Events

Chats with Changemakers is a conversation series hosted by GreenHouse at United College, University of Waterloo. Swapping standard lectures for an open circle, these sessions offer an unscripted look at the realities of social impact careers, exploring rejected pitches, institutional roadblocks, sudden pivots, and unexpected detours.

When and Where

Sessions run on select Mondays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST. You can participate in person at GreenHouse (UTD 164) with dinner and networking, or join the conversation virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Fall 2026 Lineup

• September 21 | Maddi Leblanc (Structural Firefighter and Community Advocate): Letting go of rigid career blueprints and navigating transitions from environmental studies and journalism into emergency services.

• October 5 | Penn Bolourchi (Founder, goodDEED): Navigating early-stage social enterprise realities, securing seed funding, and reimagining equitable homeownership.

• October 19 | Ashoke Mohanraj (Maritime Lawyer, Author, and Producer): Balancing professional legal practice with creative work, using legal grounding to protect community-focused ventures.

• November 2 | Cherie Wai (Market-Creating Innovation Lead, World Vision): Insights from a decade of ethical supply chain policy advocacy and launching an outdoor backcountry initiative.

• November 16 | Elizabeth (Liz) Pfisterer (Director, The HUB Youth Services): Applying public health methodologies to interrupt cycles of violence and support community mental health.

RSVP

Save your spot for upcoming sessions through the Chats with Changemakers RSVP Form.

Chats with Changemakers is a conversation series hosted by GreenHouse at United College, University of Waterloo. Swapping standard lectures for an open circle, these sessions offer an unscripted look at the realities of social impact careers, exploring rejected pitches, institutional roadblocks, sudden pivots, and unexpected detours.

When and Where

Sessions run on select Mondays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST. You can participate in person at GreenHouse (UTD 164) with dinner and networking, or join the conversation virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Fall 2026 Lineup

• September 21 | Maddi Leblanc (Structural Firefighter and Community Advocate): Letting go of rigid career blueprints and navigating transitions from environmental studies and journalism into emergency services.

• October 5 | Penn Bolourchi (Founder, goodDEED): Navigating early-stage social enterprise realities, securing seed funding, and reimagining equitable homeownership.

• October 19 | Ashoke Mohanraj (Maritime Lawyer, Author, and Producer): Balancing professional legal practice with creative work, using legal grounding to protect community-focused ventures.

• November 2 | Cherie Wai (Market-Creating Innovation Lead, World Vision): Insights from a decade of ethical supply chain policy advocacy and launching an outdoor backcountry initiative.

• November 16 | Elizabeth (Liz) Pfisterer (Director, The HUB Youth Services): Applying public health methodologies to interrupt cycles of violence and support community mental health.

RSVP

Save your spot for upcoming sessions through the Chats with Changemakers RSVP Form.

Chats with Changemakers is a conversation series hosted by GreenHouse at United College, University of Waterloo. Swapping standard lectures for an open circle, these sessions offer an unscripted look at the realities of social impact careers, exploring rejected pitches, institutional roadblocks, sudden pivots, and unexpected detours.

When and Where

Sessions run on select Mondays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST. You can participate in person at GreenHouse (UTD 164) with dinner and networking, or join the conversation virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Fall 2026 Lineup

• September 21 | Maddi Leblanc (Structural Firefighter and Community Advocate): Letting go of rigid career blueprints and navigating transitions from environmental studies and journalism into emergency services.

• October 5 | Penn Bolourchi (Founder, goodDEED): Navigating early-stage social enterprise realities, securing seed funding, and reimagining equitable homeownership.

• October 19 | Ashoke Mohanraj (Maritime Lawyer, Author, and Producer): Balancing professional legal practice with creative work, using legal grounding to protect community-focused ventures.

• November 2 | Cherie Wai (Market-Creating Innovation Lead, World Vision): Insights from a decade of ethical supply chain policy advocacy and launching an outdoor backcountry initiative.

• November 16 | Elizabeth (Liz) Pfisterer (Director, The HUB Youth Services): Applying public health methodologies to interrupt cycles of violence and support community mental health.

RSVP

Save your spot for upcoming sessions through the Chats with Changemakers RSVP Form.

Drop by GreenHouse (UTD 164) for Demo Day! Students from Social Innovators in Training will be showcasing early-stage ventures tackling climate resilience, health equity, community connection and more. They need your real-world insights to refine their work! Expect to encounter innovations like sustainable material solutions transforming ecological challenges, digital platforms advancing donor transparency, assistive technologies restoring mobility, and youth-driven hubs bridging housing and mental health supports. It’s a can’t-miss opportunity to witness how student ingenuity is shaping meaningful change.

