Guest Speakers
Schedule of Guest Speakers for 2023-24 School Year
Rachel Doran - Dec 6th, 10:30
Note: Please complete the form here if you would like to have your students participate in this virtual Google Meet talk
Vice President of Policy & Strategy of Clean Energy Canada
Rachel has spent her career at the intersection of policy, politics, and law. Rachel currently works as head of policy for Clean Energy Canada, a thinktank based out of Simon Fraser University which works to advance clean energy solutions for Canada’s sustainable economy.
Rachel previously served as policy advisor to the Prime Minister and chief of staff to Ministers of Justice and Indigenous Services as well as senior special advisor to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. She has also worked as counsel on litigation, administrative law, resource management and Indigenous rights for the Ontario and federal governments.
She holds law degrees in civil and common law and a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University.
Dr Jeff Turnbull - January 17th, 10:30
Note: Educators & Mentors will be provided signup sheets as the date nears.
Medical Educator
Dr. Turnbull has pursued an interest in poverty and its effect on health nationally and internationally. He is one of the founders and is currently the Medical Director of the Inner City Health Project for the homeless in Ottawa. As well, he has been involved in education and health services initiatives to enhance community and institutional capacity and sustainable development in Bangladesh, Africa and the Balkans. He also is running the first ever residential Managed Opioid Program (MOP) in Canada.
He is the recipient of several national and international grants and awards, including the Order of Canada.
He remains committed as a medical educator with special interests in “Poverty and Health Inequity” and associated health policy. UNSDG1 UNSDG3
Keshana King & Asma Muhammad - Jan 25th, 10:30
Note: Educators & Mentors please use the signup form here.
Keshana King - Keshana King is a distinguished graduate of Algonquin College's Business Management and Entrepreneurship Program, holding the title of Alumna of Distinction. Her passion lies in entrepreneurship, leadership, and diplomacy as catalysts for positive change. Keshana's contributions to community and social entrepreneurship have earned her recognition in Ottawa's media, including features on CTV News, 580 CFRA Radio, BetaKit, and City News.
Having been invited to share her insights on social action at institutions like the British High Commission in Canada, the British Council, and the United Nations Association in Canada, Keshana's expertise is widely acknowledged. Her achievements led to her selection as a Fellow at DYLOTT's Black Diplomats Academy, where she now plays a crucial role as the Communications Lead of the Executive Council.
Notably, Keshana represented her causes as a United Nations delegate. She attended the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in 2022 and the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in 2023. Even amidst her professional endeavors, Keshana is committed to empowering young minds through motivational speaking engagements, always seeking to inspire and uplift the next generation.
Asma Muhammad - Asma is a grade 11 student pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Ontario High School Diploma with a passion for human rights activism and entrepreneurship. I am a kickboxing, rugby, and basketball athlete and also work as an event coordinator for non-profits and charities, organizing receptions for parliamentarians and other influential figures.
Volunteering with organizations such as ICNA, ISNA, BeingMe, Darman Foundation, and Ottawa Uyghur Centre, I am committed to making a difference in the world through my work in human rights. As a model parliament participant, I have gained valuable experience in public speaking and group management, which I plan to apply in my future endeavors as an aspiring entrepreneur. Outside of school and work, I enjoy reading, painting, and continuing my athletic pursuits. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and am dedicated to making a positive impact on society.
The Talk - We will be discussing our experiences in human rights—Keshana will share her experience in the UN, advocating for youth voices and ways to get involved, highlighting the advantages of doing so at a young age. I'll talk about my experiences in human rights and entrepreneurship, specifically intertwining your passions to pursue something you love and would fight for. We'll tie it back to what innovation means to us and the UN SDG #10 and #16.
Guest Speakers
Schools in the Social Entrepreneurs Program can reach out to the following guest speakers who have kindly offered to share their time with students. Inviting representatives from your chosen charity is highly recommended.
Alek Golijanin - Founder of AlekGo a philanthropic initiative based on lifestyle change, with an emphasis on budget-driven real-world impacts
A proud Canadian, Alek Golijanin emigrated to Canada at three years old after civil war erupted across Former Yugoslavia, specifically Bosnia and Herzegovina. Alek and his family arrived at the reception house in downtown Ottawa with two suitcases, ready to start their new lives. Alek credits growing up in the multi-culturally rich Ottawa South for his tolerant views, open mindset and for helping him to become a successful community builder.
Alek has carried out AlekGo initiatives in Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, and across the Balkans. These projects were collaborations with Embassies and Ambassadors, international police forces, professional sports teams, school boards, and other major organizations, on projects ranging from sports to medicine. In 2017, Alek was recognized for his leadership in volunteer diversity for his domestic and international humanitarian efforts.
