Tag: UN SDG 2

Apply now to be an Agent of Change  

two people holding a globe

The Agents of Change Program is accepting project proposal applications until Sunday, July 3 at 11:59 p.m. It offers students the opportunity to gain beneficial entrepreneurial experience and make impactful changes in their local communities.  

The program aims to support innovative student-led community initiatives that uniquely address the social determinants of health (SDH) and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). It offers students start-up funding, one-on-one coaching, mentorship, training and networking opportunities. 

The Agents of Change Program was established by an alumni donor in 2013, driven by the goal to promote applied learning opportunities and develop students’ transferable skills. A project-based learning approach is adapted by the program to foster student engagement to real-world problems through their personal, community-oriented and health-related initiatives. 

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to run their projects in a year-long timeline that begins in August 2022 and ends in May 2023. Calumet and Stong Colleges will be reviewing the project proposals.  

Eligibility to apply for Agents of Change:  

  • A York University undergraduate/graduate student returning for the academic year of 2022-23; 
  • Good academic standing with York University; and  
  • If applying as a group:  
    – maximum number of group members is five.  
    – majority of the team (over 50 per cent) must be from the Faculty of Health. 

The proposed Agents of Change Initiative ideas must address the following:  

  • Project vision: Your vision should be specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and timely (S.M.A.R.T.); 
  • Goals, deliverables, and timeframe: How will you implement your vision in the months to follow? What projects do you aim to complete during your timeframe?;  
  • Target population of the project: Who is the intended demographic for your project? Please justify the need for your initiative with research;  
  • Uniqueness: What makes your project innovative and unique? Ensure your project does not replicate services on campus. If services are duplicated, does your project complement or expand already existing initiatives?;  
  • Adaptability: Does your project demonstrate the flexibility required during this time of COVID-19? How will you work around these limitations (delivering services online)?; and 
  • Existing resources and required budget. 

A detailed proposal guideline is available for reference.  

For the past nine years, the program has achieved noteworthy outcomes and impact through more than 25 student-led initiatives focused on meeting the health-related needs of vulnerable or marginalized community members. 

Past Agents of Change initiatives have covered a broad range of categories, including supporting physical and mental health, gender inequity in health leadership and homelessness. The current Agents of Change projects are innovative in addressing SDH and are actively participating in achieving the UN SDGs. Learn about past projects on the Calumet College webpage.  

C4 opening three classrooms for students this fall 

Photo of people gathered around table with tablets

The Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom (C4) will offer three different classrooms this upcoming fall and winter semester. 

Each class will accommodate 75 students and is available to third- and fourth-year students who are interested in participating in a C4 learning opportunity. Classes will run on Mondays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Tuesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; and Fridays from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. 

Over the past three years, more than 500 students have participated in C4. This award-winning learning space brings together students from across York’s campuses, Faculties, and programs to work in interdisciplinary teams on “real-world” challenges with community and industry partners.  

C4 is popular with students because it allows them to work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) while earning credits and acquiring new professional skills, such as project management and teamwork. Throughout this journey, students learn the value of multiple perspectives and approaches to research, design and problem solving. The experience helps students recognize what they can offer the world, prepares them for their future and celebrates student success.

Third-year kinesiology and past C4 student Tiana Marconi, whose team won C4’s Community Impact Award, reflected that “winning this award has given me confidence in my ability to make a change in the world. Thinking back to how nervous I was at the beginning of the semester to where I am now, I feel the difference. This award has validated all my efforts and allows me to believe in myself as someone who can and will enact change.” 

Nikash Persaud, a recent bachelor of environmental studies alumnus, whose team won C4’s Teamwork Award, shared that “being recognized for our teamwork felt like a beacon of success. We can walk away as a team knowing we came this far together, and we left everything we could in that classroom. Thank you, C4, for giving us the tools and guidance to develop a project we are proud of.” 

C4 applications for the fall and winter terms are now open. For more information about C4, visit the website at www.yorku.ca/c4 or attend a weekly information session to learn more about course structure and expectations, alumni experiences, and what C4 has to offer.  

