Venture for Canada Announces the 2023 TD Clean Prosperity Award Winners

TORONTO, ON 

August 13, 2024 – Venture for Canada (VFC) is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2023 TD Clean Prosperity Awards granted to young people from Canada who complete Venture for Canada’s Fellowship Program. 

This 12-month program is designed to propel young Canadians forward by developing their entrepreneurial skills and accelerating their careers. The 2024 cohort saw an overwhelming interest with 1,967 applications, from which 58 Fellows were selected across Canada. Participants benefit from an in-depth three-week Training Camp, exclusive startup job placements, access to an alumni network of over 500 members, and tailored one-on-one career coaching.

Paid tribute upon graduation in May 2024, the 2023 recipients of the TD Clean Prosperity Fellowship Award are commended for their passion within the cleantech sector and commitment to environmental sustainability. Recipients of the Award will also have the opportunity to meet with TD representatives to enhance their skills, expand their professional networks, and leverage their entrepreneurial skills to pursue their passion for sustainability. 

TD supports this initiative today through a $255,000 contribution over three years. Through this collaboration, Venture for Canada assists and mentors young and diverse entrepreneurial talents in transitioning to a clean economy. Through our Fellowship Program, VFC introduces Fellows to new opportunities within the sector while developing their skills, networks, and confidence. 

About Venture for Canada

Venture for Canada is a national charity that fosters entrepreneurial skills and mindsets in young Canadians. Our vision is a Canada where young people can equitably realize their entrepreneurial potential to build the most prosperous place in the world. We recruit, train, and support young people to work for innovative Canadian small businesses and startups. Through our programs, participants develop the network, knowledge, and entrepreneurial skills to have more impactful careers.

Meet the TD Fellowship Award Winners

The following recipients are presented the TD Fellowship Award to recognize their commitment and passion towards a more sustainable and accessible future for everyone.

Akanksha Yeola

Role: Clinical Onboarding Manager

Location: Toronto, ON

Akanksha is a Clinical Onboarding Manager at Vitraact and a CEOx1Day Alumna. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Economics from the University of Alberta, where she also earned certificates in Sustainability and International Learning. Her professional experience includes roles as a Partner Acquisition Specialist at Too Good To Go and a Sustainability Intern at the University of Alberta, enhancing her focus on sustainable practices in business and education. Akanksha is deeply committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, applying her knowledge and skills to foster sustainable development within her professional and community engagements.

Andrew Canete 

Role: Business Development Representative, Uberall

Location: Toronto, ON

Andrew is a driven, creative young professional with a knack for problem-solving. He can solve the Rubik’s cube in under 30 seconds! He graduated with his honors Bachelor of Arts & Science and Business from McMaster University. Andrew is passionate about sustainability, healthcare, tech/AI, and continued learning. Andrew has been inspired by social and environmental innovation, which led him to take on leadership in Filipino empowerment/Anti-Asian Racism spaces and to the beginning stages of building a waste reduction application.

Andrew Fullerton 

Role: Growth Coordinator, Upbeing

Location: Vancouver, BC 

Andrew is a 2023 VFC Fellow and an MPH student at the School of Population and Public Health at UBC. Shortly after starting the fellowship program, Andrew joined the behavioral AI company UpBeing where he currently works. Prior to becoming a VFC fellow, Andrew graduated from Western University with an Hon. BA from the School for Advanced Studies in the Arts & Humanities where he was awarded the undergraduate essay prize. Andrew is passionate about building and supporting technology for human and environmental health; he aspires to continue building his career at the intersection of public health and the start-up ecosystem.

Angela Poundmaker-Gromova

Role: Marketing Specialist, Events East Group | Founder, Sweetgrass Meditation

Location: Halifax, NS 

As a passionate communications professional and a member of the Poundmaker Cree Nation, Angela recognizes and acknowledges that she is in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. She is known best for visionary communications dedicated to cultivating community and fostering connections through strategic expertise. With a strong background in public relations, branding, and relationship building, she has collaborated with diverse sectors including government, not-for-profits, charities, and start-ups. Her ability to transform client needs into visually stunning campaigns sets her apart. Drawing inspiration from travel, continuous learning, and networking, she is always ready to make a meaningful impact. In addition to her passion for communications, she is also an award-winning and sought-after speaker on the topics of Indigenous engagement and inclusion. She is a Cultivating Safe Spaces Facilitator, a mindfulness practitioner, and a trauma-informed professional. When work is a safe space, we transform systems.

