Desjardins Speaker Series: Fostering Global Mindsets and Social Impact

Move Slow, Upcycle Things! 

Last week was the Desjardins Speaker Series,“Move Fast and Make Things: How to Manufacture a Global Entrepreneurial Mindset,” hosted by the University of Toronto Entrepreneurship at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus.

The event brought together leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs from diverse industries to discuss the challenges and opportunities of building globally recognized brands.

At Wearsos, we were honoured to have been invited to collaborate, learn and share with other inspiring individuals.

Entrepreneurship is more than just creating products; it’s about solving problems and delivering value on a global scale. The Desjardins Speaker Series offers a platform where industry leaders, like Jim Estill, CEO of Danby Appliances, and Katherine Homuth, Founder and Chair of SRTX, share their invaluable insights. These forums spark innovation and serve as a catalyst for startups like Wearsos to broaden their horizons and adapt to challenges.

Wearsos’ Presence and Mission

We are especially proud that Luana Figueiredo, our Social Impact Coordinator and intern from the University of Toronto, represented Wearsos at this event. Luana’s participation highlighted the role of social enterprises in global markets and reinforced our mission to create sustainable, upcycled products while empowering women artisans in rural communities.

Luana shared our story with attendees, focusing on how Wearsos connects environmental responsibility with community impact. By sharing our journey of transforming retired airline seats into high-quality fashion items, we demonstrated the potential of blending innovation with sustainability.

Empowering Small Business Through Education and Networking

Empowering startups through education and networking is at the heart of events like the Desjardins Speaker Series, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the University of Toronto Entrepreneurship for hosting such impactful opportunities. These events play a key role in connecting startups with mentors, investors and peers, providing valuable perspectives that can guide ventures toward success. By showcasing diverse success stories, they inspire innovation and encourage attendees to explore new approaches to problem-solving. Furthermore, they foster growth by helping ventures think globally while acting locally, balancing ambitious goals with a grounded, community-focused approach.

Looking Ahead: Wearsos’ Commitment to Innovation and Impact

Being part of events like the Desjardins Speaker Series fuels our drive to continue pushing boundaries. As we expand our upcycled product line—ranging from backpacks and totes to passport holders and luggage tags—we remain committed to creating meaningful products that reflect our values of sustainability and empowerment.

Join Us on This Journey

Wearsos is more than a social enterprise; it’s a movement for change. We invite you to explore our upcycled collections and support a mission that blends fashion, sustainability, and impact.

Thank you for being part of the Wearsos community.