Alek will talk about his story and how "Together we can continue to accomplish great feats and inspire others to get involved, across communities!"
11-year-old 3-D printing face guards , CTV News
Alex Pound received a 3D Printer in 2019, for his 11th birthday. Wanting to help any way he could since the COVID-19 pandemic started, he began printing ear protectors for frontline workers from a design he found online, donated over 6000 of them, and distributed them across the country, while donating the money he received to various charity organizations (around $5000) To keep up with demand, Alex had to expand, and so started a GoFundMe campaign which raised enough funds to purchase a second, a third, and then a fourth printer. This is how his company, Printdemic was born. More recently, he has designed and created new mask boxes, a safe place to store a mask when taken off for short periods of time.
Caroline Cox - Senior Manager of Communications, Shepherds of Good Hope
Caroline started at Shepherds of Good Hope in 2007 as a front line worker in the Women’s Shelter. Since then, she has worked in most of Shepherds’ shelter, soup kitchen and supportive housing programs, while obtaining her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Social Work degrees and post-graduate training in management specializing in women’s leadership. In her role as Senior Manager of Communications, Caroline leads a dynamic team to support Shepherds of Good Hope’s integrated communications strategy, which encompasses internal and external communications, fundraising, advocacy, social media and much more! Caroline is a natural communicator, connector and innovator. She is passionate about harm reduction, reducing stigma and building an inclusive community that supports our neighbours who are experiencing homelessness and other forms of marginalization.
Please contact Caroline at media@sghottawa.com
Gillian Mathurin - Munk School Director, Strategic Communications and Public Engagement
Gillian is the Munk School's Director, Strategic Communications and Public Engagement, leading the school’s communications and events teams. She has more than 15 years of experience in non-profit communications, policy, and advocacy.
Jake works as the Coordinator of Volunteers for the Ottawa Mission. He has spoken to classes about homelessness in Ottawa and causes of homelessness for the past 4 years! He puts on a wonderful and engaging presentation and leaves the kids feeling inspired about making a change.
Contact Jake at jharding@ottawamission.com
Dr. Turnbull has pursued an interest in poverty and its effect on health nationally and internationally. He is one of the founders and is currently the Medical Director of the Inner City Health Project for the homeless in Ottawa. As well, he has been involved in education and health services initiatives to enhance community and institutional capacity and sustainable development in Bangladesh, Africa and the Balkans. He also is running the first ever residential Managed Opioid Program (MOP) in Canada. He is the recipient of several national and international grants and awards, including the Order of Canada.
He remains committed as a medical educator with special interests in “Poverty and Health Inequity” and associated health policy. UNSDG1 UNSDG3
In his more than 30 years in the marketing, public relations and communications fields, Joe has worked as a creative director, senior marketing strategist, media relations specialist, writer, editor, magazine publisher and project manager.
As a senior marketing and communications professional, he has extensive experience working with management teams to develop short- and long-range strategies and managing the implementation of tactical programs that position organizations as leaders in their industry space and target markets. He has had proven success delivering programs and tactics that help organizations cut through the clutter, deliver key messages to target audiences, support market strategies and improve their bottom line.
Joe has developed and managed integrated marketing and public relations programs for a variety of public and private sector organizations, including Bell Canada, Stentor Resource Center, CrossKeys Networks, Nortel Networks, MOSAID, Curtiss-Wright, Novanet Communications, RAMTelecom, IntelliSyn, Viva Networks, Lara Technologies, General Dynamics Canada, and Elections Canada.
During his career in the marketing and communications field he has also served as Director of Marketing for three high technology companies, managing the successful launch of two into their industry space, and repositioning the third for an eventual takeover.
Joe graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts Journalism degree from Ryerson University in 1982.
Joe can be reached directly at: jaragona@aragonaagency.com
Phoebe Seely - Co-founder of Giving Gertie
Phoebe Seely is an undergraduate university student at Dalhousie University majoring in Sustainability and Physics & Atmospheric Sciences. In 2019, Phoebe and her mother co-founded a local Ottawa not-for-profit organization called Giving Gertie, which is focused on encouraging "not-so-random acts of kindness" and raising awareness for the homeless community of Ottawa. The Giving Gertie team creates and sells small bags to be given to anyone in need. All the money raised through selling Giving Gertie bags goes directly back to local Ottawa charities. To date, Giving Gertie has raised almost $20,000 for local Ottawa charities and continues to strive to help people in need within our Ottawa community. Check out the website! https://givinggertie.com/
This talk is suitable for primary and grades 4-12. UNSDG1 UNSDG3
Rachel has spent her career at the intersection of policy, politics, and law. Rachel currently works as head of policy for Clean Energy Canada, a thinktank based out of Simon Fraser University which works to advance clean energy solutions for Canada’s sustainable economy.
