dave nugent, founder & corporate liaison

Why did you start redseven?

I started redseven because education has played a monumental role in my life, giving me opportunities to succeed I never thought possible both through formal education and athletics primarily. I want to afford young children globally the ability to experience success the same way I’ve been able to both in the classroom and out. I want to help foster the necessary skills for tomorrow’s leaders today.

When you’re not volunteering with redseven, what do you do with your time?

I work for RBC Dominion Securities as an Investment Advisor. Specifically, I work with charities and high net worth families to construct and implement investment strategies to achieve their objectives.

What do you do for the redseven team?

My capacity within the organization is to liaise with various corporate partners who share our values and form long term partnerships that are mutually beneficial.

Who is your favourite teacher? Why?

I had some great teachers through primary and secondary school. However, nothing compares to the experience I had with Colleen Sharen, a business professor at the University of Western Ontario. She was the first person who truly challenged me both in and out of the classroom, allowing me to grow as a person. Her leadership has taught me some important lessons that I’ve been able to take into my career and would like nothing more then to pass on her words of wisdom to other young aspiring entrepreneurs (children).

What’s your favourite YouTube video?

Aries Spears Imitates DMX, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J & Jay Z

sabrina sdao, board of directors

Why did you join redseven?

I believe that the universal right to an education is crucial to a better world and have a passion for working with motivated and philanthropic teams.I believe that if all children globally have the right to education, they will have the ability to foster productive communities and create peaceful nations.  I think it is irresponsible and unfair that some children do not have the right to education and know that young Canadians have the talent and know-how to turn this global hardship into an opportunity for change.

When you’re not volunteering with redseven, what do you do with your time?

I am currently pursuing an MBA at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

What do you do for the redseven team?

Formerly the Director of Engagement, I now sit on the redseven board.

Who is your favourite teacher and why?

The best teacher I have ever had is my mom. She always emphasized the value of treating people with kindness and respect – the most important life lesson.

What is your favourite YouTube video?

President Obama’s Address to Students

peter hayward, eventist

Why did you join redseven?

I first became involved with redseven to help organize a charity event. It was not until after meeting many of the redseven directors that I saw how passionate they were about youth education that I, too, began to feel compelled by the cause. After seeing the statistics in developing countries’ education levels, I realized how serious the problem was. It was the global concern of youth education and my fellow redseven colleagues’ commitment and values that made me want to take part in this charitable foundation.

When you’re not volunteering with redseven, what do you do with your time?

I work in International Finance at Scotiabank on a customer profitability Management Information System. My role is to analyse the International Bank’s expenses and determine how to properly allocate them down to the customer/product level. Outside of my role at Scotiabank, I am also involved in an employee resource group at the bank focused on community involvement, volunteering opportunities, and educating young professionals working for Scotiabank.

What do you do for the redseven team?

I am an Event Coordinator, having successfully worked on our inaugural Imagine a World event, which raised more than $12,000 to build a school in India with Free The Children. In the near future I am looking forward to working alongside Free The Children and other members of the redseven team and going to India to build the school.

Who is your favourite teacher and why?

Without a doubt my favourite teacher was Mr. Berringer – Grade 13 Physics. He made the class so interesting and entertaining through various demonstrations rather than just straight from the textbook lecturing – which many of my teachers had fallen prey to. It was his passion towards teaching that made me decide to major in engineering at university.

What’s your favourite YouTube video?

The Evolution of Dance

stan rodos, board of directors, strategic planning

Why did you join redseven?

It wasn’t much of a decision.  I wanted to make a positive impact on the world around me and I think that contributing to effective early education is one of the best ways of doing this.  Plus, I get to work with some of the most talented and passionate people I know.

When you’re not volunteering with redseven, what do you do with your time?

By day I’m a consultant in Deloitte’s Strategy Consulting group, as well as, sit on the Community Committee for the Ivey Alumni Association.  In my personal time, I love to spend time with friends, travel and jog.

What do you do for the redseven team?

I’m a member of the Board of Directors and help redseven with strategic planning and initiatives.  Occasionally, Jay also makes me dress up and put on fashion shows for him.

Who is your favourite teacher and why?

My high school rugby coach.  Education is about more than just numbers, dates and punctuation.  My coach taught me the value of hard work, integrity and accountability and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without these.

What’s your favourite YouTube video?

Yes We Can

taryn lipschitz, imagine a world campaign manager

Why did you join redseven?

I joined redseven because we’re reaching out to those who care about others just as much as we do. After  traveling in South Africa and Southeast Asia, I really understand the need for I think its important to stop taking education for granted and share the knowledge, figuratively and literally.

When you’re not volunteering with redseven, what do you do with your time?

I am involved in an organization called the Art of Fashion, is a non-profit organization that offers apparel and accessory designers a platform to showcase their talent and provides opportunities to foster their careers. I am also a Kid Coach for Future Possibilities for Kids where I mentor a  Kid Partner to build the skills and self-confidence they need to accomplish their community-oriented goals. When I’m not volunteering or baking, I work at MacLaren McCann as an Account Coordinator in the interactive department.

What do you do for the redseven team?

This year I am a campaign manager for the imagine a world event!

Who is your favourite teacher and why?

A professor I had while on exchange in Hong Kong, Professor Ali, was my favcourite teacher. I took two of his classes and both were composed of students from all over the world. The greatest thing he taught us was to learn about how different we all were beyond the citizenship on our passport. He encouraged us to learn as much about other cultures beyond how they would influence business decisions. His passion for learning, exploring, and wearing slippers to class will forever remind me to see the world from someone else’s point of view.

What is your favourite YouTube video?

The Tropicana Commercial: Arctic Sun – brighter mornings for brighter days. Always great to be able to bring light to people’s lives.