What to expect:

• Help students strengthen their ventures by sharing practical feedback on prototypes addressing local and global challenges
• See firsthand innovative ideas emerging from campus—from circular economy models to culturally responsive health tech—designed to build more just and sustainable communities
• Connect with fellow changemakers over light refreshments while exploring how these ventures align with climate action, social justice, and community resilience
• Your perspective matters. Join us to support the next wave of solution-builders turning ideas into impact.

Let us know you'll be coming! 

United College warmly invites you to celebrate the installation of Dr. Tracy Penny Light as President of United College.

This special occasion will bring together members of the United College community, friends and distinguished guests to formally welcome Dr. Penny Light and mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the College’s history.

Please join us for the installation ceremony, followed by a reception celebrating Dr. Penny Light's leadership and our shared commitment to bringing people together.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 

11:00 AM 

United College, Alumni Hall

Chats with Changemakers is a conversation series hosted by GreenHouse at United College, University of Waterloo. Swapping standard lectures for an open circle, these sessions offer an unscripted look at the realities of social impact careers, exploring rejected pitches, institutional roadblocks, sudden pivots, and unexpected detours.

When and Where

Sessions run on select Mondays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST. You can participate in person at GreenHouse (UTD 164) with dinner and networking, or join the conversation virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Fall 2026 Lineup

• September 21 | Maddi Leblanc (Structural Firefighter and Community Advocate): Letting go of rigid career blueprints and navigating transitions from environmental studies and journalism into emergency services.

• October 5 | Penn Bolourchi (Founder, goodDEED): Navigating early-stage social enterprise realities, securing seed funding, and reimagining equitable homeownership.

• October 19 | Ashoke Mohanraj (Maritime Lawyer, Author, and Producer): Balancing professional legal practice with creative work, using legal grounding to protect community-focused ventures.

• November 2 | Cherie Wai (Market-Creating Innovation Lead, World Vision): Insights from a decade of ethical supply chain policy advocacy and launching an outdoor backcountry initiative.

• November 16 | Elizabeth (Liz) Pfisterer (Director, The HUB Youth Services): Applying public health methodologies to interrupt cycles of violence and support community mental health.

RSVP

Save your spot for upcoming sessions through the Chats with Changemakers RSVP Form.

Chats with Changemakers is a conversation series hosted by GreenHouse at United College, University of Waterloo. Swapping standard lectures for an open circle, these sessions offer an unscripted look at the realities of social impact careers, exploring rejected pitches, institutional roadblocks, sudden pivots, and unexpected detours.

When and Where

Sessions run on select Mondays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST. You can participate in person at GreenHouse (UTD 164) with dinner and networking, or join the conversation virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Fall 2026 Lineup

• September 21 | Maddi Leblanc (Structural Firefighter and Community Advocate): Letting go of rigid career blueprints and navigating transitions from environmental studies and journalism into emergency services.

• October 5 | Penn Bolourchi (Founder, goodDEED): Navigating early-stage social enterprise realities, securing seed funding, and reimagining equitable homeownership.

• October 19 | Ashoke Mohanraj (Maritime Lawyer, Author, and Producer): Balancing professional legal practice with creative work, using legal grounding to protect community-focused ventures.

• November 2 | Cherie Wai (Market-Creating Innovation Lead, World Vision): Insights from a decade of ethical supply chain policy advocacy and launching an outdoor backcountry initiative.

• November 16 | Elizabeth (Liz) Pfisterer (Director, The HUB Youth Services): Applying public health methodologies to interrupt cycles of violence and support community mental health.

RSVP

Save your spot for upcoming sessions through the Chats with Changemakers RSVP Form.

Join us at Demo Day to celebrate and provide feedback on health transformation solutions developed by students in Health, Computer Science, Math, and Engineering alongside health organizations. During these sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with students, provide feedback on their health transformation prototypes, and discuss the role of AI in providing more compassionate care in Waterloo Region. 

You can register here! 

Be inspired by Student Changemakers!

GreenHouse is proud to present the 37th Social Impact Showcase, where the next generation of changemakers from right here on campus will present their ventures. This event marks the conclusion of our Fall 2026 Social Innovators in Training term; following a ten-week journey where students transform ideas into tangible plans for social and environmental good. 

Details:

• When: November 25, 2026
• Time: 4:00-5:30 PM
• Where: Alumni Hall, United College (UTD 201)

You can RSVP here!

Join us at Demo Day to celebrate and provide feedback on health transformation solutions developed by students in Health, Computer Science, Math, and Engineering alongside health organizations. During these sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with students, provide feedback on their health transformation prototypes, and discuss the role of AI in providing more compassionate care in Waterloo Region. 

You can register here!