February is a time to honour and celebrate the rich diversity and accomplishments of Black people in Canada. It also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s painful history and the ongoing challenges Black Canadians continue to face, including systemic barriers, racism, and discrimination.
The Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business is proud to highlight the inspiring reflections of our Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) students.
These students are making remarkable contributions as Black entrepreneurs, students, and professionals, and their stories exemplify the creativity, resilience, and innovation that drive progress in both their communities and industries.
We honour their unique journeys, shedding light on their invaluable work and the significance of Black history in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape.
Meet Eugenia Dadzie
My name is Eugenia, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Biology at the University of Waterloo. My research focuses on engineering microorganisms to break down petrochemical plastics and convert them into bioplastics like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). What excites me most about this work is the intersection of biotechnology and sustainability—leveraging the power of tiny, sometimes overlooked microbes to tackle some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. The process is rewarding, and I hope my research lays the foundation for future innovations, paving the way for practical applications.
Entrepreneurship wasn’t originally part of my plan, but as I immersed myself in Waterloo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the opportunity to start a company with colleagues emerged. It wasn’t a single defining moment that led me down this path but rather a series of doors opening, each offering new opportunities. Two years later, my co-founders and I are building MetaCycler Bioinnovations, a company dedicated to producing bioplastics from dairy waste. The journey hasn’t been without challenges, especially as I stepped into entrepreneurship with no prior experience. At times, I grappled with self-doubt. However, I quickly realized that these feelings are part of the process. By leaning on the resources and mentors available at Waterloo, I was able to navigate the steep learning curve, and their support has been instrumental in shaping my growth.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of this journey has been the overwhelming support and interest in Metacycler’s mission; the enthusiasm reaffirms the importance of our work. Winning several pitch competitions and government support through grants has also reinforced my confidence that this solution is not only needed but has the potential to make good impact.
As a Black entrepreneur and academic, I place significant value on representation. Mentoring others who can relate to my journey is something I find deeply rewarding, and I take the responsibility to heart. I’m mindful of the added pressures that often come with being one of the few in a field, where the need to validate one's presence can feel constant. These challenges are real, and I’m interested in supporting others in navigating them, helping them recognize their worth and building confidence in their abilities.
The MBET program has played a key role in shaping my entrepreneurial journey, offering much more than I anticipated. The practical courses and insights from instructors with real-world experience have helped me bridge gaps in my knowledge and skills.
The mentorship, in particular, has been essential, providing valuable guidance as we refine our business strategy. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a comprehensive and impactful program.
Looking forward, I aim to see MetaCycler grow and successfully launch our bioplastic products. I also hope to foster greater interest in applied science and research in Ghana, where I grew up, particularly among young girls. These fields are often overlooked, and I want to help open doors for others who might not see them as viable career paths.
For others pursuing entrepreneurship or academia, I encourage you to lean on your community and be patient with your progress. Every step, even when challenging, contributes to a greater journey.