Municipalities of the Future Symposium brings focus to sustainability through equity and inclusivity 

glass planet in a forest with sunshine

The School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) held its fifth annual Municipalities of the Future Symposium in hybrid format on March 23.  

This year’s theme, “Municipalities, good governance and sustainability: Bringing progressive strategies to life,” featured insightful panels ranging from environmental sustainability and climate resilience to smart cities, ethics, human resources and procurement.  

Associate Deputy Minister Vinay Sharda delivers keynote address.
Associate Deputy Minister Vinay Sharda delivers keynote address

With more than 150 virtual participants and 60 guests who attended in person, municipal employees, non-profit managers, community leaders, provincial public servants, students and faculty from SPPA reflected on the lessons learned from the pandemic and engaged in exploring innovative approaches to acting on pressing policy priorities with a renewed focus on sustainability through equity, diversity and inclusivity.  

“Delivering through Partnerships” was the central message highlighted by keynote speaker Associate Deputy Minister Vinay Sharda of Policy, Planning & Agency Relations with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Sharda explained the synergies between elected officials, public servants and the communities they serve. He also highlighted the qualities of effective leadership and provided advice during a question-and-answer period.  

From left to right: Naomi Couto (York University), Zincia Francis (City of Vaughan), and Joanne Kinya Baker (City of Markham), joined online speaker Jennifer McCabe (City of Ottawa) to discuss Municipalities Symposium Session II. 
From left to right: Naomi Couto (York University), Zincia Francis (City of Vaughan), and Joanne Kinya Baker (City of Markham), joined online speaker Jennifer McCabe (City of Ottawa) to discuss Municipalities Symposium Session II 

When addressing the responsibilities of public servants to elected officials, Sharda emphasized the ability and importance to offer the best advice, confidentiality and the skills to implement changes. He stressed that trust and transparency between partners can lead to better outcomes, cultural change, and produce responsive and optimal delivery of mandates.  

The symposium further explored, developed, and analyzed key issues including resilience and planning, equity and the role of human resources and procurement, frameworks for organizational structure, data hubs, and improving governance through ethics and clear processes.  

Sharda said in his keynote address, “the province and municipalities are the front-line delivery agents, we must increase collaboration to deliver and deliver effectively.”  

Emerging from the Pandemic round-table discussion with (left to right): Zac Spicer, Ajay Nandalall (TD Bank), Christine Tu (Region of Peel), and Alena Kimakova. 
Emerging from the Pandemic round-table discussion with (left to right): Zac Spicer, Ajay Nandalall (TD Bank), Christine Tu (Region of Peel), and Alena Kimakova 

The event concluded with a round-table discussion on what it means to emerge from the pandemic with lessons learned on sustainability and governance. The session was facilitated by SPPA’s Director and Associate Professor Alena Kimakova, and Associate Professor Zac Spicer, who will be leading the Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL) municipal stream at York University’s new Markham Campus in Fall 2023.  

The symposium was co-sponsored by the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario. A full listing of speakers and their biographies can be found on the SPPA webpage.  

York University announces 2022’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30

Top 30 alumni under 30 banner

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The 30 outstanding graduates, including author Kaleb Dahlgren and Olympian Melissa Humana-Paredes, are working to right the future in a variety of fields and highlight the many career and life paths made possible with a York degree.

York University has announced its list of Top 30 Alumni Under 30. The remarkable group of civically engaged young leaders are tackling complex societal challenges in a world facing a convergence of unprecedented trials, all before the age of 30.

“York’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program aims to recognize inspiring young alumni who are working to right the future in varied and significant ways,” says Julie Lafford, executive director, Alumni Engagement. “From business leaders championing equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, to social entrepreneurs, environmental advocates and community builders, alumni across all sectors are making meaningful differences in their communities and beyond.”

Representing every Faculty at the University, these alumni are applying the education, skills and experiences they received at York to meaningful careers and community service endeavours demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the public good.

