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The SVZ Team

Alex Gill
Alex Gill

Director (and unofficial godfather of social innovation) 

Alex is a social entrepreneur who founded and leads Mendicant Group, a social impact consulting firm. He has also moderated the G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance since its inception and regularly speaks around the world on entrepreneurship and innovation. Alex was one of 50 nonprofit leaders to be invited to attend Stanford Business School in 2013 and was named one of Canada's "Social Justice All-Stars" by This Magazine in 2015. In 2025, Alex recieved the King Charles III Coronation Medal for "service to the environment and education". He is known for his ability to make tasty puns and even tastier cookies for Caffeinated Innovators.

Nika Bakhtiari
Nika Bakhtiari

Marketing & Social Media Assistant

Nika is a second year student in the Media Production program at TMU's RTA School of Media, with a concentration in Business Media and Film & Television. Her academic journey has focused on mastering the creative and technical facets of media while understanding how they intersect with the business world. Nika is passionate about film and advocating for underrepresented groups in mainstream media.

Sarah Brigel
Sarah Brigel

Operations Coordinator (and resident DJ)

Sarah is an alumni of TMU's Environment & Urban Sustainability program and is currently completing her MBA at the Ted Rogers School of Management. During her time as a student she founded Microbe Hub, a startup that diverts organic waste from landfills using worms and acts as a tool to engage classrooms in environmental stewardship and science. Sarah continues to work to increase sustainability on campus and is a passionate advocate for social justice. She will try and match Alex on his puns, and if the moment takes her, will attempt to bake something for Caffeinated Innovators.

Jake Hamilton
Jake Hamilton

Marketing & Communications Coordinator (and design enthusiast)

Jake is a graduate of the School of Professional Communication at Toronto Metropolitan University, and is currently completing a Master of Digital Media at TMU's Creative School. He joined the Office of Zone Learning's communication team in 2021, before moving to the Social Ventures Zone in 2023. Jake is passionate about utiliziling communication to further human and social rights. Jake refuses to bake because he sees it as a science (not an art, like cooking), but will always compliment the baking at Caffeinated Innovators.