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Project Lighthouse launches online training course educating students on sexual violence

Training introduced in fall semester has four modules

Caroline Kirkey

Photos: Caroline Kirkey

January 26, 2024
Revised: January 26, 2024 2:16pm

Photo: Caroline Kirkey

Oniqua Kamaka, a peer support at Algonquin College's Health and Wellness Zone.

Project Lighthouse has launched new online training designed to educate students on sexual violence prevention.

The training was introduced in the fall semester of 2023, and students can take it online for free. The course is open to all students from Algonquin College, and they are allowed to take the training at any time.

“Basically the goal is to end sexual violence on campus,” said Sarah Crawford, Algonquin College’s sexual violence prevention and reduction coordinator.

There are four modules that the training focuses on. The first module is designed around what sexual violence is and how to notice it. The second module is on what sexual consent is.

The third module focuses on bystander intervention and the effect of bystander intervention. The fourth and last module is on supporting survivors and the restrictions some face when trying to help a friend or family member.

According to the the Journal of American College Health, the frequency of sexual violence victimization on college campuses is “approximately 5 per cent for men and 25 per cent for women.”

The training that is offered by Project Lighthouse allows students to understand all areas of sexual violence. For four weeks, students can win prizes by taking the online training.

Crawford said the training should only take about 20 to 30 minutes for a student to complete.

Crawford said not everyone provides feedback on the online training, but the feedback from students so far has been mostly positive.

“I think it’s super useful for individuals who have zero knowledge of any sexual violence training,” Oniqua Kamaka said, a peer support at Algonquin College.

Although, Kamaka took the employee sexual violence training, she believes that students will benefit by enrolling themselves into the student training.

Kamaka said sexual violence is “something that we should all talk about and be made aware of.”

The sexual violence prevention training being provided by Project Lighthouse allows students to have an asynchronous experience that they can take from home.

“Sexual violence doesn’t just happen on campus and it’s not isolated, we want to help provide students with information on how to have a healthy relationship,” Crawford said.

Students who would like to access the training can find it at https://www.algonquincollege.com/projectlighthouse/. Anyone who has been sexually assaulted or knows someone who has been can contact Security Services at 613-727-4723 ext. 5010 (open 24/7).

Any student can also access counselling services through The Beacon, a health and wellness peer support space.

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Caroline Kirkey

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Sam Demma helps students and staff empty their backpacks

Keynote speaker makes stop at Bell Let's Talk event on campus

Ben Seabrook

Photos:

January 26, 2024
Revised: January 26, 2024 2:25pm

Sam Demma came to Algonquin College during his “Empty your Backpack” tour on Jan. 24 for Bell Let’s Talk Day and did a presentation on unpacking negative beliefs.

At 17 years old, after suffering three knee injuries pursuing his dream to play professional sports, Demma went down a challenging path.

Demma had a teacher who helped him transition his passion for professional sports towards youth empowerment, and he started doing presentations in schools across North America.

“I think he’s a perfect student ambassador for this space to have these conversations,” said Sarah Crawford, manager of student support services.

Over 100 people attended the show in the Student Commons.

Demma wrote his book Empty Your Backpack during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage readers to realize the thoughts they carry around will impact the choices they make, which will affect their future careers.

“My goal with the book is to help people realize that their thoughts matter, and they don’t have to carry negative ones that weigh them down, and they can let those things go,” Demma said.

Demma offered his book to the most enthusiastic audience member. Elijah Joseph, a Level 1 general business student, was invited on stage.

“I’ve known Sam Demma for years,” Joseph said. “He did Launch 2021 and Launch 2022 for my high school so I’ve seen him online do talks like this so I was interested.”

Elijah Joseph, Level 2 general business student on stage with Demma. — Elijah Joseph, a Level 2 general business student, on stage with Demma.

The Algonquin Students’ Association teamed up with Student Support Services to organize this event to end the stigma and get everyone more comfortable talking about their mental health.

“We try catering these messages more around students, but I think it’s important for staff to understand too,” said Alain Cyr-Russo, senior manager of student life. “You see someone you know, just go say hi, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Student Support Services provided many booths with additional services around campus to bring mental health to the forefront, giving out Bell Let’s Talk Day merchandise and talking about supporting students.

Bell Let’s Talk notes were distributed, allowing students to write positive messages which were put on walls around campus.

