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Katie Heggtveit

TEDx Speaker, Doctoral Student at Vanderbilt University, and Founder of Bootcamps for Change

Katie Heggtveit is a social entrepreneur and fitness advocate who has made significant contributions to helping youth experiencing homelessness through her organization, Bootcamps for Change (#SweatierForTheBetter).14

Background and Achievements

In 2017, Katie founded Bootcamps for Change, an in-shelter wellness program for youth experiencing homelessness in Toronto.1 As a certified group fitness instructor, she initially led weekly classes to improve the health of participants.1 The program aims to erase stereotypes, build self-esteem, enhance community connections, and demonstrate how fitness can help break the cycle of poverty for at-risk youth.14

Katie's efforts have been recognized with several accolades:

  • She was awarded the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship in 2022 for her work with Bootcamps for Change.1
  • Her organization has been described as an award-winning, not-for-profit social venture.5

Career Transition

In 2021, Katie transitioned from her role as Director of Impact at Bootcamps for Change to an advisory position.13 This change allowed her to accept a new role at St. Paul's GreenHouse, where she now supports student-led social innovation ventures in achieving their personal, academic, and professional goals.1

Education and Professional Development

Katie is currently pursuing further education to enhance her skills in organizational performance:

  • She is enrolled in a doctoral program that will provide her with practical skills to improve organizational performance.2
  • Her studies focus on acquiring knowledge, understanding, and analytical capabilities to drive organizational success.2

Through her work with Bootcamps for Change and her ongoing education, Katie Heggtveit continues to demonstrate her commitment to social innovation and using fitness as a tool for positive change in the lives of vulnerable youth.

Highlights

Apr 18 · uwaterloo.ca
Katie Heggtveit awarded the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship
Katie Heggtveit awarded the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship
8 Great Minutes with Katie Heggtveit, Founder of Bootcamps for ...
8 Great Minutes with Katie Heggtveit, Founder of Bootcamps for ...
Mar 4 · canfitpro.com
Heggtveit, Katie - canfitpro

Related Questions

What inspired Katie Heggtveit to start Bootcamps for Change?
How has Katie's role evolved since transitioning to an advisory position?
What are some success stories from the Bootcamps for Change program?
How does Katie measure the impact of Bootcamps for Change?
What challenges has Katie faced in running Bootcamps for Change?
Katie Heggtveit
Katie Heggtveit, photo 1
Katie Heggtveit, photo 2
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Experience

Founder and Advisor at Bootcamps for Change, Toronto, Canada (August 2017 - Present), Manager, Innovation at University of Waterloo (August 2021 - December 2022); Course Instructor at McMaster University Department of Medicine (February 2022 - December 2022)

Education

Doctoral Student in Education Leadership and Policy at Vanderbilt University (2023 - 2026), Master of Management Innovation & Entrepreneurship from Smith School of Business at Queen's University (2020 - 2021); BASc in Nutrition and Food & Certificate in Food Security from Ryerson University (2016 - 2019)

Location

Nashville, Tennessee, United States