Anunita Wazir 

Role: Operations Services, Cadillac Fairview

Location: Toronto, ON 

Anunita holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology with a minor in Political Science from the University of Toronto. Currently, she is working in operations services at Cadillac Fairview. Anunita’s diverse professional background includes roles such as a Customer Experience Representative at Indigo and Vice President Finance at CUBS, showcasing her expertise in customer relationship management and financial leadership. Driven by learning, growth, and creativity, Anunita is passionate about making a difference in the start-up community. 

Aranyah Shanker 

Role: Research Analyst, RouteThis

Location: Toronto, ON 

Aranyah Shanker is a dynamic force at the intersection of tech, innovation, and social responsibility. While pursuing a BSc from Western University, Aranyah’s journey began by bridging the gap between STEM education and entrepreneurial avenues, igniting a passion for transformative change. Her path from organizing hackathons at Women in Technology Society to directing prominent chapters including Figma Toronto, Codecademy Toronto, Slack Toronto, and Women Who Code Toronto exemplifies her dedication to fostering inclusive tech communities. Outside of community leadership, Aranyah grows her passion within the cleantech sector, achieving multiple environmental sustainability competition wins ranging from first to third place, alongside earning a $6,200 grant. You can also find her sharing insights on product management case studies, running mock interviews or resume reviews as a former career profile advisor, or preparing for her next Spartan race.

Flipos Kiflai

Role: Program Coordinator, The University of British Columbia

Location: Vancouver, BC 

Flipos is a dedicated professional with an extensive background in program coordination, project management, and data science. His educational background from the University of British Columbia and experience as a Venture for Canada fellow have equipped him with the skills to effectively analyze data and manage projects. Flipos loves learning about new emerging technologies and ideas, meeting people, and growing as an individual and a leader.

Joshua Larsen

Role: Project Manager, StayShure

Location: Vancouver, BC 

Joshua Larsen is a force of nature, a visionary who refuses to be confined by convention. His journey has been a tapestry of extraordinary experiences, each one a testament to his unyielding spirit and insatiable thirst for growth. From the adrenaline-fueled world of wildland firefighting to the solitude of a 2100km trek along the Pacific Crest Trail, Joshua has emerged as a master of adaptation and resilience. Through Venture for Canada, he discovered the transformative power of entrepreneurship, igniting a passion for harnessing technology to create a more sustainable future. With an unwavering commitment to turning challenges into opportunities, Joshua is poised to launch his own startup—a venture that will undoubtedly disrupt the status quo and inspire a new generation of changemakers. As he stands on the precipice of his next great adventure, Joshua Larsen is ready to leave an indelible mark on the world, one innovation at a time.

Kenneth Nagalingam

Role: Business Associate, Li-Cycle

Location: Toronto, ON 

Kenneth Nagalingam is a proven commercial strategist and driven Engineer-In-Training working as a Business Associate at North America’s leading Li-ion battery recycler, Li-Cycle. With four years of experience in both public and private sectors within the energy resources industries, he has demonstrated his ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. An enthusiastic self-starter, Kenneth is passionate about building relationships, managing projects, solving problems, and advancing sustainability initiatives.

Maria Denk

Role: Account Manager, NLPatent

Location: Montreal, QC

Maria is a trilingual, multi-passionate professional celebrated for her versatility and problem-solving prowess. With a background in chemistry, she’s adeptly maneuvered through various roles across industries, from pharmaceutical research to SaaS account management, showcasing her excellence in diverse settings. Maria’s innovative approach is evident in her ability to handle tasks spanning from synthesizing molecules to coordinating community events. Driven by a fervent passion for advancing human health and sustainability, Maria is dedicated to tackling complex challenges and fostering positive change in her endeavours.

