Uncharted: Warriors in the World: Recent Episodes
UWaterloo Alumni
University of Waterloo alumni inspire you as you launch — or change — your career. Sharing personal stories about their professional lives, Waterloo graduates open up about struggles they’ve faced in their work, and the steps they’ve taken to carve out their path in the world. Discover their stories today, and embrace the unknown.
Joshua Pope (BASc ’19) came to Waterloo with a big idea to change how people play and train for sports. With the right support at Waterloo, the right partner — Rowan Ferrabee (BASc ’19) — and plenty of grit and perseverance, that dream is now a reality.
The Trajekt Arc is a pitching robot that replicates pro players and is being used by dozens of professional teams. Josh and Rowan came back to campus to chat about how they’re changing the game for professional baseball players.
Read more about their story in Waterloo Magazine.
Christina Sullivan (BASc ’23) never planned to work in Formula One racing. But when her sister convinced her to binge-watch Netflix's Drive to Survive during the pandemic, everything changed.
From studying mechatronics engineering at Waterloo to securing a placement that turned into a full-time position at Williams Racing — Christina is still early in her career, but she’s proving that she’s on track for a bold future.
Read more about Christina and other champions of change in Waterloo Magazine.
Eyitemi Popo (MDEI ’16) is changing the way we explore Africa through Girls Trip Tours, a luxury travel company connecting women travelers with authentic African experiences while empowering local women and girls.
Read more about Eyitemi in Waterloo Magazine.
Stephanie Boutari (BAS ’11, MArch ’14) blends her passion for painting with architectural knowledge to create vibrant murals. But this career path wasn't a natural step for the UWaterloo architecture alum. In this episode, Stephanie shares her story of taking a brave leap into the world of art. We also discuss her meticulous design process and the landscape of career possibilities for artists.
Read more of Stephanie's story in Waterloo Magazine.
In a deeply personal conversation, Brian Orend (BA ’94) opens up about his frustrating journey of medical misdiagnosis after having his first seizure at age 30. Brian's anger motivated him to research happiness and share his findings in a book, which offers practical tips for a more positive life. As a philosophy professor at the University of Waterloo, he's now teaching a course on happiness.
Read more about Brian and other stories about happiness in Waterloo Magazine.
After completing her co-op terms at the University of Waterloo, Alice Chu (BA ’18) felt a corporate career was no longer the right fit for her. On this episode of Uncharted, she shares her journey from the Honours Arts and Business program to a thriving career in the food industry, then pursuing a second career in law. Alice opens up about her transformative co-op terms, how an exchange to Singapore ignited her passion for food and how she’s committed to lifelong learning and pursuing new interests.
In May, the University of Waterloo launched a new alumni chapter in Ottawa. As part of the event, alumni from the Ottawa region joined an expert panel to explore happiness.
Moderator:
Salman Jivani (MA ’17, BA’11), associate vice-president, office of advancement, University of Waterloo
Panelists:
Dr. Linda Duxbury (PhD ’83, MASc ’77, BSc ’75), professor, management, Carleton University
Niraj Bhargava (BASc ’86), founder and CEO, NuEnergy.ai and The New Energy Group
Robert Beamish (BA ’15), senior officer, transformation team, Global Affairs Canada
Michelle Li (BSc ’05) has always been interested in sustainability and took a leap in 2017 to become vegan when she wanted to do more to decrease her own carbon footprint.
Today, she’s the founder of Clever Carbon, a playful educational website with the goal of increasing carbon literacy amongst consumers.
“When we don’t understand the impact, it’s easy to ignore it.”
Michelle is also passionate about empowering other women working in climate and has founded a global network of over 4,000 people.
On the podcast, Michelle shares how her dream of studying optometry brought her to the University of Waterloo, an interest in business drew her to Silicon Valley and a side project to make a user-friendly carbon footprint quiz grew to a successful career in sustainability.
It can be daunting to decide what schools you want to apply to and what you want to study when you’re only a teenager in high school. But it’s important to remember that what you choose to study doesn’t always dictate what type of career you’ll have.
And it didn’t for Ahmed Mezil (BASc ’14). He’s one of many alumi who have taken an unexpected career journey. How do you start in engineering at the University of Waterloo and end up becoming the CEO of the cleaning company Hellamaid? That’s what we’re going to find out.
Think back to when you got your first bank account. What year was it? How did you deposit cheques, pay for items or check your balance? I bet a lot has changed since then. Today, you can do all of this from your phone, in any location you choose.
Thanks to the financial technology (or FinTech) industry, more is changing every day. Our banking apps are constantly being updated with new information and tools. Do-it-yourself platforms are giving more access and control than ever. And AI has the power to improve security, giving way to new services and products. Ben Janetos (BA '08) joins the podcast to talk about the latest updates in FinTech and what the future might hold. Ben has worked in the financial sector for more than a decade, and eventually jumped into the world of FinTech startups. Today, he's an advisor at Frank Mortgage, a company transforming the broker industry in Canada.
Exclusive Frank Mortgage offer for alumni: https://uwaterloo.ca/alumni/frank-mortgage
It happens every spring. You might not want to, but you have to file your income taxes. Collect your documents, file through an accountant or online platform, and through some magical math you'll discover your fate: payment or refund.