Headshot of Alamgir Khandwala
Alamgir Khandwala

“I am honoured and humbled to be selected for this award and recognition,” says Alamgir Khandwala (BAS ’17), manager, Corporate Accounting and Financial Reporting at Moneris. Through his significant volunteer work, Khandwala advocates for underprivileged communities and advances equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives to help create an equitable and sustainable future. “Meeting the rest of the cohort and learning about the amazing work they are doing in their respective communities has helped me revive my passion for continuously making an impact at every opportunity possible, whether it be one person, or thousands of people around the world.” 

Launched in 2021, York’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University’s alumni community, while inspiring the next generation of young alumni leaders to make a positive difference locally and globally.

For more information on the 2022 Top 30 Alumni Under 30, visit the website.

L’Université York annonce les 30 meilleurs diplômés de moins de 30 ans pour 2022

Les 30 diplômés exceptionnels, dont font partie l’auteur Kaleb Dahlgren et l’athlète olympique Melissa Humana-Paredes, s’emploient à être présents pour l’avenir dans des domaines variés. Ils et elles mettent en évidence les nombreux parcours de carrière et de vie rendus possibles par l’obtention d’un diplôme à York.

L’Université York annonce sa liste des 30 meilleurs diplômés de moins de 30 ans. Ce groupe remarquable de jeunes leaders engagés civiquement s’attaque à des défis sociétaux complexes dans un monde confronté à une convergence d’épreuves sans précédent, tout cela dans la vingtaine.

« Le programme des 30 meilleurs diplômés de York de moins de 30 ans vise à reconnaître les jeunes diplômées et diplômés inspirants qui s’efforcent d’être présents pour l’avenir de façons diverses et concrètes », déclare Julie Lafford, directrice générale des relations avec les diplômés. « Des chefs d’entreprise qui défendent l’équité, la diversité et l’inclusion sur le lieu de travail, aux entrepreneuses sociales, en passant par les défenseurs de l’environnement et les bâtisseuses de communautés, les diplômés et diplômées de tous les secteurs apportent une différence dans leurs communautés et au-delà. »

Représentant toutes les facultés de l’Université, ces diplômés et diplômées appliquent l’éducation, les compétences et les expériences acquises à York à des carrières intéressantes et à des projets de service communautaire démontrant un engagement de longue date envers le bien collectif.

Headshot of Alamgir Khandwala
Alamgir Khandwala

« C’est un honneur pour moi d’avoir été sélectionné pour ce prix et cette reconnaissance, que je reçois avec humilité », a déclaré Alamgir Khandwala (B.A.S. 2017), directeur, comptabilité d’entreprise et rapports financiers chez Moneris. Grâce à son importante contribution bénévole, M. Khandwala défend les communautés défavorisées et fait avancer les initiatives d’EDI pour créer un avenir équitable et durable. « Rencontrer le reste de la cohorte et découvrir le travail extraordinaire qu’elle accomplit dans ses communautés respectives a ravivé ma passion pour changer les choses à chaque occasion qui se présente, qu’il s’agisse d’une personne ou de milliers de personnes dans le monde. » 

Lancé en 2021, le programme des 30 meilleurs diplômés de moins de 30 ans de York vise à mettre en évidence le succès et la diversité de la communauté des jeunes diplômés de l’Université, tout en inspirant la prochaine génération de leaders à agir concrètement au niveau local et mondial.

Pour plus d’information sur le palmarès 2022 des 30 meilleurs diplômés de moins de 30 ans, visitez le site Web.

Call for applications to the Provostial Fellows Program

Vari Hall New Featured image

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Dear colleagues,

The Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic is issuing a call for applications to the Provostial Fellows Program between now and May 4. The call is open to all tenured faculty members who are interested in working directly with the provost and relevant senior leadership on a project or initiative geared towards advancing the University Academic Plan, including York’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Challenge.

