Impact on Global Engagement: The Inclusive Education Foundation (InEd)
The Inclusive Education Foundation (InEd) expands access to education along the Thailand–Myanmar border. By collaborating with local communities and global partners, the organization develops inclusive solutions to complex, real-world challenges.
InEd immerses Waterloo co-op students in cross-cultural, multilingual environments where they contribute directly to meaningful projects. Through this experience, students build adaptability, global communication skills and a deeper understanding of global inequality.
Impact in Inclusion and Belonging: Vivid Seats LLC
Vivid Seats LLC creates an inclusive workplace where equity and belonging are embedded across recruitment, onboarding and everyday culture. Through mentorship, employee resource groups and inclusive programming, the organization fosters a strong sense of community across teams and locations.
Vivid Seats fully integrates Waterloo co-op students into teams and encourages them to bring their authentic selves to work. Students contribute to meaningful projects, share feedback that shapes the co-op experience and build strong connections across the organization.
Honourable mention: Geotab Inc.
Impact in Innovation: Compass Data and AI
Compass Data and AI fosters a dynamic, innovation-driven environment where students tackle real business challenges. With a startup-like culture inside a larger organization, Compass encourages experimentation, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking.
Waterloo co-op students drive projects, explore new technologies and develop solutions with real impact. Students define problems, test ideas and contribute to AI-driven tools that support business outcomes.
Honourable mention: Teaching Innovation Incubator, University of Waterloo
Impact in Research: Institute for Earth and Space Exploration (Western Space), Western University
The Institute for Earth and Space Exploration delivers cutting-edge research in areas such as space instrumentation and remote sensing. The institute embeds students in high-impact scientific work that advances major research initiatives.
Waterloo co-op students lead complex research projects and contribute to real scientific progress. They navigate uncertainty, analyze results and collaborate on experiments that support national and international research efforts.
Honourable mention: Advanced Micro Devices
Impact on Sustainability: R.V. Anderson Associates Limited
R.V. Anderson Associates Limited integrates sustainability into infrastructure design and community-focused projects. Their work aligns with global sustainability goals and supports environmental resilience and long-term impact.
Waterloo co-op students contribute to initiatives such as green infrastructure, hydraulic modelling and ecosystem protection. Students gain hands-on experience connecting technical work to environmental outcomes while working in a collaborative, mentorship-driven environment.
Honourable mention: Global Meteor Network, Western University
Impact on Student Experience: Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd.
1–499 employees
Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. delivers a structured and engaging co-op program that emphasizes learning, connection and professional growth. Through leadership engagement and intentional programming, the organization creates a supportive environment for student development.
Yamaha gives Waterloo co-op students opportunities to contribute to projects and initiatives, present to senior leadership and engage in mentorship programs. Students build confidence, strengthen technical and professional skills while creating lasting connections.
Honourable mention: Rocket Innovation Studio ULC
Impact on Student Experience: Oral Anticancer Medication (OACM) program, Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre
500+ employees
The Oral Anticancer Medication (OACM) program at Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre integrates co-op students into patient care, research and quality improvement initiatives. The program focuses on delivering meaningful health care impact while supporting student learning.
Waterloo co-op students contribute to projects that directly influence patient outcomes and health-care processes. With strong mentorship, individualized learning and a supportive environment, students build confidence and clinical skills.
Honourable mention: Texas Instruments Inc.
Impact of Exceptional Supervision: Dr. Edward Chow, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Dr. Edward Chow has spent more than two decades mentoring co-op students and advancing clinical research at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. His work supports global collaborations focused on improving patient care and outcomes.
Dr. Chow works closely with Waterloo co-op students as they contribute to studies, publications and international presentations. Through structured mentorship, regular feedback and strong support, students develop critical research and leadership skills.
Honourable mentions: Abdulla Qeblawi (Geotab Inc.), Jason Bailey-Rice (Miovision), Meghan LaCoste (Compass Group Canada), Terese Dimeck (Nicoya Lifesciences)
Celebrating success: a message from our interim associate provost
Judene Pretti, PhD, interim associate director, Co-operative and Experiential Education
We’re proud to recognize our Employer Impact Award recipients for championing transformative student experiences. Through their support and commitment, students gain confidence, discover their strengths and build futures defined by impact and possibility.