Success Within & Beyond Academia Seminar 2026

​𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 “𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬” 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚? Join us to hear from distinguished scholars and academic leaders who have navigated both academic and non-academic paths and will share insights from their experiences.

​EVENT OVERVIEW

​The Eduvika Association is hosting a 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫, an in-person event designed to help you gain clarity, confidence, and real-world insights from professionals. No matter where you are in your academic or career journey, there is something everyone can takeaway from this seminar!

⏰ 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟖 | 𝟏𝟏:𝟎𝟎 𝐀𝐌 𝐭𝐨 𝟐:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌
📍 Accelerator Centre, University of Waterloo

​EVENT AGENDA

​Here is what to expect 👇This seminar is built around three impactful parts:

1️⃣ 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
Hear directly from a dynamic panel of professors and academic specialists as they share the habits, mindsets, and soft skills that shape academic and career success. Discover how to stand out in competitive fields, identify and create opportunities, and much more!

2️⃣ 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐐&𝐀
Get unfiltered insights from experienced researchers who have navigated academia in diverse ways. Learn their effective strategies and key lessons for building success within and beyond academic spaces.

3️⃣ 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬
Connect at a deeper level in small groups through hands-on workshop activities. This is an opportunity to expand your network, exchange ideas, and gain practical advice in a supportive setting.

​MEET THE FOUNDER

• ​Mrittika Dreesha-Sharifpour:

  • ​PhD Student, Sessional Lecturer & Research Lead, University of Waterloo.

  • ​Founder & Executive Director, Eduvika Association.

  • ​Managing Director, Iman Law Professional Corporation.

​MEET THE PANELISTS & PRESENTERS

• ​Dr. Sara Hart:

  • ​Professor & Canada Excellence Research Chair, Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo.

• ​Dr. Judene Pretti:

  • ​Interim Associate Provost, Co-op & Experiential Education, University of Waterloo.

• ​Dr. Allison Chenier:

  • ​Associate Professor, Sociology & Legal Studies, University of Waterloo.

• ​Dr. Emerson LaCroix:

  • ​Senior Researcher, Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer.

• ​Dr. Monica Munaretto

  • ​Academic Development and Retention Specialist, Student Success Office, University of Waterloo

• ​Evelyn Giannopoulos:

  • ​Academic Leader & Former Associate Director of Education, Upper Grand District School Board.

• ​Redwan Siddiqui:

  • ​Professor, School of Business, Conestoga College.

  • ​Sessional Faculty, Wilfred Laurier University.

• ​Neela Hassan:

  • ​PhD Candidate & Sessional Lecturer, Sociology & Legal Studies, University of Waterloo.

  • ​Researcher, Youth in Focus.

• ​Natanela Dain:

  • ​PhD Student, Sociology & Legal Studies, University of Waterloo.

  • ​Research Associate, Social Psychology, University of Toronto.

​EVENT SPONSORS

• ​Iman Law Professional Corporation

• ​Accelerator Centre - Canada’s #1 Private Business Accelerator