Young Eye International

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Our fourth feature of Green Lens spotlights Shreya Rao - a University of Waterloo student studying Environment, Resources and Sustainability with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Originally from Vancouver, Shreya’s passion for sustainability and climate action guided her journey from a young age, and is what eventually led her to study at the University of Waterloo.

Shreya has immersed herself in the community by volunteering with multiple organizations. Those experiences, combined with her entrepreneurship minor, led her to found Planted - an ed-tech platform designed to help youth upskill and find ne...

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Our third feature of Green Lens highlights Bilal Khawaja - a University of Waterloo Honours Biomedical Sciences student and the Managing Director at Young & Restless, a youth-led organization focused on driving entrepreneurship and sustainability.

Young & Restless leverages their team, talent, resources, and efforts to cultivate the biggest possible impact. Through initiatives like their Climate Design Sprint, they provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance to start impactful organizations.

Tune into this feature to hear Bilal discuss: 

• What Young & Restless is all about 

• How sustainability is a g...

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Our second feature of GreenLens spotlights Sol and Abinaya, two young students that created GrassrootsKW - a project intertwining empathy, joy, and interdisciplinary action with the climate justice.

Sol’s passion for both people and the planet, combined with Abinaya’s studies in Environment, Resources, and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo, makes this duo remarkable. What began at a hackathon in March 2025 has grown into a powerful project pushing for informed, joyful climate action.

Tune into this feature to hear Sol and Abinaya discuss: 

• Why sustainability isn’t a...

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In our first feature of Green Lens, we spoke to Julia, a University of Waterloo graduate who took her love for mechatronics beyond the lab. 

Backpacking across Asia allowed Julia to dive into the world of community based water sustainability solutions. Following her adventures, she ultimately landed at Enviro Stewards - where engineering meets social impact.

Tune into this feature to hear Julia discuss:

• Why engineering is crucial in the sustainability space
• What she learned through her backpacking experience
• How youth are challenging the idea of...

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This week we are joined by the founder and CEO of MedInclude - a Canadian based health technology organization that is helping health care providers better communicate with patients. 

How?

By simplifying medical information into lay terminology that can be translated in multiple languages.

Listen in to learn how she took her experience care giving for her grandmother to building a platform that is going to serve numerous health care institutions globally. 

She left us with this: For the eye not to see evil, the wh...

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In this episode, we sit down with Kwaku Owusu Twum, founder of Mapkot Technologies, a digital platform transforming how farmers connect with buyers launched in Ghana and not going global.

Founder Kwaku shares how failure shaped his vision, how listening - really listening to farmers sparked his breakthrough by visiting their homes and villages, and how he turned that into a numerous pitch competition wins in many incubators across Canada!

Kwaku’s wisdom? Unmissable. His story? Powerful. His impact? Just getting started. Listen in the the doctoral research student at...

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In today's episode we dive into a inspiring conversation with Chioma Efejedia - founder of Inner Compass Well-Being an entrepreneur, psychotherapist, and DEI facilitator with over 10 years of experience.

From navigating stress and burnout to exploring love, healing, and racialized experiences, this episode offers practical tools and heartfelt insights for young people around the world. Chioma's journey highlights culturally relevant mental health support, especially for BIPOC communities and her passion for entrepreneurship from a young age. 

Her story is a vessel for you looking to grow personally, strengthen your r...

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On this episode of The Young Eye International, we had the honor of sitting down with Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of the City of Kitchener, for a thought-provoking conversation on some of the most pressing issues shaping not just Kitchener, but our world today.

We explored the evolving Canada-U.S. relationship, the impact of trade tariffs, and the shifting global political landscape amidst today’s uncertainties. We also took a deep dive into Kitchener’s transformation into a leading innovation hub with spaces like Communitech and discussing the city...

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In this episode we sit down with Samuel Mutumba, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Kuwota, he is a serial coder, and an advocate for innovation, discipline and mental health. Samuel shares his journey of building Kuwota with Kinen, his experience as an international student, and his work supporting MedAtlas, a platform improving healthcare accessibility in Africa.