Student Support Services provides mental health support, including a drop-in space where students can connect with student peers and many groups in the Health and Wellness Zone located on the third floor of the E building.

“Find someone you can have a conversation with about the things you may be carrying because it’s a lot easier to empty your backpack when there’s another human being around,” Demma said.

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5 of Canada’s World Junior hockey players to face sexual assault charges

Local CTV: Ottawa Police Const. Pierre Fournier was found guilty of discreditable conduct after an off-duty physical altercation with teenagers in 2021. The incident took place at the Osgoode sand and gravel pit on April 24, 2021. Fournier was off-duty and in the area with his brother when they spotted a group of teenagers trespassing. […]

Stephanie Taylor

Photos:

January 25, 2024
Revised: January 25, 2024 4:16pm

Local

CTV: Ottawa Police Const. Pierre Fournier was found guilty of discreditable conduct after an off-duty physical altercation with teenagers in 2021.

The incident took place at the Osgoode sand and gravel pit on April 24, 2021. Fournier was off-duty and in the area with his brother when they spotted a group of teenagers trespassing.

Fournier went to confront the teenagers as a police officer instead of a citizen. Fournier grabbed one of the boys’ shoulder or bike and said “You’re not going anywhere,” which escalated the situation into a verbal and physical fight, resulting in a 9-1-1 call being made.

Since Fournier wasn’t on-duty during this incident it was found that he had violated the boy’s rights by illegally detaining him.

Fournier was suspended with pay in June of 2021.

Ottawa Police have declined to say whether Fournier is still employed with them after Fournier had been found guilty.

Fournier’s sentencing will take place at a later date.

National

CBC: London Police have reportedly ordered five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team to surrender themselves to face sexual assault charges.

The alleged victim, E.M., wrote in a statement of claim that in 2018 she had met the hockey team when they were in London, Ont. for the Hockey Canada Foundation Gala and Golf event.

The statement of claim alleges that E.M. went up to a hotel room with one of the players. This player, allegedly, brought in seven other players after some time.

After the seven others were invited in, the statement of claim alleges that the players began to sexually assault E.M. The statement of claim said E.M. was, “directed, manipulated, and intimidated into remaining.”

Hockey Canada and the NHL are both doing their own investigations into this matter, however no findings have been released at this point.

International

CBC: A Russian plane carrying an alleged 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war has crashed in the Belgorod region of Russia, said Russia.

The plane held 74 people and the crash resulted in no survivors, according to Belgorod Governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov.

The POWs on the plane were to be a part of a swap between Russia and Ukraine, according to the Russian Defence Ministry.

There hasn’t been confirmation as to what caused the crash, however the Russian Defence Ministry has accused Ukraine of shooting the plane down.

Ukraine says they are looking into these claims.

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Stephanie Taylor

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Paws 4 Stress helps students decompress

The Corner Lounge in the Student Commons had a line of people almost out the main doors on Jan. 23 waiting to pet some dogs. The Paws 4 Stress event at the college has always generated huge interest. It’s a free-access event for students and employees to come and hang out with therapy dogs. Amanda […]

Sophie Daly

Photos: Sophie Daly

January 25, 2024
Revised: January 25, 2024 4:44pm

Photo: Sophie Daly

Daisy, a St. John's Ambulance therapy dog, enjoying all the pets from students.

The Corner Lounge in the Student Commons had a line of people almost out the main doors on Jan. 23 waiting to pet some dogs.

The Paws 4 Stress event at the college has always generated huge interest. It’s a free-access event for students and employees to come and hang out with therapy dogs.

Amanda Logan, the events programmer for the Students’ Association, was helping organize the event.

“This is the first time the SA has partnered with the Volunteer Centre for Paws 4 Stress,” Logan said.

The Volunteer Centre and Students’ Association worked with St. John’s Ambulance therapy dogs to run the event.

“The event has been going on for a few years now, and it’s always been very popular. Students really do get the therapeutic needs and comfort through the dogs,” Logan said.

“This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, so we thought it was the perfect time to bring it into a little bit of a bigger space, bring out a few more dogs, and really give students that access to the therapy dogs,” Logan said.

With the Volunteer Centre and SA working together, they went with a larger space at the college to accommodate more dogs. There were five dogs available to students and staff.

Students at Paws 4 Stress event — Students at the Paws 4 Stress event. Photo credit: Sophie Daly

The oldest dog at the event was Shadow, a 13-year-old golden retriever owned by Larry King.

