I hope all is well with you guys. When we spoke last, you mentioned that you wanted me to keep you updated on what I’ve been up to, and some folks in the main office were interested in having me back for career day, etc. Since I came by in January, life’s done a bit of an about-face (in the best way possible). I was slated to begin work in brand management at L’Oreal Canada’s main HQ in Montreal in May, but I remember mentioning that I was also going to China for a competition.

Long story short, I ended up winning that competition and out of 10,000+ teams I’m now in the Global Finals (Top 6) of the Hult Prize (we’re under ‘Shanghai’), which is the world’s largest social entrepreneurship competition, run by Hult Business School and the Clinton Global Initiative. In September we will be pitching our idea – which revolves around combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in urban slums – for $1mm in seed funding from President Clinton, Mohammed Yunus, and others.

To give you a brief overview, our business, called REACH Diagnostics, revolves around using simple urinalysis tests as a screening and monitoring tool for urban slum dwellers suffering from diabetes.

Just thought I’d give you guys a heads-up as to what’s going on. Any successes that I’ve achieved and will achieve are a direct result of the great educational foundation I’ve had, and over 14 years, Town Centre played a vital role in my formation.

Let me know if you have any questions. Looking forward to hearing what’s new at the school and the initiatives you guys are launching!

Best,
Luca De Blasis
Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer, REACH Diagnostics