In Rise Cohort 8, sixteen founders are building ventures that expand access, advance wellbeing, and drive innovation across health, education, technology, and community. From AI-powered platforms to Ayurvedic wellness centres, from inclusive housing to youth coding programs, this cohort spans industries united by one commitment: building something that matters.
Over the next eight months, they will sharpen their strategies through one-on-one coaching and peer learning, accessing the support they need to scale their ventures and deepen their impact. Meet the founders shaping what comes next.
Alisa Choi Darcy | Mimos Coliving
Alisa Choi Darcy is the co-founder of Mimos Coliving, a social enterprise redefining shared housing through intentional, inclusive community. With 25+ years in diversity, inclusion, and global community‑building initiatives, she transforms underutilized properties into family‑style, multigenerational homes with flexible stays, curated experiences, and built‑in peer networks. Mimos Coliving blends hospitality and social impact to create more accessible housing, addressing urban isolation through spaces that foster connection, economic opportunity, and community. Visit their website
Amandipp Singh | Enabled Talent
Amandipp Singh is the founder of Enabled Talent, a Canada-based platform advancing inclusive employment and accessibility. With over 15 years of experience across education, workforce development, and disability inclusion, he works with employers, governments, and community partners to create accessible hiring pathways. Through technology, policy-aligned programs, and grassroots initiatives, Amandipp is focused on closing the disability employment gap and building barrier-free workplaces globally.
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Anthony Kennedy | Kennedy Catering Corporation
Anthony Kennedy is the founder of Kennedy Catering Corporation, a Canadian catering company specializing in high-volume food service for camps, events, and community programs across Ontario. Built on a family-run approach, the company delivers fresh, reliable meals for large groups. Kennedy Catering Corporation builds inclusive dining programs that support local employment and Canadian suppliers.
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Iva Sopiqoti | Blueberri
Iva Sopiqoti is the founder of Blueberri, a children’s apparel brand creating premium, thoughtfully designed garments made in Canada. With over 20 years of experience in apparel product development and manufacturing, she brings deep expertise across the full production lifecycle, from fabric sourcing to construction. Blueberri uses locally milled fabrics that are dyed, cut, and sewn in Canada to create soft, durable essentials while supporting responsible manufacturing and local communities. Visit their website
Kwame Newman‑Bremang | MixItMedia Inc.
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Kristina Shea | WomenUp
Kristina Shea is the founder of WomenUp, an AI-powered platform advancing women’s economic empowerment through authority-driven growth and practical AI adoption. With 20+ years in brand strategy and marketing, Kristina blends strategic vision with hands-on execution across workshops, live events, and scalable programs. WomenUp equips women to build authority and impact in the AI-driven economy, where their leadership is essential.
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Lisa Boate | Liberated Menopause
Lisa Boate is the founder of Liberated Menopause, a social enterprise redefining how menopause is understood and supported in the workplace. With 20+ years as an educator, systems leader, and coach, she translates this life stage into practical tools for individuals and actionable strategies for organizations. Liberated Menopause helps employers treat menopause as a workforce and equity issue, improving retention, wellbeing, and leadership outcomes. Visit their website
Mandi Galer | Sing Music Studio
Mandi Galer is the founder of Sing Music Studio Inc., a community-focused music school dedicated to helping students build confidence, creativity, and connection. With nearly three decades of experience as a musician, educator, and entrepreneur, Mandi has designed a comprehensive musical journey that begins with Kindermusik in early childhood, continues through the studio’s proprietary Performing program, and extends into music lessons for teens and adults. Mandi is focused on scaling their programs to expand access to high‑quality music education while maintaining strong community focus. Visit their website
Nelson Cabrera| Canada Dreams
Nelson Cabrera, PhD, is an author and the founder of Canada Dreams, a global education platform connecting talent to opportunity in Canada. With 22 years as a Regional President and a background as a university professor, he brings executive leadership and deep academic expertise. Canada Dreams delivers AI-powered programs, multilingual training and certifications to prepare students and professionals for the Canadian workforce. Visit their website
Rosemarie Sánchez | Breakthrough Rose Productions
Rosemarie Sánchez is the founder of Breakthrough Rose Productions, a marketing, media, and events production company based in Toronto. A Venezuelan-born author and entrepreneur with over 24 years serving the Latin community, she brings deep cultural knowledge and a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices. Visit their website
Rommel Oliveros | M-Town Academy
Rommel Oliveros is the founder of M-Town Academy, a martial arts and fitness destination in Milton, Ontario offering Muay Thai, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Filipino Martial Arts. Over 13 years, he has built a 10,000 sq ft facility with community focus, leading his team through challenges including the pandemic. M-Town Academy continues to expand, strengthening communities through martial arts. Visit their website
Dr. Shweta Dewan | Ayush for Life
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Sheri Godfrey | Senior Transitions
Sheri Godfrey is the founder of Senior Transitions, a heart-centred transition management service for older adults and their families. A certified End-of-Life Doula and licensed realtor, she brings a compassionate approach to helping seniors navigate aging and downsizing with dignity. Senior Transitions provides one trusted partner to ease the emotional and logistical demands of life’s most significant transitions. Visit their website
Suha Islaih | My Code Club
Suha Islaih is the co-founder of My Code Club, a nonprofit making coding and AI accessible to youth across Mississauga and Peel. With a background in Computer Science and Data Science, Suha brings hands-on AI experience and over a decade of program leadership. My Code Club has guided 1,000+ learners through pathways bridging education and social impact. Visit their website
Yvette Elliott | EMDigital & AI
Yvette Elliott is the founder of EMDigital & AI, a digital marketing firm combining enterprise-level strategy with AI-driven innovation. With decades of experience, Yvette operates at the forefront of digital marketing, delivering measurable growth for clients. Built on a deep commitment to advancing BIPOC representation in tech, EMDigital & AI creates access and opportunity where it matters most.
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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.
