4-minute read
Post Contributed by Damian Crowley, Business Development Officer, Economic Development Winnipeg
Leadership Winnipeg Class of 2024-2025
Participating in Leadership Winnipeg offers a unique opportunity to witness the intersection of leadership, innovation, and social impact firsthand. The day was structured with precision, each stop building on the next, reinforcing a collective vision for change through social enterprise, community development, and health research.
Building Economic and Social Capital at the Social Enterprise Centre
The day began at the Social Enterprise Centre (SEC) at 765 Main Street, a historic warehouse transformed into a collaborative hub for organizations driving change in Manitoba. Marlise Funk introduced us to the SEC and the Canadian Community Economic Development (CED) Network, which supports grassroots economic development by connecting organizations, sharing resources, and advocating for policy shifts.
As the foundation of the SEC ecosystem, the CED Network fosters a blended return on investment, prioritizing people, planet, and profit. This philosophy was brought to life through three innovative social enterprises housed within the SEC.
- BUILD Inc. – Sean Hogan, a passionate advocate for social enterprise, shared how BUILD (Building Urban Industries for Local Development) provides job training and employment for underrepresented communities, including newcomers and those transitioning from the justice system. Every seven weeks, they hire and train a new cohort of eight individuals to gain hands-on experience in maintenance and renovation services for government housing projects. A powerful testament to its impact came from a participant who said, “Before BUILD, life used to happen to me—now, I make life happen.”
- Purpose Construction – Originally an offshoot of BUILD, Purpose Construction is a market-oriented social enterprise offering renovation and housing construction services. Kalen Taylor shared with our groups their innovative approach to addressing Winnipeg’s housing crisis by building 21 new homes in the North End and creating a down payment financing partnership with The Winnipeg Foundation.
- Mother Earth Recycling – A short walk next door took us to Mother Earth Recycling, where Greg Teillet guided us through their facility. Focused on waste diversion and employment for Indigenous communities, their mattress recycling initiative diverts 30% of Winnipeg’s mattress waste from landfills, with a team able to dismantle mattresses in under ten minutes—sometimes in as little as five. The facility also refurbishes electronics, reinforcing its mission to create sustainable employment while reducing waste.
Community-Driven Support for Women and Families
Next, we visited the North End Women’s Centre (NEWC), a pillar of support for women facing multiple barriers. Cynthia Drebot and Kris Beaune highlighted their holistic approach to empowerment, offering services ranging from counselling and transitional housing to parenting classes and employment opportunities through their thrift store. The thrift store offers opportunities for women to earn a wage to help pay down debts, demonstrating an innovative model of self-sufficiency.
NEWC’s impact is immense, just last month (January 2025), they had 1600 people come through their space – which is not much bigger than a typical doctor’s office.
Addressing Winnipeg’s Health Crisis
The theme of resilience and innovation continued as we visited the Children’s Hospital Foundation (CHF) and the Children’s Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM). With a $75 million campaign to improve pediatric care, CFH has been able to improve old infrastructure for a patient population that needs it.
Researchers at CHRIM are tackling one of the most alarming health crises in the province—Manitoba has the highest rate of Type 2 diabetes and kidney failure in the world. Specifically, the DREAM team is conducting groundbreaking research to understand and address these issues, publishing over 2,000 scientific articles since 2011. Their approach is built on five key principles: respect, relevance, relationships, reciprocity, and responsibility—ensuring that research is conducted in collaboration with the communities most affected.
A Legacy of Indigenous Leadership and Education
The day concluded with a powerful presentation by Haven Stumpf, a 30-year veteran of Urban Circle Training Centre. Stumpf has lived her whole life in the North End and has brought her perspective to bettering every student who comes through their doors. This organization provides culturally relevant education and workforce training to Indigenous students, blending traditional teachings with modern skills development. With just 12 employees supporting 150 students annually, Urban Circle exemplifies the power of grassroots education in breaking cycles of poverty and exclusion.
Reflections on Leadership and Community Impact
Throughout the day, we engaged with leaders who are reshaping Winnipeg’s social and economic landscape. What stood out most was the authenticity of these changemakers— they presented the realities of systemic challenges but also shared tangible solutions, demonstrating resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.
From economic development to social services and healthcare, the recurring theme was clear: leadership is about taking action to create meaningful change. This experience reaffirmed my belief that we have strong, dedicated leaders in place, working tirelessly to build a better future for our Winnipeg & Manitoba.
Our Leadership Winnipeg program is made possible with the support of our Vision Partners Canada Life, Johnston Group and The Winnipeg Foundation; Proud Partner Assiniboine Credit Union and our Proud Supporters Boston Pizza, Change Innovators Inc., Honest Agency, and University of Winnipeg.