Micah Hall 

Role: Content Creator, Self-Employed | Scuba Diving Instructor, Vancouver Diving Locker

Location: Vancouver, BC 

Micah Hall is a content creator, graphic designer, and creative storyteller from Vancouver, Canada, with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and Psychology from The University of British Columbia. Certified as an Open Water Scuba Instructor and Divemaster, Micah combines her professional skills with her adventurous spirit, actively engaging as a Scuba Diving Instructor and Creative Strategist. She works with diverse travel and lifestyle brands to craft engaging digital content, leveraging her expertise in digital marketing, social media, photography, videography, and graphic design. An avid solo traveler, hiker, backpacker, and cold-water dipper, Micah is known for her strong relationship-building skills and commitment to lifelong learning.

Natasha Bodra 

Role: Relationship Manager, Technology Helps

Location: Toronto, ON

Natasha is a dedicated learner and an innovative problem solver whose career spans across sales, marketing and customer relationship management. As a relationship manager, she is enthusiastic about crafting strategies that enhance customer engagement and build lasting relationships, making her a pivot contributor to any organization she is a part of. She holds a degree in Marketing from Centennial College.

Nicole Collier

Role: Research Officer, Eviance

Location: Halifax, NS

Nicole recently earned her degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership from the University of New Brunswick where she developed an interest in social entrepreneurship and governance. She has worked in various research and policy roles in arts, food security, and disability justice. As a 2023 Fellow with Venture for Canada, she is interested in exploring how entrepreneurship can support innovation and have a positive impact on community well-being. Nicole currently works as a Research Officer with Eviance where she contributes to various projects on climate action and youth engagement.

Riley Millican 

Role: Founder & Director, City Scouts

Location: Toronto, ON

As the Founder & Director of City Scouts, a unique summer camp program teaching kids aged 10-14 urban exploration, Riley oversees all aspects, including strategies, product design, staff, marketing, administration, and finances. He initiated and grew this venture from scratch at age 18.  

Sofia Paco 

Location: Vancouver, BC

Sofia is a creative and sensitive individual who loves to learn. She has explored different paths in pursuit of finding her strengths and what brings her to life. From studying Biology in University to hiking over half of the Pacific Crest Trail, she finds that relationships and the connection they provide move the world forward. This discovery was further cemented during her participation in Venture for Canada, where collaborating with brilliant individuals made tackling daunting challenges fun and inspiring. As a result of these experiences, Sofia feels driven to continue learning and being part of the next wave of entrepreneurs working to make our world a better place.

Tia Osuma

Role: User Experience Designer, Vogtech Inc.

Location: Toronto, ON

Tia Osuma combines her long-standing passion for technology, leadership, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship with a diverse educational background including studies in Interdisciplinary Social Science, UX/UI Design, and Data Analytics at York University, the University of Toronto, and McMaster University, respectively. Professionally, Tia is currently a User Experience Designer at Vogtech Inc., and holds previous internship positions in graphic design and grant writing, showcasing her multifaceted skill set across various industries.

Zuzana Navratil 

Role: Business Development Representative, Viafoura

Location: Montreal, QC

Zuzana’s academic background in Economics and Educational Psychology motivated her to take charge of Peace by PEACE during the 2020 pandemic. This organization focuses on empowering elementary school students by teaching them essential conflict resolution skills. Later on, Zuzana shifted her focus to urban sustainability. She joined The ECOLE Project (NGO) board of directors, where she participated in the management of the organization’s financial and carbon budgets, as well as recruitment of new project members. Zuzana’s daily steps to practice sustainability involve responsible investing, learning “forgotten” life skills such as baking from scratch, embroidery, sewing, and repurposing used items into art. At VFC, Zuzana facilitated a bread baking workshop aimed at building VFC fellows’ capacity to provide basic bakery goods for themselves. This workshop served as a micro step towards improving food security, raising awareness about ingredients, and reducing grocery bills.