The Mentorship Podcast

Dr. Sarika Cullis-Suzuki is a marine biologist by trade, science communicator, and co-host of The Nature of Things. Sarika holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, a master’s in Zoology from the University of British Columbia, and a PhD in Marine Biology from the University of York in the UK. In 2022, Sarika took on the role of co-host for The Nature of Things on CBC, following in the footsteps of her father, the legendary David Suzuki. In this conversation, we explore the fascinating field of marine biology and what it means to build a career in science communication. If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episodes: S4E02: Dr. Shawna Pandya, Physician & Scientist-Astronaut Candidate - The Field of Space Medicine (Spotify, Apple, Our Website) S3E01: Dr. Imogen Coe, Professor of Biology - Becoming a Leader in STEM & Academia (Spotify, Apple, Our Website) Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. Follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. New episodes every other Tuesday. Also available to watch on YouTube. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services.

Maria Papadakis is a sport media alum from Toronto Metropolitan University. Maria is currently a digital audio producer and talent at KiSS 92.5 with the iconic Roz and Mocha Show, as well as a host for Toronto FC. In this conversation, Maria shares her inspiring journey of pursuing her dream career in media, including internships, a remarkable seven-year career with Toronto FC, and her success in the fast-paced world of radio. If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episodes: S4E01: Sarah Jenkins, CBC Sports Producer – A Career in Sport Media (Spotify, Apple, Our Website) Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. Follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. New episodes every other Tuesday. Also available to watch on YouTube. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services.

Adam Liberti is an investor advisor at TD Wealth Private Investment Advice. Adam holds a Bachelor of Human Resources Management from York University and a Master of Business Administration from Dalhousie University. In this conversation, we talk about Adam’s academic and career path, specifically how Adam has evolved and advanced through various roles at TD. If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episode: S3E03: Maggie Ma, Geospatial Data Scientist – How to Break into the Field of Data Science (Spotify, Apple, Our Website) Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. Follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. New episodes every other Tuesday. Also available to watch on YouTube. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services.

Sarah Lauren is a fashion grad and content creator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Communication from Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as a Masters in Fashion Management from Parsons School of Design in New York. In this conversation, we talk about the ins and outs of these programs, internships, job opportunities, and their challenges. We also discuss how Sarah developed a passion for social media while she navigated her path and how that led to her current role. Tune in to be mentored! Connect with Sarah: TikTok: @sarahlauren71 Instagram: @sarahlauren_71 If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episodes: S4E03: Shiwangi Singh – Building a Career in Marketing, Advertising & Social Media (Spotify, Apple, Our Website) S4E01: Sarah Jenkins, CBC Sports Producer – A Career in Sport Media (Spotify, Apple, Our Website) Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. Follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. New episodes every other Tuesday. Also available to watch on YouTube. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services.

Dr. Neety Kochar is a Toronto-based optometrist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences with a minor in biochemistry from McMaster University, as well as a Doctor of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry. In this conversation, we discuss the path to becoming an optometrist, including internships, rotations, and so much more. Dr. Kochar also describes how she expands her horizons outside of the clinic and continues to find inspiration in her career. Tune in to be mentored! If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episodes: S3E02: Seann Seto, Pharmacist & Medical Science Liaison – The Wide Scope of Pharmacy (Spotify, Apple, Our Website) S2E06: Dr. Nik Sharma, Pediatric Dentist – Creating a Balanced Career in Dentistry (Spotify, Apple, Our Website) Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. Follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. New episodes every other Tuesday. Also available to watch on YouTube. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services.

Jason Glionna has an educational background in architecture and is currently a Design Coordinator for Toronto’s Business Improvement Areas (BIA). He holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural science from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Master of Architecture from Newcastle University. In this conversation, we discuss the challenges of architecture programs, including how to navigate their rigorous nature, as well as the diverse applications of architecture. If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episodes: S3E06: Sahar Kausar, Disney Technical Director – Merging Art & Engineering through Animation (Spotify, Apple, Our Website) S2E04: Alessandro Profenna, Gameplay Programmer – Building Your Portfolio (Spotify, Apple, Our Website) Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. Follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. New episodes every other Tuesday. Also available to watch on YouTube. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services.

Stephanie Curcio is the CEO and co-founder of NLPatent. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Toronto and a law degree from Western University. After building a career as an intellectual property lawyer, Stephanie ventured into the entrepreneurial world, co-founding NLPatent, an AI-driven patent search and analytics platform. In this conversation, we dive deep into Stephanie’s career path and discuss how she combined her passion for both science and law through intellectual property law and NLPatent. If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episodes: S3E05: Narin Sdieq – The Path to Becoming a Lawyer (Spotify, Apple, Our Website) S1E03: Lauren Phillips, CPO of BioBox Analytics – Shaping TechBio, A Startup Diary (Spotify, Apple, Our Website) Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. Follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. New episodes every other Tuesday. Also available to watch on YouTube. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services.

