Event
Entrepreneurship Without Borders : A Driver of Shared Prosperity
June 4th
5 PM to 8 PM
MEM - Centre des mémoires montréalaises
1210, boul St-laurent, Montréal, QC
CECI, in collaboration with Youth Employment Services (YES), invites you to an evening of dialogue, inspiration, and networking.
This event will bring together entrepreneurs, volunteers, members of diaspora communities, partners, and key actors from Montréal’s ecosystem to explore how inclusive entrepreneurship that encourages intercultural exchange can become a driver of shared prosperity, sustainable collaboration, and stronger ties between Canada and its partner countries.
Through inspiring stories, a panel focused on best practices, challenges, and solutions, as well as a structured networking space, the event will highlight impactful entrepreneurial journeys, with particular attention given to women entrepreneurs from diaspora communities who have experienced international volunteering.
The event aims to create meaningful connections between entrepreneurs, volunteers, partners, and new audiences, while highlighting the role of volunteering as a driver of sustainable and inclusive economic development rooted in local realities. It will also demonstrate how volunteering can serve as a bridge between the economic and entrepreneurial ecosystems of Canada and those of partner countries by fostering knowledge sharing, creating new economic opportunities, and supporting the development of mutually beneficial collaborations.
The event will also provide an opportunity to meet our country teams, exchange on existing opportunities, and explore new possibilities for collaboration.
Program :
- Immersive welcome experience and visual exhibition
- Featured TED Talk-style keynote story
- Panel discussion on intercultural entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and shared prosperity
- Thematic networking focused on concrete collaborations
When volunteerism and entrepreneurship come together, they pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable prosperity.
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This event is part of CECI’s Volunteer Cooperation Program and is financially supported by Global Affairs Canada.
Panelists
Elfi Maldonado
Elfi Maldonado is co-owner and president of Qantu, a company founded in 2017 that produces chocolates made from Peruvian cacao and has won several international awards. An industrial engineer by training, she holds a master’s degree from Polytechnique Montréal, which she earned with honors. After gaining experience at the Société de transport de Montréal and Emballages St-Jean, she devoted herself fully to developing Qantu. She also participated in the Women Entrepreneurs in Solidarity program in Bolivia with CECI to support Saltus Chocolates in improving its production and developing new markets.
Siamanda Chege
As the founder and creative director of Siamanda Collectif and Beberavi Collections, Siamanda Chege develops ethical fashion businesses with a social impact in collaboration with women artisans across Africa. Based in Montreal, she works at the intersection of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and women’s economic empowerment.
Kerstin Kuyken
Kerstin Kuyken is a professor in the Department of Management at the School of Management Sciences. Her expertise lies in the study of organizational cultures and knowledge management, particularly in the context of technological innovation. She is the founder and director of the Center for International and Intercultural Entrepreneurship Studies at UQAM (CEEII). Her work focuses in particular on immigrant entrepreneurs, supporting entrepreneurs from an intercultural perspective, and knowledge management across generations and cultures. Through her professional engagements, she has built numerous bridges, such as a joint course offered with the University of Passau in Germany, transatlantic research projects, and the creation of a community of young German and Quebec entrepreneurs.
Guests
Meeker Guerrier, Moderator
As a host and commentator, Meeker works at 98.5 FM on the daily show *Le Québec maintenant*. He also appears on the *Boys Club* segment of the *Radio Texto* show every Friday. Meeker has been part of the RDS team since 2020 and contributes to various programs. In addition, he has been a member of the *Noovo Info* team since its launch in 2021. Meeker also appears weekly in English on TSN 690, CTV, and CJAD.
Tessie Nikuze
Tessie Nikuze is an international development professional specializing in project management and organizational support. Through her experience in Rwanda, she has worked on the economic empowerment of women and youth, inclusive education, and vocational training. Committed to strengthening entrepreneurial capacities and supporting income-generating initiatives, she believes in the potential of international cooperation to build sustainable and impactful partnerships.
In partnership with
