For the second year in a row, Enactus Durham College (DC) has been declared one of the Central Regional Champions for its Founders Drive podcast project. This year, the team competed in the Desjardins Youth Empowerment Challenge, a national competition empowering post-secondary students to deliver projects that make social impact through entrepreneurial skills. 

“It’s so exciting to see our students achieve success through an approach of collaboration and co-creation with a focus on building authentic relationships with Indigenous entrepreneurs to tell their stories,” said Danielle Harder, EnactusDC faculty advisor for Founders Drive. “Not only did our students enhance the skills they have learned in the classroom, they also benefitted from a cross-cultural exchange they might not have had otherwise. Enactus gives students opportunity and agency to become changemakers.”

DC competed against 21 schools in the youth empowerment category and presented Founders Drive: Season Two, a global podcast aimed at inspiring young Indigenous entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and become their own bosses.

Meanwhile, a new project, Just Dandy, was a runner-up in the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge. Just Dandy aims to foster a supportive community at DC by promoting financially and environmentally sustainable practices.

“Witnessing our students (from across programs) “touch the stage,” recognized for their collective efforts and placing in two categories, brought us to tears as it marked such a life-changing moment, showcasing the true power of teamwork and dedication,” shared Sara Mercier-Priebe, EnactusDC faculty advisor for Just Dandy. “EnactusDC has become an experience that etches itself into your very being, allowing you to see what our students are truly capable of achieving – together.”

First-time faculty advisor at the Enactus Canada Regional Exposition, K. Jennifer Bedford, also had the opportunity to witness the coming together of student, academic, and industry leaders to celebrate the impactful projects and ventures crafted by Canada’s future entrepreneurs.

“This event not only showcases innovation and community leadership, but also fosters collaboration, encouraging excellence among the next generation of leaders,” she said.

The victories mark a significant milestone for the Founders Drive team, which will now move on to the National Exposition in Toronto in May. Founders Drive will compete in the Desjardins Youth Empowerment Challenge against the League B and League C champions, as well as the Desjardins Youth Empowerment champions from the Atlantic and Western regions. Just Dandy will also compete again in the overall category.

For more information about Enactus Durham College, Founders Drive and Just Dandy, please visit www.enactusdc.com.

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Photo Credit: Ayomide Kuye, DC Video Production student and a member of EnactusDC.