Venture for Canada Announces Recipients of the 2024 RBC Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award

TORONTO, ON

August 15, 2024 –  Venture for Canada (VFC) is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 RBC Inclusive Entrepreneurship Awards.

Venture for Canada’s Fellowship Program is a 12-month program 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 a three-week entrepreneurial Training Camp, access to startup job opportunities, a network of over 500 alumni, and tailored one-on-one career coaching.

The recipients of the 2024 RBC Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award have been recognized for their commitment to inclusive leadership and entrepreneurial innovation. These awards provide the Fellows with the opportunity to enhance their skills, expand their professional networks, and leverage their entrepreneurial talents to drive positive change within their communities and beyond.

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 RBC Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award Winners

Braiden Pergis 

Role: Invoice and Inventory Coordinator, Marcel’s Bakery 

Location: Winnipeg, MB 

Braiden holds a BA in English Literature and a diploma in business. Growing up working in his family’s bakery, he learned valuable lessons in hard work, perseverance, and flexibility. As the partnerships coordinator and invoicing clerk, Braiden engages with customers and business partners to ensure their needs are met. His diverse experiences span politics, volunteering on non-profit boards in the arts and cultural spaces, and student journalism. Joining the Venture for Canada fellowship, Braiden is eager to refine his skills, share his story, learn from others, and make an impact in the Canadian start-up landscape. 

Aingeli Anton 

Role: Cognitive Science and User Experience Design Specialist 

Location: Toronto, ON

Aingeli Anton is a passionate individual with a diverse background in Cognitive Science and User Experience Design. Her journey in understanding human cognition and technology is fueled by a deep fascination with neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Beyond her professional pursuits, Aingeli enjoys getting lost in the great outdoors, usually hiking on nature trails or embarking on solo backpacking adventures. She is excited about the opportunity to bring her unique blend of skills and passions to Venture for Canada, where she hopes to contribute meaningfully to its mission of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Laura Oris-Naidenova 

Role: Marketing Graduate, University of Ottawa

Location: Ottawa, ON

Laura is a recent marketing graduate from the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. She is a marketing Swiss-army knife with experience in email marketing, social media marketing and management, proposal management, CRM and business development, market research, and data analytics. Laura thrives in project-based environments, building plans from scratch and working autonomously. She is passionate about sustainability, JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion), and contributing to the greater good. Outside of her professional pursuits, Laura enjoys taking care of her plants, reading books, writing poetry, and participating in community initiatives. She loves long conversations and bonding with new people.

Sophika Dmytryshyn 

Role: Management Graduate, Dalhousie University  

Location: Toronto, ON 

Sophika, born and raised in Toronto, graduated in 2023 from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Management, majoring in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. During her time at Dalhousie, she completed an 8-month internship at a health tech start-up in Operations & Sales. Since returning home, Sophika has been pursuing additional qualifications in Digital Marketing. An optimist who finds joy in everyday moments, she loves fostering meaningful connections and making a positive impact in her community. In her free time, Sophika enjoys workout classes, coffee walks, watercolor painting, cooking, and dining out with good company.

Tiffany Li 

Role: Applied Animal Biology Graduate, University of British Columbia 

Location: Vancouver, BC

Tiffany is a recent graduate from the University of British Columbia, holding a Bachelor of Science in Applied Animal Biology. Throughout her degree, she engaged in various leadership positions focused on community development and engagement. A highlight of her studies was a one-year exchange at the University of Copenhagen, where she participated in a pre-incubation program and various case competitions, including “Plant-Based Organic vs. Conventional Food and Farming” by Kragerup Manor and “Living with Obesity” by Novo Nordisk. On weekends, Tiffany practices photography, hip hop dancing, oil painting, and tends to her garden with her mother.