Dr. Marc Adler is a professor of chemistry at Toronto Metropolitan University. Dr. Adler earned his Bachelor of Science in chemistry from UC Berkeley, followed by a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Duke University, and completed postdoctoral work at both Yale and Oxford. He has held faculty positions in both the US and Canada, with his latest role at TMU. In this conversation, Dr. Adler discusses how he navigated his career, as well as his entrepreneurial endeavours with his startup VI SIX, which focuses on innovative spirits through chemistry and collaboration. Connect with Dr. Marc Adler: VI SIX: https://www.vi-six.ca/ The MJA Lab: https://www.themjalab.com/ If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episodes: S2E01: Dr. Helen Tran, Professor of Chemistry – Defining Success on the Path to Professorship S1E04: Jelena Madzarevic, Building & Material Sciences Specialist – Applying Chemistry to Construction S1E03: Lauren Phillips, CPO of BioBox Analytics – Shaping TechBio, A Startup Diary Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes:. Follow and subscribe on your preferred platform to stay tuned for more updates. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services.

In the season finale episode, we are joined by Daniel Reale, a freelance journalist. Daniel received a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and Anthropology from the University of Toronto. Since graduating, Daniel has worked as an associate editor within trade publications, followed by a journalism fellowship at The Globe and Mail. In this conversation, Daniel discusses the field of journalism, as well as his journey and challenges. Connect with Daniel and view his work: https://www.danielrc.ca/ If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episode, S4E01: Sarah Jenkins, CBC Sports Producer – A Career in Sport Media. Stream on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website. Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. Follow & subscribe on your preferred podcast platform to stay tuned for more updates. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services.

Laura Giudice completed a Trade Certificate in Plumbing Technology at Humber College before entering the trade. She is currently in her fourth year of her plumbing apprenticeship and works in the commercial service sector. In this conversation, Laura talks about how she entered the trades, as well as her challenges and experience as a woman in the trades. She also breaks down the route to becoming a licensed plumber and the diverse opportunities within this industry. Connect with Laura: @My_Plumbing_Adventure on Instagram & TikTok If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episode, S1E04: Jelena Madzarevic, Building & Material Sciences Specialist – Applying Chemistry to Construction. Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website. Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. New episode every other Tuesday! Follow & subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about the mission and services of Ment.

Michal Malyska is a machine learning scientist and engineer. Michal received a Bachelor of Science in math and statistics from the University of Toronto. He then completed a Master of Science in statistics at UofT. During this time, he joined a startup called Semantic Health as its first employee, where he worked as a machine learning scientist. In this conversation, Michal talks about his experience as an international student, career trajectory changes, the startup space, and more. If you liked this episode: S3E03: Maggie Ma, Geospatial Data Scientist - How to Break into the Field of Data Science. Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website. Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. New episode every other Tuesday! Follow & subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about the mission and services of Ment.

Shiwangi Singh is a search and social specialist at Havas Media Group. Shiwangi completed her bachelor’s degree in banking and insurance in India. After working in finance, she made a career transition and explored marketing. Shiwangi moved to Canada and studied marketing management at Humber College, followed by social media marketing at Seneca College. In this conversation, Shiwangi tells us about how she built a career in marketing, advertising, and social media. Connect with Shiwangi: @themirroredlife on Instagram & TikTok If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episodes on similar fields: S4E01: Sarah Jenkins, CBC Sports Producer – A Career in Sport Media S1E06: Stephanie Loureiro, CSO of Speer Technologies – From Media Production to Tech Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. New episode every other Tuesday! Follow and subscribe on your preferred platform. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services.

Dr. Shawna Pandya is a physician and scientist-astronaut candidate. Dr. Pandya received a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience from the University of Alberta. Then, she received a Master of Science in space studies from the International Space University before returning to the University of Alberta to complete her medical degree. In this conversation, Dr. Pandya tells us all about how she merged her passions through the field of space medicine. Connect with Dr. Shawna Pandya: Instagram/Twitter: @shawnapandya, LinkedIn, Facebook If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episode, S3E04: Dr. Humza Nusrat, Medical Physicist - Shepherding Physics and Tech into Healthcare. Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website. Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. New episode every other Tuesday! Follow and subscribe on your preferred platform. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about the mission and services of Ment.

In our season four premiere, we are joined by Sarah Jenkins a sport media producer, content creator, and host and producer of Talking Fast. Sarah received a Bachelor of Arts in sport media from Toronto Metropolitan University. She is currently working as a producer of strategy and special projects at CBC Sports for the Olympic Games. In this conversation, we breakdown the field of sport media and Sarah’s career. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/kybhz3bIK5w Connect with Sarah: Talking Fast Podcast Social media: sarahjenkinsxo If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episode featuring an RTA School of Media alum, S1E06: Stephanie Loureiro, CSO of Speer – From Media Production to Tech. Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website. Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. New episode every other Tuesday! Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about the mission and services of Ment.

