Innovation meets purpose in our newest Rise cohort: 16 founders rewriting the rules of business and community impact. From protecting workers’ rights and championing immigrant families to building trauma-informed mental health care, sustainable skincare, and Afro-futuristic streetwear, these leaders are proving that change starts with commitment.
Over the next eight months, they’ll be forged in practice through one-on-one coaching, sharpened in skill through peer circles, and honed for impact with accessible resources to refine and scale their ventures. Meet the founders and see how they’re elevating communities, advancing equity, and sparking creative change.
Alexis Wild | The Space
Alexis Wild is the founder of The Space, a multidisciplinary creative hub in London, Ontario, integrating art, healing, and community care. Its mission centers on amplifying marginalized voices while fostering creativity, collaboration, and holistic well-being. The Space functions as a business incubator and gathering place, offering somatic workshops, art exhibitions, body-based healing sessions, and grassroots gatherings.
Andre Dawkins | Call Andre Cares (CAC) Community Outreach
Andre Dawkins is the founder of Call Andre Cares (CAC) Community Outreach, a program dedicated to care, access, and community. Its mission is built on four core pillars: personal development, down payment assistance, credit strengthening, and proactive outreach. Call Andre Cares provides both online and in-person access to professionals, tools, and resources that foster lasting community change.
Chantal Gray | Winrose Oasis Counselling Services
Chantal Gray is the co-founder of Winrose Oasis Counselling Services, a mental health practice dedicated to providing trauma-informed and culturally responsive therapy for individuals, children, couples, and families. Winrose Oasis integrates approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and narrative therapy and offers services including autism support, faith-based counselling, and walk-and-talk sessions in nature.
Henrieta Haniskova | Henrieta’s Botanicals Inc.
Henrieta Haniskova is the founder of Henrieta’s Botanicals Inc., a maternal skincare brand crafting small-batch, food-grade skincare products to support women through pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood. Its original formulas ease common baby skin concerns such as cradle cap, eczema, and diaper rash. Henrieta’s Botanicals Inc. emphasizes nourishment, safety, and holistic care, combining clinical aromatherapy with rigorous ingredient research, providing mothers with calming, sensory rituals that foster resilience and connection.
Jana Daher | Music Without Borders
Jana Daher is the co-founder and executive director of Music Without Borders, a Mississauga-based not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to fostering peace through music. Drawing on her international non-profit experience and journey as an artist, Jana is committed to building sustainable arts initiatives that expand access and representation. Music Without Borders supports newcomer and underrepresented artists while bringing communities together through multicultural concerts.
Jeannine Charles | And ACTION! Media XR
Jeannine Charles is the founder of And ACTION! Media XR, an immersive studio for Augmented Reality (AR) and 360° storytelling. Through collaborations with events such as the Caribana Festival in Toronto, the Black 2 the Future AR Exhibit, and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), she works to advance more representative approaches to storytelling. And ACTION! Media XR partners with business brands, cultural institutions, and tourism boards to craft emotionally resonant and inclusive journeys.
Jermaine McFarlane | Aiva WTR
Jermaine McFarlane is the founder of Aiva WTR, a functional beverage brand that promotes relaxation and stress reduction through natural ingredients. With over a decade of experience in business, marketing, and technology consulting, he brings both expertise and vision to the wellness industry. Aiva WTR has grown to more than 100 retail stores across Ontario and is positioned as a healthier alternative to alcohol and energy drinks.
Kelly Haick | Kelly Haick Professional Mortgage Company
Kelly Haick is the founder of Kelly Haick Professional Mortgage, a firm that provides expert mortgage guidance and compassionate support to help women make confident financial decisions during divorce. A Certified Divorce Specialist and Ontario mortgage agent, she helps clients protect their homes, secure fair spousal buyouts, and rebuild credit with tailored strategies. Kelly Haick Professional Mortgage promotes stability and long-term financial resilience, guiding clients through life transitions with expertise and empathy.
Kolin Rutherford | Bananahammock Inc.
Kolin Rutherford is the founder of Bananahammock Inc., a bold Canadian food brand creating condiments and honeys rooted in Caribbean flavours. Known for Scotch Bonnet–infused honey, guava BBQ sauce, and fruit-forward vinegars, the brand blends sweet heat and culinary creativity into every bottle. Bananahammock Inc. draws on Kolin’s IT and digital infrastructure background, combining technical expertise with entrepreneurial drive to scale a flavour-first company that’s equal parts roots, hustle, and heart.
Laurence Mouila-Vertueux | Movela Immigration Services
Laurence Mouila-Vertueux is the founder of Movela Immigration Services, a consulting firm that helps Francophone families navigate their immigration journey to Canada. A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), she combines legal expertise with a holistic approach to supporting newcomers. Movela Immigration Services provides workshops, resources, and parent coaching, complemented by Kinioz, an initiative that addresses the emotional, cultural, and parenting challenges of resettlement before and after arrival.
Leequette Santiago-Hinds | Santiago Studios
Leequette “Lala” Santiago-Hinds is a multi-award-winning artist and the founder of Santiago Studios, a creative hub offering art workshops, live event painting, face painting, and online courses that prioritize accessibility and deliver engaging experiences for all ages. Santiago Studios is eco-conscious, reducing waste through non-toxic materials, and has partnered with the Oshawa Public Library and the City of Oshawa to foster creativity and expand inclusive art opportunities across the community.
Lishaina Leach | Triple L Braids
Lishaina Leach is the founder of Triple L Braids, a mobile hair braiding service that brings professional styling directly to homes across the GTA. The business focuses on accessibility, cultural pride, and building confidence through quality hair care. Triple L Braids is committed to social change by partnering with organizations such as Brampton Public Library and the YMCA, leading workshops and braid camps for youth in low-income households, and empowering BIPOC communities through hair care education.
Mikhailla Matthias | I Deserve
Mikhailla Matthias is the founder of I Deserve, a Toronto-based wellness and gifting company offering sustainable, locally sourced self-care packages. As a newcomer and corporate professional, she emphasizes balance and well-being while supporting women and BIPOC owned businesses across Canada. I Deserve makes self-care accessible and intentional by helping individuals and corporate teams prioritize mindfulness, rest, and resilience through curated gift boxes and wellness solutions.
Ruby Bagaya | Vibe the People
Ruby Bagaya is the founder of Vibe the People, a streetwear brand that fuses Afropunk influences and Afrofuturistic design to create fashion as a powerful form of identity and self-expression. Ruby designs with movement and rebellion in mind, producing pieces that are both functional and striking. Vibe the People reimagines wardrobe essentials through dynamic silhouettes and forward-thinking materials, celebrating individuality and the freedom to define style on your own terms.
Tim Fitz Maguire | Tim Fitz Values Advocacy
Tim Fitz Maguire is the founder of Tim Fitz Values Advocacy, a firm dedicated to advancing labour, employment, and social rights through services such as dispute resolution, notary work, consulting, writing articles, and coaching. A licensed paralegal with an LLM from Osgoode Hall Law School, he brings leadership experience from the labour movement and partnerships with social justice organizations. Tim Fitz Values Advocacy is committed to practical solutions that protect workplace rights and promote fairness.
Vivian Okeke | ProSupport HR Partners
Vivian Okeke is the founder of ProSupport HR Partners, an HR consultancy supporting small businesses with HR compliance and processes. The firm helps entrepreneurs develop clear policies, implement effective onboarding, and stay compliant. ProSupport HR Partners provides consulting, templates, and practical guidance to build sustainable, people-centered HR systems that support long-term growth.
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.
