The Ripple Effect of Getting Involved

An interview with Evgenia Popova, Mentee of the year, LOT 2024-25.

Written by Patricia Bonghanoy, Leaders of Tomorrow 2025-26 Mentee 

Building on a strong culture of service and leadership, I had the privilege of interviewing Evgenia, the 2024–2025 LOT Mentee of the Year. Evgenia’s experience reflects her deep commitment to her communities, which was intentionally shaped by her active involvement in the program.

During her time in LOT, Evgenia recalled volunteering at nearly 25 events. The majority of these were initiated by the EDI Committee, and EDI in Action was her most memorable experience. That event offered her both freedom and responsibility as she led the event. The event turned out to be successful, with a high attendance rate, overwhelmingly positive feedback, and conversations that went beyond the mentees and mentors. Through these experiences, Evgenia came to a powerful realization: behind every business community are people who simply want to be heard, seen, and connected.

For her, being a newcomer to Canada was a challenge, but volunteering made her feel more connected to her new home. It also became more than a way to give back because of how it helped her rebuild confidence in a local professional environment. Above all, creating genuine relationships that evolved into mentorship and support is what she is most thankful for. Along the way, it also clarified her career direction, reignited her passion for events and marketing, and helped her approach her job search with intention.

When she looked back at her LOT journey, Evgenia shared that she misses being part of LOT and GVBOT. The amount of support she received from everyone has shaped her perspective, and it has honed her into a person who volunteers more and stays involved in the community to pass it forward. Although she is now currently employed full-time, she still hopes to continue showing up to events where she can lend a hand. By taking opportunities as they come, she discovered that some of the most meaningful growth happens when you are willing to step forward, even when you are uncertain of where it might lead.

“Volunteering is not transactional. It is about showing up with genuine intent to contribute," she said. 

Listening to Evgenia’s journey made me reflect on my experience with the program. I came to realize that volunteering is not just about filling roles or hours; rather, it is about choosing to be present and enjoying the service we contribute. For me, volunteering has shaped my confidence, helped me build real connections, and find my own purpose. In many ways, I see that volunteering is less about the tasks we do and more about the people we become through the experience.

This article is from Mentored to Lead, Connected to Serve, a newsletter created by the 2025-26 Leaders of Tomorrow cohort that highlights the meaningful connections students are building beyond events and meetings. Read the full newsletter for more content.