Hamza started at Visions of Science as a participant, eventually becoming a volunteer, and later, a paid program facilitator. “I used to be afraid of talking in public,” Hamza shares.

“My mentors [at Visions] helped me grow in so many ways. The whole experience has opened up many doors for me and changed me personally as well for the better.”

Now, Hamza is actively fueling the next generation of STEM futures in his community. While studying computer programming at TMU, Hamza works at Visions of Science, and he’s paying it forward. When he and Ilyas noticed the lack of free programming for youth in Dan Leckie, they filled this critical gap. Using the skills and confidence gained at Visions, they founded D-Way, a non-profit creating supportive, culturally responsive programming for inner-city youth in their community.

A man with braids speaks to a woman at a professional networking event in a bright office space.

This is exponential change, one program multiplying into a movement. The ultimate goal is simple:

“I hope that the next generation will see more familiar faces in STEM… breaking down those barriers and essentially making them feel that they can succeed in these roles.”