The City of Ottawa has long recognized the pivotal role of skilful leadership in achieving its vision of prosperity, sustainability and resilience. For over a decade, 91亚色鈥檚 Schulich ExecEd has been a trusted partner, helping to equip Ottawa鈥檚 leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the increasingly complex challenges of municipal leadership. This past year, Schulich ExecEd delivered an updated version of its Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership program to 50 City of Ottawa managers.

Customized to meet the diverse needs of both new and seasoned leaders at the City of Ottawa, this 12-day learning program, which unfolded over 12 months, included three modules: Essentials of Municipal Leadership, Strategic Municipal Leadership and 鈥� the new addition 鈥� Future-proofing Municipalities.

鈥淭his program has challenged the participants to think about the type of leader they want to be 鈥� someone who encourages and develops people, who listens, who models integrity, who puts others first, and who acts with courage and care as we work together to build a truly great city,鈥� said Wendy Stephanson, city manager. 鈥淚t has also presented a wonderful opportunity for our leaders to broaden their skills and explore new and innovative ways of thinking.鈥�

The new module epitomizes the City of Ottawa鈥檚 forward-looking vision, challenging participants to embrace complexity, leverage data, and lead through change with strategic foresight and digital acumen.

The cohort-based learning experience also provided networking and collaboration opportunities among leaders across different departments, fostering a culture of peer-to-peer learning and building collegial relationships to last beyond the program.

鈥淭he content was like a reassuring reality check,鈥� said one participant. 鈥淓veryone is facing similar struggles and challenges, but all we have to do is redefine how we look at these and give ourselves some leeway in terms of how we define success.鈥�

Last month, the City of Ottawa hosted a Celebration of Learning event, recognizing the 50 program participants for their dedication and accomplishments. With leaders from both the city and Schulich ExecEd in attendance, the celebration served as a testament to the transformative power of education and collaboration in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

鈥淚n an era of unprecedented uncertainty, the need for skilled and agile leaders in the public sector has never been more apparent,鈥� said Rami Mayer, executive director of Schulich ExecEd. 鈥淓xecEd鈥檚 Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership program delves deep into the psychology of leadership, effective communication, cultures of innovation, political acuity and agile decision-making. Those are skills that municipal leaders of our future need to harness today to nurture their leadership strengths, and those of their teams, and deliver on their commitment to provide exceptional service to their communities.鈥�

Through strategic partnerships like this one, municipal professionals are being empowered with the skills and knowledge necessary to continue to shape the future of the communities they serve.

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This month, as one of the designated organizations in the Government of Canada鈥檚 Start-up Visa Program, YSpace 鈥� 91亚色鈥檚 entrepreneurship and innovation hub 鈥� is welcoming a group of entrepreneurs from 10 startup companies based outside of Canada who are seeking to expand their businesses here. Advancing global entrepreneurship through initiatives like this one, in both Canada and overseas, is a priority of 91亚色 U鈥檚 Global Engagement Strategy.

The federal government鈥檚 Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build innovative businesses in Canada that will create jobs. As one of the program鈥檚 selected partners, YSpace, , works with these potential immigrant entrepreneurs to familiarize them with the Canadian business landscape.

鈥淭here are a limited number of designated organizations and it鈥檚 a highly coveted label,鈥� said David Kwok, director of entrepreneurship and innovation at YSpace. 鈥淲e are one of the few at the university level.鈥�

YSpace received its formal designation last August and has since shepherded a pilot cohort and a full cohort of entrepreneurs through the program 鈥� 15 companies in total, primarily originating from South America and Asia. The team is planning to promote the program to European entrepreneurs next.

Each Government of Canada-designated organization creates its own process for the program and chooses its own entrepreneurs to mentor. YSpace鈥檚 Start-up Visa Program focuses on innovative technology companies across all sectors but has gained the most traction with artificial intelligence (AI) ventures. It accepts applications throughout the year and invites a selection of companies to participate.

YSpace鈥檚 process begins with Blueprint, a six-week boot camp where entrepreneurs assess the Canadian market and do a feasibility study for their business. Upon successful completion of Blueprint, participants become eligible for the Launchpad program, a year-long coaching and mentorship experience designed to provide strategic advice while ensuring consistent progress. YSpace works with the startups 鈥� up to five people from each company 鈥� to create and execute their business plans and facilitate opportunities to meet potential customers and buyers.

The businesses the Start-up Visa Program assists are not new ventures, but ones that are already operational in their home countries.

鈥淲e help them adapt their existing strategy to new markets,鈥� said Ellen Kim, Start-up Visa Program officer. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a new way to support industry looking to come to Canada and seeking a way to explore the market.鈥�

For instance, the Korean company Kloser recently launched its AI-powered referral marketing tool in Canada after working with YSpace. The innovation hub is also working with Brazilian entrepreneur Milo Andreo to help him launch an English version of his successful piano learning app.

鈥淭hese companies want to tap into the AI talent here in Canada and leverage the English-speaking local talent to adapt their products to the North American market,鈥� said Jason Muloongo, Start-up Visa Program advisor.

