES. Together, we’re not only celebrating 30 years of impact, we’re fueling the future.
We hope you enjoy every moment of tonight’s event.
Warmly,
Anne-Marie Henson Chair, YES 30th Anniversary Committee Treasurer, YES Employment + Entrepreneurship Board of Directors
Proud supporters of YES and the great work they do for our community!
A NOTE FROM YES' PRESIDENT
As we mark YES’ 30th anniversary, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude - not only for how far we’ve come, but also for the future that lies ahead, full of promise, purpose, and potential.
As a leader in the Employment and Entrepreneurship space, YES has been a pillar for jobseekers, entrepreneurs, and artists navigating their careers and contributing to the economic engine of Québec. What began as a grassroots initiative to stem the exodus of English-speaking youth has grown into a dynamic, future-facing organization that supports thousands of people every year.
As the needs of our community continue to evolve, so too does our commitment to meet them. Change is inevitable — and YES is ready.
The future of work is shifting. Political and economic landscapes are changing. Young people are redefining success. Artists and entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules. And through it all, YES is rising to meet the moment by expanding our services, deepening our impact, and reaching new communities.
From launching mentorship programs and training tailored to the workforce, to championing equity through programs that uplift women and underrepresented voices, YES is committed to building a Québec where no talent is left behind — where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their background, language, or starting point.
That’s the future we’re working toward, and tonight, with your support, we are one step closer.
Thank you for standing with YES, not just to celebrate the past, but to invest in what comes next.
With gratitude,
Giovanna Buscemi President, Board of Directors
YES Employment + Entrepreneurship
A NOTE FROM OUR PRESENTING PARTNER
What a privilege it is to celebrate 30 years of impact with the YES community. As Gala Co-Chair, I am deeply honoured to share the stage — and this journey — with two exceptional leaders, Andrew Molson and Helen Antoniou. Thank you for your wisdom, generosity, and unwavering belief in what’s possible for Quebec.
This evening is more than a celebration — it is a reminder of what makes opportunity real. For 30 years, YES has bridged the gap, helping jobseekers, entrepreneurs, and artists turn their ideas into action and their ambition into impact. At a time when challenges persist — from language barriers to systemic inequities — YES continues to offer not just programs, but possibility.
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible teams at Scotiabank for your steadfast support tonight and every day with The Scotiabank Women Initiative. Your commitment to community, equity, and economic inclusion is felt deeply — and tonight’s celebration is stronger because of you.
To every guest, partner, donor, and volunteer: thank you. Your presence is a powerful vote of confidence — not only in YES, but in the potential of every person it serves. With your support, we are building a Quebec where inclusion, innovation, and community define our future.
With gratitude,
Ana Marinescu Senior Director, Scotiabank Women Initiative Presenting Partner
WHAT YOU’RE SUPPORTING
For 30 years, YES Employment + Entrepreneurship has been changing lives and strengthening communities across Québec. As a registered charity, we offer English-language support that opens doors for jobseekers, entrepreneurs, and artists. We provide the tools, confidence, and connections they need to build a future right here at home.
Every year, we work with over 3,000 individuals, guiding them through career counselling, business coaching, skills development, and training. From landing that first job, to launching a new venture, to building a sustainable artistic career, YES helps people turn potential into progress.
We’ve already helped tens of thousands of Quebecers overcome barriers, reduce financial instability, and become active contributors to a more diverse, inclusive, and resilient local economy.
And we’re just getting started.
With your support, we can reach even more people — ensuring that talent doesn’t leave Québec, but flourishes here.
Join us in helping build a Québec where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
YES has helped almost 70,000 clients since opening its doors
+3,000 79%
+18,000
JOB SEEKERS, ARTISTS AND ENTREPRENEURS SERVED ANNUALLY OF EMPLOYMENT CLIENTS FOUND EMPLOYMENT OR RETURNED TO SCHOOL SERVICES DELIVERED LAST YEAR
CLIENTS SERVED 3,327
OUR IMPACT LAST YEAR
SERVICES DELIVERED +18,000
TOTAL VOLUNTEERS 177
NETWORKING EVENTS 11
WORKSHOP ATTENDANCE 5,474 WORKSHOPS 540
SILENT AUCTION
CLOSES TONIGHT
AT 9:00 pm
Scan the QR code to view and bid on exclusive items and experiences.
Winning bids will be announced after closing. Good luck!
Jason and Sam MacCallum
are proud to support the YES
30th Anniversary Gala
Thank you, YES, for 30 years of impact and service to our community!
Congratulations to YES on 30 years of remarkable service, empowerment, and impact.
Système Intérieur FR is proud to stand alongside YES in celebrating this milestone and extends its warmest wishes for continued success, growth, and many more years of
MODS is a proud sponsor of the YES 30th Anniversary Gala. Our heartfelt congratulations to YES Board, staff, and volunteers for their tireless dedication and inspiring commitment to enriching our community.
www.modsinc.com
Proud to celebrate YES’ 30 years of impact. Congratulations from Liz Gomery and the whole team at Philanthropica.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to the volunteers, staff, donors, funders, and partners who've helped support more than 70,000 Quebecers with YES.
This 30th anniversary milestone isn’t just about the past — it’s a launchpad for a future we’re excited to build together.
Thank you for being part of it.