If income taxes seem like a mysterious government equation, this episode is for you. Andrew Bauer (BA '03, MAcc '03, PhD '12) is a Canada Research Chair in Taxation, Governance and Risk. He's also an associate professor in Waterloo's School of Accounting and Finance, where he researches corporate tax and teaches courses in taxation and personal finance. He joins the podcast to tell us why we need to file our income taxes, the factors that could reduce the money you owe, and why you might not want a refund.
Money is personal. And we have a lot of feelings about it. How could we not? Our financial situations directly affect our lifestyles, health and even our self-worth. On top of that, our financial situations as children can change the way we deal with money later in life, leading us to avoid opening bills, overspend or take unnecessary risks.
So, how can you improve your relationship with money and build good habits? Lianne Hannaway (BMath '02, MAcc '02) joins the podcast to explore the personal side of money and offer insights that will help you parse through your relationship with your finances.
Lianne is a Chartered Professional Accountant, finance executive, investor, financial podcast host, and the founder of Wealthnuvo, a financial education and coaching platform for women building generational wealth. Lianne's mission is to help women, especially Black women, reach their financial goals and live better.
Listen to Lianne's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yVYV99VdahDIjJ3chw34S
Learn more from Lianne: https://www.liannehannaway.com/
Life can be expensive. Between rent, debt payments, savings and personal expenses — it can be hard to keep track of what's going in and out of your bank account each month.
If money feels overwhelming, don't worry! Michelle Hung (BMath '08) joins the podcast to break down all the components of a budget, so you can create a monthly practice that works for your needs today and in the future.
After Michelle graduated from Waterloo, she spent seven years working in investment banking and venture capital. An avid investor herself, she used the knowledge she gained in that career to build a six-figure investment portfolio by the time she was 29. Today, she is a financial planner, financial educator and author of two books about personal investing.
Follow Michelle on Instagram: @thesassyinvestor
Follow Michelle on TikTok:@thesassyinvestor
Learn more from Michelle: https://thesassyinvestor.ca/
Earlier this year, alumni in Waterloo Region shared their journeys to unique careers. At the Road Less Travelled event, students and alumni joined us to hear from four grads of the last decade who took an unexepected path. In today's episode, we'll listen to their stories.
You'll hear from BeBlended founder Aileen Agada (BASc '21), artist Saphera Peters (GBDA '20), UX researcher Michael Cao (BSc '15, MSc '18) and health tech entrepreneur Keenan Sarani (PharmD '21).
If you like this episode, join us for the next event in the Road Less Travelled series, happening Nov 9 in Toronto: https://bit.ly/3PMvsAN
Universities are not just schools. They're also communities, and today's guest understands that deeply.
Robin Jones-Stadelbauer (BA '12, BA '22) decided to study social development because she wanted to work with Indigenous communities, like the one she'd grown up in.
But her time as a student was difficult. She felt disconnected and isolated from the her Indigenous culture. Eventually, she decided to take a break and moved home.
Later, Robin returned to Waterloo as a staff member, and then began taking classes on top of her full-time job. Slowly, two courses per term, she finished her degree. And today, just like she'd hoped, she works with Indigenous folks … at the University of Waterloo. Robin joins the podcast to share her career journey and tell us about the work happening in the Indigenous Relations Office, including the new Indigenous Alumni Group.
Mentioned in this episode
Office of Indigenous Relations: Learn more about the work happening on- and off-campus to advance the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
Events and Workshops: Browse upcoming events from the Office of Indigenous Relations
Waterloo Commitment Ceremony: Read about the 2022 ceremony where the University of Waterloo committed to decolonization, Indigenization and reconciliation
Waterloo welcomes an Eagle Staff: Read about the 2023 ceremony where the University of Waterloo introduced an Eagle Staff as a beacon of reconciliation
Engagement and knowledge building: Discover resources and information for allyship
Indigenous Alumni Facebook group: Connect with other Indigenous alumni in your UWaterloo community
Alumni Groups: Find a group of Waterloo alumni who live in your location, or share similar backgrounds and interests
There are more than 230,000 Waterloo alumni located all over the world. The beauty of having such a large, global community is that you're bound to find other alumni you can connect with — people who come from a similar background, live in the same city, or share the same interests as you.
In this episode, we speak with alumni who are helping to facilitate those connections. Thoko Phiri (PhD '18) and Margaret Mutumba (PhD '23) both came to Waterloo as international graduate students in the Health Faculty. After graduation, they stayed connected with a large group of African students and alumni, finding and providing support within that community.
Last year they connected with the University's Alumni Relations office, looking to expand the group. Today, the African Alumni Association is one of our volunteer-driven alumni groups that works with Waterloo to connect and support graduates worldwide. Thoko and Margaret join the podcast to share how the association got started, what supports are available, and how you can get involved.
Mentioned in this episodeSankofa Pathways to University: https://bit.ly/440guMz
Bring on the Sunshine: https://bringonthesunshine.ca/
Follow the African Alumni Association on Instagram: @uowaaa
Follow the African Alumni Association on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uwaaa/
Email the African Alumni Association: uwafricanalumni@gmail.com
Find more Alumni Affinity Groups for Waterloo grads: https://bit.ly/3QAb1sK
Monika Snowdon (PhD '21) is a nano-scientist.