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), based at the Korean Consulate in Toronto, has placed a company in each of YSpace鈥檚 Start-up Visa Program cohorts to date and encourages its startups to work with YSpace.

鈥淭he partnership between YSpace and KOTRA Toronto has been beneficial for us,鈥� said Miki Cho, deputy general manager of KOTRA Toronto. 鈥淥ur collaborative efforts have provided invaluable resources and support, enabling Korean entrepreneurs to thrive in the Canadian market.鈥�

When it comes to assisting startups, YSpace has a proven track record. Through its wide array of programs, it has supported 985 ventures to date, which have collectively generated $277 million in revenue, raised $143 million in funding and created 1,493 jobs. This federal program involvement will allow YSpace to further solidify its reputation as an industry-leading incubator for entrepreneurs and innovators alike.

鈥淭he growing interest in YSpace鈥檚 Start-up Visa Program is an indication of YSpace鈥檚 success in moving towards the goal of building 91亚色 into a global brand for entrepreneurship and innovation,鈥� said Kwok. 鈥淭he recent success has led to an increased interest in our soft-landing and market discovery programs from trade agencies across the world.鈥�

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91亚色's Schulich ExecEd is partnering with Skills/Comp茅tences Canada (SCC), an organization dedicated to enhancing the involvement of youth and their communities in skilled trade and technology careers, to provide leadership training for the next generation of workers.

As part of the collaboration, Schulich ExecEd served as an education sponsor for this year's , a multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices, which was held in Quebec City last month. Schulich ExecEd also served as the official 2024 training partner of the Skills Canada National Alumni Committee, comprised of 13 youth leaders from across Canada who will receive critical training in the areas of strategic communications, business case development and coaching.

鈥淲e take pride in our collaboration with Skills/Comp茅tences Canada, serving as a sponsor and the official training partner of the National Alumni Committee for 2024," says Rami Mayer, executive director of Schulich ExecEd. "The programming provided goes beyond theoretical knowledge, focusing on cultivating leadership skills crucial for empowering the next generation of youth.鈥�

In an effort to bridge the gap between trade expertise and business acumen, Schulich ExecEd endeavours to equip future leaders with essential business skills such as management, leadership, finance, communications, data analytics and more. Through accelerated programming, Schulich ExecEd will provide tools to help ignite an entrepreneurial spirit, cultivate a resilient workforce and empower trades professionals to achieve desired growth levels in their respective fields.

"In today鈥檚 dynamic business landscape, young professionals are faced with multifaceted challenges that demand a comprehensive skill set," says Mayer. "Through this meaningful partnership, we aim to empower these talented youth members with the business acumen necessary to navigate the complexities of tomorrow鈥檚 job market."

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Now in its 11th year, the Walk with Excellence is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of graduating students from high schools in Toronto's Jane and Finch community. Signifying the beginning of their journey to post-secondary education, the event 鈥� taking place this year on Thursday, June 6 鈥� will see over 500 graduating students walk from five local high schools onto 91亚色's Keele Campus.

The students' supportive teachers and administrators will be cheering them on along the way, and all 91亚色 community members are invited join in welcoming the students onto the Keele Campus in true 91亚色 U style.

"The Walk with Excellence signals new beginnings and a new season," said Itah Sadu, founder of the Walk with Excellence and a 91亚色 honorary degree recipient. "Walking with the graduating students in this annual urban rite of passage is pure joy."

Organized by a coalition of community partners 鈥� including the 91亚色-TD Community Engagement Centre, local school principals and high-school leaders, the Blackhurst Cultural Centre and A Different Booklist 鈥� the Walk with Excellence will feature brief musical performances from each participating high school, remarks from community leaders and Toronto poet laureate Lillian Allen reading a poem she wrote specifically for the event. Organizers look forward to presenting several bursaries this year, generously funded by CUPE Local 4400/Toronto Education Workers, Blackhurst Cultural Centre and 91亚色.

鈥淲e are proud to stand alongside our students and school board partners in celebrating the hard work and dedication that define the Jane and Finch community's collective journey toward excellence," said Byron Gray, manager of the 91亚色-TD Community Engagement Centre. "Together, we are fostering a brighter future for all."

All 91亚色 community members are invited to take part in the event by cheering for students as they enter the Keele Campus and witnessing the presentation of scholarships and remarks. The students are expected to arrive in front of Vari Hall at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Those who cannot attend or would like to further support the cause can consider contributing to for 2025, which will offer bursaries to five future 91亚色 U students 鈥� one from each of the five participating high schools.

鈥淭his event exemplifies the power of community, resilience and academic achievement,鈥� said Annisette. 鈥淚t is our vision that a newly initiated campaign will engage all of 91亚色 in funding an ongoing Walk with Excellence Bursary.鈥�

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A collaboration between 91亚色's YSpace and Schulich ExecEd, and Toronto Montessori Schools (TMS), is nurturing and supporting the next generation of changemakers. The has been empowering high-school students since 2019 to cultivate entrepreneurial skills and a sense of social responsibility.