Indigenous faculty and those from equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply. The program is intended to give tenured faculty a chance to gain hands-on experience in University leadership. Those who are interested in applying or who have a particular project in mind should consider the following:

  • projects may relate to any of the six UAP priorities, and also seek to enhance and intersect with the University-wide challenge to elevate contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals;
  • proposed projects should also seek to provide an opportunity for personal professional growth and learning, as well as the exploration of leadership at the Faculty or institutional level; and
  • projects do not need to target a Fellow’s home Faculty.
UAP Graphic shows the 17 United Sustainable development goals in context within the York University Academic Plan
The University Academic Plan 2020-2025 identifies six academic priorities

Here is a look at what last year’s Provostial Fellows have achieved. Details on the program, how to apply and the relevant timelines can be found here on the Provost & Vice-President Academic site. I encourage all tenured faculty who are interested in advancing academic priorities while working to build a better future and create positive change at York and beyond to apply.

Sincerely,

Lisa Philipps
Provost & Vice-President Academic

Appel aux candidatures pour le programme rectoral de bourses

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Chers collègues, chères collègues,

Le Bureau de la rectrice et vice-présidente aux affaires académiques lance un appel aux candidatures pour le programme rectoral de bourses à partir d’aujourd’hui et jusqu’au 4 mai. Cet appel est ouvert à tous les membres permanents du corps professoral qui aimeraient travailler directement avec la rectrice et les hauts dirigeants concernés sur un projet ou une initiative visant à faire progresser le Plan académique de l’Université (PAU), y compris le défi des ODD de York.

Les membres du corps professoral autochtones et issus de groupes dignes d’équité sont encouragés à poser leur candidature. Ce programme vise à donner aux professeurs permanents la chance d’acquérir une expérience pratique de leadership à l’Université. Les personnes intéressées par une candidature ou qui ont un projet particulier en tête devraient prendre en compte les points suivants :

  • Les projets peuvent porter sur l’une des six priorités du PAU et doivent aussi viser à renforcer et à appuyer le pari de l’Université de rehausser ses contributions aux objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies;
  • Les propositions de projets doivent également être une occasion de croissance, de perfectionnement professionnel et de découverte du leadership facultaire ou universitaire; et
  • Les projets ne doivent pas nécessairement cibler la faculté d’attache du postulant ou de la postulante :
Le Plan académique universitaire 2020-2025 identifie six priorités académiques
Le Plan académique universitaire 2020-2025 identifie six priorités académiques

Voici un aperçu de ce qui a été réalisé l’année dernière dans le cadre de ce programme. Vous trouverez plus de détails au sujet du programme, du processus de candidature et des dates limites sur le site Web de la rectrice et vice-présidente aux affaires académiques. J’encourage tous les membres permanents du corps professoral qui souhaitent faire avancer des priorités académiques tout en contribuant à la construction d’un avenir meilleur et à la création de changements positifs – à York et au-delà – à y postuler.

Sincères salutations,

Lisa Philipps
Rectrice et vice-présidente aux affaires académiques  

York Capstone Day celebrates innovation and creativity  

Cross Campus Capstone Classroom FEATURED image for new YFile

York Capstone Network’s (YCN) annual York Capstone Day event will take place virtually on Friday, April 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Funded by the Business in Higher Education Roundtable, the annual showcase welcomes students from any Faculty at York to present their completed capstone projects. Bringing project partners and mentors as well as York community members together, the event celebrates the innovation, creativity, ambition and impact of York students. 

Both pre-capstone and capstone students are welcome to share their research-design projects in thematic panels throughout the day and compete for five campus-wide monetary prize awards, including:  

Sustainable Development Goals Award 
The award will be presented to the team whose project demonstrates an exceptional commitment to advancing the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in keeping with York University’s SDG Challenge as outlined in the current University Academic Plan. Learn more.  

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award 
The award will be presented to the team whose project demonstrates an exceptional commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in alignment with priorities identified by York University. Learn more.  

High Impact Award 
The award will be presented to the team whose project exhibits the greatest potential to demonstrate a long-term, positive impact for stakeholders and society as a whole. Learn more. 

BEST Lab Award 
The prize will be presented to the team whose project demonstrates exceptional innovativeness and inventiveness, impact in addressing an important societal issue, and the viability of the project. Learn more.  

Emerging Leaders Award  
The award will be presented to the team whose project touches on at least one of the main award themes of sustainability; equity, diversity, inclusion; high-impact; or technology. Learn more.  

