OPTION 4
I WORK
HERE
HERE
Build the future
OPTION 4
Build the future
Working alongside social economy experts from the Conseil québécois de la coopération et de la mutualité (CQCM) and the Regional Development Network (RDN), participants design projects that respond to real local needs while strengthening their confidence using French in authentic community settings.
Participation is free.
Introduce your students to Québec’s social economy through a free, stand-alone workshop delivered by the Regional Development Network (RDN).
Collaborate with social economy experts to guide your students through the design and implementation of social entrepreneurship projects that respond to real community needs.
Explore
Discover the social economy, how it works, and its role in Québec.
Design
Identify a community need, select a project, and set shared goals.
Launch
Elect a Board of Directors, develop an action plan, and begin implementation.
Reflect
Evaluate progress, refine the project, and celebrate achievements.
Jessica Cabana is a Youth Cooperative Entrepreneurship Advisor with the Conseil québécois de la coopération et de la mutualité (CQCM), supporting schools and community organizations in creating opportunities for youth to develop leadership, entrepreneurial, and collaborative skills through cooperative projects.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in Community Economic Development from Concordia University. A longtime advocate of the cooperative movement, Jessica co-founded the Hive Café Solidarity Co-op and has contributed to initiatives promoting economic inclusion, democratic participation, and sustainable development. Through her work, she empowers youth to turn ideas into action while fostering cooperation, equity, creativity, and community engagement.
Jessica works with a team of Advisors located across Québec – depending on your region, you may find yourself working with Jessica or one of her incredible colleagues at the CQCM!
MARIO OROPEZA collaborates hand in hand with different minority groups to work for the recognition of their rights. Throughout his career, Mario has boosted welfare public programs. Born and raised in Mexico, Mario has work experience in four different countries for considerable periods of time. He’s therefore used to working with intercultural groups and environments.
Mario finished a master’s degree in political science at Laval University in 2025. He currently works at SEEnet, delivering social economy workshops across English-speaking schools in Québec. Fun (and obvious) fact: he’s a huge fan of Mexican food!
HOFFMAN WOLFF has years of experience working with Québec City’s English-speaking community, having served as the assistant executive director of the Morrin Centre and the president of Voice of English-speaking Québec. He’s also worked as a project coordination consultant with several branches of the provincial government including the SAAQ, the RAMQ, and the CNESST. He presently manages the Regional Development Network’s initiative (SEEnet) to better integrate English speakers in the social economy throughout Québec.
A native of North Carolina, he received his Global Business MBA from Laval University and his undergraduate degree from Roanoke College. Last but not least, he’s a father of two and enjoys baseball a lot ⚾