YES-Tech Program

Prepare for the Future of Work and Innovation

The YES-Tech Program is a technology and entrepreneurship program designed for youth and emerging professionals. It builds future-ready skills through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experiences in tech and innovation.

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About the Program

This program equips participants with the digital skills, mindset, and experience needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. It combines technical training with personal development to prepare youth for careers, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities.

What You'll Gain

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Digital & Tech Skills Training

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Leadership & Mindset Development

Strengthen confidence, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.

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Hands-On Learning Experiences

Work on real projects that build practical experience and career-ready skills.

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Wellness & Personal Development Support

Receive guidance focused on mental health, resilience, and personal growth.

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Mentorship from Industry Professionals

Learn from entrepreneurs, tech experts, and professionals in innovation fields.

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Career & Entrepreneurship Pathways

Explore opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Who Should Apply?

Black entrepreneurs
Early-stage founders
Small business owners
Aspiring business leaders
Community-driven innovators

Why Join?

The Incubator Program is designed to remove barriers and create pathways for Black entrepreneurs to thrive, build wealth, and make a lasting economic impact.

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Khadra Elmi
Partnership Engagement Coordinator

When Khadra learned about The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub and its vision to provide personalized support for black entrepreneurs that want to start and grow their business, it ignited a fire within her.

With a business degree and a specialization in Finance, Khadra brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep, holistic understanding of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a successful business.

Her ability to manage financial reports and track expenses ensures all programs operate efficiently and successfully.

Khadra’s main roles lay in creating strategic partnerships and community engagement.

Her ability to build and nurture relationships, both within the community and external partners is essential for the growth and success of The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub.

She develops partnership strategies to connect The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub with other businesses and organizations, she plans engaging community and cohort events and facilitates networking opportunities that help build relationships between program participants and key stakeholders.

Khadra highly values collaboration and prioritizes establishing strong personal relationships in order to create a supportive environment for each participant.

Her goal is to create a safe space where entrepreneurs feel comfortable seeking help when they face challenges and to create an environment where every single participant can thrive, free from judgment and failure.

Khadra is grateful to be a pillar of support, encouragement, and assistance for Black entrepreneurs as they build businesses that’ll make incredible impact in their communities for generations.

Her message to anyone interested in starting a business is; if you have a business idea, it was meant for you to act on it. Don't let fear hold you back and embrace the opportunities that come your way.

Zeinab Hagi-Aden
Social Media & Marketing Coordinator

Zeinab was inspired to join the Chnge Mker Innovation Hub because of its mission to support aspiring black entrepreneurs and help them create the businesses they've always wanted.

She is driven by the opportunity to use her skills and abilities to help cultivate a space where Black entrepreneurs can work together, encourage one another and celebrate their achievements.

Zeinab graduated from the University of Ottawa with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This program was ideal for her because it allowed her flexibility to work in an environment that would highlight her strengths, passions and interests.

As Social Media & Marketing Coordinator, Zeinab has the opportunity to infuse her design skills, passion for entrepreneurship and community building into her role.

She holds many critical responsibilities at The Change Mker Innovation Hub which supports the success of the participants and programs.

She is responsible for creating engaging social media posts for Instagram and Facebook, supporting day-to-day tasks, ensuring participants have access to essential documents, addressing inquiries and notifying participants about workshops.

But Zeinab’s role goes beyond administrative duties, she helps entrepreneurs navigate challenges, offers feedback, provides a sense of belonging, and creates a collaborative learning environment.

Her ability to collaborate effectively builds a space where aspiring Black entrepreneurs work together, uplift one another and empower each other.

Her strong communication skills allow her to build genuine and impactful relationships with the participants, while her critical thinking and problem-solving skills allow her to present solutions that ensure their success.

Every day at The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub Zeinab is in awe of the commitment, passion and vision all of the participants exhibit.

Witnessing their journey and their growth only strengthens her desire to be a part of their transformative experience.

