Collabüro Live Brings Ottawa Changemakers Together Across Business, Creativity, Mental Health and Community Service

The event will bring together entrepreneurs, creatives, mental health professionals and community leaders for an evening of honest conversation about creating meaningful change—and continuing the work when challenges arise.

Rather than focusing only on professional accomplishments, Collabüro Live will explore the stories behind the work: what motivates changemakers, how they respond to setbacks, and what they have learned about serving others while building sustainable initiatives.

For members of Ottawa’s Muslim community, the conversation will touch on several areas that are especially relevant today, including culturally responsive mental health support, community service, ethical entrepreneurship, creativity and the importance of building relationships across different sectors.

Meet the featured changemakers

Berak Hussain, MA, RP is a registered psychotherapist, founder of Serene Nafs Wellness and the voice behind The Muslim Counsellor. With more than 20 years of experience in mental health and community work, she brings culturally responsive and faith-informed perspectives to conversations about trauma, grief, anxiety, identity, relationships and emotional wellbeing.

Lubna Aggar is the Ottawa Shelter Manager with Nisa Foundation. She will bring insights from her work supporting women and families experiencing difficult circumstances, as well as the importance of compassionate and community-centred service.

Chris Castillo is a serial entrepreneur, author, business coach and entrepreneurship educator at Algonquin College. He has launched businesses across several industries and is the founder of Master Entrepreneur. His contribution will explore the realities of building ventures, learning through experience and helping others pursue entrepreneurship.

Jarrod Goldsmith is an Ottawa small-business community builder, speaker and founder of eSAX Networking. Known for bringing entrepreneurs and organizations together, he will share perspectives on relationship-building, collaboration and the role strong networks play in creating opportunity.

Eyob Tzu is a creative, storyteller and community builder who leads The Dojo, an Ottawa creative community. His work helps people move through creative blocks, develop their ideas and gain the confidence to make and share their work.

The evening will be hosted by Bassem Elghawaby, Creative Hub and Community Lead at Collabüro and founder of Grassroots Multimedia. A writer, published poet and community connector, Elghawaby develops experiences at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, mental health and community.

More than a speaker event

Collabüro Live is designed to be participatory. Alongside the featured conversations, attendees will have opportunities to ask questions, exchange ideas and meet others who are working toward positive change in Ottawa.

The event is also intended to introduce an ongoing monthly platform through which different voices, organizations and communities can meet, learn from one another and explore future collaborations.

Whether attendees are developing a business, leading a nonprofit initiative, working in a helping profession, pursuing a creative calling or simply looking for meaningful connections, they are welcome to take part.

Light bites, snacks and one complimentary non-alcoholic drink are included with admission.

Event details

Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: 6:00–9:30 p.m.
Location: Collabüro Coworking & Events Space, 499 Preston Street, Ottawa
Regular admission: $25 plus tax
Capacity is limited.

Muslim Link readers can receive an exclusive 30% discount by entering the promo code MuslimLink when purchasing their tickets.

Tickets and additional information are available through Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/collaburo-live-changemakers-in-action-tickets-2001243960558

Collabüro Live is presented by Collabüro Coworking & Events Space, with Grassroots Multimedia as media partner and eSAX Networking and Master Entrepreneur as community partners.