During her PhD, she created microscopic structures that look like tweezers to stabilize carbon nano-tubes when manufacturing microchips. It's a very specific solution for a very specific problem.
But Monika's career hasn't been so specific. If anything, Monika is a great example of how one type of experience or knowledge can transfer into a different area. That electronic nanotech experience she got as a PhD student? She uses it today as a scientist at a water purification company. She also uses it as a podcast host.
How do these various experiences connect? And how can we transfer our current skills into new areas? Monika joins the podcast to answer these questions and share her career story so far.
Mentioned in this episodeWaterpuris: https://www.waterpuris.com/ Future leaders program: https://www.cas.org/about/futureleaders
How to Lie with Statistics: https://www.amazon.ca/How-Lie-Statistics-Darrell-Huff/dp/0393310728
IMNano podcast: https://www.imnano.org/
Follow IMNano on Instagram: @imnano.official
Follow Monika on Instagram: @MonikaSnowSci
Connect with Monika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monikasnow/
On June 28, 2023, two weeks after we recorded this episode, the University of Waterloo was confronted by a hate-motivated, violent attack. A professor and two students in the Philosophy 202/Gender and Social Justice 222 course were attacked because they were exploring issues related to society and gender.
As a community, we stand united against all forms of violence, hatred and bigotry. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
While it was recorded before the horrific attack on June 28, the topics we explore in this episode are relevant and vital. Our guest is an alum who found a sense of belonging and self in Waterloo's 2SLGBTQIA+ community. They are an advocate and fierce supporter of gender-inclusive initiatives on our campus and they speak passionately about why these initiatives are important. I hope this episode exemplifies the strong, supportive community we aim to provide at the University of Waterloo. Hate has no place here.
If you feel impacted by recent events, support is available: uwaterloo.ca/news/prioritizing-well-being
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Sam Spizzirri (BA '19) entered Waterloo's Sexuality, Marriage and Family program looking to prepare for a career in family law. But instead Sam found a supportive community where they could truly be themselves. That community opened new doors, and eventually led them to a career as a support provider and advocate.
After graduation, Sam worked for the AIDS Committee for Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area where their work helped to build health care teams and improve food support. Eventually, they came back to campus to support the community they loved so much as a student. Today, Sam works with an array of student-led programs, including the Glow and Women's Centres.
They join the podcast to talk about how local communities have supported them, and why they pursued a career where they could offer support back.
Follow us on social media to meet more alumni like Sam.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwaterlooalumni/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uwaterlooalumni/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uwaterlooalumni?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwaterlooalumni
Originally recorded in May 2021, Brad Regehr (BA '93) shares how he reconnected with his identity and culture, and what the future holds for Indigenous rights in Canada. Brad is a member of the Peter Bellantyne Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. A grandchild of a residential school survivor, and a survivor himself of the Sixties Scoop, he's worked in Indigenous law for more than 20 years. In fall 2020, he was named president of the Canadian Bar Association—the first Indigenous president in the organization's 124-year history.
Resources and helpful links
- Watch a video about the purpose and importance of land acknowledgements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD7Jd2Mnq3U
- Use the Native Land app to learn about the land you live on: https://native-land.ca/
- Listen to a podcast about the Oka Crisis: https://www.canadaland.com/podcast/real-estate-5-oka/
- Find more resources from Waterloo's Office of Indigenous Relations: https://bit.ly/3NoDRKC
Follow us on social media to meet more alumni like Brad
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwaterlooalumni/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uwaterlooalumni/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/uwaterlooalumni?lang=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwaterlooalumni
Everyone makes mistakes, but most of us don't like to talk about them.
Last month, the Vancouver Alumni Chapter invited three Waterloo grads to turn their biggest blunders into talking points. The Mistakes That Made Us event featured a discussion with startup founder Ian MacKinnon (BMath '06, MMath '08) and life leadership coach Gloria Eid (BA '11). Moderator Matt Manuel (BASc '93), principal PM manager at Microsoft, shared some of his own flubs too.
In this episode, you'll get to hear that conversation, where they share the unexpected obstacles and lessons learned in their careers so far.
Learn more about Waterloo Alumni Chapters, and find one near you! https://bit.ly/3Wet4Fy
In 2008, David Kennedy (BMath '02) and his co-founders launched a website where users could create comic strips about themselves and their friends. From the beginning, people had a special connection with the animated characters that looked like them.
Eventually, those characters became what we now know as Bitmoji — emoji that look like you, and represent your emotions in a more authentic way than a yellow happy face can.
As a computer science grad with strong interests in the arts, it's no surprise David helped to create a product like Bitmoji. He joined the podcast to share his career journey, explore his long-time interest in human nature and offer some human-centric advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
On May 11, join the Road Less Travelled event in Waterloo Region!
Keynote speaker Aileen Agada (BASc ’21) and other featured alumni — Saphera Peters (GBDA ’20), Keean Sarani (PharmD ’21) and Michael Cao (MSc ’18) — will discuss challenges, tips and lessons learned as they took the road less travelled in their careers.
Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/3UXHhpT
Arda Öcal studied math at Waterloo because it would lead to a stable career. But he was more interested in media. He wrote for Imprint and hung out at CKMS, Waterloo's student radio station. After graduation, he followed that passion, and today he's the host of Sportcentre and NHL on ESPN.
So, How did Arda find his way to ESPN? Mostly, by saying yes. Over the years, he said yes to any opportunity, gaining new skills and experience along the way.
With each "yes," Arda stepped into a new challenge. And now, he says his job is a dream come true. He joins the podcast to talk about his many jobs in broadcasting, offer advice to those who want to break in, and explain how a math degree prepared him for sports media.
Follow us on social media to meet more alumni like Arda.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwaterlooalumni/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uwaterlooalumni/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uwaterlooalumni?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwaterlooalumni
2022 GRADS, UPDATE YOUR INFO AND WIN
Are you a graduate of 2022?! Enter this exclusive contest for a chance to win amazing prizes, including up to $750 in gift cards, to create your dream space! Simply update your contact information here to enter. You'll also receive invitations to alumni events and programs in your area, plus information about exclusive alumni benefits and services.
Update your info now: http://bit.ly/3ZY9vlO
In a future that promises opportunity and waves of disruption, great leaders will need more than technical expertise to deliver results for their organizations.
Rose Patten is the Special Advisor to the CEO of BMO Financial Group and Chancellor of the University of Toronto, and just last week she joined the UWaterloo community to discuss her new book, Intentional Leadership: The Big 8 Capabilities Setting Leaders Apart. In today's episode, you'll hear that discussion with UWaterloo President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel, where Rose revealed why Leadership needs to be intentional and the top skills required for success.
Join us at a future event: https://bit.ly/3Nq8Sv8
Learn more about Rose's book: https://bit.ly/3ZIa8j5
EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR UW ALUMNI
Waterloo is pleased to offer 4 months of free access to LinkedIn Learning (February through May 2023). With LinkedIn Learning, you can access more than 16,000 digital courses taught by industry experts to help fuel your appreciation for lifelong learning. We offer playlists of what other Alumni are learning to get your started and spark your interest!
Register now: http://bit.ly/3wP2Td0
If you're an international student or new grad, this episode is for you.
Job Search Club is a new program for international visa students at UWaterloo. Every week, students gather for online sessions that will help them prepare for their post-graduation job search.
In today's episode, you get to be a fly on the wall in one of these sessions, where four international alumni share their experience starting a career in Canada. You'll meet financial analyst Limei Chen (BMath '21), entrepreneur Marium Kirmani (BSc '17), sales professional Shreena Maistry (BES '22) and engineer Sumesh Gupta (MEng '21). Together, they cover a lot of topics, including work permits, interview tips and cultural differences in Canadian workplaces.
Join the Zero Work program to take your career search to the next level: http://bit.ly/3lEDeB9
Learn more about the Job Search Club: http://bit.ly/3KbNfjA
EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR UW ALUMNI
Waterloo is pleased to offer 4 months of free access to LinkedIn Learning (February through May 2023). With LinkedIn Learning, you can access more than 16,000 digital courses taught by industry experts to help fuel your appreciation for lifelong learning. We offer playlists of what other Alumni are learning to get your started and spark your interest!
Register now: http://bit.ly/3wP2Td0
Michael Cao came to Waterloo's Kinesiology program thinking that he might become a doctor or physiotherapist. At that point, he had no idea that his bachelor and master's degrees would give him an edge as a user experience (UX) professional, or lead him to work at TheScore.
Today, Michael is a UX researcher and leader, whose work plays a vital role in how I -- and thousands of other fans -- get the latest news about our favourite teams and players. Michael joins the podcast to talk about that role, how he got here, and how his Kin background makes him better at his job.
Follow us on social media to meet more alumni like Michael.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwaterlooalumni/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uwaterlooalumni/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uwaterlooalumni?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwaterlooalumni
EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR UW ALUMNI
Waterloo is pleased to offer 4 months of free access to LinkedIn Learning (February through May 2023). With LinkedIn Learning, you can access more than 16,000 digital courses taught by industry experts to help fuel your appreciation for lifelong learning. We offer playlists of what other Alumni are learning to get your started and spark your interest!
Register now: http://bit.ly/3wP2Td0
For most of us, when we think sustainability, our minds go to the environment. In fact, your mind might go to one specific sector -- oil and gas. But there's more to sustainability, and ESG, than those things. In today's episode, we're talking to Kris Kolenc, an ESG professional who specializes in commercial real estate. In 2021, Corporate Knights named Kris a Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leader, and he joins us to explore the challenges and opportunities that come with real estate. How can today's investments make tomorrow's buildings better? And how can we all contribute?
Follow us on social media to meet more alumni like Kris.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwaterlooalumni/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uwaterlooalumni/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uwaterlooalumni?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwaterlooalumni
EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR WATERLOO ALUMNI
Waterloo is pleased to offer 4 months of free access to LinkedIn Learning (February through May 2023). With LinkedIn Learning, you can access more than 16,000 digital courses taught by industry experts to help fuel your appreciation for lifelong learning. We offer playlists of what other Alumni are learning to get your started and spark your interest!
