Enactus is a Canada-wide organization of young entrepreneurs and mentors who, as stated on their website, look to make a “positive social, environmental, and economic impact” for their university or the greater community. By unifying students to tackle a common goal, Enactus inspires students to make a positive change. These projects, also known as impact challenges, are put to the test in various competitions, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Students tackle issues of their own choosing with help from professors or business partners and present them to their peers and judges for the chance to win financial support for their projects.
Across Canada, there are 76 campuses, and 2,100 students take part in these competitions. Mt. A is one of them. Nine students, along with Mt. A professor Dr. Andrew Grant presented three projects last month in Halifax that President Abigail Austin said aimed “at reducing inequities and creating solutions for everyday problems.” One of these projects is the Mt. A Period Project. Since 2023, the Mt. A Period Project has distributed over 25,000 products to washrooms across campus and The Pantry as it looks to address inequalities and lack of access to essentials.
At regionals, their Period Project presentation proved successful as the team finished first for their region in Enactus’ Entrepreneurship Challenge. This particular challenge awards $1,500 to a team that “most effectively used entrepreneurship to empower people to improve their livelihoods in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable way.” Austin said that “In previous years, we have been ecstatic to place third in several competitions. However, this year, we levelled up.” With the win, Austin and third-year Mt. A student, Zanna Hathaway qualified for nationals this May in Calgary, Alberta, where they will face several other universities.
Hathaway explained their involvement with Enactus saying, “I thought that it would be a great experience, and a way to help better those within the Tantramar community.” Hathaway also cited Enactus as an inclusive and influential organization. “I am passionate about helping the planet become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, and, with Enactus, I feel as though I can achieve this.”
The first-place win was not the only positive to come out of last month’s competition. Austin and Hathaway placed second in the Youth Empowerment Challenge and third in the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge with Mt. A student, Ainaz Giahi. Enactus Mt. A members Erica Chahal, Hadiya Hayat, Yvanna Tchatchoua, and Madiha Waqar also placed third in the Innovation and Impact Challenge.
These other winning projects included the Mt. A Grow Project and Mt. A Build Project. Both look to address sustainability through innovation. For example, the Grow Project looks to reduce waste through the creation of a PET plastic conversion device. After heating plastic bottles, PET plastics are removed and converted into a ribbon. Enactus looks to sell this to small businesses or clubs and societies “while reducing waste and making more sustainable consumerism.” Additionally, the Mt. A Grow Project uses hydroponics to prepare crops and help students facing economic hardships. “By employing hydroponics, the project aims to optimize resource utilization, enhance crop yield, and contribute to sustainable and accessible food solutions,” reads their website.
In their graduating year, Austin highlighted Enactus’ growth over the years. “When I took over as president, we had three returning members as most graduated, in 2023–2024 we grew to over 45, and, this year, over 75 students and four faculty advisors.” This positive growth is a result of a committed team working to ensure a lasting change for the Mt. A community. When asked what these results mean moving forward, Austin mentioned the Period Project which is now “on track for 100,000 products distributed to Mt. A students by [October] 2028.”
Their success in competitions and impact on the campus has made them one of the most effective clubs on campus. “Enactus […] focuses on reducing inequities, […] and because of the wide success and need for the period project we have been able to get a large number of women involved.” Most importantly, Austin emphasized that Enactus is “for everyone at Mt. A regardless of gender, race, sexuality, or discipline.” Together, the team has proven that students can create meaningful change on campus with years of dedication and commitment. If you are interested in getting involved, check out their Instagram, @enactusmta.