Interdisciplinary student panels with alumni and partners will form the primary events of the day. There will also be a variety of professional development and networking opportunities for students, created in partnership with Career Education and Development, York University Libraries, and Innovation York.  

Most of the projects shared at Capstone Day come from the Project Commons, an interdisciplinary lending library of SDG-linked, real-world projects for any York classroom. Professors who check out projects from the Commons receive one-on-one support from experiential education (EE) experts, who help them customize the project(s) for their classroom and its unique learning goals. Participating students are connected with project partners eager to support student learning. To learn more about the Project Commons and how it can help you infuse the SDGs and EE into your classroom, click here to book an appointment. 

Capstone Day is a free and open event for all York community members. Participation applications are due Friday, April 1. Event registration will open in April. Visit the YCN webpage for more information.  

York presents first Sustainable Development Goals virtual teach-in day

United Nations SDGs

In collaboration with York University’s Teaching Commons and in advance of the 10th annual Teaching in Focus conference, the York University SDGs-in-the-Classroom Community of Practice offers its first United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) virtual teach-in half-day.

The event, Teaching the Sustainable Development Goals: The World’s Challenges Can Be Found in Your Classroom, takes place May 10 from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. online.

The event is open to those beginning to explore how the 17 UN SDGs might intersect with the subjects in their classrooms or those who have deep research and teaching familiarity with these goals. The half-day teach-in will include panel discussions, interactive sessions and experiential learning about teaching the SDGs. Together, organizers and participants will share approaches to working with the SDGs as a learning framework, discover strategies for engaging students with SDG-focused lessons, and share experiences as teachers and learners in the SDG classroom.

Organizers are planning an SDG-tasting, where participants can drop into virtual classrooms and experience 30-minute activities instructors use to infuse the SDGs in their program. Live coaching is also available for those who would like ideas on how to get started on infusing the SDGs into their own classroom.

Co-Chairs of this event are Professors Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Sandra Peniston and PhD student Nitima Bhatia.

Visit this page for more information, or register for the event here.

Applications are open for the Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom Sprint 3.0 

Cross Campus Capstone Classroom FEATURED image for new YFile

This summer, the C4: Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom will be working in collaboration with IBM to offer co-branded micro-credentials to York students through C4 Sprint 3.0, a three-layered experiential learning space for students at all levels and faculties.  

C4 Sprint 3.0 combines three streams of C4: Primer (first- and second-year students), Launchpad (second- and third-year students), and Management (graduating students) into one multi-layered classroom. The class will work collaboratively over a short and intensive term (May to June) to rapidly develop viable solutions for a large, complex, social-impact challenge directly linked to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

“This summer’s challenge questions will focus on Poverty and Hunger (UN SDG 1 and 2), which are key initiatives within the United Nations goals. I’m delighted that York in conjunction with IBM Canada will be launching its first Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom Work Integrated Learning (C4 WIL) student experience, starting May 9 through June 20, 2022. York University students will gain valuable experience in technology, power skills, design, research and collaboration,” says Steven Astorino, vice-president of development data and AI and Canada Lab director at IBM.  

C4 was launched in 2019 to bring students together from across York’s campuses with community and industry experts who want to partner with the University to create a social impact.  

More than 400 students have participated in C4 since its inception. The program has more than 60 project partners and has developed more than 48 projects across different themes and industries. 

York University students Althea Reyes, from the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and Mahakprit Kaur, from the Faculty of Science, took part in last year’s C4 summer learning opportunity to address “How can we redesign city spaces to improve their use across four seasons?” C4 partnered with YSpace to help develop solutions to the real-world challenge pitched by the Smart Cities team at MaRS Discovery District.  

“Through an iterative process of brainstorming, user research and design thinking, our team for Summer C4 envisioned a community ‘play garden’ concept that simultaneously tackled the need for healthy food and childhood recreation in Woburn, Scarborough,” says Reyes. “C4 was a unique opportunity for me to work with a team of diverse backgrounds to conceptualize an out-of-the-box idea tackling multiple Sustainable Development Goals at once – in a short period of time.” 

