1. Please tell us about yourself:
My name is Jaydee Tarpeh and I am an alumnus of the University of Windsor (’16) with a B.Sc. in Biology and Economics.
Do you have any other education you would like to highlight?
I have a degree from the School of Life! haha 🙂
A quick highlight Jaydee’s personal story:
I grew up during the civil war in Liberia. Went off to boarding school in a different country at the age of 15. Came to Canada as an international student in 2011.
During my time as a student, I was very involved on campus. I started my involvement as a Resident Assistant, started a club on campus, and then I got involved in student politics as a Board of Directors for the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance (UWSA). In 2015/2016, I was elected and served as the president of the UWSA.
During my term as president, my team and implemented a few major projects. The greatest highlight of that year was having a successful referendum for the Universal Bus Pass. This gave students access to transit at a minimal cost and it gave the city access to over a million dollars of additional revenue to expand its transit offerings.
What brought you to EPICentre?
As a two-time, former international student who has worked with multiple stakeholders at every level in higher education, I have been obsessed with the idea of helping international students and making sure that they do
not miss out on the rich experience that comes with studying in Canada, or in a different country.
With the recent influx of international students in Canada, more and more international
students struggle to transition into a new education system and a new culture. And institutions are also having a hard time providing the best resources and
support for the number of students they are bringing in.
My
startup aims to transform the experience of international students coming into Canada. We are doing this by developing the platform and content that will onboard
international students and put them on the right track as they progress through their degrees. Helping students to thrive in a new academic and social culture.
Since I am an alumnus who lives in Windsor, EPICenter is a great place to
start.
How did you hear about EPICentre?
I had been following the EPICentre since its inception because it is such an invaluable resource on campus for students and alumni.
What are you hoping to learn during your time at EPICentre?
I am hoping to learn how best to get my startup off the ground, how to build a great team, and how to get the funding we need to build this product.
