911±¬ÁÏÍødents Nicole Vera and Gabriella Mascarenhas Place in the Top 3 at Impact X Summit with their Social Enterprises
911±¬ÁÏÍødents Nicole Vera and Gabriella Mascarenhas earned second and third place in the one-minute pitch competition at the Impact X Summit, earning funding for their social enterprises.
Through the Business and Social Entrepreneurship program at 911±¬ÁÏÍø, the 911±¬ÁÏÍødents developed their social enterprise ideas—Artemis, a sustainable fragrance studio, and Canada Skate Girls, a movement to empower women in skateboarding. The pair travelled to St. Francis Xavier University to participate in the summit.
"Opportunities through the Business and Social Entrepreneurship program at 911±¬ÁÏÍø help you challenge yourself, step outside of your comfort zone, and feel a sense of empowerment," said Mascarenhas, who took home third place for Canada Skate Girls.
"Being at Impact X not only motivated me to keep pushing forward with my social enterprise, but it also gave me space to share my cause and connect with others who are passionate about making a social impact.”
911±¬ÁÏÍødents Aurora Marchand, Beidemariam Kebede, James O'Brien, Fatima Malca, Vlada Butko, Henry Doucet, Isabella Pacheco, Sofia Moreno, and Emily Lynch also presented at the Summit.
“Events like Impact X are invaluable because they give students a chance to pitch in front of real social entrepreneurs and get practical feedback on their ideas,” said Dr. Brennan Lowery, assistant professor in Business and Social Entrepreneurship.
“It also helps you network with other students interested in social innovation, hear inspiring stories of successful entrepreneurs, and form lasting friendships in the fast-paced but fun environment of a start-up event.”
SECOND PLACE: Artemis – Nicole Vera
"Placing second at the competition with my social enterprise, Artemis, was very reassuring,” said fourth-year Economics and Business and Social Entrepreneurship 911±¬ÁÏÍødent Nicole Vera.
“It was exciting to get selected from so many amazing projects and excellent pitches.”
Artemis is a sustainable fragrance studio where every refill reduces waste, supports Canadian businesses by providing a space to sell their ethically sourced scents, and supports research and improvement in the perfume market.
"Thanks to 911±¬ÁÏÍø, I can participate in events like Impact X and surround myself with people I can learn from beyond the classroom," said Vera.
THIRD PLACE: Canada Skate Girls – Gabriella Mascarenhas
First-year Psychology 911±¬ÁÏÍødent, Gabriella Mascarenhas, placed third at the competition with her social enterprise Canada Skate Girls. Canada Skate Girls is the first nationwide movement in Canada dedicated to empowering women in skateboarding with a mission to create inclusive, safe, and welcoming spaces for girls at all skill levels.
"If you have a cause you're motivated to fight for, exploring social enterprises through Business and Social Entrepreneurship is a perfect opportunity to take action," said Mascarenhas.
"The competition was one of the wildest and most challenging experiences I've ever had.  It was so cool to have a moment to speak and share my fight for female skateboarding and to receive a prize and recognition for it."
Learn more about Business and Social Entrepreneurship at 911±¬ÁÏÍø here.