For St. Mary’s University student Shavoy Edwards, attending Future Makers 2026 was an opportunity to turn curiosity into clarity.
Edwards, who is in her final year of a General Studies degree with a focus in Business Management and Social Entrepreneurship, joined more than 100 students from across North America at Platform Calgary for the interactive event. Representing eight post-secondary institutions, participants explored Calgary’s growing tech and innovation ecosystem through networking, storytelling, and a dynamic scavenger hunt experience.
“I went to the Future Makers event because of curiosity,” Edwards said. “I wanted to hear directly from people who are working in the industries I’m interested in.”
That curiosity quickly translated into meaningful insight. Throughout the day, Edwards and her team rotated through a series of “pitstops,” connecting with founders, investors, and community partners. These conversations offered a firsthand look at the realities of building careers in innovation and entrepreneurship.
“I was hoping to get a better idea of what career paths are available for my interests and degree, make some connections, and learn what skills I should be focusing on,” she said.
The experience reinforced what Edwards has been learning in the classroom at St. Mary’s. Concepts such as strategy, branding, problem-solving, and professional development came to life through the stories shared by industry professionals.
“It connected well to what we’re learning in class,” she explained. “It helped me see how the concepts we learn show up in the real world.”
One of the most impactful aspects of the event was hearing the diverse journeys of those working in the field. Rather than a single formula for success, Edwards encountered a wide range of paths shaped by persistence, adaptability, and passion.
“Hearing real stories about how people started, the challenges they faced, and how they moved forward made everything feel more realistic,” she said. “It made me realize that there isn’t just one path to success and it is okay to have different career paths.”
For Edwards, the experience made her future feel not only possible, but within reach.
“It showed me that if I put in the effort, stay consistent, and enjoy what I do, I can be successful.”
When asked to describe Future Makers in one word, her answer was immediate: motivating.
“It gave me a clearer picture of what’s possible after university,” she said. “It also motivated me not to be afraid of the world, but to embrace it and take my goals and vision more seriously.”
Events like Future Makers highlight the power of experiential learning, bridging the gap between academic study and professional practice. For St. Mary’s students like Edwards, these opportunities are more than just networking events. They are moments of discovery that inspire confidence, build connections, and shape the path forward.
As Edwards prepares to graduate, she carries with her not only knowledge from the classroom, but a renewed sense of purpose and possibility for what comes next.