Alfa Hamilton 

Role: Receptionist, Jet Black Hair & Studio  

Location: Ottawa, ON 

Alfa is a recent Biomedical Science graduate from the University of Ottawa, where she delved into the intricacies of human biology and health. Alongside her studies, she works as a receptionist at a hair salon, mastering the art of customer service and organization. Outside of academia and work, Alfa’s interests include reading novels, listening to thought-provoking podcasts, and exploring new culinary delights. Driven by curiosity and a desire for self-growth, she navigates life’s adventures with an open mind, constantly seeking inspiration and fulfillment.

Omer Abdalla 

Role: Company Owner, Brampton Tandoors

Location: London, ON

Omer, born in Iraq and raised in the scenic landscapes of Newfoundland, is a proud graduate of Western University, where he pursued degrees in Medical Science and Psychology. His educational background fuels his passion for understanding the intricacies of human behavior and health. A staunch advocate for the great outdoors, Omer dedicates much of his time to initiatives that encourage fellow Canadians to explore and appreciate natural surroundings. As a lifelong hockey enthusiast, he cherishes the spirit and camaraderie of the sport. Committed to giving back to the community, Omer is actively involved in volunteering and strives to be a civically engaged Canadian, driven by a belief in the power of community and the importance of active participation in shaping a better future for all.

Thien Pham 

Role: Engineering Graduate, McGill University 

Location: Toronto, ON  

Thien is an ambitious engineering student on track to graduate with a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, specializing in sustainable energy from McGill University. With a deep-seated interest in engineering, technology entrepreneurship, and clean tech, Thien is committed to applying innovative solutions to address sustainability challenges. His professional journey is enriched by diverse experiences across industries, including running small businesses, which have sharpened his skills in problem-solving, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Post-graduation, Thien aims to harness his expertise to drive innovation and contribute significantly to advancing clean tech solutions for a greener future.

Youngnam Hlady 

Role: Software Engineer, Curioson Immersive Inc 

Location: Montreal, QC 

Youngnam recently graduated from McGill University with a degree in Software Engineering and currently resides in Montreal. He is deeply passionate about tech and software development, working at a software research company dedicated to creating solutions for real-world problems, including innovative projects for individuals who are hard of hearing. Outside of work, Youngnam is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys running, hiking, and spending time by the ocean. His interests include sustainability, affordable housing, and public transportation, reflecting his commitment to addressing pressing generational issues. Known for his curiosity, Youngnam is always eager to learn and explore new topics.

Carolyn Kont 

Role: Business Administration Graduate, Okanagan College

Location: West Kelowna, BC 

Carolyn recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing. She is a highly motivated and optimistic individual, passionate about marketing communications, entrepreneurship, continuous learning, and creating value within her community. Carolyn engages in community volunteering, such as developing an e-commerce website for a local charity. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, baking, exploring the outdoors with her dog, yoga, and paddle boarding with friends. Eager to begin her journey with Venture for Canada, Carolyn looks forward to building new connections with like-minded individuals.

Kali Beaton 

Role: Ecommerce Advisor, Association des DBDC du NB

Location: Cape Breton, NS 

Kali Beaton is a BBA graduate from Cape Breton, NS, and a passionate marketing professional dedicated to building brands and excelling in projects. She is eager to enter the start-up space in Canada, looking forward to the dynamic environment where she can wear multiple hats daily.

Michelle Ong 

Role: Business Development Coordinator, Trend Custom Tailors

Location: Toronto, ON 

Michelle is a passionate foodie and avid squash player from Toronto. She loves challenging herself and exploring new things and places, always seeking out new experiences and adventures.

Nadira Hussain 

Role: International Economics Graduate, University of British Columbia 

Location: Vancouver, BC 

Nadira is passionate about innovation for the greater good, with a background in Economics, Strategy, and Community Development. She has a keen interest in social entrepreneurship and is excited to explore this further with her peers in the program. Nadira is dedicated to leveraging her skills and knowledge to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact.

