Introducing Rise’s Third Cohort: 18 Founders Redefining Purpose-Driven Innovation
We’re thrilled to announce the third cohort of the Rise program, which includes 18 diverse founders and changemakers who are reimagining systems, driving social impact, and shaping a future where purpose and profit integrate seamlessly. From developing strategies that promote mental wellness to designing inclusive programs for underserved communities, these ventures embody resilience, creativity, and a strong commitment to positive change in their communities. Read more about these dynamic founders below and discover how they’re transforming their industries.
M.A Studios | Michael Adebamiro
Micheal Adebamiro is a multi-instrumentalist musician, sound enthusiast, and experienced videographer. He combined his passions to create M.A Studios, a one-stop-shop solution for music creators. M.A Studios offers high-quality services, saving artists time and resources. By managing the technical side of music production, M.A Studios empowers artists to focus on their performance and creativity, making professional music production more accessible.
SMTN International | Risikatu Olasumbo Awogbemi
Risikatu Awogbemi founded SMTN, a distribution company that provides fast and reliable services across Canada and internationally. As an immigrant, she identified a need for shipping solutions in her community, initially serving Nigerians and people of African descent. SMTN has since grown to serve a diverse range of clients. Risikatu aims to create more jobs within her community and promote sustainability through recycled packaging materials.
Ironwood Infrastructure | Jennifer Benedict
Jennifer Benedict founded Ironwood Infrastructure, to provide consulting services for railways, road authorities, and engineering firms. Jennifer is a passionate advocate for railway safety, sharing her knowledge through conferences and free educational initiatives. She has been published in professional journals and was recognized by Railway Track and Structures magazine as a leading woman in railway engineering.
EMBRACE 2 Learn Inc. | Michelle Buckland
Michelle Buckland is the founder, accessibility advisor, learning consultant, and speaker at EMBRACE 2 Learn Inc. The company provides accessibility and inclusion services to reach the spending power of the untapped market of people with disabilities, avoid legal litigations, and gain competitive advantage. This includes training, digital accessibility, web accessibility assessments, compliance of accessibility regulations, document accessibility remediation, curriculum development via an accessibility lens, and keynote speaking.
LD IMAGINE | Lama Dabboussi
Lama Dabboussi is the founder of LD IMAGINE, a company specializing in themed kits, custom gifts, and unique designs for special occasions. LD IMAGINE offers thoughtfully curated products to complement every celebration. The company is committed to environmental sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices by using recyclable or biodegradable materials and implementing sustainable packaging to minimize ecological impact.
Black Businesses Live Inc. | Marcia Darby
Marcia Darby is the founder of Black Businesses Live Inc., which aims to uplift and empower African Caribbean Diaspora voices through authentic storytelling and inclusive representation. Black Businesses Live Inc highlights diverse narratives, supports local talent and businesses, and produces content that inspires constructive dialogue. Their mission is to create a platform where every voice is respected, valued and heard. They are committed to social responsibility and the advancement of equity in media.
Grassroots Multimedia | Bassem Elghawaby
Bassem Elghawaby is the founder of Grassroots Multimedia, a creative agency that offers digital marketing, public relations, event management, website design, videography, and lead generation. They focus on storytelling to help clients achieve their business or organizational goals. As a passionate entrepreneur, Bassem believes that stories have the power to transform lives and create meaningful connections.
OnePeopleTO | Sheena Ewan
Sheena Ewan founded OnePeopleTO as a placemaking sanctuary for Black, Brown, Indigenous communities, and allies to decolonize their mental health journeys. They host community healing events led by local holistic practitioners, integrate trauma-informed, culturally wise wellness practices, and support entrepreneurship. OnePeopleTO collaborates with practitioners needing space for client sessions or events, fosters community through accessible recovery pathways, and promotes socio-economic upliftment.
Unique Khannections | Natasha Khan
Natasha Khan is a life perspective coach with a mission to help individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity and resilience. She founded Unique Khannections, a venture that offers personalized coaching to help people discover their unique strengths, redefine success on their own terms, and overcome limiting beliefs. They also provide practical tools and strategies to improve emotional intelligence and decision-making skills, supporting clients through career transitions, relationship issues, and personal growth.
DiverseWorks Dance | Raechele Lovell
Raechele Lovell founded DiverseWorks Dance, an Afrocentric dance corporation dedicated to decolonizing the arts and creating equitable opportunities for Black artists and communities. DiverseWorks reimagines the creation, presentation, and engagement of creative works, expanding access to the arts for underserved communities. They offer original dance-theatre productions, classes, workshops, and a paid apprenticeship program to nurture future Black artists, and equity consulting services to help arts organizations implement inclusive practices.
The Practice Companion | Alison Maratos
Renewable Power Partners | Francis Coral Mellon
Francis Mellon is the cofounder of Renewable Power Partners, a renewable energy company that offers cutting-edge solutions for larger buildings to reduce electricity bills. Renewable Power Partners installs equipment at no cost to the client and generates revenue by capturing the difference between the savings achieved for the building and their own cost reductions.
INTOCHARGE | Nasim Naderi
Nasim Naderi is the founder of INTOCHARGE, a venture focused on sustainable projects like EV charging stations, solar energy, and battery storage. INTOCHARGE is a licensed electrical consultant in Ontario, providing turnkey EV solutions, from design to installation. Partnered with Tesla and an OVIN participant, INTOCHARGE aims to make clean energy accessible through innovative, sustainable practices.
LUX Carnival | Sharon Niles
Sharon Niles is the CEO of LUX Carnival, Canada’s first Caribbean Carnival band focused on showcasing kids with special needs and those experiencing homelessness. Their mission is to create an impactful carnival experience while raising awareness for kids with disabilities by pulling from the rich tapestry of the Caribbean culture and traditions. Sharon’s deep connection to culture has allowed her to apply her experience toward positive social impact.
ArtsFitness | Lorenzo Pagnotta
Lorenzo Pagnotta is the founder of ArtsFitness, a venture that provides personal training and massage therapy services tailored for older adults and the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the GTA. ArtsFitness aims to help clients reduce stress, improve posture, and alleviate pain and empower them. Their services include yoga, foam rolling, resistance band training, and manual therapy targeting fascia and scars to heal visible and invisible wounds.
Saiven Consulting | Rama Shikaram
Rama Shikaram is the founder of Saiven Consulting, which empowers special needs and challenged adults through comprehensive neurodiversity training and job placement programs. They provide tailored support for neurodiverse adults, offering skill development and meaningful employment opportunities to help them reach their full potential. Rama is passionate about supporting youth in finding their path in both personal and professional life.
Rubicorn Event Management | Jo-Ann Udoh
Jo-Ann Udoh founded Rubicorn Event Management to create social impact and meaningful connections through events. They partner with local vendors and offer training and employment opportunities, particularly for youth and marginalized groups. Rubicorn is also committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste through recycling programs. Additionally, the company offers discounted or free event management services for fundraising and community programs.
Appy.Yo | Nadia Hosseinzadeh
Nadia Hosseinzadeh founded Appy.Yo to help small and medium-sized enterprises achieve digital success. Appy.Yo specializes in guiding businesses through digital transformation, offering comprehensive support to meet their digital marketing requirements. By collaborating closely with clients, Appy.Yo delivers customized solutions that align with business goals and objectives, ensuring long-term competitiveness in today’s digital market.
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.
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Proud recipient of support from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
