From Thursday, June 19 to Sunday, June 22, 2025, the Positive Leadership Development Institute (PLDI) proudly hosted an uplifting four-day, in-person leadership training at the serene retreat setting of Loon Lake in Maple Ridge, BC. This immersive experience supported participants in uncovering their leadership potential while fostering deep connections within a vibrant network of peers.
This was our first Core PAN-PLDI training back at Loon Lake since COVID, and it was well worth the wait. The natural beauty of the surroundings infused the weekend with energy, clarity, and a renewed breath of leadership.
Our group of 19 brought together an incredible diversity of lived experiences-ranging in age from 19 to 65+, and representing communities including Gay, Straight, Gender Diverse, BIPOC, Indigenous, Latino, Latinx, people in recovery, newly diagnosed individuals, and long-term survivors.
As the PLDI Program Manager, I could not have asked for a more supportive facilitation team or a more engaged, open, and fun group of participants for our return to Loon Lake. Every single participant graduated from the leadership program and proudly received their Core “Who Am I as a Leader?” certificate.
Participant Reflections:
“Participating in PLDI helped me overcome internalized stigma and embrace my HIV status with pride. The supportive, peer-led environment empowered me to share my story, connect with others, and challenge misconceptions. This transformation occurred through community, education, and realizing I’m not alone-my voice and experience truly matter.”
“I learned so much about myself during this training. I’ve sabotaged good things in my life before, but this experience made me realize how important it is to follow through-and that I’m worth it. I contribute value to my community.”
“This is the happiest moment of my life. I felt even more joy graduating here than I did graduating from college. ❤️”
A sincere thank you to Sarah Chown and the Ribbon Community Peer Navigation team for sending us off in a good way from your locale.
For participants who are comfortable with leadership learning and online work, the next PLDI Core Training will be held online over 3 weeks November 27-December 3, 2025.
What participants can expect:
- A dynamic online adaptation of our in-person Core Training for new participants.
- A mix of instructor-driven sessions hosted on Zoom and self-paced sessions offered through an online E-learning platform.
- Three live weekly three hour facilitated sessions with PLDI Trainers.
In-person PLDI Core training will also be returning to Loon Lake June 1-4, 2026. YAY.
We gratefully acknowledge the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) for their generous financial support of PLDI since 2006, making these leadership trainings possible.
Questions? Reach out to Marc Seguin, Positive Leadership Development Institute (PLDI) Manager: [email protected]