IN THE NEWS: Honouring tech leadership – Joseph Fung and Sandvine founders inducted into Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame (Communitech)

Honouring tech leadership

Joseph Fung and Sandvine founders inducted into Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame

Written by: Chuck Howitt | 01 June 2023 | FeaturedNews

(L-R) Sandvine founders Brad Siim, Tom Donnelly, Dave Caputo, Don Bowman, Marc Morin, and Uvaro founder Joseph Fung. ( Photo: Alicia Gall, Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region. )

The Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame has honoured six influential founders who have contributed significantly to the tech ecosystem over the past three decades.

This year’s inductees – known as “laureates” – include the five co-founders of Sandvine and serial entrepreneur Joseph Fung.

The six tech leaders were honoured this week by Junior Achievement of South Western Ontario, which has sponsored the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame awards since 2015.

The Hall of Fame “celebrates local business founders who have made a positive, lasting impact in our community,” according to Junior Achievement.

This year’s laureates have demonstrated “incredible vision” and “strong leadership” within multiple organizations, said Karen Gallant, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Western Ontario. Moreover, “a common thread for all of the inductees was their mentorship of others within the community – helping to raise those within and outside of their organizations to success.”

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WE’RE HIRING: Communications Coordinator

Communications Coordinator, Part-Time

12 hours/week, $20/hour

If you love communications, design, and making a difference, this could be the job for you!  We’re looking for an enthusiastic self-starter with great communication skills to join our team.

 JA South Western Ontario is a member of JA Canada and part of JA Worldwide (JA), the world’s largest not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about business. Through the delivery of hands-on, blended learning in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, JA empowers young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings, and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Since 1963, schools in South Western Ontario have relied on JA to prepare young people for success in an ever-changing global economy. JA South Western Ontario is responsible for the geographic area including the counties of Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey, Wellington, Waterloo, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Niagara.

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for creating and implementing marketing and communications content, social media content, and facilitating other community outreach projects.

Primary Responsibilities                             

Marketing & Communications

  • Prepare social media content for various platforms
  • Create content for website, newsletter, etc.
  • Develop marketing templates and pieces for upcoming initiatives and events
  • Develop communications pieces for upcoming initiatives and events
  • Gather stories and photos of the positive impact of JA programs
  • Maintain records of communications content

Community Outreach

  • Support outreach initiatives for various stakeholder groups
  • Liaise with stakeholders to support outreach as requested

Education/ Experience                                   

  • Relevant post-secondary education and/or experience is required with priority given to background in Communications or Marketing.
  • Should be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and basic design experience required.
  • Knowledge of WordPress an asset
  • Knowledge of Canva or the Adobe Creative Suite an asset.
  • Social Media experience in a professional setting is an asset.

Specifications                                                      

This is currently a work from home position but working partly on site at one of our office locations in London, Chatham, or Kitchener may be necessary in the future.

The successful candidate must have a suitable quiet environment from which to work, with a desk and reliable and secure internet access.  A laptop will be provided.

The successful candidate must undergo a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.

Respect for the talents, creativity, perspective and backgrounds of all individuals is a core value of JA.  A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits all. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process or those needing job postings in an alternative format may e-mail a request to info@jaswo.org.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Are you ready to be our Communications Coordinator? Please submit your cover letter and resume by email to  jwason@jaswo.org.

 

4 May 2023

Ontario Trillium Foundation recognizes Financial Literacy work done by JA South Western Ontario for local high school students

Kitchener, ON – May 3rd. At the virtual JA Personal Finance Event, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario was pleased to recognize a $151,600 Grow grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to expand the reach of their financial literacy programs to high school students in Waterloo Region and Wellington.

 

“JA South Western Ontario offers programs that help young people develop skills and knowledge to support their financial independence and enhance their economic wellbeing. It is encouraging to see this Grow grant was able to support the successful development and delivery of its Personal Finance programs for high school students. Congratulations on the receipt of this grant and your continued success!” said Catherine Fife, MPP for Waterloo.

 

JA South Western Ontario received the Grow grant in 2020 to support the expansion of its Personal Finance programs, which help high school students develop skills such as budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding credit. These skills are essential for navigating the complex financial landscape of today’s world and building a strong financial foundation for the future. With support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, JA South Western Ontario has been able to expand the reach of these essential programs significantly, and has helped 1,875 youth throughout Waterloo and Wellington achieve greater financial independence.

 

“This grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will have a substantial impact on the future of local students and our community,” said Karen Gallant, President and CEO of JA South Western Ontario. “Ensuring our young people are prepared with tools for financial health will help keep them out of the cycle of debt and allow them to contribute back to society in a meaningful way.”