“He’s on his second career now, didn’t make it as a guide dog so now he’s a therapy dog,” Kind said.

Daisy, a 10-year-old Great Pyrenees, was accompanied by her owner Martin Davidson. Davison has had Daisy for nine years.

Rachel Meltotto, a business management and development student, and Chata Ben Galeb, a project management student, were enjoying their visit to the Corner Lounge. They were giving lots of love to the gentle giant Daisy.

“I found out about this from a school email,” Meltotto said. “I love animals, I just have a cat, but I love dogs as well,”.

Andrea Denyer is the owner of Lily, a 12-year-old mini Bernedoodle.

“She’s on the older side for a dog, she’s a senior now. She’s been a therapy dog since 2018, so five or six years now,” Denyer said about Lily.

Nichapat Phondee, 24, a marketing management student, soaked in all the love the volunteer therapy dogs had to give at this year’s Paws 4 Stress event.

“I’m actually a cat person, but I really miss my cat. I’m an international student so I wanted to see some pets,” said Phondee, who is from Vietnam, “I heard about the event from the Algonquin College’s Instagram story.”

The Paws 4 Stress is an annual event, but the Students’ Association has more events planned for their Mental Health Awareness Week.

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Men’s basketball team falls just short in intense battle against St. Lawrence

The game was tied a total of eight times, with a final score of 79-76 for the Surge

Jude Osmond

Photos: Jude Osmond

January 24, 2024
Revised: January 26, 2024 2:02pm

Photo: Jude Osmond

Guard Simon Desta looks to move the ball around on Jan. 20. Simon had 19 points against the Surge.

The Wolves men’s basketball ended their three-game home stretch in a heartbreaking loss against St. Lawrence Surge on Jan. 20, scoring 79-76 in a game with 19 total lead changes.

The Wolves started the game hot with 22 points, 10 of which came from guard Simon Desta.

They kept it going in the second quarter, making two out of six of their three-point attempts and dominating around the basket.

After the Surge shot 53 per cent from the field in the third quarter, they took their highest lead of the game of eight points. After being down six points going into the fourth and final quarter, the momentum switched and the Wolves took their largest lead of eight points.

The Wolves were right there with St. Lawrence the entire game, with the game being tied a total of eight times.

It was a big fourth quarter for Wolves’ forward Devonte Brooks, who had scored 12 points, all coming from under the rim.

Brooks recovered three big offensive rebounds and two big block shots to give momentum to the Wolves.

The Wolves had the momentum for most of the fourth quarter, making 11 out of 20 of their shot attempts.

After a little skirmish in the fourth quarter, which stopped play for a good 10 minutes, the momentum switched again, and St. Lawrence completely took over the game, with the Surge’s making six out of eight of free throws attempts in the fourth quarter.

The Wolves made a grim 39.7 per cent of their shot attempts, which ended up hurting them by the end of the game.

“We basically shot the game away,” said Desta.

The Wolves couldn’t capitalize on turnovers like the Surge could: they had 16 points coming off a turnover, six of them coming in the fourth quarter.

“I think there were a lot of positive things that came out of today,” said Carter Normand, a Wolves guard. “We started playing very well as a team, but basketball is a game of runs, and they just had the last one.”

The Wolves’ lone bright spot came from Desta, recording 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Wolves forward Devonte Brooks, who had a significant presence under the basket offensively , recording 17 points, 14 rebounds. Brooks also made his presence felt defensively, recording three blocked shots.

Momentum was the most significant factor in this game, and the Wolves couldn’t seem to hold on to it in this final quarter.

Wolves are now coming off two heartbreaking losses of three points or less.

The Wolves will look to end their three – game losing streak on the road on Jan. 26, 2024, against the George Brown Huskies and on Jan. 27, 2024, against the Centennial Colts.

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Heli-skiing crash north of Terrace, B.C., results in injuries and deaths

Local CBC: Ottawa police say they’ve done everything they can to stop the surge in vehicle thefts, but the situation shows no signs of slowing down, with five vehicles going missing every day last year. Of the 1,854 vehicles lost in 2023, Sgt. Catherine Brown said about half were recovered, “which was substantial.” Ottawa police […]

Zhiqi Zhou

Photos:

January 24, 2024
Revised: January 24, 2024 11:26am

Local

CBC: Ottawa police say they’ve done everything they can to stop the surge in vehicle thefts, but the situation shows no signs of slowing down, with five vehicles going missing every day last year.

