On the Radar
ON THE RADAR | THE LOCALER
Focused on Collective Well-Being
Ridhwanlai Badmos is committed — and ready — to help make the world a better place.
By Dick Snyder
RIDHWANLAI BADMOS IS ALREADY a force for positive change and he’s only 20 years old. The Winnipegger, now a University of British Columbia student, is driven by a passion for how communities can be enhanced by integrating technology and mental health support.
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE THROUGH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY
Badmos founded Wake Up Mental Health when he was a grade 11 student in Winnipeg. The program provides proactive mental health resources, particularly for youth. It emphasizes the importance of self-regulation and emotional understanding, leading activities centred around reading, writing, exercise and art. “That doesn’t mean that you have to draw pictures,” says Badmos. “You can talk about music, talk about sculpture, talk about poetry and exercising.”
Moving to Canada from Nigeria with his family was life-changing. He was four. He spoke no English. He was also driven by curiosity. In grade 9, Badmos got his first smartphone. “I was connected to the Internet and I was like ‘My goodness, the world is so big!’” His interest in community service stems from the concept of ubuntu, which means emphasizing interconnectedness and collective well-being. “My mom says that every time you step out of the house, you represent your skin colour, your religion, your family and all those things. So, how do you uphold yourself? How are you uplifting others?”
FROM COMMUNITY IMPACT TO A FUTURE IN TECH AND POLICY
As a computer science and neuroscience student, Badmos is going deep on tech and artificial intelligence. His résumé already reads like that of a C-suite executive. He received the Loran Scholars Foundation award in recognition of his commitment to service, along with the TD Scholarship for Community Leadership. He is currently working with the Paragon Policy Fellowship, exploring tech opportunities that connect youth with local governments. This summer, he is moving to Toronto to accept an internship with Boston Consulting Group.
Sounds like a lot. How does he keep it all together? “Just enjoying every single step of the way,” Badmos says. “I’m excited for what the world has in store.”
Ridhwanlai Badmos is the founder of Wake Up Mental Health program in Winnipeg. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF RIDHWANLAI BADMOS
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond? We’d love to hear about them. E-mail us your nominations and they could be our featured Localer in an upcoming issue.
ON THE RADAR | PLAYLIST
What Songs Do You Road-Trip to, William Prince?
IF MANITOBA’S WILLIAM PRINCE never issued another album, he’d still go down as one of the country’s most celebrated country roots/gospel singer-songwriters and live performers. He has JUNO Awards (two wins and five nominations), widespread critical acclaim and marquee collaborations with everyone from The Tragically Hip to Serena Ryder to his credit. And let’s not forget that dazzling 2023 appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. As for what makes Prince’s driving time soar, the musician originally from Peguis First Nation says simply, “These songs help me get there faster, whether it’s to a place of peace or the next city after eight hours on the road.” –Kim Hughes
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SIX SHOOTER
We are providing a preview of the artist’s playlist. The full playlist can be experienced directly on Spotify with a free account. Songs may not be appropriate for everyone. Listener discretion is advised.
On the Radar
ON THE RADAR | THE LOCALER
Focused on Collective Well-Being
Ridhwanlai Badmos is committed — and ready — to help make the world a better place.
By Dick Snyder
RIDHWANLAI BADMOS IS ALREADY a force for positive change and he’s only 20 years old. The Winnipegger, now a University of British Columbia student, is driven by a passion for how communities can be enhanced by integrating technology and mental health support.
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE THROUGH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY
Badmos founded Wake Up Mental Health when he was a grade 11 student in Winnipeg. The program provides proactive mental health resources, particularly for youth. It emphasizes the importance of self-regulation and emotional understanding, leading activities centred around reading, writing, exercise and art. “That doesn’t mean that you have to draw pictures,” says Badmos. “You can talk about music, talk about sculpture, talk about poetry and exercising.”
Moving to Canada from Nigeria with his family was life-changing. He was four. He spoke no English. He was also driven by curiosity. In grade 9, Badmos got his first smartphone. “I was connected to the Internet and I was like ‘My goodness, the world is so big!’” His interest in community service stems from the concept of ubuntu, which means emphasizing interconnectedness and collective well-being. “My mom says that every time you step out of the house, you represent your skin colour, your religion, your family and all those things. So, how do you uphold yourself? How are you uplifting others?”
FROM COMMUNITY IMPACT TO A FUTURE IN TECH AND POLICY
As a computer science and neuroscience student, Badmos is going deep on tech and artificial intelligence. His résumé already reads like that of a C-suite executive. He received the Loran Scholars Foundation award in recognition of his commitment to service, along with the TD Scholarship for Community Leadership. He is currently working with the Paragon Policy Fellowship, exploring tech opportunities that connect youth with local governments. This summer, he is moving to Toronto to accept an internship with Boston Consulting Group.
Sounds like a lot. How does he keep it all together? “Just enjoying every single step of the way,” Badmos says. “I’m excited for what the world has in store.”
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond? We’d love to hear about them. E-mail us your nominations and they could be our featured Localer in an upcoming issue.
Ridhwanlai Badmos is the founder of Wake Up Mental Health program in Winnipeg. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF RIDHWANLAI BADMOS
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SIX SHOOTER
ON THE RADAR | PLAYLIST
What Songs Do You Road-Trip to, William Prince?
IF MANITOBA’S WILLIAM PRINCE never issued another album, he’d still go down as one of the country’s most celebrated country roots/gospel singer-songwriters and live performers. He has JUNO Awards (two wins and five nominations), widespread critical acclaim and marquee collaborations with everyone from The Tragically Hip to Serena Ryder to his credit. And let’s not forget that dazzling 2023 appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. As for what makes Prince’s driving time soar, the musician originally from Peguis First Nation says simply, “These songs help me get there faster, whether it’s to a place of peace or the next city after eight hours on the road.” –Kim Hughes
We are providing a preview of the artist’s playlist. The full playlist can be experienced directly on Spotify with a free account. Songs may not be appropriate for everyone. Listener discretion is advised.