Alberto Chávez, BA’25, Accepted into Prestigious Venture for Canada Fellowship
Alberto Chávez, BA'25, is pursuing his passion for entrepreneurship as a 2025 Venture for Canada Fellow.
"Being accepted into Venture for Canada was meaningful because it validated my years of hard work and involvement at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÂÛ̳. This experience means I get to collaborate with others from around Canada and enter the start-up ecosystem," said Chávez.
Venture for Canada's Fellowship Program was designed to fill the gap in entrepreneurial skill development among young adults. For Chávez, who is graduating from Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÂÛ̳ in May with a major in Psychology and minors in Digital Media & Creative Arts, Economics, and Business, this Fellowship means gaining the skills to help him pursue his calling to develop businesses with strong social and economic impact — a passion he discovered at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÂÛ̳.
"My time at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÂÛ̳ has been a learning experience, both professionally and personally. I've experienced tremendous growth in several areas of my life, which enabled me to become a person I'm proud of," he said.
"Through the opportunities that the institution and the community have offered me in these four years, I've had experiences which have moulded me into a well-rounded person. St. Thomas has been both nurturing and challenging, which made a great combination for tremendous growth and support."
Chávez, originally from Quito, Ecuador, was incredibly involved on campus throughout his four years with Venezuela 180, acting as Vice-President of Student Life for Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÂÛ̳SU and notably acting as President for Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÂÛ̳ISA in his third year, where he discovered his passion for entrepreneurship.
"Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÂÛ̳ has prepared me to adapt to different scenarios and work with people worldwide, emphasizing deep reflection and making projects into reality. Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÂÛ̳ gave me the tools and the community necessary for me to put the work in," he said.
The Fellowship is a year-long program for post-secondary graduates, beginning with a three-week training camp at Queen's University. The rest of the year gives Chávez tailored career coaching and professional development virtually.