Events

Maddi and Josh at Chats with Changemakers
Monday, September 21, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Chats with Changemakers: Maddi Leblanc

Chats with Changemakers is a conversation series hosted by GreenHouse at United College, University of Waterloo. Swapping traditional auditorium lectures for an open circle, these sessions offer an unscripted look at the winding realities of purpose-driven careers.

Maddi Leblanc never followed a linear blueprint. After studying environmental disciplines, her path wove through competitive paddle-boarding and sports journalism before leading into her current role as a structural firefighter. Rather than viewing these distinct chapters as detours, Maddi approaches them as a continuous commitment to community service. This gathering provides an honest account of what happens when post-university plans shift off course, sharing practical ways to let go of rigid expectations and use community needs as a reliable compass.

Participants joining in person gather at GreenHouse (UTD 164) for the dialogue, followed by dinner and networking from 5:20 PM to 6:00 PM EST. Virtual attendees can connect via Microsoft Teams from 4:00 PM to 5:20 PM EST for the presentation and live question circle.

Ashoke's portrait
Monday, October 19, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Chats with Changemakers: Ashoke Mohanraj

Hosted by GreenHouse at United College, Chats with Changemakers offers a candid, low-barrier setting to explore social innovation pathways without corporate gloss.

Practising as a maritime and admiralty lawyer by day, Ashoke Mohanraj is simultaneously an author and aspiring television producer by night. His journey shows how legal grounding and creative expression inform one another, enabling professionals to sustain distinct callings without draining their artistic momentum. Ashoke discusses how to balance structured careers with independent storytelling, explaining how legal knowledge acts as protective armour for grassroots ventures to safeguard community impact.

The event takes place in GreenHouse (UTD 164) with dinner and networking running from 5:20 PM to 6:00 PM EST. Virtual attendees can participate through Microsoft Teams from 4:00 PM to 5:20 PM EST during the guided card questions and open Q&A.

Liz holding a bouquet of flowers and smiling at the camera
Monday, November 16, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Chats with Changemakers: Elizabeth (Liz) Pfisterer

GreenHouse at United College hosts Chats with Changemakers to demystify social innovation and showcase the real, non-linear trajectories behind community leadership.

Elizabeth (Liz) Pfisterer directs violence intervention efforts at The HUB Youth Services while maintaining a part-time therapeutic practice. Embedded within local neighbourhoods, she applies public health methodologies to interrupt cycles of harm and build community resilience. Liz breaks down how grassroots intervention operates in frontline settings, discussing how community mental health support connects with systemic advocacy to foster sustained local healing.

Guests can attend in person at GreenHouse (UTD 164) for the discussion circle, followed by dinner and networking from 5:20 PM to 6:00 PM EST. Virtual participants can join through Microsoft Teams for the facilitated discussion and audience Q&A between 4:00 PM and 5:20 PM EST.

five students smiling at demo day for hlth 480
Tuesday, November 24, 2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Demo Day: AI for Compassionate Health Care (Day One)

Join us on November 24th 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! 

Penn's portrait
Monday, October 5, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Chats with Changemakers: Penn Bolourchi

GreenHouse at United College hosts Chats with Changemakers, giving university students candid insight into building socially focused ventures. The series replaces formal presentations with an egalitarian discussion circle, highlighting the rejected pitches, administrative roadblocks, and sudden pivots that shape impact work.

Penn Bolourchi, founder of goodDEED, entered the housing sector to develop innovative models that reimagine equity and homeownership for everyday individuals. Moving past tidy success stories, this session looks directly into the messy early days of enterprise creation. Penn shares candid reflections about launching a venture prior to feeling completely prepared, challenging entrenched industry conventions, and working through the trial-and-error process of securing seed capital.

In-person guests gather in GreenHouse (UTD 164) for the discussion and stay for dinner and networking between 5:20 PM and 6:00 PM EST. Remote participants are welcome on Microsoft Teams from 4:00 PM to 5:20 PM EST to take part in the conversation and submit audience cards.

Cherie smiling with a background consisting of natural greenery
Monday, November 2, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Chats with Changemakers: Cherie Wai

Chats with Changemakers, presented by GreenHouse at United College, brings the university community together for casual, unvarnished conversations with social impact leaders.

GreenHouse alumna Cherie Wai currently leads Market-Creating Innovation initiatives at World Vision. Her background includes ten years championing ethical supply chain legislation, alongside launching an outdoor backcountry venture that guides first-time hikers through Algonquin Provincial Park. Cherie unpacks her ten-year policy journey, offering practical perspectives on humanizing legislative debates, using data to amplify youth voices, and translating outdoor recreation passions into community-centred initiatives.

The session runs in a hybrid format. In-person attendees meet in GreenHouse (UTD 164) with a hot meal and open networking starting at 5:20 PM EST. The Microsoft Teams stream runs from 4:00 PM to 5:20 PM EST, including the interactive question cards.

Two people experiencing Demo Day
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! 

A fantastic group of people at the Social Impact Showcase
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!

A guest engaging with two students at Demo Day for HLTH 480
Thursday, November 26, 2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Demo Day: AI for Compassionate Health Care (Day Two)

Join us on November 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

Explore Real-World Social Impact Challenges
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 

A large group of students and GreenHouse team members posing enthusiastically in front of a GreenHouse banner in Alumni Hall at Fall 2025 Social Impact Showcase.
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!

Poster entailing details of what to expect at demo day
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

Banner showing dates of exploring health futures community sessions.
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!

Students building a story board
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!