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Grant

Inaugural Vital People grant awarded

Waterloo – It is with great pleasure that The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation announces the first ever recipient for their new Vital People grant program.

Ramy Nassar, recognized entrepreneur, community volunteer, and leader is “both humbled and thrilled to be chosen by The Foundation for their inaugural Vital People grant.”

The Vital People grant program supports and recognizes valued leaders who are making outstanding contributions working at non profit organizations. Funded through The KWCF, Vital People grants are awarded to support the formal training or other informal development opportunities that best enable non profit leaders to build their skills or knowledge or apply their experience in different ways to enhance their leadership contributions.

Nassar has made significant gifts of time, treasure, and talent in our community. He co-founded the KW Awesome Foundation which provides $1,000 investments to individuals doing ‘awesome’ things in our community. Nassar has volunteered for Engineers Without Borders Canada and Ignite Waterloo. He currently co-chairs TEDxWaterloo (based on the popular TED conferences) – an independently organized TED event that brings people together to share experiences, spark discussion, and make connections. The second TEDxWaterloo occurred in March of 2011, and under Nassar’s leadership, was extremely successful. He was also recognized by the Waterloo Region Record this year as one of our community’s top 40 Under 40.

The Vital People grant will allow Nassar the opportunity to attend the highly coveted TEDGlobal conference in Scotland. The conference is by invitation only and Nassar has been asked to speak at a special workshop for TEDx organizers from around the world. “From the secrets of the biological processes in our body to the cultural constructs in our society, TEDGlobal 2011 will be a celebration of life in all its forms – what an amazing opportunity,” shares Nassar.

“We’re absolutely delighted to support this dynamic young man,” shares Rosemary Smith, CEO of The KWCF. “He has contributed so much in such a short time from which our community has benefitted greatly. He will be able to bring back ideas from this conference to share with the rest of us.”