Reflection as an Opportunity for Growth: A Team Lead’s Perspective 

Although reflection is often considered personal, learning to reflect in the workplace can be an effective way to grow professionally. In this blog, Diana discusses the importance of taking the time to reflect and her experience with goal setting at the Innovation Hub. 

Written by Diana Radenko, Graphic Design and Communications Coordinator, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Book and Media Studies

From Design Researcher to Team Lead 

Maxine Ramos' headshot

Maxine started at the Innovation Hub in Fall 2022 as a Design Researcher and in April 2025, they stepped into the role of the Design Research Team Lead. In this blog, Maxine reflects on how their experience at the iHub has given them the courage to embark on a new chapter as a leader and discusses what they are learning from their very first leadership role. 

Written by Maxine Ramos, Design Research Team Lead, Master of Information, UX Design 

Secondary Research in Data Collection 

In this blog, Kubra reflects on her experience of being a design researcher for the Innovation Hub, and how secondary research helped increase her confidence in data collection for the Supporting Student Leaders to Create Change project. 

Kubra Nur Saykili, Design Researcher, Honours Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Science 

The Power of Storytelling 

image of thadseja

In this blog, Thadseja reflects on the presence of storytelling throughout her life. From being in front of a camera in her early years, to now using these same skills in her career, she hopes to use storytelling in her future career as a psychologist.  

Written by Thadseja Perinpanesan, iHub Photographer, HBSc Psychology and Neuroscience at University of Toronto Scarborough.  

What I Learned from Rapid Prototyping 

headshot of Bela

In this blog, Bela discusses the importance of building her sketching skills when working on graphic design projects. Although she’s seen how things can start off rough at the beginning, she reflects how collaboration during the iterative process reveals a clear vision by the end. 

Bela Wong, Graphic Designer, Honours Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History and Communication, Culture, Information, & Technology (CCIT)

Cultivating Community with Design Thinking 

In this blog, Jenny reflects on her time at the iHub – first as a Design Researcher and then as part of the Community Engagement team. Jenny discusses the power of design thinking to create community.

Written by Jenny Phung, Community Engagement Designer and Event Facilitator, Honours Bachelor of Science, Double Major in Global Health and Book & Media Studies, English, Certificate of Sustainability  

Innovation Hour Reflection: Fostering Support & Belonging for Diverse Students 

image of Brooklin

In this blog, Brooklin reflects on the November Innovation Hour event which focused on engagement and belonging for diverse students. Discussions during the first event highlighted a shared belief that meaningful inclusion exists primarily in the services, spaces, and personal touch that shape support and belonging for diverse students. 

Written by Brooklin Becker, Audiovisual Storytelling Team Lead, Master of Information, Knowledge & Information Management 

The Life of a Perfectionist Procrastinator 

image of Angelina

In this blog, Angelina talks about her experience as a student in comparison to the expectations of the workforce. She reflects on the “unlearning journey” she needed to break out of her self-proclaimed perfectionist-procrastinator student cycle. 

Written by Angelina Kim, Community Engagement and Event Facilitator, BCOM, Rotman Commerce 

Collaboration in the Creative Process  

image of blossom

In this blog, Blossom talks about her experience overcoming hurdles to creativity in a shared creative space at the iHub. Through collaboration and iteration, not only was she inspired by others, but she learned about a new environment where she could thrive and produce excellent work.  

Written by Blossom Otisi, Graphic Designer, Honours Bachelor of Science, CCIT Major, Computer Science and Psychology Minors.