Looking to start a business that can make the world a better place? Currently we offer two workshops covering aspects of social enterprise and innovation, in partnership with The Agency. See below for details and registration information.

Please note: Workshops with four or fewer attendees will be canceled.  All workshop are free and registration is required. However, if you cannot attend a workshop, and fail to withdraw 48+ hours in advance, thereby preventing others on the waitlist from filling in your spot, your library account will be charged $10 per missed workshop.

Urgent problems and challenges like food security, climate change, health care, mental health need solutions. The theory on social impact will show how together when we use social innovation, social entrepreneurship, and social finance we can solve these real problems. We have much to learn from Indigenous approaches to innovation which are informed by cultures and languages, supporting community led solutions. Join us as we share a variety of approaches and put you to work solving some real issues.

Date and time: TBD
Location: TBD
Facilitators: Wendy Phillips, UTSC Elder/Cultural Advisor; Cindy Ross Pedersen, Executive Director, The Agency at UofT, theagencyuoft.ca

Facilitator bios:

Wendy Phillips, UTSC Elder/Cultural Advisor

Wendy is of the Bald Eagle Clan; She is Potawatami and Ojibwa and a proud member of Wasausking First Nation.

She has over 20 years of experience in the public and private sector within non-profit and for profit organizations. Wendy has been faculty for Indigenous Studies and the Business School for entrepreneurship. She is a founding member of the Indigenous Innovation Initiatives that supports social impacts with Indigenous communities across country.

Wendy is a graduate of Trent University with an Honors degree in Indigenous Studies with a Minor in Business Administration; She has also graduated from Fleming College with a Diploma in Career and Work Counselling and George Brown College with a Certificate in Life Skills Coaching. In 2018, Wendy was awarded the Community Medal for Scarborough/Guildwood from M.P John McKay and she was also a recipient for the Remarkable Woman Award.

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Cindy Ross Pedersen, Executive Director, The Agency at UofT, theagencyuoft.ca

Cindy is a former tech entrepreneur who successfully sold her company and refocused her skills and efforts in the field of social innovation. She is a Senior Fellow at Massey College, supporter and community member of the Centre for Social Innovation and mentors students, alumni and entrepreneurs. In 2016 she founded The Agency which is a hub that facilitates introductions and wayfinding for students, faculty, teaching staff, alumni and partners focused on social innovation at UofT.