Events

Monday, October 5, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00) Monday, October 19, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00) Monday, November 2, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Monday, November 16, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Chats with Changemakers

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.

Wednesday, November 25, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Social Impact Showcase

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!

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Demo Day

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

Thursday, November 26, 2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Demo Day: AI for Compassionate Health Care

Join us on November 24th and 26th from 12:00 to 2:00 PM to celebrate innovative health transformation projects built by students in Health, Computer Science, Math, and Engineering alongside community health partners. Across both afternoons, attendees can test interactive prototypes, talk directly with the teams behind the work, and share thoughts on how artificial intelligence might support more compassionate care throughout Waterloo Region.

You can register here

Past Events

Friday, January 31, 2025 (all day)

Map The System Application Deadline

Want to take action on a real-world problem? Collaborate with one of our community partners in Map the System!

➡️ Sustainability Office: sustainable food options on campus

➡️ Peace for All Canada 1: academic success for racialized elementary students

➡️ Peace for All Canada 2: legal system barriers for marginalized communities

➡️ Home Range Story Kitchen: new ways of engaging in local media

➡️ Helping International Students: food security for international students

Express interest in working with a community partner by January 29 and sign up for Map the System by January 31 for your chance to win up to $2,000!

Find out details of the competition here 

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

36th Social Impact Showcase

Each term, GreenHouse hosts the Social Impact Showcase to celebrate the achievements of our students and award grants from the Social Impact Fund. Students, faculty and staff, and community members are all welcome to attend. The students will be competing for two $3,000 and two $1,500 grants to grow their social and/or environmental impact initiatives.

We are excited and proud to be hosting the 36th Social Impact Showcase. Join us in celebrating youth-led social innovation, entrepreneurship and impact on Wednesday, March 25th | 4:00-5:30 p.m. at United College (Alumni Hall). The Showcase creates a unique and valuable opportunity for our students to connect with community members who may support them on their journey in refining their ideas.
 

RSVP Today!

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Demo Day

Come see social impact in action!

On Wednesday February 26, from 5:00-6:30 p.m., drop by GreenHouse (UTD 164) for Demo Day. Students from Social Innovators in Training will be showcasing their ideas, looking for feedback, and building community. It's a can't-miss opportunity to see the future in action!

What to expect:  

  • Help our students strengthen their ideas and provide real-world feedback
  • See firsthand the innovative ideas for social impact shaping our communities
  • Enjoy some snacks and light refreshments

Let us know you're coming here

Friday, January 31, 2025 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

HLTH 480: Community Session 1 - Needs Finding

Do you know someone passionate about the intersections of health and accessibility? We're looking for community members to attend our upcoming community engagement sessions in partnership with the School of Public Health Sciences and HLTH 480. Join us to connect with students, researchers, and community leaders as we imagine accessible health systems and tools for all.

🗓️ Event Details:
Needs Finding: Jan 29 or 31 (12:30-2:30 pm)
Co-Creation: Feb 26 or 28 (12:30-2:30 pm)
Demo Day: Mar 26 or 28 (12:30-2:30 pm)

📍 GreenHouse at United College (190 Westmount Road N.)

🔗Let us know you're coming

No advance preparation needed - just bring your insights and enthusiasm. See you next week!

Saturday, February 22, 2025 10:00 am - 5:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Green Innovation Gathering – Assiniboine College

Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Assiniboine College, Victoria Avenue East Campus, Brandon, MB

Join us for the Green Innovation Gathering, a collaborative event hosted by GreenHouse and FlintHub from the University of Waterloo in partnership with Assiniboine College. This gathering brings together young people and community partners, including the City of Brandon and ProteinMB, to tackle real-world sustainability challenges.

Participants will form teams to develop innovative solutions to problem statements presented by our community partners. Partners, mentors and subject matter experts will be on site to support teams and stands as an opportunity to broaden your professional network.

Teams can win prizes and gain access to a network that can help advance their ideas. Additionally, participants will receive a certificate of completion and earn digital gift cards for completing the event survey. Food and refreshments provided.

An optional Kickoff Circle will be held on Thursday, February 20, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the same location. This session offers insights into the problem statements, a chance to start brainstorming ideas and meeting the professionals and participants in a low-key setting. First Nations, Métis and Inuit folks are invited to stay after the circle for a sit-down dinner and chat with Indigenous entrepreneurs.

  • To register, visit: www.tinyurl.com/BrandonGIG
  • For more information, contact Lily Viggiano, Senior Project Manager: lily.viggiano@uwaterloo.ca

Don't miss this chance to collaborate, innovate, and contribute to a sustainable future!