Simran Chalhotra

Background

About Simran Chalhotra

Secondary school educator with a passion for social entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and community outreach. I am currently studying at Queen's University, completing a Master's in Global Education. In recent years, I have graduated from UBC's Bachelor of Education program, where I have specialized in both Social Sciences and English Language and had the honour of serving as the President for the Education Students' Association. I have also received my International Baccalaureate (IB) Certificate and Teaching and Learning for the Middle Years Programme (MYP). I am currently working at Notre Dame Regional Secondary, where I have the pleasure of teaching Business Education, Career Education, and Asian Studies. I have also served as an integral member of the Ennovate program for over six years now. Through the Ennovate program, we educate senior high school students on business principles like marketing and accounting, soft skills such as networking and public speaking, and life skills such as financial literacy. Simultaneously, the participating students create their very own mini social enterprises based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. These businesses are showcased at our annual final competition, where students proudly discuss their social enterprises from start to fruition. The profits from their businesses go towards a charitable initiative of their choosing. I am proud to have witnessed so much growth within this program: in the students, the mentors, and the scaling of the program itself, where we have reached additional cities, schools, educational contexts, and have adapted Ennovate to the current educational climate that supports hybrid learning models. I am also an active participant in the Three Links Care Society community. I began my journey with this organization as a recreational volunteer, where I would interact with the residents and help increase their mobility and alleviate their pain through hand aromatherapy sessions. I was eventually granted the position of the Volunteer Program Assistant, where I now facilitate the intake of new volunteers, plan events, and help to expand the program itself. This position blossomed into another position at Three Links - Wellness Committee Coordinator. Through this position, I work directly with the managers and CEO of the organization to brainstorm, plan, and implement initiatives that work towards improving the wellbeing of our staff, residents, and volunteers. I love what I do, and look forward to more creative and immersive experiences in the years to come!