 

JA South Western Ontario is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Their work bridges the gap between education and the real world by delivering specialized programs both in school and after school in the areas of financial health, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. For more information about JA South Western Ontario, please visit their website at www.jaswo.org.

 

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grantmaking in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested nearly $209M into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

Thank you Volunteers!

We’re celebrating our Volunteers for National Volunteer Week and we could not be more proud to do so. Our Volunteers make the difference in bringing relevant hands-on learning to thousands of students in our area. Thank you for your hard work and expertise!

Here are a few Volunteers sharing their JA Experience:

JA SWO NVW2023 – Volunteer Highlights

JA Announces 2023 Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Inductees

Junior Achievement (JA) South Western Ontario is excited to announce this year’s inductees into the 2023 Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.

This year’s Hall of Fame will honour Don Bowman, Dave Caputo, Tom Donnelly, Marc Morin, and Brad Siim co-founders of Sandvine, as well as Joseph Fung, founder of TribeHR, Kiite and Uvaro.

All six inductees will be honoured at the 11th Annual Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Gala on May 31st, 2023 at Bingemans Conference Centre.

The Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame supports the work of JA South Western Ontario, which provides local students with relevant hands-on learning in financial health, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. It was created to honour exceptional entrepreneurs in Waterloo Region’s business community, past and present, for their outstanding contributions to business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

This signature gala event showcases the entrepreneurial journey of the inductees, allowing attendees to learn about their achievements and how they have developed and nurtured their legacies. The 2023 Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Inductees will be joining a distinguished group of well-known business leaders, including Carl Dare (Dare Foods), Joseph Seagram (Seagram and Sons Limited), Alan Quarry (Quarry), Carol Leaman (Axonify) and many others.  For a full listing please visit  https://jaswo.org/ehof.

“We’re very excited to celebrate this year’s Entrepreneur Hall of Fame inductees.  Waterloo Region has a long history of entrepreneurship, and this year’s class of inductees reinforces this.  Many of the inductees have founded multiple companies, inspiring other entrepreneurs and creating a legacy for our community as a result” said Karen Gallant, President & CEO of JA South Western Ontario.  “To highlight and celebrate their collective achievements and impact is inspiring.”

Tickets to the event are $1,200 for a corporate table or $150 per ticket for individuals. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit https://jaswo.org/ehof/.

IN THE NEWS: Students get career advice from mentors at World of Choices event (Blackburn News)

High school students from across Chatham-Kent got the chance to explore career options and meet with industry mentors on Wednesday morning.

The JA World of Choices event at the John D. Bradley Centre hosted 180 students from different schools in Chatham-Kent. They heard from five different mentors to gain first-hand insight into career options, benefits, and challenges in a number of industries.

“We have about 25 or so mentors from a variety of different industries and we’re having small group discussions,” said JA South Western Ontario President and CEO Karen Gallant. “The students got a chance to speak to five different mentors and learn about those careers in a round-table discussion setting.”

During the event, JA South Western Ontario acknowledged receiving a grant of $154,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to expand the reach of their financial literacy programs to Grade 7-12 students in Chatham-Kent.

 

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he JA World of Choices event at the John D. Bradley Centre on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. (Photo by Millar Hill)

IN THE NEWS: JA hosts 180 students at World of Choices (Chatham Voice)

Secondary school students from across Chatham-Kent received an up-close and personal look at some of their career options during the JA (Junior Achievement) World of Choices event recently.

The event, held at the John D. Bradley Centre, attracted 180 students who had the opportunity to speak directly with members of the Chatham-Kent business, government, social services and non-profit sectors.

It’s the first time students have been able to participate in an in-person event since the pandemic.

“You can feel the excitement in the room,” said Karen Gallant, JA’s president and CEO of Southwestern Ontario. “The students are more than ready to take part.”

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IN THE NEWS: Junior Achievement SWO receives Trillium grant for financial literacy (Chatham Daily News)

Junior Achievement SWO receives Trillium grant for financial literacy

To expand the reach of its financial literacy programs, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario has received a $154,100 Trillium grant.

Article content

To expand the reach of its financial literacy programs, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario has received a $154,100 Trillium grant.

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WE’RE HIRING: Fund Development Officer – London

JA South Western Ontario is a member of JA Canada and part of JA Worldwide (JA), the world’s largest
not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about business. Through the delivery of
hands-on, blended learning in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, JA empowers young
people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings, and secure better
lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Since 1963, schools in South Western Ontario have relied on JA to prepare young people for success in an
ever-changing global economy. JA South Western Ontario is responsible for the geographic area including
the counties of Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey,
Wellington, Waterloo, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Niagara.

