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 Hope Pembe
Hi, my name is Hope Pembe, and I’m a Founder Associate at HeadCoach, a platform dedicated to building emotional intelligence in athletes to enhance their well-being and performance in both sport and life. At HeadCoach, I focus on blending creativity with strategy, specializing in UX design, web design, and social media to create solutions that are both impactful and user centered.
For me, it’s not just about solving problems. It’s about designing meaningful experiences that resonate, inspire, and push boundaries. I’m driven by the chance to use my skills to build something impactful that strengthens the people around me.
Entrepreneurial Journey
My entrepreneurial journey started with me. I looked at my skills, saw the value I could bring, and made it happen. That’s exactly what I did with HeadCoach and every other venture I’ve been part of. My goal has always been clear: to help businesses grow creatively while delivering results.
One of the challenges I’ve faced as an entrepreneur is stepping into spaces that demand confidence and resilience. Instead of hesitating or second-guessing my abilities, I’ve learned to lean into my skills and trust my creative vision. Each step of this journey has taught me to take ownership of my ideas and turn them into something meaningful.
Innovation and Problem-Solving
One of the most rewarding moments in my career has been seeing athletes use the app I designed. It’s not just about the functionality; it’s about the impact. Watching them engage with it, reflect on their mental well-being, and grow emotionally is powerful. It’s proof that good design isn’t just aesthetic. It’s meaningful, providing people with the tools to rewrite their own stories and thrive both in their sport and in life.
The Role of Black History and Culture
Black history is a story of resilience, innovation, and overcoming barriers. It’s a testament to the fact that, even when opportunities weren’t handed to us, we created our own. That legacy inspires me every day as a Black entrepreneur.
But let’s be real, being a Black entrepreneur isn’t easy. The spaces we want to navigate aren’t just limited; they weren’t designed for us. And when you ask for an invite, you’re left in pending. Then, you’re ghosted. We don’t want that. So, I’m not waiting for an invitation. I’m building my own table. At that table, you’ll find the best and most diverse minds because diversity is what drives real innovation. That’s how you build something that lasts.
Impact of MBET
The MBET program has been a game-changer for me. It’s given me the tools to think critically, approach problems strategically, and turn my creative vision into actionable solutions. Beyond the education, it has provided a space to test and refine my ideas while collaborating with peers and mentors who inspire me to think bigger and execute better. That kind of support has been invaluable.
The program’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurial thinking has helped me fine-tune HeadCoach’s direction, ensuring we’re not just following trends but leading the way in the mental well-being space. It has given me the knowledge, support, and confidence to take HeadCoach and any future ventures to the next level.
Looking Forward
In 5 to 10 years, I see HeadCoach becoming the app your favourite sports team uses and the one you use too. Mental well-being is critical, and it’s only going to grow in importance. HeadCoach is ahead of the game, so get on it now!
Advice from Hope
Walk into every room knowing your value. No one is better than you, and you’re better than no one. Everyone brings something to the table, but what you bring has the power to change the world. Believe in that, own it, and never stop.