Every November, Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) unites innovators, entrepreneurs, and dreamers around the world in a celebration of creativity, new ventures, and groundbreaking ideas.
This year, the theme was, “Entrepreneurship is for Everyone,” which showcased inspiring individuals who have shaped and been shaped by the Conrad School’s vibrant ecosystem. From faculty insights to workshops with award-winning entrepreneurs, the week was a powerful testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship.
Day 1: Kicking Off with Dr. Horatio M. Morgan
GEW at the Conrad School began with a quote from Dr. Horatio M. Morgan, Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship. Dr. Morgan's work spans international strategy, minority entrepreneurship, and the pivotal role of women in entrepreneurial ecosystems. Dr. Morgan’s insights set the stage for a week dedicated to challenging conventions and inspiring new possibilities.
People (at the University of Waterloo) think differently. They think beyond what is expected unconventionally. It gives you permission to go to the very edge of knowledge and explore it and discover new things.
Day 2: Women in Entrepreneurship Day
The second day celebrated Women in Entrepreneurship Day, a global movement dedicated to fostering economic independence for women while driving innovation and community growth. This day we highlighted two trailblazing women:
Rashi Jaising (pictured on the left), Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) alum and founder of Bebaha Group, has created a virtual clinic focused on empowering women’s health. Bebaha provides a safe, judgement-free environment where women can openly discuss health concerns, fostering comfort, privacy, and trust.
Dr. Nada Basir (pictured on the right), Associate Professor of Strategic Management, conducts research on identity formation within entrepreneurial ecosystems, with a particular focus on immigrant women entrepreneurs. Dr. Basir’s work explores how social structures and relationships shape collective and individual identities, offering invaluable insights for creating inclusive entrepreneurial spaces.
The achievements of these incredible women remind us of the barriers being broken every day to create a safer and more equitable future.
Day 3: Spotlight on Student Entrepreneurs
Student innovation took center stage on Day 3, with features on Christy Lee and Naimah Venezia, both of whom honed their entrepreneurial skills through Conrad School’s undergraduate programs.
Christy Lee, Co-Founder of PatientCompanion, developed a tech solution to enhance communication between hospital patients and healthcare providers. Her journey began in the course BET 320, where she learned to commercialize her idea and create a solid business plan.
Naimah Venezia, Founder of CoinWa, created a gamified financial literacy app aimed at making money management engaging and accessible for teenagers. During her Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) term, Naimah refined her app with expert guidance while earning co-op credit.
These stories underscore the Conrad School’s commitment to equipping students with the tools, knowledge, and mentorship needed to turn their ideas into reality.
Day 4: Big, Gorgeous Goals with Julie Ellis
The week continued with an inspiring workshop hosted by Julie Ellis, award-winning entrepreneur, author, and coach. In collaboration with Math Innovation, Julie delivered an empowering session tailored to women entrepreneurs, centered around the concept of setting “Big Gorgeous Goals”.
Julie shared her incredible journey—from launching a basement startup inspired by motherhood to building a global brand that was eventually acquired by an industry giant. Her message was clear:
As women, we wear many hats – entrepreneur, caregiver, friend, household CEO – but how often do we take the time to set Big Gorgeous Goals that push us to reach our full potential?
Day 5: Meet our PhD Students
To conclude Global Entrepreneurship Week, we were able to take a moment to reflect on the pivotal role entrepreneurship plays in fueling innovation and economic growth.
Entrepreneurs are at the heart of addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, creating new industries, and transforming established ones. This week also underscored the importance of entrepreneurial education in shaping the next generation of leaders and researchers, preparing them to navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape.
We were particularly excited to spotlight new PhD students! These emerging scholars are not only advancing cutting-edge research but are also contributing to the growth of entrepreneurial ecosystems and the development of innovative solutions across various sectors.
By highlighting their profiles, we celebrate their diverse expertise, their commitment to creating positive change, and the impact of their research on the future of entrepreneurship. We look forward to seeing how they will continue to shape the entrepreneurial landscape in the years to come.
Empowering Entrepreneurs, One Step at a Time
From celebrating diverse voices to cultivating student-driven ventures and inspiring ambitious goals, the Conrad School's Global Entrepreneurship Week reminded us that entrepreneurship truly is for everyone. As the academic engine for entrepreneurs and by providing platforms for learning, mentorship, and connection, the Conrad School continues to champion innovation and empower individuals to shape a brighter, more inclusive future.