Part 2 of 3
Every year, the Telfer School of Management presents the Young Achiever’s Award to inspiring alumni under the age of 40 who have demonstrated professional excellence, made a positive impact in their community, and continuously engaged with their alma mater.
This year, in part two of our award series, we celebrate the accomplishments of four rising stars and explore how their experiences at Telfer helped drive their success today.
Lissa Moore (BCom ’11): Redefining the art of giving
Lissa Moore is president and co-founder of Shop moi ça, a business specializing in high-end gift boxes featuring local products. She has developed innovative solutions that highlight the talent of local Quebec craftspersons and are redefining the art of giving, for both individuals and businesses. Lissa is actively involved in Telfer initiatives, discussing her career in entrepreneurship, including as a guest speaker, and consulting on developing case studies for MBA students.
What learning experience at the Telfer School of Management left the deepest impression on you?
Without a doubt, the Jeux du commerce was the experience that taught me the most during my time at Telfer. That’s where I developed quick strategic thinking reflexes, analytical rigour and the ability to work under pressure with a close-knit team. Presenting in front of judges in short time periods, defending an idea, adjusting in real time... all that prepared me better for the unpredictability of the business world than any course. Even today, I draw on this knowledge every time I have to make quick decisions or propose an idea through a sales pitch.
Where did your desire to get into business come from? How did you get started in your current career?
We got the idea one uneventful evening when my sister and I had to find — again! — a gift from our group. Shopping, I had a flash of inspiration: What if we completely reinvented gift giving? So I just wrote my sister: “I’ve got to talk to you about a project.” She answered without missing a beat: “Go on. Let’s do it!” Something clicked. I’d always been entrepreneurially minded, but right then, I decided to act. The project combined everything I loved: marketing, creativity, local impact and making experiences that bring people together.
How do you make connections with the next generation of community and business leaders?
I strongly believe in mentoring and the power of discussion, in real conversation and entrepreneurs supporting each other. I’m involved in local events, I discuss my career with the younger generation and I encourage those who dare to dream big. Those who follow us need accessible, people-centred models. If I can inspire them, even just a little, it will make me very proud.
Elizabeth Audette-Bourdeau (BCom ’16): Caring entrepreneurship in action
Elizabeth Audette-Bourdeau is CEO and founder of Welbi, a platform for seniors’ communities offering customized, rewarding experiences for over 175,000 residents. Named one of Ottawa Business Journal’s Top Forty Under 40 in 2023 and inspired by her grandfather’s career in health care, Elizabeth combines compassion, innovation and data to redefine aging through technology. As a student, Elizabeth took part in many university clubs and competitions, where she showed her knack for leadership and innovation.
What learning experience at the Telfer School of Management left the deepest impression on you?
The learning experience that left the deepest impression was the rich interpersonal relationships. The connections I made with other students laid the foundation for my professional network, which allowed me to receive the mentorship and support I needed to start Welbi. I was also inspired by professors with real entrepreneurial experience from whom I could gain practical knowledge. Interuniversity competitions gave me the opportunity to apply my learning outside the classroom, in front of actual managers. Finally, Telfer support, particularly through scholarships, gave me the boost I needed to experiment with my first businesses during my bachelor’s.
Where did your desire to get into business come from? How did you get started in your current career?
I grew up in an inspiring environment—a father who was an entrepreneur and a mother who was director of a youth centre network. Both worked passionately to make a positive impact on their surroundings. When I was very young, I understood the value of hard work, leadership and pushing your limits. My parents always encouraged me with my plans, listening, and offering advice and support. I always knew I’d become an entrepreneur. When my grandfather moved into a home, I saw the major challenges associated with seniors’ wellness. That moment was the trigger. I saw the opportunity to establish a business that would have a real impact, while building a team coming together around a compassionate, universal cause.
How do you make connections with the next generation of community and business leaders?
I form connections with the next generation of leaders by being actively involved in entrepreneurial ecosystems like Invest Ottawa, which offers support while facilitating connections among founders. We’re also part of several investment funds that allow us to talk to other businesses. Ottawa has a strong entrepreneurial culture. Many leaders give back to the community, and I make sure to do the same by supporting entrepreneurs who must face similar challenges to those we faced with Welbi. Our network has played a key role in our growth, and I strongly believe in the importance of having people around you and helping each other out to build long-lasting businesses.
Corey Ellis (BCom ‘18) & Alida Burke (BCom ‘19): Building a Greener Canada
Corey Ellis and Alida Burke are the founders of successful local startup Growcer, with Corey currently serving as CEO and Alida as CFO. Since forming their venture as Telfer students, this hardworking entrepreneurial duo has catapulted Growcer into one of North America's leading modular hydroponic equipment companies.
Named two of the most influential Canadians in climate action by Maclean’s in its 2024 edition of The Power List, Alida and Corey have a bold vision, which includes developing an innovative fund to lower the capital barrier for food projects. Alida and Corey were also recognized as two of Ottawa Business Journal’s Top Forty Under 40 in 2022. Together, they have empowered more than 100 communities across North America to grow food locally, yielding more than 10 million servings of vegetables year-round. They were highly engaged in student life at the school and, as alumni, they continue to be actively involved in the Telfer community. Most recently, Alida served as a panel member for the launch of the school’s Green Academy in September.
What was your most memorable learning experience at Telfer?
Corey: Getting hands-on experience with fundraising, leading teams, and sales through extra-curriculars such as Enactus uOttawa and Place à la jeunesse. By getting involved in student life, I was able to apply the things I learned in class to the real world and build skills that I carry with me to this day.
Alida: My most memorable experience was joining one of the student clubs, Enactus uOttawa, as that opened my horizons to what business could look like and led me to meeting my business partner and starting our company.
What was your biggest professional challenge after graduating, and how did you overcome it?
Corey: Bootstrapping Growcer in the early years and stretching every dollar while also having no reputation in our industry, only a few initial customers, and trying to wear many hats at once within the business.
Alida: Building the business that Growcer has become was the biggest learning opportunity. It came with many challenges, but through mentorship, coaching, and remaining open to constructive feedback, we have been able to invest in our growth as leaders to meet the challenges that entrepreneurship brings.
How do you connect with the next generation of community and business leaders?
Corey: I heard a saying once that has stuck with me through my entrepreneurial journey, “Always keep a mentor, a peer, and a mentee as sounding boards within your support network.” Having at minimum these three gives me perspective and allows me to get outside advice and constantly test my own assumptions.
Alida: The broader entrepreneurial community in Ottawa played a vital role to support us to where we are today, from uOttawa to Carleton to Invest Ottawa and more. Therefore, we always try to support the next generation of leaders through various events, mentorship or give back opportunities—because we know how powerful they can be.
Congratulations to all of the 2025 Young Achiever’s Award recipients! Your entrepreneurial spirit, paired with an unwavering dedication to building a better Canada, will continue to inspire people across industries and communities. Your success serves as a great example of the Telfer effect—our alumni community sharing their strengths, energy, and expertise with the world.
The awards moments don’t end here. Read about the remarkable achievements of the R. Trudeau Medal recipients and community builders.
Interested in nominating an alumnus or alumna who exemplifies the Telfer spirit and business excellence for the 2026 Telfer Awards? We accept nominations for the R. Trudeau Medal and the Young Achiever’s Award starting in February 2026.