鈥淲e are delighted to partner with TMS and YSpace on the TSE program,鈥� says Rami Mayer, executive director of Schulich ExecEd. 鈥淭ogether, we have developed a program tailored for high-school students that enhances their business and leadership skills while guiding them to build scalable solutions to real-world problems.鈥�

Recent participants, high-school students Ayden Lee and Lucas Wei, have been awarded a prestigious grant of US$3,000 for a project called Crew of Care. They developed it with their teammates Evan Leung and Sheng Yang during their time in the program.

The students embarked on their social entrepreneurship journey during the TSE prototype phase, where they together conceived the idea of a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing medical inequality and fostering reconciliation with Indigenous communities in Ontario. Crew of Care's mission was to create more inclusive health-care solutions by hosting community fundraising events and educational workshops, and collaborating with larger organizations. The team received valuable feedback and mentorship during the TSE experience in July 2023, further igniting the passion and commitment of two of its founders, Lee and Wei, who continued to pursue the project beyond the program and worked to secure financial support.

The Global Youth Action Fund, an initiative of the International Baccalaureate education program, supports youth-led projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The Crew of Care project stood out to the selection committee due to its potential impact, collaborative approach and commitment to social change. The awarded funding will provide vital support to Crew of Care as the organization continues to expand its reach and initiatives.

Looking ahead, the Crew of Care founders 鈥� along with executive team members Vincent Peng, Sebastian Churchill, Shabadleen Sandhu, Amber Kwong and Hussain Ladak 鈥� envision partnerships with health awareness non-governmental organizations like Water First, and aim to host city-wide fundraising events and workshops to advance their mission of enhancing health-care access for Indigenous communities.

The TMS Schulich Innovation & Entrepreneurial Experience remains committed to fostering youth-led initiatives aligned with the UN SDGs. The upcoming TSE 2024 program will focus on food security and sustainability, offering students a platform to explore various issues impacting global food systems.

鈥淪ince 2019, we have been committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders through the TSE program, cultivating entrepreneurial skills and a deep sense of social responsibility,鈥� says Mayer. 鈥淭his partnership equips the next generation with the expertise needed to make positive impacts in local communities and to emerge as visionary leaders of tomorrow."

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Moustapha Seck, an electrical and electronic engineering graduate from 91亚色鈥檚 Lassonde School of Engineering, has created a company in Ghana that provides loans, market access and guidance to small-scale farmers in Ghana.

One of every two adult Ghanaians work as smallholder farmers, and many of them merely subsist, struggling to achieve profitably year after year. Seck created a company called Fluid Finance Technologies after identifying the need for those farmers to be able to obtain loans, despite their lack of collateral, to improve their businesses with more modern equipment and the latest agricultural knowledge, thus creating wealth for them. 鈥淭here was a lot of education needed and lots of people have taken advantage of them, so their work was often a zero-sum game,鈥� Seck says. 鈥淲e wanted to turn that into a win-win situation.鈥�  

Fluid Finance Technologies looks to create those scenarios by offering aid to smallholding farmers in Ghana and creating a bridge between them and the banking community so they can obtain business loans. Seck had no contacts in the banking industry as he was starting out, so it required a lot of cold calls and a lot of research and attending conferences to convince people that his company could be trusted. One bank got on board in 2022, and now Fluid Finance works with nine financial institutions in Ghana and about 6,000 farmers.

The company and its success is driven, in part, by Seck's time at 91亚色.

Seck was born in Canada and split his childhood between Senegal, his parents鈥� birthplace, and Canada, where his father taught finance at the University of Windsor. As he enrolled at 91亚色, Seck had a firm goal. 鈥淔or me, it was all about studying something that would help me be an asset to the African continent,鈥� he says.

Initially, that ambition took Seck on a different path than where he has ended up today. 鈥淚n Senegal, there used to be a lot of power outages, so I thought an electrical engineering degree would help me fix that problem,鈥� he says. Seck did pursue opportunities in that direction, like an internship at Hydro One and jobs with a startup venture and a technology company. That is, until an experience with a lender that helped e-commerce businesses get started got the wheels in his brain spinning with ideas.

鈥淚 see everything through the lens of creating opportunities in Africa,鈥� he says. He saw value in how he might be able to help business in Africa get off the ground or achieve greater profitability. 鈥淪o, I transitioned to finance and learned on the job.鈥�

Now four years into existence, Fluid Finance Technologies assists banks with collecting and digitizing the information about farming they need to make decisions about providing loans to individual farmers. The company also brings in agronomy experts to teach farmers about appropriate fertilizers and new harvest methods and how to troubleshoot problems. In addition, Fluid has worked to ensure that farmers have fair and available markets for their crops. 

The result? Banks understand the needs of the local farmers and a willingness to work with them means new banking customers. Meanwhile, farmers get the financial, marketing and agricultural assistance they need to succeed and earn a living wage.     

Looking ahead, Seck hopes to expand the business to other African countries in the Global South. He is also thinking about how to provide farmers with markets on a global scale and trying to be proactive about climate change, 鈥済iving farmers access to resources ahead of time so they can withstand shocks.鈥�

For Seck, it鈥檚 all about advancing a singular passion, one readily found on his LinkedIn page like a motto: 鈥淐reating opportunities for people in the Global South is my calling.鈥�

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