Register now: http://bit.ly/3wP2Td0<
During her time as a communications officer for an Indigenous school board in Manitoba, Tracelyn Cornelius (MEB '21, PhD in progress) witnessed the devastating effects of what happens when business and environmental concerns aren’t aligned. These instances inspired her to pivot her career into exploring the relationship of business, sustainability and inclusivity.
Tracelyn completed the masters of environment and business program and is now a PhD student in the sustainability and management program at the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on the importance of knowledge mobilization for equity, diversity and inclusivity and how equality is core to sustainable development.
As the anti-racism communications manager at UWaterloo, she challenges oppressive narratives by implementing strategies to develop better understanding and inclusivity. Tracelyn joins the podcast to discuss the importance of inclusive language in communications and explore the intersection of sustainability and equality.
Read Tracelyn's story in Waterloo Magazine: http://bit.ly/3YLBkha
Meet more alumni in Waterloo Magazine: http://bit.ly/3hM6epg
EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR WATERLOO ALUMNI
Waterloo is pleased to offer 4 months of free access to LinkedIn Learning (February through May 2023). With LinkedIn Learning, you can access more than 16,000 digital courses taught by industry experts to help fuel your appreciation for lifelong learning. We offer playlists of what other Alumni are learning to get your started and spark your interest!
Register now: http://bit.ly/3wP2Td0<
The holidays can come with a lot of excitement, but also a lot of pressure. If you're hosting friends or family in the coming weeks, you know there are a lot of moving pieces that come with holiday feasts and food.
Elizabeth Kerr, a Waterloo alum and chef, joined Alumni Know to share advice on the topic. For years, Elizabeth was a passionate home cook, exploring different cultures and flavours on her own time. But in 2020, she decided to go professional and entered a culinary program. Today, she works in professional kitchens — at local top restaurants and a culinary school — while maintaining her home cooking passion. Watch the video for tips to make your holiday food more special and less stressful.
Follow us on social media to meet more alumni like Elizabeth.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwaterlooalumni/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uwaterlooalumni/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uwaterlooalumni?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwaterlooalumni
EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR WATERLOO ALUMNI
Waterloo is pleased to offer 4 months of free access to LinkedIn Learning (February through May 2023). With LinkedIn Learning, you can access more than 16,000 digital courses taught by industry experts to help fuel your appreciation for lifelong learning. We offer playlists of what other Alumni are learning to get your started and spark your interest!
Register now: http://bit.ly/3wP2Td0<
Around the holidays, we hear a lot about giving. No matter what you're celebrating this holiday season, you're sure to be inundated with messages of spending time with loved ones, giving thoughtful gifts and giving back to others. These are the things that make December the most wonderful time of the year, right?
According to science, giving really does make us feel good. Today, I'm joined by Sara Konrath, Associate Professor at Indiana University, who researches the science of empathy and generosity. Sara will explain how giving makes us happy — and how it brings a bunch of other benefits. Plus, she's got some tips to help you get (and give) the most this season.
Join Giving Tuesday at UWaterloo: http://bit.ly/3UFBO61
As an person ages, their needs change. They require different health care, new opportunities for socialization, altered living accommodations. Over the coming years, young grads might find new and plentiful work opportunities in these areas.
Because our country is getting older. As of 2021, 1 in 5 Canadians was 65 or older, and the number of persons over 85 had doubled within 20 years.*
Today, we're listening in on a conversation between two alumni who know a lot about working with seniors. Tiffany Moraes is a Therapeutic Recreation grad who has worked in senior living for 12 years. And Rebekah Churchyard, a grad in Social Development Studies, works in home and community care support services. She's also the founder of social enterprise Green Care Farms, a program for people with dementia. Tiffany and Rebekah discuss how they ended up in this field, the challenges that come with it, and why they love working with seniors. Keep listening.
Follow us on social media to meet more alumni like Tiffany and Rebekah.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwaterlooalumni/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uwaterlooalumni/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uwaterlooalumni?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwaterlooalumni
*Statistics Canada (2021): https://bit.ly/3g5LAiq
Read key takeaways from this episode: https://bit.ly/3sR8D3J
In the Data + event series, alumni join a group of Waterloo experts to explore the power and responsibility that comes with data. This episode is a recording from the latest event in the series, Data + The Arts. Hosted by Craig Kaplan, Associate Professor in the Cheriton School of Computer Science, the event featured a panel of artists who use data in their practices. They discuss different ways that artists can use data, how the meaning behind data might informs their art and more. Keep listening.
Watch the full event recording, along with images of the panelists' works: https://youtu.be/wXFUfVconE8?t=389
Get invitations to upcoming events for Waterloo Alumni: https://bit.ly/3EqRi8T
A lot of people go to university with one career idea, but leave with a different plan. Dan Micak (BA '06) did that twice.
A hockey and baseball fan, Dan entered Waterloo's English Rhetoric and Professional Writing program with dreams of becoming a sports journalist. But after some time working with UWaterloo's student newspaper, those aspirations faded.
Still focused on a career in sport, Dan went to law school. Maybe he could manage players.
Dan did become a lawyer, but he doesn't work with athletes or sports teams. A decade into his career, he manages a team of lawyers at Lightspeed, a global software company listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. He joins today's podcast to explain how he got here, and offer advice for aspiring lawyers and those studying the humanities.