Of the 1,854 vehicles lost in 2023, Sgt. Catherine Brown said about half were recovered, “which was substantial.”

Ottawa police Chief Eric Stubbs says actions like aggressive patrols and numerous arrests aren’t enough to stem the tide of theft.

“It really grinds my gears that organized crime has found this loophole to take advantage of jurisdictional boundaries to make a lucrative game of this,” said Barrhaven West Coun. David Hill. The way to address this issue requires a concerted effort by all levels of government.

Deputy Chief Patricia Ferguson said staffing and resource mobilization are the issues we’re facing right now.

National

CTV: A helicopter carrying skiers to a remote mountain area about 50 km west of Terrace, B.C. crashed on Jan. 22 at approximately 4:15 p.m. killing three people and critically injuring four others.

Police and coroners flew to the scene of a fatal helicopter crash in northwestern B.C. on Tuesday to investigate the incident.

“It is impossible to put into words the profound grief that we feel and the sorrow that our guests and our staff share,” said John Forrest, president of Terrace-based heli-skiing operator Northern Escape Heli-Skiing, in a statement.

He said the company will work closely with police and other agencies to investigate the cause of the accident.

WorkSafeBC is also involved in the investigation, according to the RCMP.

International

Global News: French regulator CNIL said on Jan. 23 that it had fined Amazon France Logistics 32 million euros (C$48 million) for what CNIL called a ” excessively intrusive” surveillance system the company had set up to monitor employee performance.

Amazon France Logistics manages Amazon’s large warehouses in France. CNIL says Amazon set up metrics to track employee scanner idle time, and that such a system is illegal.

An Amazon spokesperson said the company disagrees with the CNIL fine and reserves the right to appeal.

“Warehouse management systems are industry standard and are necessary for ensuring the safety, quality, and efficiency of operations and to track the storage of inventory and processing of packages on time and in line with customer expectations,” he said.

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Zhiqi Zhou

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The Sultans of String and Indigenous artists bring harmony to the stage

Audience members were exhilarated after experiencing a performance that took place at the Meridian Theatre in Centrepointe, across from the Woodroffe campus, on Jan 19. The Sultans of String and Friends performed their album inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. The show, Walking Through the Fire, toured the southern and […]

Emmet Paradis

Photos: Emmet Paradis

January 23, 2024
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Emmet Paradis

Shannon Thunderbird, Coast Tsm'Syen First Nations Elder (left) and Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk (right), a Métis string musician, on stage on Jan. 19.

Audience members were exhilarated after experiencing a performance that took place at the Meridian Theatre in Centrepointe, across from the Woodroffe campus, on Jan 19.

The Sultans of String and Friends performed their album inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

The show, Walking Through the Fire, toured the southern and eastern parts of Ontario in the spring. After their visit to Ottawa, they’re performing in Kingston, Brampton and Guelph.

This performance is a collaboration between the non-Indigenous band, the Sultans of String, and Indigenous artists Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk, Marc Meriläinen, Shannon Thunderbird and others.

“One of the calls to action is for non-Indigenous and Indigenous artists to work together so they are directly supporting that call,” said Laura Meriläinen, wife of performer Marc Meriläinen. “The Sultans executed the project allowing the Indigenous artists to write the songs and have their voice. Literally, there’s Indigenous language on the album.”

“I think Walking Through the Fire is about going through things that are tough and that are hard,” said Forrest Eaglespeaker, a performer who identifies as a non-status Indigenous person. “And then coming out on the other side, putting on a brave face and doing what has to be done.”

Nevada Freistadt (left) Forrest Eaglespeaker (right) — Nevada Freistadt (left) and Forrest Eaglespeaker (right) performing with the Sultans of String at the Meridian Theatre. Photo credit: Emmet Paradis

Throughout the performance, Shannon Thunderbird, a Coast Tsm’syen First Nations Elder, shared stories about residential schools and how they will never cease to affect the world. The audience broke into applause after Thunderbird stated that she is “not here to lay blame.”

Thunderbird emphasized not blaming anyone for the impact of residential schools to promote a collective agreement to healing.

