Profiles

John Abraham spent most of his childhood and youth living across four countries on three continents. It was here that his interdisciplinary academic journey began. He completed an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies at the University of Calgary, followed by a Masters in Philosophy degree in Modern South Asian Studies at the University of Cambridge, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Politics and International Relations from Royal Holloway, University of London. Subsequently, he undertook two postdoctoral fellowships: one on Community Based Conservation at St. Mary’s University (Halifax, Nova Scotia) and the second on Social Innovation at the University of Waterloo (WISIR), before serving as Assistant Professor of Global Studies and Social Entrepreneurship at Wilfrid Laurier University between 2016-19. Following the completion of that appointment, he joined the International Development Program at United College.

His current research takes an interdisciplinary focus, engaging with issues of religion, political economy, environment, social innovation, and decolonization. His recent and forthcoming journal publications have addressed issues of social innovation, the intellectual history of international development, and the global political economy. Two of his longer-term research projects include a book-length study of the political economy of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party in India and a decolonial analysis of the life and work of the English activist and clergyman Charles Freer Andrews. He actively engages with the international development professional community and serves as a Board member of both the Mennonite Central Committee, Ontario and the Ontario Council for International Cooperation.

Meet our Social Media Coordinator! Mira is an ambitious social changemaker who is extremely passionate about leading an environmentally friendly lifestyle and wants to have an impact on social and environmental issues around the world. Mira is currently enrolled in her second year of Environment and Business program here at Waterloo and is working in her first co-op term, perfectly combining her interests in green finance, social marketing, corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship and climate action.

She looks forward to meeting more creative minds and see what differences can be made!

Starting his career selling bubble gum at pow wows at the age of nine, Jacob Crane describes himself as a lifelong entrepreneur. Coming to United College from Tsuut'ina Nation in Alberta, Jacob brings two decades of experience and a passion for supporting Indigenous communities in Canada and the United States. Most recently, Jacob worked as the Executive Director for the SLC Air Protectors, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving Indigenous people in Utah. He also co-founded and runs a media production company called The Arrow’s Journey, which showcases the stories of successful small Indigenous youth-led businesses and non-profits across the United States. He has been recognized with several awards and grants for his efforts in supporting Indigenous communities. 

In his role, Jacob looks forward to making a positive impact on the economic futures of Indigenous youth and empowering them to take charge of their lives by gaining the critical skills that come from being entrepreneurial. 

Tania Del Matto has supported the launch of hundreds of ventures and has nurtured the entrepreneurial mindset of thousands of undergraduate and graduate students. Prior to her role at United College, she co-founded and operated a social venture with a national mandate to help organizations adopt more sustainable consumption and production practices. Tania is currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Toronto at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Her research focuses on how students assimilate the knowledge, skills and values gained through their social entrepreneurship education into their personal and professional identities and how graduates perceive their social entrepreneurship education in relation to their career choices.

Priyana Elangainesan is an undergraduate student in Global Business and Digital Arts at the University of Waterloo’s Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business. She has experience with all things creative, such as UX/UI design, videography, graphic design, and social media marketing.

Priyana initially began her journey at United College as a student in the Workplace Innovation program. Her team is focused on evaluating the impact of existing mental health supports at United College to propose and implement effective improvements. Additionally, Priyana recently worked as a Marketing and Recruitment Assistant for Renison University. There she was responsible for developing creative assets that encompassed the brand for their social media channels.

Her entrepreneurial spirit, eagerness to learn, and passion for solving critical day-to-day problems propelled her towards GreenHouse. As the Social Media Coordinator, she will design and curate engaging content for GreenHouse's social media platforms and suggest creative ways to attract prospective students.

Katherine Fouzie is in her 4A term at the University of Waterloo where she studies Honours French with a Teaching Specialization and a minor in Knowledge Integration. She lived at St. Paul’s in first year, was a Residence Don for four terms, and is honoured to be returning as this year’s President of the Student Union. Outside of her studies, Katherine loves to sing.

