Team

Director (and unofficial godfather of social innovation) 

Alex is a social entrepreneur who founded and leads Mendicant Group, a social issues consulting firm. He has also moderated the G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance since its inception in 2010 and regularly speaks around the world on entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. Alex was one of 50 nonprofit leaders to be invited to attend Stanford Business School in 2013 and was named one of Canada's "Social Justice All-Stars" by This Magazine in 2015. He is known for his ability to make tasty puns and even tastier cookies for Caffeinated Innovators.

Programs & Events Assistant

Mary Cate is entering her fourth year of the Marketing Management program at TMU, with a minor in Events and Live Entertainment. Prior to working at the SVZ, Mary Cate worked as a Special Events and Property Management Assistant at the Ted Rogers School of Management. Mary Cate is eager to help startups that create positive change within the community through event coordination! 

Operations Coordinator (and resident DJ)

Sarah is an alumni of TMU's EUS program and is currently completing her MBA at TRSM. During her time as a student she founded Microbe Hub, a startup that diverts organic waste from landfills using worms and acts as a tool to engage classrooms in environmental stewardship and science. Sarah continues to work to increase sustainability on campus and is a passionate advocate for social justice. She will try and match Alex on his puns, and if the moment takes her, will attempt to bake something for Caffeinated Innovators.

Marketing & Social Media Assistant

Nika is entering her second year in the Media Production program at TMU's RTA School of Media, with a concentration in business media and Film & Television. Her academic journey has focused on mastering the creative and technical facets of media while understanding how they intersect with the business world. Nika is passionate about film and advocating for underrepresented groups in mainstream media.

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Jake is a graduate of the School of Professional Communication at Toronto Metropolitan University. He joined the Office of Zone Learning's communications efforts in 2021, before moving to the Social Ventures Zone in 2023. Jake is passionate about utiliziling communication to further human and social rights, focusing his culminative undergraduate research on reproductive rights and the mass media. Jake cannot bake, because he sees it as science, but will be there to compliment the baking at Caffeinated Innovators.