“I do not believe ever that the sins of the father be visited on the children,” she said. “Because if we do that, or we continue to do that, then reconciliation might as well become an intellectual exercise.”

After the show, some audience members praised Thunderbird’s storytelling paired with the violinist’s Orca sounds. For one of them, the story of Luna the Orca was the highlight of the performance.

“I really loved how creative the sound design was,” said Emanuel Furman, an audience member and a local musician. “I think they did a very good job representing not just the Métis but also the Inuit, as well as the prairie folk and B.C. natives. I was pleasantly surprised by that.”

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Emmet Paradis

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Women’s basketball Wolves defeat Lancers in home game

Wolves start weekend strong with lopsided win

Claire Donnan

Photos:

January 23, 2024
Revised: February 2, 2024 12:49pm

The Algonquin College women’s basketball team started its weekend strong with an 88-44 win against the Loyalist Lancers on Jan. 19. at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre

The victory continued the women’s win streak, as they remain undefeated for the season. The Wolves were ahead 42-22 at halftime, and their lead only continued to grow.

The Wolves’ performance was well-received by their fans and team members.

“They’re playing great,” said Han’se Mkogho at halftime. “They played some solid defence, they played with a lot of effort, and they’ve been getting buckets.”

Mkogho is a player on Algonquin’s men’s basketball team, which would face off against the Loyalists later in the evening.

Fans weren’t the only ones impressed. Wolves players and their coach were content with the game played.

“I think our girls did well today,” said Jaime McLean, coach of the women’s basketball team. “I’m really happy with us getting the W.”

Libby Hirst, a Wolves forward, agreed.

“It was a good win, it was a solid win,” said Hirst, who earned the title of player of the game due to her 18 points scored.

However, both Hirst and McLean agreed that more could have been done.

“We just could’ve done better on defence,” said Hirst.

“Defensively there’s a couple of things we could’ve cleaned up,” said McLean. “I think our girls are really at a point in the season right now where they’re very close to playing excellent, two-way basketball.”

McLean expressed pride in the involvement of all Algonquin players.

“I think it was really good to see a lot of our girls getting involved and getting opportunity,” said McLean. “[It] shows we’ve got a deep and balanced roster, so that’s very good for us.”

It wasn’t the Wolves’ only game on the weekend. The Wolves were scheduled to play the St. Lawrence Surge the next day.

McLean was looking ahead to the remaining games of the weekend with anticipation.

“We gotta just be really back to basics again tomorrow,” said McLean. “We’ve gotta be really prepared mentally.”

“We’ll pick it up, we’ve got another game tomorrow,” said Hirst. “We’re excited for another game. I think tomorrow we’re just gonna come back with the same energy. The energy was really good today.”

Sports & Recreation

Claire Donnan

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MakerSpace workshop fosters student networking and creativity

The Centre for Accessible Learning hosted a button-making workshop followed by a tour of the MakerSpace incubator on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at the Woodroffe campus. The workshop marks the first in a series of workshops this semester. These workshops promote creative projects and initiate networking opportunities for CAL students. “We have a partnership with the […]

Grinje Randa Bringi

Photos:

January 23, 2024
Revised: January 30, 2024 4:31pm

The Centre for Accessible Learning hosted a button-making workshop followed by a tour of the MakerSpace incubator on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at the Woodroffe campus.

The workshop marks the first in a series of workshops this semester. These workshops promote creative projects and initiate networking opportunities for CAL students.

“We have a partnership with the MakerSpace where we have a program called Creative Collision,” said Zeynep Guzide, a disability services counsellor. “It was really about bringing more awareness about MakerSpace for our students.”

Participants primarily attended the workshop to meet other students and explore the MakerSpace.

Brader “Brad” Aram-Ali, a first-year animation student, shared the challenges of feeling isolated. “I’m slowly going insane in my house I just needed to leave,” said Aram-Ali. “And I have not been to the MakerSpace itself, I’d like to go there.”

Milan Neven a former electrical engineering student at Algonquin College expressed a renewed interest in self-made electronics.

“I used to take electrical engineering and I used to do a lot of do-it-yourself electronics in the past,” he said. “I want to get back into it and I heard about the MakerSpace, and it motivated me to take a look.”

MakerSpace is a hub where like-minded people collaborate on creative projects using unique technologies and tools. The Algonquin MakerSpace incubator includes 3D printers, laser printers, vinyl cutters, button-making machines and much more.

