Future change-makers gathered in Calgary, Alberta for the recent 2025 Enactus National Exposition where St. Clair College students made their mark, advancing to the semi-finals of the competition.
St. Clair sent two presentation teams to Enactus from May 5 to 10, 2025, which featured 51 teams from across Canada. The event annually brings together students, academic professionals, and industry representatives to ignite the potential of Canada's future leaders. The program empowers students to drive positive social, environmental, and economic impact by applying an entrepreneurial mindset to real-world challenges.
During this national event, students showcased how their community outreach projects and business ventures can make a meaningful difference in Canada and beyond. Through rounds of live, presentation-based competition, business leaders serving as judges determined which teams were recognized as champions for their innovation, impact, and leadership.
St. Clair's teams of students pitched three innovative projects: Red Roan, Stride and Sparkerz.
- Red Roan is a sustainability-driven initiative focused on integrating red algae into cattle feed to reduce methane emissions from livestock waste by approximately 82 per cent. Red Roan offers a science-based, scalable solution to one of agriculture's most urgent environmental issues.
- Stride is a health innovation project tackling nerve damage-related numbness in the feet, a common complication of diabetes. The team developed a custom insole with dual heating and cooling technology to help users maintain safe foot temperatures in extreme weather, promoting comfort and circulation.
- Sparkerz is a youth empowerment program designed for children aged five to 14, focused on building confidence, leadership, and life skills through engaging mentorship, interactive learning, and creative exploration.
Team St. Clair won its quarter-finals league and advanced to the semi-finals, with both presentation teams delivering flawless, high-impact presentations that brought each project's story and impact to life.
"We were inspired by the energy, creativity, and dedication of students working toward a more sustainable and inclusive future," said Michael Spadotto, a St. Clair College faculty advisor for Enactus. "We are incredibly grateful to Pat Papadeas for her guidance and constant support, and to Teodora Milovanovic for her incredible dedication in preparing our teams with focus, energy, and excellence."
"Nationals was a true experience in entrepreneurial learning - proof that with hard work and dedication, students can turn bold ideas into real impact," Spadotto said. "We return from Calgary proud, motivated, and more committed than ever to scaling our projects and deepening our impact."
Presentation team one featured Owen Carrier, Albert McCallum, Jessica Popescu, Evan Holmes, Lauren Bayn and Sean Nissi.
Presentation team two featured Shirley Adamson, Abrar Siddiqui, Joyce Veres and Rovelyn Mayordo.
It was St. Clair College student Evan Holmes' first time competing at Enactus, and he called it an exciting experience.
"Going up against top schools across the country and placing in the top 20 made it even better. I got to work with students from different programs and campuses, turning early-stage ideas from our project leads into real products and programs that addressed community needs," Holmes said, noting one of the biggest challenges was breaking past that first moment of hesitation and actually starting their presentations.
"Being surrounded by a supportive, collaborative team of students and faculty made it easier to take initiative," said Holmes. "I stepped out of my comfort zone, faced real obstacles, and kept pushing myself to grow."
"Traveling to Calgary and having the chance to network with students and schools from across Canada was very inspiring," said teammate Lauren Bayn. "The opportunity to present at the national competition was an exciting opportunity and a valuable learning experience."
The students were supported by a Tech Team, featuring Crystal Bryan, Swapnil Oturkar and Catie Lenover, who agrees while the scholastic element of Enactus is the impetus for most who participate, it's also about making enduring connections and building networks.
"I have met so many people who, if it weren't for Enactus, I probably would never have met before," said Lenover. "It makes me feel much more comfortable and confident on the St. Clair campus knowing I have friends all around me."
Lenover has dreams of working in the aerospace sector, specializing in space probes and telescopes.
"Networking has been tough since that industry is pretty small here. During our national competition in Calgary, I met a student who wanted to practice space medicine. I know that in the future, I will meet more like-minded individuals," Lenover said. "With Enactus, I have the opportunity to explore my passions outside of my current program. It has added to my educational experience by giving me the chance to demonstrate my abilities beyond academics."
The students have many takeaways from the experiential learning exercise and are excited to return next year.
"Enactus isn't just about a competition to better the world. It's also an outlet to better ourselves," said Holmes. "I'm excited to see what the team does next year."
"If you're even thinking about joining, do it. There's something in it for everyone."