When Swati Matta (BCS '10) came to Waterloo to study bioinformatics, and knew that she wanted to work in health care. She also wanted to start a company someday.
Some young, ambitious grads jump into their dream job right away. Getting thrown into the thick of things can be great. But for Swati, it was better to take one step at a time. After years of work in the health tech world, and an MBA, she was ready to take the leap and start her own company.
Her startup is a direct result of this patient approach. Born out of her expertise in digital health and her frustrating experience with pre-natal research, Koble is a platform for expecting and new parents, offering vital services and credible information. Swati joins the podcast to talk about each step in her career journey, and her future hopes for family health care.
Starting a family? Learn more about Koble at koblecares.com/
Code KOBLE40OFF for a discount on an annual membership
Heard in this episode:
(2:01) Swati explains each career step, starting with co-op
(5:53) Why do an MBA?
(7:08) What is Koble?
(8:20) Creating a product for the modern family
(13:20) A personalized product for family decision-making
(14:40) What can parents expect from Koble?
(17:05) How can we better support birthing people and families?
Today, public agencies are under pressure to collect and interpret data that reveals exactly what happened when a policy was implemented. Andres Arcila joins to explain how this is changing public policy, and help us understand the truth behind public data.
Andres is a senior research data scientist with AB Inbev, where he develops demand estimations and economic forecasts in the brewing industry. He also holds a PhD from Waterloo, specializing in policy evaluation and applied economics. This fall, Andres will return to Waterloo to teach a data analytics certificate program for public servants and business professionals, offered through WatSPEED.
Learn more about the Data Analytics for Behavioural Insights certificate: https://bit.ly/3cU8DeT
Jeff LeJeune studied Computer Science at Waterloo, and got his first full-time job through a co-op term. He's been working in the Canadian tech sector ever since.
But over time, Jeff's career took him further from the actual tech and more entrenched with the people who build it. Today, he's the VP of Engineering at Magnet Forensics, where he leads a team building software to help investigate cyberattacks and digital crime.
Jeff joins the podcast to walk us through his career journey, offer advice for aspiring managers, and explain the influence co-op students have at Magnet Forensics.
Get your co-op hiring package: https://bit.ly/3R5xtHs
In the Data + event series, alumni join a group of Waterloo experts to explore this topic. This episode is a recording from the second event in the series, Data + Health. You'll hear a panel of alumni and faculty members discuss how data has changed health care. What have we learned so far, and how could data assist in making health a human right around the world? Keep listening.
Register for the next Data + event: https://bit.ly/3JJTKYU
In the Data + event series, alumni join a group of Waterloo experts to explore the power and responsibility that comes with data. This episode is a recording from the first event in the series, Data + Climate. Hosted by Chris Fletcher, Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Environment, the event featured a panel of alumni who use data to explore climate issues and create solutions. They discuss the evidence that our climate is changing, and how we know humans are responsible. Plus, they suggest solutions to reduce emissions. Keep listening.
Register for Data + The Arts and other events at Alumni Black and Gold Day: https://bit.ly/3PTCBgV
Brigette Lau (BASc '99) is a mother, poker player and co-founder of venture capital firm Firework Ventures.
But she didn't set out to become a startup investor. Her story begins as the daughter of hardworking immigrants who chose Waterloo's computer engineering programs because she knew it would get here a job. While working hard to build a career and life, she fell into a lot of really great opportunities that led to her current success.
Firework Ventures is clearly inspired by her journey. Brigette joins the podcast to walk us through her career and share her hopes for the future workforce.
Read more about Brigette in Waterloo Magazine: https://bit.ly/3OKqCCh Show notes and links: https://bit.ly/3O2GKhw
Despite working for it for years, graduation can feel unexpected. It's the end of an era, the beginning of a new one — a big, surreal transition. No one knows this better than Ola Idris (BA '22) and Safyya Cissé (BSc '22). Members of Waterloo's Class of 2022, they joined the podcast to look back on their time as students, share the advice they'd give to their younger selves, and discuss that surreal feeling of being a new grad.
Show notes: https://bit.ly/39NpqyG
Earlier this month, the University of Waterloo was visited by an old friend: The Right Honourable David Johnston, former President of UWaterloo and former Governor General of Canada.
David joined current President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel to speak about trust in our nation, the topic of his 2018 book. They discuss the deterioration of trust that David observed even before the pandemic, how we can re-build trust in Canada, and the role that the local community can play.
Join us at a future event: https://bit.ly/3Nq8Sv8
If you were a Waterloo student in 1968, you might remember an event that drove the media and police to campus in throngs. To show the violence and devastation napalm leaves in its wake, student protestors planned something drastic. They sourced their own napalm, and promised to burn a dog.
In a special episode of the Waterloo alumni podcast, you’ll hear from four alumni celebrating milestone anniversaries of their graduation, sharing what it was like as a student from 1967 to 1972.
Register for Alumni Weekend: https://bit.ly/3srlLg4
Show notes and photos from the archives: https://bit.ly/3wfhL3w
If there's one thing that Alexandra Horwood doesn't like, it's the f-word: fees.