Reporting to the Director, Philanthropy, the Fund Development Officer plays a key role within the
organization, The Fund Development Officer contributes to the growth and sustainability of JA South
Western Ontario programming for children and youth. This role is responsible for development, coordination
and fundraising initiatives including grant applications, proposals, and reports, supporting the organization’s
annual fundraising, donor recognition and stewardship, supporting the events portfolio, and carrying out the
administration of the donor database. The Fund Development Officer works collaboratively across
departments on sponsorship activities while stewarding relationships with new and existing donors, and
provides support to the Director, Philanthropy on moves management and major gift donors. This role has
significant responsibility for assisting with complex projects and is accountable for achieving specific funding
goals laid out in the strategic plan and assisting with fundraising events when required.

Primary Responsibilities
Contribute to overall revenue goals:
• Research and identify funding opportunities in government, foundations, corporations, service clubs and
individuals
• Develop effective and compelling solicitation packages, grant proposals and applications, letters of inquiry, and
grant reports
• Monitor grants and reports from inception to completion and provide status updates to ensure successful
outcomes and deliverables within established deadlines
• Work closely with Director, Philanthropy, and program staff to monitor funded activities to ensure all deliverables
will be completed as proposed in the required timeline
• Manage and maintain the grant calendar and ensure that all proposals and reports are submitted on time
Administrative Support:
• Create and review lists for mailings, special announcements, and event invitations
• Assist with the development of presentations
• Prepare and send mailings
• Support donor stewardship and recognition
• Assist with Fund Development committee activities
Fund Development Data Management:
• Produce, maintain, and verify a range of regular monthly, annual, and other ad hoc reports to inform
Development strategies and plans
• Use data analysis to identify trends and opportunities for the development team
• Execute data queries, maintain data integrity and donor lists through tracking and monitoring of actions in the
customer relationship management (CRM) system
• Accurately process gifts including new pledges, pledge payments and one-time gifts
• Work closely with Director to reconcile gifts, accounts and fund allocations, special designations including
restricted and named fund tracking
• Monitor upcoming pledge and invoice schedules, as per contract or gift agreement in conjunction with
appropriate staff and distribute pledge payment reminders, invoices, gift renewal letters as needed
• Regularly maintain and update donor records
Additional duties and responsibilities:
• Maintain accurate records in line with organizational standards and objectives
• Represent JA in the community in a positive and professional manner
• Assist in organizing and executing other JA-organized events and activities as required

Education/ Experience
• Relevant post-secondary education and/or experience is required
• 3 – 5 years of relevant fundraising experience and demonstrated track record of achievement
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience with customer relationship management systems such as Raiser’s Edge or
SalesForce
• Current driver’s license and access to a vehicle required, as some regional travel is expected
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and proficient in time management
• Knowledge of South Western Ontario and charitable sector is beneficial
• Able to work independently and remotely when required
• The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and flexible to work within a team and independent work
environment

This full-time position (40 hours per week) is available immediately with regular business hours and
some evenings/ weekends. Remote work from a home office anywhere in the JA South Western
Ontario region is possible; however, regular attendance at one of our office locations in London (head
office), Chatham or Waterloo may be required, with travel as required to other parts of the region. The
successful candidate must have a suitable quiet environment from which to work, with a desk and reliable and
secure internet access. A laptop will be provided. The position reports to the Director, Philanthropy.
The salary range for this position is $45,000 – $55,000.

The successful candidate must undergo a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
JA South Western Ontario is an equal opportunity employer. JA SWO will not discriminate based on
race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex (including pregnancy
and gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, age (18 and over), record of offenses for which a
pardon has been granted, marital status (including same sex partners), family status, or any other
grounds prohibited by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Are you ready to be the JA Development Officer to contribute to the mission of inspiring and preparing
youth to succeed in a global economy? Please submit your cover letter and resume by email to
hscott@jaswo.org by March 17, 2023. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview
will be contacted.

February 27, 2023

VIRTUAL PERSONAL FINANCE EVENT for High School Classes – March 28th

JA has an EXCITING new event opportunity for high school classes.

We are offering GRADE 9 – 12 students across Southwestern Ontario, the chance to participate in JA’s ‘Personal Finance’ program in a new a unique way! JA is offering a Hybrid Virtual LIVE event this semester that you won’t want to miss out on!  .

Each session of the ‘Personal Finance’ live event will be delivered by virtual volunteers. Your class can sign into one of the LIVE sessions that best coordinates with your class time. You will have access to the recordings of the additional sessions to complete the full program with your students.

Register Now or Learn more.