Peter Frick

Wayne is the founding President of the International Inter-tribal Trade and Investment Organization, Senior Lawyer, and Principal Director of the law firm Garwill Law Professional Corporation, and leads an international business entitled Indigenous Sovereign Trade Consultancy Ltd. specializing in Tribal Trade and Sustainable Economic Development.

He is the past Chair of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Appeal Tribunal and is currently on the board of directors of the International Law Association – Canada chapter, Council of the Great Lakes Region, Capacity Canada and Board Chair of the 60’s Scoop Healing Foundation.

He is also a Research Fellow specializing in International Comparative Indigenous law at the University of Oklahoma, College of Law. He was appointed by Order in Council as a member to the NAFTA Chapter 19 Trade Remedies roster and then appointed in 2020 as a CUSMA Advisory Committee Member on Private Commercial Disputes, Article 31.22.

He has recently written four chapters and is co-editor for a textbook published by Cambridge University Press on International Indigenous Trade & Environmental law and is teaching a course based on his textbook as part of the Bachelor of Indigenous Entrepreneurialism Program at the University of Waterloo, St. Paul’s College campus.

He is the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business 2019 Award winner for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations, the 2020 Queen’s University alumni award winner as well as the recipient of the 2020 Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL) - International Legal Specialist in Peace, Justice and Governance Award. He is Plains Cree from Treaty 6, Moosomin First Nation.

Rob Greene is a mature student in 3rd year Planning at the University of Waterloo, specializing in Land Development Planning and Geographic Information Systems.

Erin Hogan (she/her) first participated in GreenHouse as an undergraduate student at the University of Waterloo. She worked with the Multiple Sclerosis Society to improve accessibility to the Ontario Disability Support Program for people with episodic and invisible disabilities. Erin graduated from UW with a Bachelor in Knowledge Integration, specializing in Collaborative Design and Science, Technology & Society. Erin also attended the Westcoast Adventure College, where she earned a certificate in Adventure Tourism. Erin is GreenHouse's Programs Manager. She wears many hats and helps out with Social Innovators in Training, Changemaker Labs, and our classroom engagements. In her role, Erin manages many of the behind-the-scenes operations and nurtures GreenHouse's relationships with faculty and instructors, external partners, and student participants. She has a background and interest in experiential and place-based education and her favourite part of working at GreenHouse is watching students develop their confidence and skills as they make an impact!

Sami Iskandar is a graduate of Schulich school of business, and a master graduate of business, entrepreneurship, and technology from the faculty of Engineering at the university of Waterloo. Sami has long held the beliefs that it is one’s duty and privilege to serve and help others, and in so doing come to frame the best course of action forward.

Board member since 2020

Julia (Julie Kate) Seirlis holds a BA in English, French, Italian, Latin and Private Law from the University of Cape Town and an MSt and DPhil in Social and Cultural Anthropology from the University of Oxford. Her doctorate examined the relationships between race and space in the construction -- and alienation -- of Coloured ("mixed race") identities in Rhodesia and Zimbabwe. 

Wanda is Anishinaabe and a member of Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation). They are a recent graduate of the Theatre and Performance program at the University of Waterloo with a focus in costuming and dramaturgy. Wanda served as an executive member of the Indigenous Student Association for three years, where they played an active role in connecting the ISA with the wider campus community and advocating for the needs of Indigenous students on campus. They spend most of their time (re)connecting with community, designing costumes for book characters, and getting lost in antique markets.

Dr. Lara-Morales is a Research Assistant at the University of Waterloo, an Associate Fellow at the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL), and a Project Officer with the United Nations Association in Canada. She holds a Ph.D. in the discipline of sustainable development and tourism and has taught management courses at the Lord Ashcroft International Business School (LAIBS) in Cambridge, UK.

