🌟 Ready to make an impact? RAISE‘S XChanges 2025 Conference is here to break down barriers, amplify voices, and recognize the leadership of People of Colour (POC) in the world of sports. Join us for an unforgettable event dedicated to honouring POC in sports—where we address systemic challenges, celebrate achievements, and ignite change.
🔥 Speakers | Workshops | Exclusive Giveaways | Lunch Provided 🔥
Get ready to hear from inspiring leaders, participate in interactive workshops, and walk away with exclusive swag — plus a chance to win amazing prizes! Lunch will be provided for all attendees—while supplies last. This is your moment to connect, learn, and help build a more inclusive future in sports. 🙌
Keynote Speaker
Jessica Roque – We’re excited to welcome keynote speaker Jessica Roque, head coach of the Warriors women’s basketball team. Jessica has led her team to historic success and coached Canada’s U16 and U19 national teams. As a former Cleveland State player and advocate for Indigenous youth basketball, she brings a powerful perspective on leadership, inclusion, and breaking barriers in sports.
Student Panel
Featuring voices from across our community:
Kate Huh – is a second-year Health Sciences student at the University of Waterloo and a dedicated athlete on the Varsity Women’s Basketball Team. As a proud South Korean, Kate brings a unique global perspective to both her academics and athletics. She’s passionate about building community, celebrating diversity, and uplifting others through shared experiences. Kate is thrilled to be part of the XChanges Conference with UWRaise and looks forward to meaningful conversations at this empowering event.
Samantha DeSouza – is a fifth-year student-athlete at the University of Waterloo, proudly representing the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team. As both a competitor and leader, she’s embraced opportunities to grow on and off the field—whether through mentorship, team leadership, or pushing her limits in high-stakes games. Beyond the pitch, Samantha is fueled by a passion for travel and global experiences, which she’s woven into her academic journey through enriching co-op placements around the world. She brings a dynamic perspective shaped by teamwork, adaptability, and a love for discovering new cultures.
Jyasi Daniel
Oko-Oboh
🎁 GIVEAWAYS & SWAG
All attendees will receive an exclusive XChanges swag bag, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of these amazing prizes:
🏀 Nike duffle bag
🎁 Sport Chek gift card
💪 5 Hustl + Flow classes and sauna passes
Winners will be announced during the Closing & Giveaway Segment at the end of the event!
🗓️ Event Schedule
10:00 – 10:30 AM — Check-in
10:30 – 11:00 AM — Introduction
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — First workshop
12:30 – 1:45 PM — Lunch (SLC MPR)
1:45 – 3:00 PM — Second workshop (Student Panel)
3:00 – 3:15 PM — Break
3:15 – 4:20 PM — Keynote Speaker: Jessica Roque
4:25 – 4:50 PM — Networking Hour
4:50 – 5:30 PM — Closing & Giveaway Winners Announcement
🎟️ Ticket Info
General Admission | 🗓️ Go on sale: August 22 🛑 Sales end: September 25
- $12 – Waterloo Undergrad
- $15 – Waterloo Grad, Alumni, & Staff
At the Door (Limited) |🗓️ On sale: October 4, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- $15 – Last Call – Event day tickets includes Waterloo undergrads, grads, alumni and staff
🎟️ Reserve your tickets below🎟️
Let’s shape a more inclusive future in sports—starting here.
What is XChanges?
Community building is one of RAISE’s core pillars, focused on engaging the Waterloo community through impactful events. We do this by hosting a variety of events, both big and small. Our signature event, XChanges, is an annual conference that brings together thought leaders and changemakers to share their experiences, insights, and expertise based on a specific theme.
💬 Join the conversation, learn, and take action.
Questions related to the event? Email raise@wusa.ca or raise2@wusa.ca
Disclaimer: Photographers & videographers will record this event. Images and audio may be broadcast, reproduced and/or made available in print publications, online or on mobile devices, and may form part of one or more audio-visual productions intended for initial release on the internet, television and on home or mobile devices. By attending this event, you are consenting to the use of your appearance, image, and voice in the production and in any promotion or use of the production in any media throughout the world.
Event is subject to change. Visit this page for the most up to date details.