In our first bonus episode, we dive into the pre-law journey, featuring Yosser Kareem, the head chair of the Pre-Law Association at York University (PLAY). In this conversation, we talk about the steps leading to law school, including choosing an undergrad, mock trial competitions, LSATs, law school applications, networking, and more! Connect with PLAY on Instagram If you liked this episode, we recommend our previous episode, S3E05: Narin Sdieq – The Path to Becoming a Lawyer. Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website. Fill out our anonymous feedback form to let us know what you want us to include in future episodes. New season coming February 6th. Follow & subscribe to stay tuned. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about the mission and services of Ment.

In our season three finale episode, we are joined by Sahar Kausar, a technical director at Disney Television Animation. Sahar attended the University of Florida and received a dual Bachelor of Science in computer science engineering and digital arts, as well as two art minors in studio arts and fine arts. She then completed a master’s in entertainment technology at Carnegie Mellon University. After graduating, Sahar worked at Walt Disney Imagineering as a technical animator and animatronics programmer, then at Walt Disney Animation Studios as a character technical director. Some of her notable projects include Encanto, WISH, Baymax!, and Tokyo Disneyland: Enchanted Tale of Beauty & the Beast. Now, Sahar is a technical director at Disney Television Animation and is currently part of the team for Monsters at Work on Disney+. In this conversation, Sahar tells us how she merges her passion for art and engineering through her career. She also tells us about the different roles she has worked in at Disney and the steps that she took to achieve these positions. Connect with Sahar: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about the mission and services of Ment. Episode Transcript

This week, we are joined by our first lawyer, Narin Sdieq. Narin attended York University and received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in political science and a minor in women’s studies. She attended law school at Queen’s University and completed her articling position at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Now, she is working as a lawyer in the Department of Justice in Ottawa. In this conversation, we break down every step to becoming a lawyer, including high school initiatives, the LSAT, law school, internships, articling, the bar, industry positions, and more! Narin also tells us how she incorporates her passion for social justice and her interest for the different types of law into her career today. New podcast episodes every Tuesday. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about the mission and services of Ment. 0:00: Intro | 2:22: Early life | 7:15: High school initiatives | 9:38: University options & undergraduate degree | 22:19: Law school applications | 31:46: Law school at Queen’s | 43:13: Articling | 46:39: Studying for the bar | 51:00: Current role at the Department of Justice & future goals | 56:58: Outro Episode Transcript

Dr. Humza Nusrat is a medical physicist, researcher, and professor. Dr. Nusrat attended Ontario Tech University, formerly known as UOIT, and received a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences. He then attained his PhD in biomedical physics at Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly known as Ryerson. Following his PhD, Dr. Nusrat completed his medical physics residency. Now, he is working as a medical physicist in one of Canada’s largest cancer clinics at Sunnybrook Hospital. He also works as an assistant professor in physics and leads his own research lab building virtual reality tools for healthcare. In this conversation, Dr. Nusrat breaks down a career path in medical physics and its importance in healthcare. He also discusses scholarships, research placements, career opportunities, and more! Connect with Dr. Humza Nusrat: Twitter & LinkedIn New podcast episodes every Tuesday. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about the mission and services of Ment.

Maggie Ma, also known as Maggie in Data, is a geospatial data scientist. Maggie attended the University of Toronto as an international student and received a bachelor’s degree with a double major in statistics and human geography, as well as a minor in geographic information systems. Now, Maggie works as a data scientist on the AI research team for a startup called Quincus and she is pursuing a certification in artificial intelligence from Stanford University. In today’s conversation, Maggie tells us how she merged her interests for statistics and human geography through geospatial data science. We also learn about her role as a content creator and the tips she gives for how to break into the field of data science. Connect with Maggie: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: maggieindata New podcast episodes every Tuesday. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about the mission and services of Ment. Episode Transcript

Seann Seto is a pharmacist and medical science liaison. Seann attended Western University for medical science but left after his third year when he was accepted into pharmacy school. Seann received his PharmD from the University of Toronto and then completed his hospital pharmacy residency at University Health Network. After his residency, Seann worked first as a clinical pharmacist on the oncology team at Toronto General Hospital, then in the cardiology intensive care unit in Sunnybrook Hospital. Now, Seann works in the pharmaceutical industry as a medical science liaison at Eisai Canada, while still practicing as a clinical pharmacist on the side. In our conversation, Seann tells us about his journey, as well as the wide scope of pharmacy and the many career opportunities it has to offer. New podcast episodes every Tuesday. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about the mission and services of Ment. Episode Transcript