Hub Highlights: October - A Month of Community, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship 

October at the Innovation Hub was full of great ideas, innovative solutions and exciting activities. This is truly a testament to the vibrant and engaged community we're proud to be a part of.  From welcoming new team members and empowering students with design thinking skills to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and making a tangible impact on the local community, this month was filled with highlights showcasing the diverse ways the Hub supports and empowers the SLC community. 

Welcoming New Faces to the Innovation Hub Team 

We're excited to add new members to our team, along with talented individuals who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.  Syeda Manahil Fatima and Taylor Filion join our Cornwall team as Event and Project Coordinators, bringing fresh perspectives, energy, and organizational expertise to our growing roster of programs and workshops.  In Kingston, we warmly welcome Dhiraj Thapa as our new Event and Project Coordinator.  Dhiraj's experience and dedication will be instrumental in ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality services and support to our Kingston community. 

Ideas in Bloom Showcase 

On October 9th, the Cornwall Innovation Hub hosted the "Ideas in Bloom" project pitch presentations. Six Project Management teams, led by Professor Saima Naqvi, showcased innovative solutions to community challenges aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Projects ranged from enhanced healthcare training to AI in education and a planned Indian cinema screening. Feedback was provided by a panel including Dean Jennifer Haley and MPP Nolan Quinn (virtually). The event, attended by in-person and online audiences across SLC campuses, highlighted the students’ commitment to community impact and leadership potential. 

Design Thinking Workshop Empowers Supply Chain Students 

Carla Kingston-Floyd's Supply Chain Management class gained valuable practical experience in design thinking during an engaging workshop held in Cornwall on October 9th.  The session delved into the core principles of user-centred design, equipping students with the tools and techniques to approach complex challenges with creativity and a focus on understanding user needs. This workshop provided a valuable bridge between academic theory and real-world application. 

Chill Zone Fosters Connection 

Recognizing the pressures of midterms, Enactus SLC hosted another successful Chill Zone event on October 17th. This provided a much-needed opportunity for students to de-stress and connect with one another in a relaxed and supportive environment.  Creative activities like origami and bracelet-making offered a fun and engaging way to unwind and foster a sense of community. 

Connecting with the Community at the Cornwall Open House 

The Innovation Hub actively engaged with the broader SLC community during the Cornwall Open House on October 22nd.  This event served as a valuable platform to showcase the Hub's diverse resources, gather feedback from students, faculty, and staff, and strengthen connections within the college community. It was so fantastic to see our SLC community come together and welcome the Cornwall community into the college to show off all the amazing things SLC has to offer.  

Build Up Showcasing Entrepreneurial Spirit 

The deadline for our flagship entrepreneurial program, Build Up, generated an overwhelming response, with over 90 applications received by October 25th.  This remarkable level of interest underscores the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit thriving within the SLC community.  We're excited to review the applications and look forward to announcing the selected participants soon! 

Sustainable Housing Solutions Take Shape at the Heat Loss House Workshop 

On October 30th, the Hub and Enactus SLC partnered with CP Logic to host the Heat Loss House Workshop.  This hands-on workshop challenged students to design cost-effective and energy-efficient houses, encouraging innovative thinking and a focus on sustainable building practices. The workshop provided valuable insights into the importance of energy conservation and environmentally conscious design. 

Halloween Harvest Makes a Sweet Impact on the Kingston Community 

Enactus SLC's Halloween Harvest initiative culminated on October 31st with a heartwarming and impactful trick-or-treating event.  The team's dedication and hard work resulted in the collection of over 300 pounds of non-perishable food donations for Partners in Mission Food Bank, making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families facing food insecurity in the Kingston community. 

A Month of Growth, Collaboration, and Community Impact 

October was a truly remarkable month at the Innovation Hub, showcasing the power of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. We're incredibly proud of the achievements and contributions of our team, students, and partners. We look forward to building on this momentum in the months ahead, continuing to provide valuable resources, support, and opportunities for the entire SLC community. Ready to tackle your next community initiative? Reach out we are always looking to collaborate with out SLC community on their next event.  

Rielly Keeler