In recent years, financial fees have acquired a negative reputation. Financial influencers, robo-advisors and do-it-yourself trading platforms encourage us to believe that higher fees will always eat into our returns, leaving us with significantly less wealth in the end. But is that really true? If you want to stay with your financial advisor, will the fees keep you from achieving your wealth and retirement goals?
This is why we reached out to Alexandra, a financial advisor with Richardson Wealth. She joins us to break down the truth behind fees. Plus, we talk about meme investing, and how to find the right financial services to build your wealth.
In the age of information, learning opportunities are everywhere, and they can come with some amazing benefits.
They can offer new ways to advance your career, new skills to improve your life, and a new understanding of the world. To gain all these things, it helps to have a life-long learning mindset.
Discussing this topic is Judene Pretti, a senior advisor in the Work-Learn Institute, the research unit that pulls insights from Waterloo's co-op programs. She'll share insights from a study that followed students before and after graduation, and the benefits they found by embracing life-long learning.
Inspired to hire a co-op student? Request a hiring package: https://bit.ly/3IgeENC
Over the last two years, we've all been thinking a lot about the workplace, and we can't seem to agree: Does working from home bring more work-life balance? What will it mean to go "back to normal"? And who exactly is doing all this great resigning?
For many of us, the future of work feels pretty uncertain -- maybe even stressful.
In this episode, we explore employee desires with Anne Fannon, director at the Work-Learn Institute, a research unite that pulls insights from Waterloo's world-renowned co-op programs. She'll give us some valuable information about what the youngest workers want from their careers, and what tomorrow's most successful employers will provide them.
Discover more expertise and services form Waterloo's Work-Learn Institute: https://bit.ly/3t4e5Qq
Lisa Bentley (BMath '92) is an 11-time IRONMAN champion and has represented Canada on multiple national teams. She also has cystic fibrosis, an often-fatal genetic lung disease that she now considers a super power. After retiring from sport, she employed that superpower in a new way: as an author and motivational speaker.
Read Lisa's story in Waterloo Magazine: https://bit.ly/3rqbUHo Learn more about Lisa: https://www.lisabentley.com/
We often think about growth as an additive process, and it is. We take new roles to build new skills, learn new knowledge. But there's a crucial step that we forget -- letting go. In order to add, we need to make space.
Chris Wilson knows this process well. Over the last 10 years, he created a thriving career with many different roles. With each new step, Chris added new understanding for his work and purpose. He also let go of the things he no longer needed for that work, including a biochemistry degree. Chris joins the podcast to talk about each step in his career, his work in cultural design, and what happened with that degree.
Grads of the last decade: you're invited to the 2022 Game Changers event series. Skip to 35:41 to hear more details. Update your communications info to get the email invite: https://bit.ly/3mlaKKo
Can you point to an experience that defined your career path? For Rahim Thawer, it was an elective course — SMF 208, taught at St Jerome's. It's a Sexuality, Marriage and Family course that dives into therapies and systemic oppression. For Rahim, this was a defining moment in his education, and set him on a career path in social work. In this episode, we talk about that fateful SMF class, the St. Jerome's community and how Rahim's involvement with Glow changed his life.
Grads of the last decade: you're invited to the 2022 Game Changers event series. Skip to 27:54 to hear more details and update your communications info to get the email invite this January: https://bit.ly/3mlaKKo
When you scroll through news and social media feeds, you probably see content specifically curated to your tastes and biases. Is this really a news feed? Or is it personalized entertainment? Today we're posing these questions and more to Arjun Moorthy (BASc '99). Arjun is the co-founder and CEO of The Factual, an AI-powered news platform that provides readers with the most credible perspectives on the day's trending stories. Arjun shares how the platform works, the role of sensationalism, and his thoughts on paywalls.
Two years ago, Matt Reyes (BMath '19) found himself with a tough decision. His friends Calvin and Anthony were forgoing full-time job offers to start a software consultancy business—and they wanted Matt to join.
Matt also turned down a job offer and today the three are co-founders at Hypotenuse Labs, where they build AI and blockchain products for startups.
Matt and his co-founder Calvin Chan (BCS '19) join the podcast to talk about why they made that decision and how they built a client base. Plus, Calvin shared some of the most exciting projects they're working on today.
Read about their work in blockchain and cryptocurrency: https://bit.ly/3ovmGtn
Carolyn Mills (BA '00) spends her days in the classroom, teaching grade seven students. But she's also an award-winning writer and author of two books. Her picture book, The Little Boy Who Lived Down the Drain, was published in 2017. And as of March 2021, you can find her debut novel, The Good Son, on library and store bookshelves.
Three experts share their knowledge on 5G technology, the new opportunities it brings, and the risks it uncovers. This bonus episode is a recording from our recent alumni event, "Humans and Interconnectivity."
You've probably seen it in the headlines before: we are more polarized than ever. Politics, the climate, the shape of the Earth — people are disagreeing about all of it, and that can take a real toll on our everyday lives, at work and home.
So, how do we deal with all these polarizing beliefs? For that, we're turning to Liane Davey (MASc '95, PhD '99). Known as the "teamwork doctor," she's advised hundreds of teams on how to work together effectively. And her newest book, The Good Fight, is all about conflict. Watch the video to hear her advice on how we can disagree with others in a more productive way.