We dive into the challenges of navigating life in a new country, the mental health struggles men often face and why it is stigmatized, and the importance of discipline in one's personal growth. 

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Navigating life as an international student comes with unique challenges—culture shock, academic pressure, and the struggle to find the right mental health support. 

For Kinen, journaling served an outlet. 

This is the story of how Kuwota, born out of a Kitchen conversation with Co-founder Samuel Mutumba, an innovative AI-powered journaling platform here to revolutionize the game. An international student turned entrepreneur, recently graduate from Durham College built Kuwota to help users express their thoughts, reflect on their emotions, and confidentially share their journal entries with licensed ther...

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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with a remarkable student entrepreneur - Bismun Kaur who turned her passion into a thriving business. Starting out, she faced the challenge of making her first sale, trying to convince her parents to buy into the dream and vision and later serving close to hundreds of customers across Ontario, Canada.

Through grit, persistence, and learning the art of sales, management and organizational systems she transformed her struggles into a success story. 

 Whether you're a student entrepreneur, a dreamer, or someone on the ve...

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In this episode, we sit down with Tania Del Matto, the founding director of GreenHouse at the University of Waterloo, to discuss empowering young innovators to create meaningful social and environmental change. 

With a legacy of supporting hundreds of ventures and nurturing thousands of entrepreneurial minds, Tania shares insights on fostering sustainability, impactful entrepreneurship, and creating a brighter future.

She delves into her career and roots as Italian by heritage, and on GreenHouse recent recognition in 2024 and future programs on social entrepreneurship education and its influence on students' careers a...

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On today's episode we are honoured to have the former ambassador of Canadian Ambassador to China and Chancellor of University of Waterloo - Dominic Barton.

Born and raised in Uganda until the age of 7, Dominic takes us through his early childhood memories living in Uganda and how that experience helped propel him in his career today. As an entrepreneur with extensive experience with numerous startups his career has been one of immense impact.

He was the former global managing partner for one of the largest management consultancy - McKinsey...

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Today we are joined by Carol Spooner, a Kitchener and Toronto based photographer with 15 years of experience! She is the founder of Carol Spooner Portraits, an organization that specializes in glamour styled shoots, modern senior and family portraits, headshots and personal branding. 

We talk about all things photography from her early days with a camera to the stories she shares through her lens, this conversation is an exploration of identity, creativity, and the importance of diversity in visual storytelling.

Carol Spooner Portraits has LiftOff by CCAWR to thank as a...

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Helping farmers is the mission. Into the world of one of the three co-founders who are making an impact in Rwanda and Kenya with their groundbreaking milk pasteurizing device. Through their social enterprise, Safi, they provide farmers with a solution for safe milk production.

Daria Margarit is the co-founder of Safi and currently a double degree student at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.

Questions like - why East Africa? Of all the problems n the world, why milk safety and pasteurization? Are all questions we ask...

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Reaching Intelligent Souls Everywhere (RISE) Edutainment founder and Executive Director, Randell Adjei shares his vision and journey as an artivitst. 

In today's podcast join us as we dive into the mind of a special talent and passionate community builder and he shares his journey from University to now being celebrated as Ontario's first poet Laureate. He is a change-maker and this story serves as a testament to his continued impact in Canada and beyond.

He left us with this: "Being a leader is recognizing that everybody has a vision i...

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On today's thrilling episode we feature the talented Lowenna Barungi! A Ugandan born singer lighting up the scene as not just an artist but, student at the University of Waterloo in Canada. Tune in to discover the inspiring journey of this rising star!
 
Her journey as an international student, insights as a singer competing on stages like Pearl Of Africa Talent Search and her inspiration being building and creating community is what we discuss today!

She left us with this: "Allow yourself to express your talents in whatever capacity a...

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Today we are joined by Naomie Seh Abomo, a Civil Engineering student at the University of Waterloo. As someone passionate about 'building' communities, she shares her vision for resilient urban development and her efforts to inspire her generations of engineers.