Odeeth is a Nahua Indigenous descendant from Mexico and her research interests focus on environmental studies such as sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a local level and internationally through the implementation of sustainable community plans, civic engagement, and market-based approaches. Her research also examines enterprises and sustainable tourism to support sustainable development for ecological and cultural protection, gender equality, and poverty reduction in Indigenous communities.

Dr. Kelsey Leonard is a water scientist, legal scholar, policy expert, writer, and enrolled citizen of the Shinnecock Nation. Dr. Leonard is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo, where her research focuses on Indigenous water justice and its climatic, territorial, and governance underpinnings. Dr. Leonard seeks to establish Indigenous traditions of water conservation as the foundation for international water policymaking.

Dr. Leonard has been instrumental in safeguarding the interests of Indigenous Nations for environmental planning and builds Indigenous science and knowledge into new solutions for water governance and sustainable oceans. In collaboration with a global team of water law scholars, Dr. Leonard has published in Lewis and Clark Law Review on Indigenous Water Justice and the defining international legal principle of self-determination under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Benjamin grew up in a family-owned business that served the remote Indigenous communities of northwestern Ontario. This lifestyle cultivated his entrepreneurial mindset at an early age and instilled the need for more Indigenous-led businesses to serve our Indigenous communities.

Staying near to the family business of building material supply, he majored in Architectural Technology & Construction Management although realigned himself closer to his true passion for entrepreneurship after taking a Master’s degree focused innovation and entrepreneurship at the Smith School of Business at Queen's University where he deepened his knowledge of venture creation.

Since graduating, Benjamin has been working with a Toronto-based venture studio, working alongside seasoned entrepreneurs forming ideas into viable businesses. This experience has given him a wealth of knowledge and insight which he is excited to share with his fellow entrepreneurs at Flint Hub.

Maryam Rasheed is deeply inspired by organizations who advocate for positive social and environmental change, both on a local and global scale. Learning about GreenHouse and its impactful initiatives to foster meaningful transformation aligned with her values, and she was excited to be a part of the team as the Events Coordinator. Maryam is in her final year of Creative Industries at Toronto Metropolitan University. As the Events Coordinator, Maryam is excited to be shaping GreenHouse's ten year anniversary celebration in a role where her creativity can flourish. She hopes everyone will have a great time and leave with cherished memories of GreenHouse.

I grew up in Ethiopia during a very turbulent time – surrounded by serious economic hardships and socio-political upheaval – which sparked my early interest in development economics, setting me on an improbable journey to pursuing higher education in Economics at Berkeley.

Growing up in the small town of Englehart in Northern Ontario, Peter is the longest-standing staff member at St. Paul’s, having been with the College since 2009.

Growing up in the small town of  Newcastle, Ontario, Steve has been a part of the UWaterloo community since starting his undergraduate degree, majoring in Anthropology and Religious Studies. Coming to campus accompanied by his twin brother, he lived at Ron Eydt Village and enjoyed the excitement of a large residence.

Rosie is a fourth year environmental science student at the University of Waterloo. She is passionate about climate action and sustainability to create a greener future. Although working towards a Bachelor of Science, she has a knack for visual design and is an extremely creative individual. Always leaning toward creative roles, she has turned many boring infographics, reports and documents into visually stimulating and engaging pieces of work. Rosie looks forward to combining her love for creative work with her passion toward environmental and social change and is excited to be able to contribute to the GreenHouse community.

Ryan MacTavish, a proud Turtle Clan member and a Mohawk from the Six Nations of the Grand River, recently completed his Social Development Studies undergraduate degree and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work. He brings a deep commitment to restorative justice values, shaped through his experience working with Community Justice Initiatives. Currently, as part of his practicum, he is working with the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, where he applies his passion for community and social development to support Indigenous students. Ryan is dedicated to creating meaningful impact within the community. His goals include finishing his Bachelor of Social Work and then a Master of Social Work with the hope of working in the helping professions as a Clinical Social Worker/Mental Health Counsellor. 

