SUMMER INTERNSHIP 2007
		Chris Kantowicz - MBA Sauder School of Business CEI Host Organization - Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) CEI Funding partner - Sauder School of Business

Hi everyone,

I am a MBA student at the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia. I am specializing in Sustainability and Strategic Management. I worked with Kariann and CEI to host this year’s Leadership and Social Change Career Fair in Vancouver and am a co-leader of the local Net Impact club. I am excited about continuing my relationship with CEI and eager to begin work with the Canadian Mental Health Association this summer.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a not-for-profit society that provides rehabilitation services for people recovering from mental illness as well as education and training to the wider community. I will be working with the Vancouver-Burnaby branch which is an independent local branch of the national organization. This branch has developed Social Enterprise Services which has helped form new businesses which are managed by and employ individuals who are recovering from mental illnesses. My summer project will be to meet with all individuals involved in the past three ventures and with local social enterprises in general to create a template of best practices for future start-ups to employ. This template can hopefully help both the CMHA and other agencies to develop similar, successful ventures.

I look forward to the challenges of the summer and the complexity of the project. I am grateful to CEI, CMHA and Sauder School of Business (funding sponsor) for a summer opportunity that builds upon my training, utilizes my talents and affords me the chance to make a difference. Have a great summer everyone!

Cheers,
Chris