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.

eric tribe, strategy

I wanted to be a part of redseven because I felt it was such a great way to make a difference, but through an organization that was fun, entrepreneurial, dynamic and inspired.  As we started up there have been an incredible amount of learnings along the way and it’s made for an interesting challenge as we set out to make a difference in the world.  When I’m not involved with redseven, I spend my days as a consultant for the Boston Consulting Group here in Toronto.

My favourite teacher was my piano teacher as I was growing up.  She put in so much time and energy to make me a better person, her lessons and her understanding went far beyond the keyboard as she was using piano as a way to teach me about life.  Half of the values I was learning I didn’t realize until several years down the road; the value of discipline and perseverence, the importance of personal expression, the ability to achieve what felt like the impossible.  She continues to be an inspiration in my life.

My favourite YouTube video is Shihan – Def Poetry Jam.

stuart watts, eventist

Why did you join redseven?

Youth education is something that has been very close to me for several years. As a teenager I was exposed to the unbelievable poverty in south-east Asia and was really taken back by the appalling conditions at local schools. I immediately developed a desire to help the youth of the developing world and have been a strong advocate of education. I wanted to join redseven so I could work along side some amazing and inspirational young professionals to help make a difference in the lives of children around the world.

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

I work in Credit Card Product Development for a major bank and also chair a regional committee at the Bank dedicated to enhancing the employment experience of young professionals through personal and professional development.

What do you do for the redseven team?

Eventist! Working with an amazing team of talented individuals to execute redseven events.

Who is your favourite teacher and why?

Although she wasn’t my teacher, I would have to say my favourite “teacher” was a high school guidance counsellor, Mrs. Quennell. “Quenny” as she was known to the students always found a way to encourage and motivate her students, and always found a way to help students reach their potential.

What’s your favourite YouTube video?

Obama / Will.I.Am. – Yes We Can.