“C4 provided the tools and was the platform that allowed equally eager students to come together and tackle the question of ‘how can we extend the seasonal reach our shared city spaces?’ Our team focused on this question through the equity lens and C4 helped us create and work through a tangible plan where we were able to host a community event to help connect local youth with the outdoors,” says Kaur. “C4 was definitely the highlight of my summer and I’m very grateful for the amazing team, the support from our mentors, the incredible experience, and gaining the knowledge that we all have the potential to bring about positive change in our communities.” 

C4 Sprint is open to second-year students, as a pre-capstone experience, and to third- and fourth-year students as a capstone experience. The two sections of C4 Sprint 3.0 take place Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. or Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

Each section will have different partners, projects, and SDGs they will be pursuing. Applications to participate in C4 Summer Sprint 2022 are due April 1. To learn more, students are encouraged to participate in a virtual information session or visit the C4 webpage.  

Students take on sustainability challenges at UNHack weekend 

Bergeron-Centre-for-Engineering-Excellence-FEATURED

Lassonde’s Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science & Technology (BEST) program hosted UNHack 2021 from Nov. 19 to 21. The weekend of experiential learning brought undergraduate students from various post-secondary institutions together to work in teams with high school students from grades 11 and 12. Each team worked on solutions to issues centred around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Chart shows 17 UNSDG goals
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

“It was truly inspiring to see over 400 students develop creative solutions to local problems that are related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Lassonde engineering Professor Andrew Maxwell, who is the Bergeron Chair in Technology Entrepreneurship.  “I cannot wait to see some of these projects come to life.” 

The students were united by a common passion to make a difference and create a better world. Using the design sprint methodology, the students identified local and global problems, brainstormed an impactful solution and built a feasible implementation plan. Teams met for the first time on Friday, began ideating and building their solution on Saturday and presented their solutions to a panel of expert judges on Sunday. 

Participants chose a challenge that aligned with a UN SDG, encompassing a variety of themes including good health and wellbeing (SDG #3), quality education (SDG #4) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG #11). Many challenges focused on solutions to enhance sustainability at York University, such as improving access to healthy food options on campus or keeping students engaged with mental health and well-being supports. These challenges allowed students to see how their ideas can impact the world and make a positive change, even when starting from a local level.  

UNHack is more than just a traditional hackathon, it helps students recognize their own potential. The solutions developed included visuals, drawings and other creative expressions that were not limited to technology. In addition, the experience allowed participants to make friendships, build a professional network and gain crucial soft skills like teamwork, leadership and problem-solving.  

“I often tend to shy away from collaborative work, however this experience allowed me to experience the benefits of brainstorming as a group and learning how to listen to group members,” said Maria Flores, second-year mechanical engineering student. “A big part of engineering is collaborating with others, and I think this experience will benefit me in my future career.” 

In total, 72 projects made it to the preliminary judging round on Sunday morning with the top nine teams making their way to the final judging round. 

A Zoom screen capture of participants in the Opening Ceremony for the UNHack event
Participants in the UNHack opening ceremony

2021 Winning Teams:  

First Place – Team #99: EcoYork (Atmiya Jadvani, Saimanoj Yarasi, Jiafeng Wang) 

Team #99’s addressed SDG #13: Climate Action by developing a solution to reduce the carbon footprint at student residences. They created an application called EcoYork that would encourage students to reduce their eco-footprint through weekly tasks, sustainable challenges and incentives on campus.  

Second Place – Team #11: Food (Justin Chan, Vanessa Ammirante, Crystal Chang, Ananya Manikandan, Mihn Yu) 

Team #11 addressed SDG #2: Zero Hunger by creating a solution to help York University students facing food insecurity. The team developed a Farm-to-Table initiative, which involved partnering with local farms to provide healthy and affordable meals to students on campus.  

Third Place – Team #58: Spiteful Donkeys (Connor Humphries, Isaiah Chun, Deep Panchal, Rebecca John, Ava Yunus) 

Team #58’s addressed SDG #7: Affordable and Clean Energy by pitching a way to make homes more sustainable and energy efficient. The team presented the idea of moulded pulp for envelope insulation (an environmentally friendly way to insulate homes), which promotes low waste and less energy generation.  

