Venture for Canada Announces the 2024 TD Clean Prosperity Award Winners

Toronto, ON 

July 7, 2025 – Venture for Canada (VFC) is excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 TD Clean Prosperity Awards, presented to young people from Canada who have completed VFC’s Fellowship Program.

This 12-month program empowers young people from Canada by building the entrepreneurial skills they need to launch and grow their careers. In 2025, the program received close to 2,000 applications, with 55 Fellows chosen from across the country. Fellows take part in an intensive in-person three-week Training Camp, tap into a vibrant alumni network of 500+ members, attend personal and professional development sessions, and receive personalized career coaching throughout the experience.

Honoured at their graduation in May 2025, the 2024 recipients of the TD Clean Prosperity Fellowship Award are recognized for their dedication to the cleantech sector and their commitment to environmental sustainability. As part of the award, recipients also have the opportunity to connect with cleantech employers to grow their skills, expand their networks, and further apply their entrepreneurial talents to advance their sustainability goals.

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 the 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 Clean Prosperity Award Winners 

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

Abigail Wong

Abigail Wong is a civil engineering graduate from the University of Waterloo. She currently works in Toronto, Ontario as a Customer Success Specialist at ClearCalcs, a structural engineering software company. She is continually exploring ways to integrate and combine her interests in engineering, technology, and sustainability in her daily work. Having worked in the structural design industry, she knows the impact the building and construction industry has on global emissions. She aims to help engineers be more efficient in their design and reduce environmental impacts in the built environment.

Aingeli Anton

Aingeli Anton is a Toronto-based Product Designer specializing in UX/UI, digital research, and user-centred design solutions. With a foundation in Cognitive Science and Neuroscience from Carleton University, she brings a systems-thinking approach to creating intuitive digital experiences for startups, nonprofits, and businesses. Aingeli has led diverse freelance and in-house projects from ideation to delivery, applying her design expertise to industries ranging from immigration services to bio-manufacturing and community care. Her multidisciplinary background spans roles in product design, branding, and customer experience, as well as leadership in youth advocacy and cultural initiatives. As a 2024 Venture for Canada Fellow, Aingeli is passionate about entrepreneurship, accessibility in tech, and building inclusive communities through design. She is currently open to new collaborations and design opportunities that align with purpose-driven work.

Amal Zeidan

Amal Zeidan holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Western University. She held roles as an Impact Changemaker at Sheridan College, Catalyst Program Assistant at the University of Guelph and Young Nature Leader Coordinator at Nature Canada. In these roles she has worked on developing educational youth programming that consisted of workshops on eco-leadership, social entrepreneurship, climate action and community led projects protecting nature. Additionally, she runs a nonprofit called Steps2Flourish promoting mental health and wellbeing for university students through resource sharing and skill building workshops with mental health professionals. Her work at Steps2Flourish has been recognized by CMHA by collaborating on a conference and the University of Guelph by receiving the Andre Auger Citizenship Award. She was invited to the One Young World Summit through a full scholarship from Novartis where she met with Novartis staff and executives to share about Steps2Flourish. Amal is currently based in the Greater Toronto Area.

Amanda Yuen

Amanda Yuen is a Vancouver-based Customer Success Specialist at Hydreight Technologies where she supports digital health solutions with a people-first approach. A Venture for Canada Fellow and graduate of Western University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences, Amanda combines a strong foundation in health and sociology with hands-on experience across marketing, sales, and project coordination. Her cross-functional background is complemented by ongoing training in UX design, product management, and digital marketing, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and growth. Known for her curiosity and adaptability, Amanda thrives at the intersection of connection, problem-solving, and strategic customer engagement. Outside of work, she’s passionate about exploring local food culture, history, and creative hobbies like ceramics and book collecting.

Braiden Pergis

Braiden Pergis is an invoice and inventory coordinator at Marcel’s Bakery in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature from the University of Manitoba and a Graduate Diploma in Business from Queen’s University. Having worked in politics, small business, and journalism, his passions continue to focus on the growth and development of others. Through his work, he supports youth education through the theatrical arts and strengthening the Filipino-Canadian community in Winnipeg through programming. He hopes to one day build a sustainable project at the intersection of personal development and the startup ecosystem.

Carolyn Kont

Carolyn is a recent Bachelor of Business Administration graduate with a Specialization in Marketing. She brings a strong background in marketing communications and philanthropy to her current role as the Events and Communications Specialist at the YMCA. Passionate about sustainability, Carolyn was a key member of her university’s Environmentalism Club, where she contributed to campus-wide initiatives. Her combined experience in communications and community engagement reflects a commitment to making a positive impact both professionally and personally.

Harsheen Sodhi

Harsheen Sodhi is a Computer Engineering graduate from McMaster University. She currently works as a Programmer Analyst at S&C Electric in Toronto. At S&C, she contributes to building more intelligent and efficient systems that support a resilient and sustainable energy future. Passionate about environmental and ethical responsibility, Harsheen actively promotes veganism and dreams of opening her own animal rescue centre. A lifelong learner and avid reader, she also finds fulfillment in teaching and mentoring others. Harsheen is committed to driving meaningful change at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and compassion.