Malak is a recent graduate of Global Studies with a specialization in International Development and an option in Social Entrepreneurship from Wilfrid Laurier University.  In April 2022, Malak founded Sporas Scattered to help uplift Palestinian identity within the Palestinian Diaspora youth community. As founder, she has hosted various cultural programs that have provided the Palestinian community in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region to connect with their roots. In 2021, Malak was awarded a fellowship from the Social Innovation Academy, deepening her understanding of social innovation and entrepreneurship while working alongside various social and environmental start-up projects. 

Malak looks forward to helping students discover their passion for social or environmental change and guiding them on through engaging with their target audiences.

Savanah’s matrilineal lineage is of the Anishinaabeg (Plains Ojibway) Peoples of the Waywayseecappo (Treaty 4) First Nation community through her late grandfather Chesley Seaton, and the Keeseeekoowenin (Treaty 2) First Nation community through her late grandmother Myrna Seaton (Bone). Her patrilineal lineage continues to be a lifelong re-search. She is a 1st and 2nd generation 60’s scoop survivor and a 3rd generation residential school survivor. While pursuing an MA degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology at UWaterloo, she lived in United College’s graduate residence. Savanah has over ten years of experience in both public, private, and non-profit sectors with a strong dedication and passion towards empowering Indigenous people through higher education, capacity development, partnerships and entrepreneurship. Some of her main areas of specialty include Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous engagement and empowerment, organizational change, and transformational leadership.

Emma is Aniishnaabe from Walpole Island First Nation. She graduated in Fine Arts from the University of Waterloo in 2018 and is finishing her Masters at the University of Waterloo working in Indigenous History. Their research is focused on Indigenous History – specifically, presenting Oral History in Museums. Based on her curatorial experience on Dibaajimowin: Stories from this Land (2022) exhibition with the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum. Emma has worked with and been involved in the KW Indigenous community for almost 10 years. She is a producer, curator, artists, and community organizer. They hope to use their passion of working with students and youth to create more leaders in community.

Sophia studied Science and Business at Waterloo specialized in Biotechnology. She was a Co-President of UW Enactus, a student-run social entrepreneurship incubator that worked on projects focused on Ai for Social Good, Women in STEM, Financial Literacy, youth connection, and Waste Management. She has experience working at NGOs, medical device startups, and big corporations like Deloitte supporting innovation, design, donor management, and business strategy. 

Sophia looks forward to making connections with and between people and ideas!

Evan started his professional journey at an industrious gas station and diner located on Oneida of the Thames. Throughout his twenties, he honed his skills in the hospitality industry and continuously sought out opportunities for further education and unique career experiences. In 2016, he transitioned to the real estate industry where he worked as a buyers agent and OSA. In his spare time, Evan has also run various pop-up businesses, including catering and teaching others how to cook and grow mushrooms. Currently, he is a BSc. candidate at the University of Waterloo and in May 2022, he founded a mushroom biotechnology company with the goal of supporting a sustainable future. This start-up has received recognition and grants from the Waterloo innovation community. Evan is excited to share his experiences with aspiring entrepreneurs and encourage them to embrace the uncertainty that comes with pursuing their passions.

Lily Viggiano is driven by a profound belief in fostering an accessible, equitable and just society for all.  As GreenHouse’s Senior Project Manager, Lily created and leads Changemaker Labs, a program that invites changemakers from across the Waterloo Region to come together and take climate action. This initiative is aligned with Canada’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and operates an intergenerational participation model. In her previous role at the Halton Youth Initiative, she empowered over 300 young leaders to make meaningful community contributions. With a focus on developmental relationships and leveraging assets, Lily mobilized a dedicated group of adult allies that played a vital role in the project’s success.  A recognized expert in youth engagement, she was seconded by Volunteer Canada to develop a youth engagement curriculum for the Canada Service Corps. Lily has a Bachelor of Public Relations from Conestoga College.