stay focused on the end goal and stay involved, even when life gets busy. It requires a lot of dedication.

– Wayne Sucklal
When it comes to nurturing future leaders, it’s often the collective effort of a family that makes all the difference. The Sucklal family’s story is a remarkable example of how parental involvement and community support can shape young lives for the better.

Michelle and Wayne Sucklal, parents to Warren and Shanti, know that raising children is much more than just academics — it’s about building a foundation of support, encouragement, and belonging. From the moment the Sucklals arrived in Canada from Jamaica, they were determined to find the best educational opportunities for their children. Careful research led them to Leadership by Design (LBD), a program that would soon become central to their family’s journey.

“The LBD program has been a blessing,” Michelle shares. “We’ve always felt welcomed, and it’s wonderful to be surrounded by a culturally familiar environment.” For Michelle, the program offered more than just support for her children — it provided a sense of community that was invaluable, especially as newcomers without extended family in Canada. “That kind of warmth is priceless,” she says.

LBD has opened doors for the entire family, giving them access to cultural events — like the Alvin Ailey dance performance and The Nutcracker ballet — that they might not have been able to experience otherwise. “These moments make us feel that we truly belong here,” Michelle reflects.

Warren, now a graduate in software engineering from Western University, was among LBD’s first cohort in 2016. He admits that he was hesitant at first about his parents’ involvement, but he’s now deeply grateful for their presence. “Some people aren’t as fortunate to have their parents showing up and supporting them,” he says. Warren found that the discipline and aspirations fostered by LBD helped him adjust to university life, developing the tenacity to seize every opportunity — whether academic or personal.

One memory stands out: during a Saturday session, a steel pan drummer invited the audience to dance. Warren, embracing the program’s encouragement to seize the moment, volunteered, creating a cherished family memory that still brings laughter and warmth whenever it’s recalled.

Warren’s leadership journey continued in high school, where he played active roles in groups such as the athletic council. “I learned conflict resolution and how to make sure everyone has a voice and is treated fairly,” he says, crediting LBD for these essential skills.

Shanti, Warren’s younger sister, had the advantage of growing up alongside LBD sessions from the age of 10. “She essentially went through the program twice,” Warren notes, confident that she’ll feel the same gratitude for the experience. Shanti herself remembers accompanying her mother and brother to Warren’s entrance interview. Seeing Warren succeed helped pave the way for her own involvement: “I was able to take an active role in LBD and take in all that was offered because I knew how it worked,” she shares.

Having witnessed both their children thrive, Wayne offers advice to other parents: stay focused on the end goal and stay involved, even when life gets busy. “It requires a lot of dedication,” he says. “And while it’s not always possible, I encourage parents to be as involved as they can.” He knows weekends can be busy, but insists that the effort is worth it: “Everything we strive for in life takes dedication.”

The Sucklal family’s journey with Leadership by Design is a testament to the power of family, community, and persistence. Their story inspires us all to support one another and to embrace the opportunities that help our children shine.

Danielle Reid, LLI Intern, December 2023 – May 2024
Bachelor’s degree, Journalism 2020 – 2024, Toronto Metropolitan University
Story updated September 2025