Naomie takes us through her journey navigating diversity, representation and future entrepreneurial hopes in the field of engineering. A great conversation with an inspiring person!

She left us with this: "Stay curious, be open to learning, and never shy away from seeking support when needed."

Sehintific
...

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On the eighth episode of The Young Eye International Podcast, I had the pleasure of engaging in a captivating conversation with Sherry Joy Hugh, a community builder, enthusiastic dreamer, mentor, and proud mother of two.

Throughout this episode, we delved into Sherry's ability to foster inclusive teams, maintain a harmonious work-life balance, and comprehend the business aspects of non-profit organizations—highlighting the reality that altruism isn't always the main driving force.

Sherry  shared insights from her career journey, emphasizing the importance of setting goals while remaining receptive to new opp...

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In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Mr. Michael Prosserman, the founder of Unity Charity, a non-profit organization based in Ontario, Canada.
Unity Charity is dedicated to helping youth cultivate resilience through free Hip Hop-based programs and provides development and employment opportunities for emerging Hip Hop artists nationwide.

Michael shares the inspiring journey of building Unity Charity from the ground up, imparting valuable lessons learned along the way, and expressing the legacy he aspires to leave behind with his new organization - Epic Leadership.

...

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On the sixth episode of the Young Eye International, I was honoured to sit down with the president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo - Dr. Vivek Goel.

In this interview, we delved into the primary topics that pique the interest of students, faculty, staff, and parents regarding the University of Waterloo. We explored the university's acclaimed co-op program, its steadfast dedication to promoting equity and inclusion, and the vision for nurturing students into the leaders of tomorrow.

Our conversation allowed us to delve into  the ways in w...

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In this compelling episode, I engage co-founder of Kunda Kinds Louisa Olafuyi in a candid and insightful conversation with a focus on the hurdles and triumphs of promoting diversity and inclusion in the realm of children's literature. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EDI) have become essential discussions in today's world, and in this episode, Louisa shares an intimate understanding of the reasons behind starting Kunda Kids to share the African narrative globally. 

Louisa shares valuable insights, addressing questions like: What are the core barriers to diversity in children's literature? How ca...

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In this captivating episode I sit down with a renowned media personality, who has left an indelible mark in the broadcasting and media industry - Crystal Newman. In this conversation, Crystal shares her motivations that fueled her passion for the world of media and broadcasting, and how they navigated their way to becoming an influential figure in the field.

As we delve deeper, Crystal reveals the key to their success: the art of building rapport and creating a comfortable environment during interviews. Learn the secrets behind their interviewing style that has...

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In this episode, I sat down with a remarkable Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Break The Ice, an international youth organization  working towards discussing taboo topics and creating an enlightened youth community  - Palakh Khanna.

Palakh shares her invaluable experience and proven strategies for initiating open and meaningful conversations on taboo topics, how her team skillfully navigate the delicate space, encouraging even the most hesitant individuals to participate and break free from societal constraints.

The path to empowering conversations and breaking barriers can be demanding. Palakh sheds light on...

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On this episode of The Young Eye International we are joined by the Vice President, Community opportunities and mobilization at United Way of Greater Toronto Area, Nation Cheong. 

I had the privilege of speaking with Nation, a seasoned expert on the value of mentorship and coaching in empowering nonprofits and communities, and habits essential for success.

We delve into strategies for inclusivity and representation, community impact development, and the art of changing the playbook without altering the game. As always, we get personal with our guest, uncovering their beliefs a...

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On the Young Eye International, an insightful conversation with executive director of CEE Center for Young Black Professionals Canada, Agapi Gessesse. In this episode, we explore the profound influence of culture and identity on Agapi Gessesse professional journey. Discover how her cultural background has shaped their approach to work and defined their purpose.

As the Executive Director of the CEE Center for Young Black Professionals, Agapi faces the challenge of balancing long-term vision and strategic goals with the immediate needs and challenges faced by marginalized youth. Uncover her strategies for prioritizing...