Winter 2021 Cohort of the EDGE Social Impact Catalyst powered by RBC Future Launch Announced

EDGE is proud to announce the Winter 2021 participants of the Social Impact Catalyst powered by RBC Future Launch.  

Last year was one of disruptive change that has upended communities. Throughout the pandemic, EDGE has continued to support a wide range of entrepreneurs and ventures virtually. With over half of our ventures identifying as social enterprises, we continue to support impact-focused entrepreneurship at a time when it’s needed more than ever. Given this context, EDGE is proud to begin 2021 by supporting young changemakers.

Each of the selected founders shows determination and entrepreneurial spirit, and serve community needs in the face of unprecedented societal upheaval. EDGE is proud to support them as part of this cohort. We encourage you to learn more about these ventures and how they’re making a difference in our communities, below.

Participants will take part in a 14-week program that provides exclusive benefits such as access to an inclusive virtual community, expert training and mentorship, and an honorarium. 

Winter Cohort Participants 

Yalla! Let’s Talk. (YLT) | Mays Alwash & Hani Al-Dajane 

YLT is a media company and events platform creating safe space for Arab youth by sparking conversations through storytelling on stigmatized and underrepresented issues in the Arabic culture. They achieve this through six main programming methods: online publication, Weekly Virtual Cafe events, Social media community, Annual Conference, in-person YLT Cafe, and video content. What makes YLT unique is an engagement strategy that uses both online content and events to reach their audience. 

The Defiant Movement | Maheen Iqbal 

The Defiant Movement is a digital magazine, organization and community created entirely by young people, for young people. Their magazine contributors dissect political and social issues, interview directors of international NGOs, and strive to hold those in power accountable for their actions. As an organization, Defiant hosts frequent youth-based events and donation drives to support young people across the Greater Toronto Area. 

The Fresh Food Project | Evan Muller 

The Fresh Food Project was created due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as food banks have seen a large increase in clients without their inventory matching this same growth. So far, the Fresh Food Project has applied for a grant and recruited youth volunteers, while purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms which are boxed and distributed among clients at FareShare food bank. 

Freedom Street Book Club | Audny-Cashae Stewart & Carliene Christian 

The Freedom Street Book Club is a hub for Black and racialized youth in Halton Region, which aims to promote inclusivity by showcasing BIPOC authors for youth. By meeting digitally and working with schools to engage young people to different perspectives of literature, they open the minds of youth to Black & Brown issues as well as those in indigenous history. This unique organization boasts a multifaceted youth council that allows young people to learn about issues in their community and the impact of being an activist. 

Womyn | Afra Mehwish 

Womyn is a scientifically-backed management consulting firm that aims to improve women’s well-being in the workplace. Through qualitative research methodologies, Womyn works with organizations to evaluate and/or develop maternity or menstruation policies that reduce stigma, promote well-being and enhance career growth. Womyn aims to become one of the first management consulting firms to focus exclusively on women’s reproductive–related experiences in the workplace. 

Outdoors for Everyone | Priya Moraes 

This online webinar series teaches BIPOC and LGBTQI+ individuals how to camp, hike, backpack and participate in outdoor activities. Ontario has incredible Provincial Parks like Algonquin and Killarney but for many BIPOC, including the large population of immigrants in Peel Region, they are difficult to access. Participants in Outdoors for Everyone benefit from learning about using the right gear, how to meal prep, plan trips, book campsites and more without worrying about judgement. 

The EDGE Social Impact Catalyst powered by RBC Future Launch program has been made possible with the generous support of RBC, a proud partner of Sheridan. 

For more details on further opportunities to participate in this program, visit edge.sheridancollege.ca/catalyst and signup for email updates.