by Davandra Earle, Communications Officer
For Mozna Elshafia, a senior student in the International Development (INDEV) program, choosing to enroll in INNOV 201: Social Innovation for Global Impact was more than an academic decision, it was a chance to merge passion with purpose.
“I saw it as the perfect opportunity to deepen my understanding of how to effectively provide change to marginalized communities internationally,” Mozna shared. “It allowed me to connect my academic interests with my professional experience in NGO project facilitation.”
Offered as part of the Social Innovation and Impact Minor through United College, INNOV 201 invites students to explore community-rooted strategies for systemic change. For Mozna, the course was a transformative experience.
“INNOV 201 helped me see how local, community-centred initiatives can truly drive global change,” she said. It gave me critical insight into how design, collaboration, and context shape sustainable solutions. The mix of case studies, site visits, and hands-on learning pushed me to approach social innovation not just as a concept, but as a real, actionable framework.”
As she prepares for her final year in the INDEV program, Mozna is already looking ahead. She plans to complete the i-Capstone Project, where she will apply the human-centred design principles gained in INNOV 201 to real-world development challenges.
Reflecting on her journey, Mozna’s experience stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary learning. Through courses like INNOV 201, United College continues to equip students with the tools they need to think critically, act compassionately, and innovate for lasting change, both locally and globally.
Interested in exploring how social innovation can complement your degree? The Social Innovation and Impact Minor is open to all undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, sustainability, community engagement, or systems change, this minor offers the tools and community to turn ideas into impact. For more information or support, reach out to Academic Dean John Abraham at j9abraham@uwaterloo.ca