Rachel previously served as policy advisor to the Prime Minister and chief of staff to Ministers of Justice and Indigenous Services as well as senior special advisor to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. She has also worked as counsel on litigation, administrative law, resource management and Indigenous rights for the Ontario and federal governments.
She holds law degrees in civil and common law and a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University.
Contact Rachel at: rachel@cleanenergycanada.org UNSDG13
Ryan Hreljac - Founder and Executive Director of Ryan's Well
The Ryan's Well Foundation grew from the passion and courage of one 6-year-old boy, Ryan Hreljac. Ryan was inspired to take action as a grade one student when he learned of the devastating consequences for people without access to safe drinking water. He was remarkably determined as he succeeded in rallying his community to help him raise the funds needed to build one well in Uganda, Africa – one well that has changed everything. Now, more than 20 years later, Ryan’s Well Foundation is a team of people committed to providing access to safe water and sanitation as an essential way to improve lives in the developing world. We also educate people about the importance of accessing safe water and sanitation services, and look to motivate people of all ages to take action and effect positive change in the world. Ryan can be reached directly at: ryan@ryanswell.ca UNSDG6
Thirteen was started in 2015 by a group of teens who lived in the Hintonburg neighbourhood. In its second year of business, many of the youth members were new to Canada and wanted to create products that represented themselves and where they came from. The spice mixes they sell now are a reflection of that effort and the people behind the business. Every year two new groups of youth join the business and build upon the efforts of the previous groups. Each team faces new challenges and contributes uniquely to the business's development. Our program manager and the Thirteen team can share the story of how they started, what they have learned from their experiences and their vision for the future.
Please contact Meagan McVeigh at meagan@parkdalefoodcentre.org
The one team member who doesn't self-identify as living with a disability, Will Wells started The Artery Community Roasters with two goals in mind: create rewarding and well-paid jobs for people living with disabilities, and roast some highly ethical and delicious direct trade coffee.
Will is a volunteer and Board Director of ABLE2, the not-for-profit organization that The Artery Community Roasters donates a portion of their profits to. He attributes the many close friendships and connections he has made through ABLE2 as the inspiration it took to start a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities. Many of the Artery's wonderful staff members are supported in part by ABLE2 and their great social workers and volunteer matching program.
Will is a recent winner of the 2021 CBC Trailblazers Award, and by day is a speechwriter for senior government officials.
He also is a dog lover, who named The Artery Community Roasters after his best furball friend Artie, a rescue dog from Iqaluit. And he is considered a bit of a super-fan when it comes to all things Larry David, and even named a coffee after him.
Oh, and he really, really, really loves good coffee. He started roasting coffee in a frying pan ten years ago and never looked back. From garage roasting, to a commercial and innovative fluid bed roaster, Will takes his coffee craft almost as seriously as he takes his work advocating for the rights of people living with disabilities.
Contact Will at Will@thearterycommunityroasters.com
OCSB Contacts
Indigenous Topics and Contact:
Please reach out to Alanna.trines@ocsb.ca (OCSB Indigenous Consultant) if your class would like to connect with an Indigenous guest speaker to support your chosen social issue.
Former OCSB students (El Salvador experience)
In February of 2020, 16 Holy Trinity SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major) students travelled to El Salvador and partnered with a sister school in San Jose Las Flores. This strong partnership started over 10 years ago. Annually students organize a Cake Auction fundraiser and with the funds, each year, the Grade 11 and 12 students travel to El Salvador to bond and to bring material goods for the benefit of the staff, students, and community at the partner school. There is no doubt that their efforts enrich lives in both worlds- the students at San Jose Las Flores who receive resources for their school, which provides them with educational tools, expanding their options through this support and our students annually who, and without exception, return to school transformed-their world view, and the role they now see they can play in it, is forever changed and this is often reflected in their decision making for post-secondary.
Please contact Neda Bernabo at neda.bernabo@ocsb.ca
CBC reporter-Judy Trinh- Supporting refugee families
After the fall of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War, Sam, a soldier, was slated for re-education at a labour camp in the Vietnamese countryside. Inevitably, that would have meant hard labour and indoctrination into the ideology of the communist regime. Quite possibly, it could have meant starvation, torture, even death. "We had to go," Rebecca Trinh recalls. "We had no freedom, they forced us to leave." CBC reporter Judy Trinh talks about her experience as a refugee & support for refugee families. The Trinhs' story of escaping Vietnam is told in a Heritage Minute released by Historica Canada. Please contact Neda Bernabo at neda.bernabo@ocsb.ca