Building Community Through Innovation: Insights and Reflections from Career Ready’s March 2025 Events

March Reflections: Insights from Career Ready’s Interactive Events

March was packed with energy and inspiration at TECHNATION’s Career Ready events. Through this national wage subsidy initiative, students gain meaningful work experience while employers build stronger, more inclusive tech teams.  

From Saskatchewan to Niagara Falls (and across Canada online), students and young professionals came together to collaborate, learn, and connect in four interactive events. Attendees tackled community challenges, got real with entrepreneurs, explored cutting-edge AI, and connected with inspiring CEOs – all in one incredible month! The energy was vibrant and the impact was real, leaving everyone motivated for what’s next. 

These experiences don’t just empower students – they strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem. By connecting emerging talent with industry leaders, our events help TECHNATION members and partners tap into fresh perspectives, future-ready skills, and the next wave of tech changemakers. 

mâmawihisicikewin: Community Innovation Challenge 

The first of our March events took place on March 19 with mâmawihisicikewin – Cree for « working together » – a two-day Community Innovation Challenge hosted in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT). Indigenous youth, community members, and allies came together in the spirit of collaboration to build tech-powered solutions for real community needs such as food sovereignty, water safety, housing, language preservation, and more.  

It quickly became clear that this challenge wasn’t just about ideas – it was about storytelling, leadership, and cultural connection through innovation. Visual artist and illustrator Chris Chipak, a member of Red Pheasant Cree Nation, lent his creative talents to the event, reminding us how creativity and Indigenous knowledge intersect. His artwork, born from a deep desire to promote connection to culture and spark dialogue, made him an inspiring part of this community-led experience.  

Tricia Buffalo, a First Nations woman from Waywayseecappo, Manitoba, and SIIT graduate soon headed to the Edwards School of Business, captured the heart of the gathering when she shared, “Technology allows Indigenous people to share knowledge, preserve history, and create new opportunities in education and the economy. It helps us build community, even across distances, and amplify our voices in ways that were never possible before.” 

From energized brainstorming sessions to powerful final presentations, this mâmawihisicikewin challenge proved that when Indigenous youth lead, innovation follows with heart, and with it, a stronger future shaped by both technology and tradition. 

Not in the Textbook: Entrepreneurial Lessons 

Next up, on March 21, Niagara Falls set the stage for some no-filter startup wisdom. Not in the Textbook: Entrepreneurial Lessons was a fireside chat that brought together 50 students at the Innovation Hub for an afternoon of raw, real talk. Two inspiring founders, Sunny Verma and Sabe Mpofu, shared the kind of candid startup journeys you won’t find in any textbook. From embracing failure (“learning to fail is learning how to forgive yourself,” Sunny reminded us) to conquering self-doubt (“if I have Imposter Syndrome, I’m in the right room,” Sabe quipped), they offered hard-earned lessons and heartfelt advice. 

The audience was hanging on every word, nodding and cheering as these mentors kept it 100% honest about the entrepreneurial grind. Students walked away with fresh perspectives, real-world insights, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to build something meaningful. 

AI for All: Inclusive AI Workshop 

In the spirit of inclusion, we then dived into the world of artificial intelligence with AI for All, an interactive workshop co-hosted with Toronto Metropolitan University’s Diversity Institute. This hands-on session was designed to make AI accessible to everyone  – especially women and non-binary students ready to make their mark in tech. No coding? No problem! Participants of all backgrounds got to explore generative AI tools in a friendly, supportive environment. 

With guidance from industry and academic mentors, attendees learned how AI can spark creativity and solve real-world problems in any field. One attendee shared: 

“Attending the TECHNATION AI for All workshop was an enlightening experience. I left with the feeling that I too can use AI in practical and professional ways.”

Participants tested out AI tools firsthand, discovering new ways to integrate technology into their studies and careers. By the end of the day, new skills were unlocked and confidence was soaring. Empowered by knowledge, these future innovators walked away ready to champion AI in their own journeys. 

Indigenous CEOs: Journey to Success 

Finally, we ended the month on March 27 with an inspirational high note with Indigenous CEOs: Journey to Success. This virtual panel brought together a powerhouse lineup of Indigenous tech leaders who proved that career success is as diverse as it is inspiring. They kept it honest and heartfelt, sharing how they built thriving businesses, navigated obstacles, and stayed true to their culture and community along the way.  

Students and young professionals from across Canada tuned in and got a front-row seat to real stories of resilience and purpose. The chat was buzzing with great questions and virtual applause as panelists dished out career advice, industry insights, and encouragement to make connections that count.  

It was more than just a panel; it felt like sitting around a digital campfire with role models who genuinely want to lift others up. Attendees left with new connections, renewed motivation, and a clearer vision of how they too can carve their path in tech – without losing sight of who they are or where they come from. 

Stay Tuned – The Journey Continues 

March reminded us that learning, leadership, and innovation can be inclusive, exciting, and fun. From mentorship and hands-on experience to authentic connections and bold ideas, TECHNATION’s Career Ready Program is just getting started. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants, speakers, mentors, organizers, and the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program for making these events possible.  

Your energy fuels everything we do and as we look ahead, we remain committed to building platforms that support innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive tech communities. 

Stay connected with us for updates on future events and opportunities to get involved.  

For more information about upcoming events, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn.