Venture for Canada Announces Recipients of the 2025 RBC Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award

Toronto, ON 

Venture for Canada (VFC) is excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 RBC Inclusive Entrepreneurship Awards. 

Venture for Canada’s Fellowship Program is a 12-month program designed to equip young Canadians with the entrepreneurial skills they need to launch and grow their careers. The 2025 cohort saw an overwhelming interest with close to 2,000 applications, from which 55 Fellows were selected across Canada. 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.

The recipients of the 2025 RBC Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award have been recognized for their dedication to inclusive leadership and entrepreneurial innovation. This award offers Fellows the chance to strengthen their skills, grow their professional networks, and apply their entrepreneurial talents to create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Meet the Winners of the 2025 RBC Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award 

Adeline Coulter

Adeline Coulter is a strategist and systems architect who builds high-trust, high-leverage infrastructure for ventures and individuals operating in complex markets. As the founder of ARK.how, a SaaS signal amplifier, and the Ark Fellowship, she develops scalable frameworks that unlock clarity, optimize decision-making, and surface overlooked value — particularly for underrepresented builders working beyond conventional lanes. She brings cross-sector experience spanning education, nonprofit leadership, and corporate strategy — across industries from healthcare to biofuels, fine art to materials innovation. Her work translates behavioral insight into bottom-line results, designing systems where integrity, clarity, and performance compound. She is currently building ventures focused on alignment-based leadership that converts signal into sustainable market advantage. She operates with integrity not as a tagline — but as a design principle.

Aimen Akbar

Aimen is a scientist and recipient of two prestigious international fellowships in the USA and Japan, holding a Master’s in Applied Biotechnology from McGill University. She leverages her deep scientific expertise to contribute to impactful life sciences and healthcare innovations, with a growing focus on translating science into go-to-market strategies that advance human health.

Alberto Chavez

Alberto Chavez is a St. Thomas University graduate with a degree in Psychology and a Venture for Canada Fellow (2025-2026). As Vice President of Student Life at the St. Thomas University Students’ Union (STUSU), he contributed to enhancing campus engagement by overseeing 35+ events, including the first-ever student-led “STU Short Film Festival,” which gained media attention and was featured on CBC.

Amir Sadeghi

Amir Sadeghi is a physicist turned data and AI scientist, passionate about applying scientific rigor to real-world problems. He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Waterloo, where he developed large-scale simulations and data analysis tools to study biological systems. After graduation, Amir continued his research and taught physics at the University of Waterloo. Alongside his academic work, he is developing a startup idea that uses machine learning and AI tools to redesign university curriculum systems. Driven by curiosity, Amir aims to launch his own company or make an impact within the Canadian entrepreneurial ecosystem.

April Batalla

April Batalla is currently a digital designer passionate about using visual graphics to drive social impact. She recently graduated from the University of Toronto Scarborough with a degree in Psychological and Health Sciences and has since pivoted into marketing and graphic design. Based in Toronto, April hopes to connect her background in human behavior with creative strategy to develop thoughtful, accessible, and community-driven projects. Through the Venture for Canada Fellowship Program, April discovered the power of community, adaptability, and self-trust in navigating a career pivot outside of academia. The fellowship program helped her embrace change, reflect on her goals, and build meaningful relationships with other emerging leaders. She is currently exploring how to integrate human-centred design and entrepreneurial thinking into creative projects that portray authentic representation.

Carla Hinojosa Deza

Carla Hinojosa Deza is a recent graduate of the University of Alberta, where she earned a major in Finance and a minor in Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Management. Passionate about problem-solving and fostering inclusive communities, Carla has applied her skills in both academic and professional settings. She currently works as a Customer Service Representative with the City of Edmonton, where she cultivates strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills. During her university years, Carla held key leadership roles—serving as a Logistics Officer and VP of Finance in student organizations—and played an active part in grant adjudication and sales initiatives. These experiences reinforced her commitment to teamwork, efficiency, and meaningful impact. Carla’s passion for community extends beyond her formal roles. She loves exploring new cities on foot and discovering diverse cuisines, reflecting her curiosity and eagerness to connect with different cultures

Chloe Pan

Chloe Pan is a finance enthusiast with a strong entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for creating positive, sustainable change in the community. With diverse experience across functions, she supports strategic decision-making and drive operational improvements that go beyond the numbers. Chloe values the power of human connection and community. From running her own business to streamlining processes at startups, she approaches every opportunity with curiosity, passion, and a deep commitment to meaningful impact. To her, entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business—it’s about thinking independently, leading with purpose, and building solutions that matter. She is continuously seeking opportunities to grow, collaborate, and contribute to work that drives real and lasting change.

Daksham Bugreja

Daksham Bugreja is a driven and creative professional with a passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and building meaningful relationships. With a background in business development, sales, and a natural talent for communication, he thrives in fast-paced environments where innovation and impact go hand in hand. Daksham is always exploring new ideas, collaborating with others, and finding ways to bring value—both personally and professionally.

Dasha Istomina

Dasha Istomina is a recent BSc Honours graduate from Trent University, where she completed a dual major in Computer Science and Forensic Science. Through the Venture for Canada program, she expanded her entrepreneurial mindset and gained clarity to act on her ideas. She went on to launch AIFlow Agency, a startup that helps modern brands save time and work more efficiently through automation and AI. Outside of her work, Dasha enjoys an active lifestyle, art, and classical music, all of which support her creativity, focus, and discipline. She is committed to building with purpose and hopes to grow alongside people who share her vision—driven, curious minds ready to create meaningful work.

