October 26: Social entrepreneur Michael Lewkowitz opens Net Impact speaker series

Self-described as a “runner, unschooler and entrepreneur,” Michael Lewkowitz gave an engaging presentation to CME students and faculty Monday night at the University Club.

Lewkowitz is the founder of ChangeMedium, a platform for using social media to foster discussion on a particular topic, form consensus and bring about positive change. A former consultant with Andersen Consulting, Lewkowitz also has a number of start-up ventures to his name and is a board member of the Windfall Ecology Centre.

The event was co-sponsored by the University’s chapter of Net Impact and Students Offering Support, and marked the first instalment of Net Impact’s monthly speaker series.

Entitled “Building a better future, sooner,” Lewkowitz’s presentation was interspersed with personal anecdotes and biographical notes, which helped further discussion from the diverse group in attendance.

In an interview prior to the event, Lewkowitz said he wants to encourage young people to see change – any change – as a chance to have a positive impact. And one of the best times to do that, he feels, is as they embark on their working lives.

“If I’m going to build something, why don’t I build something that will have a positive impact?” Lewkowitz asked rhetorically. “Basically, I want to paint a picture of why it’s so important at this time to rethink the way we do things.”

Visit the University of Guelph chapter of Net Impact website.
Visit the University of Guelph chapter of Students Offering Support (SOS) website.