Our careers don't exist in a vacuum — they're an integral part of our personal development. Nel Wieman's (BSc '88, MSc '91) career journey is an amazing example of that fact.
She began at Waterloo as a kinesiology student, fascinated with biomechanics. Then, she became Canada's first female Indigenous psychiatrist. And today, she's a public health official at the First Nations Health Authority in British Colombia. Nel joins the podcast to tell her career story and share the personal revelations she uncovered with each new step.
Register for Alumni Black and Gold Day: http://waterloo.imodules.com/s/1802/cart21/interior.aspx?sid=1802&gid=2&pgid=2327
Finding the right career path can be hard, even when it's sitting in front of your face.
Nadia Hohn (BA '01) is the author behind seven books for children. But until this year, she never believed that she could make a career in writing. In fact, she spent years feeling unsure of her career choices and searching for a new path. All the while, she was a passionate writer… but only in her free time.
Nadia joins the podcast to share how she eventually took the plunge into a writing career, and how it fits into her work as an advocate for diversity.
Brad Regehr (BA '93) was working at the Turnkey Desk when a friend stopped by holding an LSAT study guide. That's the first time he considered becoming a lawyer.
A grandchild of a residential school survivor, and a survivor himself of the Sixties Scoop, Brad has now worked in Indigenous law for more than 20 years. In fall 2020, he was named president of the Canadian Bar Association -- the first Indigenous president in the organization's 124-year history.
Brad speaks with Abby Ollila, a current history student at Waterloo. They talk about how he reconnected with his identity and culture as a student, and what the future holds for Indigenous rights in Canada.
Learn more about the Haldimand Tract: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD7Jd2Mnq3U
Learn about the land you live on (interactive map): https://native-land.ca/
Listen to Brad's podcast as CBA president: https://www.cba.org/Publications-Resources/Podcasts/Conversation-with-the-President
Find more resources from this episode and beyond (+ show notes): https://uwaterloo.ca/impact-stories/podcast-reconciliation-and-canadas-legal-system
As a Waterloo alumnus, you've probably heard a lot of entrepreneurial stories. But I promise, Sefunmi and Helen's will stand out. Sefunmi Osinaike (BASc '17) knew he wanted to start a company; he even did an entrepreneurship co-op term as a student. He also knew that he wanted his friend Helen Huang (BSc '17) to be a co-founder. Helen was not on the same page. Entrepreneurship just wasn’t on her radar. But today, they're the co-founders of Co.Lab, where they help people of all backgrounds succeed in the tech industry.
There’s a word everyone uses when they talk about a great entrepreneur. The thing that helps them pull through the long days, the rejection and self-doubt. The thing that keeps them going when others might give up.
That word is “hustle,” and for Marc Lafleur, it’s a way of life.
Marc joins us in studio to share how he made the leap from hustling for a company to hustling for himself. He gives advice you can use to build your dream career, no matter what it is.
Mentioned in this episode: Beyond the Bulletin Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/beyond-the-bulletin
What does meaningful work look like to you? Do you remember the moment you found your sense of purpose?
Landon Jennings dedicated herself to a career serving others after she went through a really hard time in her life. One day in Grade 9, she heard her name called over the school’s PA system, with instructions to go to the principal’s office. When she arrived, she found her mom waiting for her, along with the police.
That day, Landon recalled memories she’d tried to repress. Her best friend had been abusing her for the last two years. More victims had been identified, and Landon’s best friend was going to be charged with aggravated assault.
From there, Landon had to figure out how to cope with the trauma and rebuild her life. It took time and resilience, but today, her experience motivates her to help others through her work as a fundraiser and community builder.
She works at St. Paul’s University College at Waterloo, and she’s with me today to talk about her journey.
Laura Galbraith has one of those jobs that tells you the world of work is changing. Laura is the Community Engagement Program Manager at Vidyard, a video platform for business that’s based in Kitchener, Ontario. She helps employees find ways to give back to their community through donations of time, talent and treasure. She doesn’t do this work over her lunch hour, or as a special project. This is her full-time job, and it’s a product of her company’s commitment to the region it calls home.
In my conversation with Laura, we’ll hear about the rewards of serving others, the projects that Laura’s leading in the Waterloo tech community, and the ways that companies are changing how they think about giving back.
Mentioned in this episode: Meet Waterloo alumni in your area: https://uwaterloo.ca/alumni/get-involved
Ajoa Mintah has always been a maker. The founder of Four All Ice Cream spends her days whipping up treats to evoke childhood memories and delight the most discerning foodies.
Today, Ajoa takes us on her journey from engineer to entrepreneur. We’ll talk about the need to be creative, and how sometimes, doing the safe thing can actually help you build your dream career.
Mentioned in this episode: Game Changers Event Series: https://uwaterloo.ca/alumni/events-and-awards/game-changers
University of Waterloo alumni inspire you as you launch — or change — your career. Sharing personal stories about their professional lives, Waterloo graduates open up about struggles they’ve faced in their work, and the steps they’ve taken to carve out their path in the world.
Discover their stories today, and embrace the unknown.