As rising rents and uncertain futures challenge post-secondary students across Canada, innovative solutions and perspectives are emerging from their ranks.
Susrita Chatterjee, a Master’s student at Saint Mary's University is one such innovator. Participating in a recent business Challenge Wall Contest at Saint Mary’s University, the young woman from India proposed a gamified, visually engaging approach to VIDA’s customer onboarding process. Her idea replaces traditional questionnaires with intuitive avatars, enhancing the user experience and aligning with VIDA’s community-focused vision.
"I'm from a core computer science background and have designed an AI-enabled gamified platform for all kinds of learners," says Chatterjee. "I always look for new challenges to solve with my experience, perspective, and research on the customer base. I found this opportunity very interesting, especially since it involved helping develop communities and social interaction, that’s something I really care about."
Selected as the innovative winner amongst 10 entries, Chatterjee’s proposal not only improves customer engagement but can help strengthen the sense of belonging in VIDA communities. This is particularly vital as Canada grapples with a severe housing shortage that is draining community engagement and affecting mental health. VIDA’s decentralized approach and commitment to affordability, position the company as a leader in the national effort to create more inclusive, sustainable and affordable living spaces.
George Karaphillis, former Dean of the Shannon School of Business at Cape Breton University, underscores the importance of addressing housing issues through education.
“Like healthcare, having a place to live is a basic human need. However, the housing space within our society hasn’t unfolded the same way. Without the biggest three sectors in society: business, government, and community all working together in the economy, our overall quality of life and sustainability may fail us.”
- George Karaphillis
Recognizing affordable housing as a long-standing challenge, Karaphillis was instrumental in launching micro-credential programs at Cape Breton University, focused on the business of the housing sector and specifically affordable housing. These programs aim to fill gaps in traditional business education, equipping students with the knowledge to tackle housing challenges. George advocates for housing to be treated as a basic human need, like healthcare, and emphasizes the need for collaboration across sectors to prevent a decline in the quality of life in Canada.
The housing crisis is certainly altering the student experience in Canada. Zara Straker, a fourth-year commerce student at Dalhousie University, has witnessed firsthand the skyrocketing rents and competitive rental market in Halifax’s South End. Her experience mirrors that of many students who struggle to find affordable housing. Despite facing significant rent increases, Zara continues to prioritize lowering her living costs, recognizing that homeownership may no longer be an attainable goal for her generation.
During a summer internship at VIDA, Zara gained valuable insights into the housing industry and the broader social impact of affordable housing. Her work at VIDA broadened her perspective, highlighting the diverse groups affected by housing challenges, including immigrants, young families, and people with disabilities. Zara’s experience at VIDA also reinforced the importance of working in an environment that values community, collaboration, and empowerment—principles that she plans to carry forward into her future career.
“I realize that coming into the company I had more of a narrow perspective on affordable housing,” says Zara. “My work at VIDA really made me think more broadly about other individuals out there that are impacted. I learned so much and really appreciate the company’s open and collaborative environment. VIDA showed me the value of working for a company with a culture centred around community, collaboration, and empowerment. The opportunity to make a difference outside the office and see the impact in society is important.”
As Canada’s housing crisis persists, the contributions of students like Susrita and Zara, alongside educational initiatives led by figures like George, play a crucial role in driving innovation and fostering collaboration to uncover sustainable solutions. Perhaps we should watch, listen, and learn from what we’re seeing in our post-secondary institutions—the students of today will be the leaders of tomorrow.
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