Amanda Yuen 

Role: Customer Success Specialist, Hydreight Technologies  

Location: Vancouver, BC 

Amanda is an Account Manager from Vancouver, BC, with a background in Health Sciences and Sociology, which has refined her interpersonal and analytical skills. Passionate about connection, she thrives on engaging with people, tackling challenges, and sparking dialogue. Her diverse experience in marketing, sales, and project coordination has fostered adaptability and resourcefulness. Actively pursuing professional growth, Amanda has acquired certificates in UX Design, Digital Marketing, and Product Management, and is participating in the Venture for Canada Fellowship. In her spare time, she enjoys history, exploring local farmers’ markets, browsing bookstores, crafting ceramics, and sharing meals with cherished company.

Lauren Morris 

Role: Project Manager, The Hospital for Sick Children

Location: Toronto, ON

Lauren’s diverse background in neuroscience, communication, and social advocacy underscores her commitment to making a positive impact through entrepreneurship. She has a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and an M.A. in Communication & Culture, which helps her build her dynamic career spanning the arts, social advocacy and healthcare. She wishes to launch her own health Startup space in the future. 

Ramez Ahmed 

Role: Technology Associate, Sutherland  

Location: Kingston, ON

Ramez’s career motto is “Bridging science with business.” He is a Medical Biotechnology graduate with experience in medical affairs, sales, and marketing in the pharmaceutical industry. Currently, he aims to leverage his scientific background to develop business and commercialization strategies for a life science or pharmaceutical organization.

Sahawat Nilwatcharamanee 

Role: Health Informatics Graduate, Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology  

Location: Toronto, ON

Sahawat is a passionate healthcare professional with a diverse background in medicine and a keen interest in data analytics and business. He holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Thammasat University in Thailand and additional education in Health Informatics and Health Care Administration. Sahawat has dedicated his career to providing exceptional healthcare services, managing patient care plans, and conducting research to enhance healthcare awareness. Proficient in data analysis and communication, he thrives in dynamic environments. His goal is to leverage his skills to create innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and drive organizational success.

Aaron Li 

Role: Business Administration Graduate, York University 

Location: Toronto, ON

Aaron graduated last year with a degree in Business Administration, specializing in entrepreneurship. Initially planning to specialize in accounting, he shifted his focus in his third year to pursue his passion for starting his own business. This decision led to invaluable lessons and insights, shaping his beliefs in positive automatic thoughts about others, the power of collaboration, and understanding the whole picture before making assumptions. Aaron participated in the 2023 cohort of VFC’s intrapreneurship program. He is of Chinese (Hakka) descent, with parents born and raised in India. Currently, he is studying Japanese as a second language.

Leigh Hui 

Role: Fashion Communication Graduate, Toronto Metropolitan University 

Location: Toronto, ON 

Leigh recently graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University, earning her degree in Fashion Communication with a minor in Marketing. Passionate about advocating for wider ranges in sizing (petite to plus size), sustainability, and combating greenwashing, Leigh aims to join a startup focused on fashion inclusivity and sustainability. By joining VFC, she looks forward to recognizing her strengths, developing her soft skills, and making a meaningful impact in the fashion industry.

Sergio Plazas

Role: Doctor of Law 2026 Graduate, University of Calgary 

Location: Calgary, Alberta 

Sergio is  JD candidate at the University of Calgary with interest in business and technology law. His background in health sciences has allowed him to develop both strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Sergio has gained valuable experience across diverse sectors, including data science, business analytics, finance, content creation, and video editing.

Floyd Pinto 

Role: B.Comp, Major: Software Engineering, Minor: GIS & Environmental Analysis, University of Guelph 

Location: Burlington, ON

Floyd’s passion for software engineering and his love for the outdoors highlight his dedication to innovation and adventure. He is a full stack developer & data scientist with a Software Engineering degree, and 4 years of experience in development & data analytics in the GIS industry, environmental sector, health sector, telecommunications sector, media sector, and federal government. Floyd has developed enterprise-level web applications, and is pursuing a career as a full-stack developer.