Kali Beaton

I am from Brookvillage, a small town in Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, I graduated with a Business degree from Saint Francis Xavier University in 2024 where I had my different experiences with my main involvement in the Student Union, Business case competitions and as varsity athlete on the Cross country and Track team. Following Graduation I became a VFC Fellow and attended the Fellowship Camp, where I learned so much about industries across Canada in the Startup space and from business leaders and today I am working as a Legal Assistant in Corporate and Commercial Property, also assisting with some marketing efforts at a Law Firm in Halifax. VFC Has been an incredible experience that has broadened the horizon of industries and possibilities I am aware of across Canada, but most importantly for me, in Atlantic Canada. 

Laura Oris-Naidenova

Laura Oris-Naidenova is a Project Coordinator specializing in Communications and Marketing at the International Economic Forum of the Americas in Montreal, Quebec. With a versatile skill set spanning digital marketing, web and graphic design, proposal writing, CRM management, and data analysis, Laura brings a multifaceted approach to supporting dialogue among leaders in business, government, and NGOs on economic policy, technology, and sustainability. In addition to her core role, Laura freelances with small businesses and social impact startups in health tech and sustainability, driving brand awareness, audience growth, and meaningful community engagement. Her passion for continuous learning and holistic understanding informs her strategic communication efforts and client collaborations. Outside of work, Laura enjoys nurturing plants, cooking, reading, writing, movement, and connecting through deep conversations.

Lauren Morris

Lauren Morris is a detail-oriented Project Manager based in Toronto, Ontario, with over five years of experience leading strategic initiatives in healthcare operations, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), and community engagement. She holds a Master’s Degree in Communication and currently leads the Substance Use Health Initiative at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), driving hospital-wide collaboration to improve adolescent substance use care. Lauren is passionate about health tech innovation and policy, actively seeking opportunities to contribute to organizations advancing health equity, patient-centred care, and accessible, technology-driven health solutions. Her expertise includes stakeholder engagement, project coordination, research design, grant writing, and advocacy for mental health and accessibility.

Nadira Hussain

Nadira Hussain is a Propel Impact Consulting Fellow based in Vancouver, passionate about social innovation and community-driven change. She holds a Bachelor of International Economics with a minor in International Relations from UBC, where she also served as an Equity Ambassador. Nadira brings experience in operations and stakeholder engagement from roles at the UBC Global Lounge and Aplin, and deepened her understanding of urban sustainability through CityHive’s Urban ReVision Programme. She is also deeply committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, supported by past SDG training with the BC Council for International Cooperation.

Sahawat Nilwatcharamanee

Sahawat Nilwatcharamanee is a medical doctor and 2024 TD Clean Prosperity Award recipient based in Toronto, Ontario. After years in medicine, he chose a simpler, more grounded life, and now works as a crossing guard, a role that’s brought him unexpected peace and purpose. Inspired by the quiet moments and everyday human connections on the sidewalk, he is developing Crosswalk Wisdom, a wellness project that shares reflections on slowing down, healing, and living with intention. Sahawat hopes to help others reconnect with themselves and take small, sustainable steps toward a healthier, more compassionate world

Subash Raj Natarajan

Subash Raj Natarajan is the Founder and CEO of MedNova Diagnostics Inc., a Halifax-based company at the forefront of applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to health and biological research. An alumnus of St. Francis Xavier University, Subash holds a dual academic background in Computer Science and Biology, equipping him with deep expertise in computational biology, data science, and advanced programming. As a Venture for Canada 2024 Fellow, Subash combines his technical prowess with strong leadership and project management skills. He has been an active contributor to the international student community, notably serving as Vice President for Communications at the Students Association, where he enhanced engagement through innovative marketing and social media strategies. Passionate about health innovation, fitness, and public speaking, Subash continues to pursue opportunities that integrate AI and genetics to advance wellness and diagnostics. His dynamic approach to teamwork and technology fuels his mission to make impactful contributions to health sciences.

Susanna Zhang

Susanna flies in and out to support plant operations and drive production improvements, combining her consulting experience in feasibility studies with strong analytical skills to tackle real-time production challenges. Through VFC, she sharpened her entrepreneurial mindset and marketing skills, complementing her technical expertise. Her approach blends data-driven insights, intuition, and teamwork in the mining and pyrometallurgy space. Coming from humble beginnings, Susanna is proud to be part of an industry that values grit, sustainability, and process-driven impact. She’s motivated by the opportunity to implement meaningful changes and hopes to see growing appreciation for process-focused thinkers in mining.

Thien Pham

As a Venture for Canada alumni and lifelong learner, Thien values collaboration, clear communication, and applying engineering to real-world impact, particularly in the energy transition. His entrepreneurial drive led him to support multiple SMEs with requisition, strengthening his commercial and customer-focused mindset. Combined with experience across mining, utilities, and manufacturing, he brings engineering expertise alongside technical and market insight in his current role as a Technical Sales Engineer, specializing in distribution transformers. These are essential for integrating renewable energy and powering data centers, which have become critical components of the global energy system as electricity demand surges in the era of AI and cloud computing. Thien contributes to modernizing energy infrastructure by improving grid efficiency, advancing clean energy, and enabling the low-carbon transition.

Tiffany Li

Tiffany Li is a recent graduate of the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Animal Biology with Honours. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tiffany has diverse experience in academic research, event coordination, and photography, with a strong background in genetics and plant pathology. As a Venture for Canada Fellow, she has completed extensive training in project management, operations, sales, marketing, and customer success. Tiffany has contributed to research publications and engaged in community-oriented roles, including academic advising and urban sustainability projects. Known for her curiosity and collaborative spirit, Tiffany is currently exploring opportunities in coordination, workshop facilitation, academic advising, and agriculture consultancy, aiming to blend scientific knowledge with community impact.