“MakerSpace is a place that has all kinds of cool technology tools,” said Stephen Gagne, entrepreneurship officer with the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre. “The goal of the space is to give anybody in the college that wants to learn to make stuff, access to those tools.”

The button making workshop process was easy to learn, some of the participants were teaching incoming students who arrived after the initial demonstration.

Ching Fung, a first-year illustration and concept art student, enjoyed her first button- making experience and found the process easy.

“This is my first time, it’s easy to understand,” Fung said. “There are many resources to use, like the magazines, and I can print, or draw.”

“The DARE district MakerSpace located at C276 is open to all students,” said Gagne. “If you have questions about the Makerspace come see us.”

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Student entrepreneur combines culture and community through L’Bazar

Mehdi Sossey Alaoui, a second-year student in the advertising and marketing communications program at Algonquin College, is not your typical student. Coming from Morocco, Mehdi’s life journey has been a dynamic interplay between culture and creative pursuits. At the age of 14, he made the transition from Morocco to the UK, sparking a deep dive […]

Naomie Twagirumukiza

Photos: Naomie Twagirumukiza

December 22, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Naomie Twagirumukiza

Mehdi Sossey Alaoui shared experiences of participating in events like the CoolShe market in Morocco, where L' Bazar connected with women in business and expanded their network.

Mehdi Sossey Alaoui, a second-year student in the advertising and marketing communications program at Algonquin College, is not your typical student.

Coming from Morocco, Mehdi’s life journey has been a dynamic interplay between culture and creative pursuits. At the age of 14, he made the transition from Morocco to the UK, sparking a deep dive into the world of creativity.

Mehdi’s first contact with the online realm involved working with Airbnb, where he showcased and promoted apartments through captivating visuals on social media.

In 2020, Mehdi graduated from London South Bank University with a degree in econometrics and investment in finance. However, he soon realized that a conventional finance career wasn’t his calling. The prospect of spending the entire year in the same spot for the rest of his life didn’t align with his aspirations for a more dynamic and fulfilling future.

Mehdi’s entrepreneurial spirit took a unique turn: he delved into freelancing, joining the wave of students seeking independence in their endeavours.

He reminisces about camping outside the exclusive clothing store, Supreme, which was at the time 20 minutes away from where he lived in Kennington, South London, strategically securing sought-after items to resell on his Facebook Marketplace.

Mehdi’s perspective on fashion and style is distinctive. He notes the contrast between the DIY culture of his homeland and the more capitalist-driven approach to clothing in his current environment.

“In Morocco, it’s the combo that you make with your colours, your patterns and your layers that make you fly,” Mehdi said.

Out of this blend of creativity and cultural appreciation, L’Baza r was born — a community project conceived with the involvement of key individuals. Despite being physically distant from his hometown, Agadir, Morocco, Mehdi insisted on establishing the project there. He believed that to conquer other places, one must first claim their own.

L’Bazar thrift store was launched in March 2021 after a careful and long time in development, involving stylists, photographers, designers, and influencers from Morocco. Frustrated by the prevalence of white-washed art and discrimination they had seen and experienced, Mehdi and his team ensured that everything about the store was 100 per cent Moroccan.

Navigating the challenges of balancing college and entrepreneurship, Mehdi emphasizes the communal aspect of L’Bazar with no hierarchy.

“It’s a community project. Our goal is to grow this platform so it provides more gigs to the participants and develops everyone’s skills,” he said.

Mehdi’s perception of his target market expanded when Nyla Grace, a stylist and creative director from Ottawa and his classmate, recognized a niche for L’Bazar in Canada. Collaborating with Nyla, who shares his passion for business and fashion and was recently featured in the MOB journal, Mehdi aims to create something larger by combining their cultural backgrounds.

Reflecting on their journey, they both stress the importance of community in their work. Mehdi shared experiences of participating in events like the CoolShe market in Morocco, where L’Bazar connected with women in business and expanded their network.

“We’re putting two cultures together to make something bigger,” Grace said.

Mehdi expresses a desire for L’Bazar to surpass his previous achievements in Morocco, emphasizing the privilege of launching and growing the project with friends.

As for advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, Mehdi advocates for taking the leap and starting, understanding that failure is part of the process.

“It’s not about wins and losses,” Mehdi said. “We are nothing like the people we were when we started.”

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Naomie Twagirumukiza

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