Big ideas don’t grow in isolation—they grow in community. In Rise Cohort 7, founders are turning barriers into pathways for underrepresented communities. They are transforming lived experience and creativity into purpose-driven ventures that expand opportunity and strengthen the communities around them. From advancing accessible employment to supporting digital inclusion, these changemakers are showing that impact begins with action.
Over the next eight months, they’ll refine their strategies and build meaningful partnerships while deepening their leadership through coaching and peer learning. Meet the founders shaping what’s next and discover how they’re creating change that lasts.
Camila Duarte | FoundHer
Camila Duarte is the founder of FoundHer, a coaching and transformation venture that supports women, youth, and professionals in building confidence, clarity, and direction across career, leadership, and entrepreneurship. She uses mindset, somatic, and trauma-informed approaches to help clients manage anxiety, depression, disabilities, and major life changes. FoundHer integrates AI and wellness tools to expand access to personalized support, strengthening women’s autonomy, wellbeing, and economic resilience.
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Derrick Campeau | ELEV8 Visions
Derrick Campeau is the founder of ELEV8 Visions, a venture that provides aerial intelligence to help teams plan and make decisions. ELEV8 Visions uses advanced drone operations, survey-grade mapping, and inspection workflows to deliver clear, reliable data. The work supports infrastructure, construction, industrial sites, and search efforts with a focus on safety, efficiency, and precision.
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Dino Miele | Katapult Consulting Services
Dino Miele is the co-founder of Katapult Consulting Services, a senior-preneur venture in the Niagara, Hamilton, and Burlington region. The firm supports aging-well innovation by advising health startups and care providers, upskilling Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and clinicians, and piloting health-tech tools. Dino brings over 40 years of experience in IT strategy, entrepreneurship, and innovation to develop accessible, tech-enabled care models that improve quality of life for aging Canadians.
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Jazmin Irevani Laos | Voenix Technologies Inc.
Jazmin Irevani Laos is the co-founder of Voenix Technologies Inc., a Canadian venture creating practical, human-centred apps. The company creates tools such as Read, V-scanner, and MagPie to reduce reading fatigue, paperwork challenges, and language barriers. Voenix is also developing Kurring, a trusted local services platform to advance digital inclusion, independence, and new earning opportunities in community economies. Visit their website
Jessica Martin | Allison Osteopathy
Jessica Martin is the founder of Allison Osteopathy, which provides patient-centred care that focuses on root causes through hands-on treatment, nervous system education, and stress management. The clinic is expanding into a community-focused wellness centre offering integrative, preventative care, helping individuals and families reduce reliance on medication and build long-term wellbeing.
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Nazish Wasim | Kaawish Décor
Nazish Wasim is the founder of Kaawish Decor, a Toronto-based company that provides affordable event services across the GTA. Kaawish Decor specializes in weddings, corporate events, mehndi nights, and other social gatherings. Their work blends cultural design, eco-friendly décor, and partnerships with local artisans, creating sustainable and community-focused celebrations.
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Paul Osbourne | Nsaa Community Cultivating
Paul Osbourne is the founder of Nsaa Community Cultivating, a sole proprietorship supporting organizations that serve African-Canadian youth and families through culturally relevant training, workshops, curriculum, and community conversations. With over 20 years of experience, Paul promotes African-centred approaches that address anti-Black racism and improve outcomes in education, child welfare, housing, health, and social services. Visit their website
Salam Al-assali | The Dreams Agency
Salam Al-assali is the founder of the Dreams Agency, a digital marketing and web development firm working across e-commerce, law, health, tourism, and local sectors. With a rapidly expanding global client base, Dreams Agency focuses on impact-driven partnerships, using performance marketing to grow businesses and support faith-based and nonprofit initiatives worldwide. Visit their website
Shannon Pickering | Wordkind
Shannon Pickering is the founder of Wordkind, an online stationery boutique rooted in the belief that everyday writing tools can support reflection, creativity, and emotional well-being. Shannon leads The Kindness Card Project, which distributes free cards that encourage small acts of care and support local health organizations. Wordkind is committed to building a business that contributes positively to cultural and emotional life. Visit their website
Tara Johnson | The Progressive Centre
Tara Johnson is the founder of The Progressive Centre, an education company that supports K–12 students in math, science, and executive functioning through online and in-person tutoring, small groups, exam prep, and camps. A certified teacher with over 20 years of experience, Tara has led the organization for over a decade, helping hundreds of students develop skills, build confidence, and achieve stronger academic outcomes. Visit their website
Tonneil Levene | El'vateED
Tonneil is the founder of El’vateED, a venture that prepares Black students for success before they graduate high school. El’vateED is committed to transforming the lives of Black families. The work focuses on building skills, providing resources, and offering mentorship to support Black families and help students reach their full potential. Visit their website
Vaishali Sridhar | BioTroopers Inc.
Vaishali Sridhar is the founder of BioTroopers Inc., an education venture that makes biology fun and accessible for school‑aged children. The company offers hands‑on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs, camps, and after‑school classes that encourage curiosity and exploration. As a molecular biologist with a decade of experience in academia, pharma, biotech, and health tech, Vaishali is committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards. Visit their website
Vidhyasagar Chitharanjan Doss | Toys and Crafts of Canada
Vidhyasagar Chitharanjan Doss is the founder of Toys and Crafts of Canada, a retail venture offering toys, customized gifts, and handcrafted products sourced worldwide. The venture also offers a proprietary low-cost innovation with applications in greeting cards, advertising, and affordable educational technology. A mechanical engineer and machinist with software experience, he designs technology that improves digital access for underserved communities. Visit their website
Wayne Hinds | TRUTH Communications
Wayne Hinds is the founder of TRUTH Communications, a publishing venture that supports authors and organizations in bringing books and content to market through accessible, transparent self-publishing support. Wayne focuses on first-time and underrepresented authors, reducing barriers in the publishing industry and supporting education, cultural preservation, and decent work in the creative economy. Visit their website
Winnifred Nadine White | Nadine White Mediation
Nazish Wasim is the founder of Kaawish Decor, a Toronto-based company that provides affordable event services across the GTA. Kaawish Decor specializes in weddings, corporate events, mehndi nights, and other social gatherings. Their work blends cultural design, eco-friendly décor, and partnerships with local artisans, creating sustainable and community-focused celebrations.
Visit their website
Rise is a program for social entrepreneurs ready to scale their impact enterprises at an accelerated pace. This project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). For more information, visit the program page or email us at edge@sheridancollege.ca.