People’s Choice Award – Team #71: C1M4 (Eugene Park, Brigette Eleuteri, Maria Flores, Maranath Hormiz, Mehrab Rizwan) 

Team #71 addressed SDG#11: Sustainable Cities and Communitiesby creating a YorkU Nav-E, a user-friendly and accessible application to help students, especially those who are new to the University, to navigate the campus and help ease their transition to in-person studies.  

“It was amazing to see how our students came together to design and create solutions fo sustainability challenges within our community and beyond,” said Maedeh Sadaghat, program officer at BEST. “The UNHack experience has provided our students with an opportunity to develop critical skills that will help them create a more sustainable future.” 

Organizers of UNHack received support from the following external event sponsors: KPM Power, Scotiabank and Summerfresh. University partners supporting the event were: YorkU Sustainability Office, K2I Academy, NSTAMP, SDG Hub, the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion, Student Counselling, Health and Well-being as well as from Lassonde Professor Magdalena Krol, Lassonde mentors and the organizing team.

Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change Dean Alice Hovorka and Nicole Arsenault, program director, Sustainability, provided opening remarks at the event. 

Elliott Atkins, Karen Lai, Subashini Kangesan, Nicole Arsenault, Lassonde Professor Usman Khan and Keith Loo served as expert judges.   

YSpace and Alumni Engagement co-host Global Entrepreneurship Week events, Nov. 8 to 14

YSpace Markham's Makerspace

From Nov. 8 to 14, in partnership with Alumni Engagement, York University’s YSpace entrepreneurship hub will host a series of events for faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week.

A worldwide movement celebrating entrepreneurship in 180 countries, with 25,000 partners, 40,000 activities and impacting 10 million individuals, Global Entrepreneurship Week emerged in 2008. It continues today with entrepreneurial events, activities, and competitions aimed at inspiring innovators and introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities.

York U x Global Entrepreneurship Week, November 8 - 14, 2021. In partnership with Alumni Engagement.

During York University’s Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrations, the community is invited to engage in events and activities that are sure to inspire, educate, motivate and unite while contributing to this global movement. York’s entrepreneurship programming, remarkable student entrepreneurs and successful alumni will be highlighted throughout the week. 

The week’s schedule of events will take place as follows:

Monday, Nov. 8 (Alumni Day)

  • My Startup Story: The Perspectives of Three Young Alumni, 12 p.m. EST
    For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/3bG403U.
  • My Startup Story: Journey to a Creating Multimillion-Dollar Business in Medical Aesthetics, 6 p.m. EST
    For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/2YbH7SP.

Tuesday, Nov. 9

  • Career Conversations: Mental Health edition, 12:30 p.m. EST
    For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/3bGMgFL.
  • Mental Health for Founders, 6 p.m. EST
    For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/3ELKtMb.

Wednesday, Nov. 10

  • ELLA Insights: Scaling your Business by Hiring Right, 12 p.m. EST
    For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/3EGWvGC.
  • Schulich Startup Night 16, 5:30 p.m. EST
    For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/3nTEtdo.

Thursday, Nov. 11 (Remembrance Day – no programming)

Friday, Nov. 12

  • ELLA and Schulich Idea Jam, 12 p.m. EST
    For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/3mGhGCg.
  • Kick-off to Launch Weekend: Social Innovation Case Competition, 4 p.m. EST
    This three-day event allows teams to showcase their entrepreneurial skill sets to a panel of judges. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/2ZQOfV3.

Saturday, Nov. 13 and Sunday, Nov. 14

  • Launch Weekend: Social Innovation Case Competition
    Teams will continue to work on their solutions, meet with experienced mentors and hear from the keynote speaker of the day. During the finale on Sunday, teams will present their solution to the panel of judges who will award the top three teams with cash prizes of over $1,000.

For more information about Global Entrepreneurship Week, visit genglobal.org/themes/gew.