Audio version

Find out what’s going on at ryerson.ca/news-events/events

“The committee is a direct result of the report, a direct result of a lot of work done, setting out how we’re going to be working on the 50 recommendations,” says Joanne Dallaire, Shadow Hawk Woman of the Wolf Clan. “I like the diversity of it, I like the professionalism of it and I like the fact that everyone is solution-focused. Everyone is working together.”

The group is developing an integrated action plan around the themes expressed in the recommendations. Some of the themes being addressed include Indigenizing teaching and learning practices, improving support for Indigenous learners and increasing Indigenous staff and faculty.

“I’m pleased to share that Ryerson has set aside funds specifically for Indigenous faculty renewals and has earmarked a number of scholarships for Indigenous students,” says Benarroch.

GIVING

Breaking down barriers in startup community

Diverse communities continue to face barriers in accessing lucrative entrepreneurship opportunities created by Canada’s burgeoning technology-driven innovation sector. Black entrepreneurs, in particular, encounter steep challenges when starting and growing a business, from accessing seed capital to having fewer publicly recognized role models.

Ryerson University, in collaboration with philanthropist and founder of Dream Maker Ventures Inc. Isaac Olowolafe Jr., is aiming to address these challenges through the creation of the Black Innovation Fellowship (BIF). The BIF will support Black entrepreneur-led startups by providing support and mentorship from successful Black professionals, technologists and startup founders, and connecting them to wider networks, including the innovation community, alumni and investors. One of those investors—Olowolafe Jr.—has founded the only venture capital fund in Canada led by a team of Black investors and focused on startups with diverse founders.

The Black Innovation Fellowship was made possible through Olowolafe Jr.’s lead gift of $200,000, and he is working alongside Ryerson to raise another $800,000, for a total fund of $1,000,000, to launch and run the program.

“My parents, African immigrants, constantly stressed the importance of learning and collaboration—the education I received in this city has always inspired me to pay it forward,” said Olowolafe Jr. “Creating the Black Innovation Fellowship with Ryerson felt like another great way to uplift the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“Tech is moving Toronto forward, so this program will not only help get Black founders a foot in the door, but also assist them in building something great that can create job opportunities and provide economic empowerment to the community.”

Summer 2019 / Ryerson University Magazine 7