Elaina Buenaventura

Growing up in a small-town environment, Elaina learned early the power of connection and showing up for themselves and others. Once a hardcore introvert, they found their voice through listening—turning quiet compassion into resilient coordination. Working as a facilitator and a crisis responder helped Elaina grow into a reflective, creative leader who values shared power, intentional structure, and love. As a lab manager, they discovered a passion for making spaces and projects feel purposeful and collaborative, both internally and externally. Drawing from experiences in psychology, management, travel, music, conversations, and walks in nature, they aim to bring thoughtful, innovative energy to their next role. Their goal: to help people and organizations move toward their dreams with care, clarity, and courage.

Emily Vilcsak

Emily Vilcsak is a communications strategist, disability advocate, and four-time founder passionate about building more inclusive, purpose-driven systems. She’s the creator of Disability Is Not a Binary, an online platform challenging how we talk about disability, and the founder of EVE, a communications consultancy focused on helping values-aligned businesses scale their impact through strategy, storytelling, and smart systems. With a Master’s in Communications and Technology from the University of Alberta, Emily’s work bridges digital equity, entrepreneurship, and identity. Her recent research explores how people with hidden disabilities construct authentic identities on Instagram—a reflection of her own lived experience navigating the world with cerebral palsy. As a Venture for Canada Fellow and RBC Award Winner, Emily brings vulnerability, vision, and voice to every room she’s in. Whether she’s leading a workshop, managing a major campaign, or building content strategies that convert—her goal remains the same: help changemakers get seen, get heard, and build what they wish existed.

Ishika Jhajj

Ishika Jhajj is a recent Psychology graduate with a deep passion for empowering others through entrepreneurship and authentic connection. As the daughter of hard-working immigrant parents, she was inspired early on by the resilience and sacrifice that shaped her family’s journey. These experiences instilled in her a belief that meaningful impact begins with determination, heart, and a commitment to community. Her work—whether through volunteering, leading student initiatives, or exploring entrepreneurial ventures—has always centered around people. She’s dedicated to creating spaces where others feel supported, seen, and inspired to grow. She believes that everyone has unique strengths worth celebrating, and that by helping each other uncover and use those strengths, we create stronger, more compassionate communities. What excites her most is the potential of entrepreneurship to turn good intentions into tangible impact—not just in business, but in people’s lives. She’s driven by the small, powerful moments when someone feels heard or encouraged, knowing that these moments can spark lasting change. With a belief that a rising tide lifts all boats, Ishika is committed to a path of growing alongside others while helping them rise too.

Jack Chen

Jack Chen is a 2025 Venture for Canada Fellow and RBC Fellowship Award Winner with a mission to build solutions where social impact meets entrepreneurial drive. With a background in public health and a deep commitment to food security, Jack has worked across government, nonprofits, and startups to explore how business can be a tool for systems change. He currently serves as the Social Media and Brand Manager at The New Hire—a growing career community for early professionals navigating the workforce. Jack is especially passionate about using storytelling, community-building, and innovation to tackle challenges like accessible nutrition, youth employment, and education equity.

Minh-Hang Chu

Minh Hang is a Lead Business Analyst & Product Manager for large-scale implementation and digital transformations. With 5+ years of experience in leading cross-functional agile teams, and managing multiple work streams to deliver products that enhance user experience and drive business growth, she is responsible for product development, strategic planning, system implementation, user story development, customer journey mapping, and service design. Minh Hang currently holds 4 Microsoft & Salesforce certifications. Her interests include product development, human-centered design, and working with social impact organizations. She is thrilled to work on high-value-added products.

Ramtin Zafar

Ramtin Zafar is a psychology graduate from York University and the co-founder of IA Solutions, a software development company helping e-commerce brands grow through smart integration and automation. With experience in business development and sales, Remy brings an understanding of how to build relationships, communicate value, and solve real customer problems. He was inspired to start IAS through the opportunity to build something meaningful with his network. Known for being a supportive listener and thoughtful teammate, he enjoys volunteering, reading, traveling, and camping. Through his work, he hopes to inspire others to become better versions of themselves.

Tianne Pane

Tianne Pane was born in Indonesia and raised in Doha, Qatar, before moving to Canada as a recipient of the prestigious Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at the University of Toronto. She pursued a degree in Mathematics and Political Science, combining analytical thinking with a deep curiosity about systems and society. Currently, Tianne works as a pre-sales consultant at Lenovo. Throughout university, she explored opportunities in logistics and edtech, but her Indonesian roots have anchored her long-term passion: launching a venture in agri- or climate tech to address food insecurity and advocate for fair wages for agricultural workers. Outside of work, she’s an avid language learner and basketball enthusiast. Tianne is deeply honored to be nominated for the RBC Award by a cohort she holds in such high regard—a community that continues to inspire her commitment to impact-driven innovation.

Waaiz Beyg

Waaiz works in the startup ecosystem and is passionate about entrepreneurship. He’s deeply interested in the startup space and aspires to launch his own venture in the future. He’s always exploring new ideas and opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact in the field.

Yahya Said

Yahya Said is a recent graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management with a major in Marketing. He currently works as a Sales Development Representative at Jobber, honing his skills in communication, relationship-building, and prospecting. Beyond his professional role, Yahya is an active member of Third Space, a nonprofit that supports marginalized individuals in Toronto through identity exploration, community building, and leadership development. He is passionate about global travel, cross-cultural connection, and making a meaningful impact. Yahya is driven to build a career that blends purpose with innovation.

Yunji Seo

Yunji Seo is a collaborative and results-driven researcher/analyst/strategist with a Master’s in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto. She specializes in solving complex problems at the intersection of human health, systems, and sustainability — bringing a systems mindset, strong organizational intuition, and full-cycle project management experience.

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.