To her, providing Black entrepreneurs with the tools and direction they need to thrive during the early stages of entrepreneurship isn’t just a task, it’s an honour.

Saunia Keddon, Program Manager at The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub.

A passionate advocate of mentorship and positive change, Saunia brings invaluable experience as a member of The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub team.

Originally from Jamaica, Saunia and her husband embarked on a new chapter in Canada, driven by hope and ambition. Her unwavering determination to make a difference in people's lives has led her to a career in employment services, mentorship and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs to create the businesses they’ve always wanted.

Saunia brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her role as Program Manager. Her educational background and qualifications in Social Work are complemented by her hands-on experience.

Saunia joined the Chnge Mker Innovation Hub because she recognized the importance of empowering Black entrepreneurs.

Her joyful personality and genuine passion for community building naturally foster collaboration and a sense of belonging among all program participants. Her dedication to supporting the black community and her ability to empathize with their struggles makes her a valuable member of our team.

Today, Saunia serves as the Program Manager of The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub, where she combines her passion for bringing people together, making learning enjoyable, and expressing her creativity.

This role allows her to connect aspiring change-makers with mentors and community members who can guide them on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Saunia's diverse skills and talents contribute to creating a vibrant and inclusive community that fosters collaboration, innovation, and positive impact.

Mona Abow, CEO & Founder of The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub

Mona’s first coaching and consulting company The Boundless Mindset was a catalyst for The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub. Her journey began with dedicating her talents and passion to supporting women of colour to build the business of their dreams.

She recognized the diversity and depth of talent within the black community, but that there wasn’t a space for them to explore their desire to build a business.

And because The Boundless Mindset was a private coaching and consulting company specifically designed for women of colour, she noticed she wasn’t able to serve the broader community of Black entrepreneurs who wanted to start a business.

Mona dreamed of creating an inclusive space where the diverse community of Black entrepreneurs could explore their identities, let go of limiting beliefs and create the business they’ve always wanted.

In order to bring that dream to reality, she knew the foundation of every program and workshop needed to focus on teaching participants to expand into their boundless potential.

The focus on mindset mastery and personal development innately transforms the way participants think, by instilling the beliefs; what we think and imagine becomes our reality and we have the power to create the life and business of our dreams.

With the support of her team, Mona created a safe haven that empowers Black entrepreneurs and equips them with the confidence that they have what it takes to launch and grow a successful business.

Hi, I’m Mona and I want to thank you for being here. The journey that led me to founding The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub, is one that represents believing in my dreams, taking authentic actions and commitment to my community.

Full Bio

YES-Tech Program

Prepare for the Future of Work and Innovation

About the Program

What You'll Gain

Digital & Tech Skills Training

Leadership & Mindset Development

Hands-On Learning Experiences

Wellness & Personal Development Support

Mentorship from Industry Professionals

Career & Entrepreneurship Pathways

Who Should Apply?

Why Join?

Our Space

Quick Links

Connect

Land Acknowledgement

Khadra Elmi
Partnership Engagement Coordinator

Zeinab Hagi-Aden
Social Media & Marketing Coordinator

Saunia Keddon, Program Manager at The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub.

Mona Abow, CEO & Founder of The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub

YES-Tech Program

Prepare for the Future of Work and Innovation

About the Program

What You'll Gain

Digital & Tech Skills Training

Leadership & Mindset Development

Hands-On Learning Experiences

Wellness & Personal Development Support

Mentorship from Industry Professionals

Career & Entrepreneurship Pathways

Who Should Apply?

Why Join?

Khadra ElmiPartnership Engagement Coordinator

Zeinab Hagi-AdenSocial Media & Marketing Coordinator

Saunia Keddon, Program Manager at The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub.

Mona Abow, CEO & Founder of The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub

Khadra Elmi
Partnership Engagement Coordinator

Zeinab Hagi-Aden
Social Media & Marketing Coordinator