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Ottawa, ON

Sophia Kandar

I’m a creative, entrepreneur, and someone who genuinely loves bringing people together. I’m the founder of Sukūn, a coffee and experiences brand rooted in connection, community, and slowing down. More recently, I started the Open-Book Club, an initiative focused on tackling loneliness and helping young adults build meaningful relationships. I lead with empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to try new things. I believe leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about taking the first step, bringing people along, and figuring things out together.

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Open-Book Club

Open-Book Club is a community initiative by Sukūn that brings young adults together to tackle loneliness and social isolation through meaningful connection. Inspired by the idea that everyone has a story worth sharing, the project creates welcoming spaces for people to meet, learn from one another, and build genuine friendships. Through facilitated conversations and shared experiences centred around food, art, nature, and movement, Open-Book Club encourages people to slow down, step outside their comfort zones, and find a sense of belonging.

https://sukuncoffee.ca/
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About this Project

Communities Served

My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:

    United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

    When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.

      How the project works

      Taking place from October to December 2026, Open-Book Club will bring young adults together through a community open house, creative art workshops, cooking activities, and guided reflection sessions. These experiences will create opportunities for meaningful conversations, shared learning, and genuine connections, helping participants build friendships and a stronger sense of belonging.

      Project Impact

      Open-Book Club aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness among young adults by creating opportunities for genuine connection and community. Through shared experiences and meaningful conversations, the project helps participants build friendships, feel more connected, and develop a stronger sense of belonging. Beyond individual activities, the goal is to foster lasting relationships and a community that continues to grow.

      Project Mission

      Open-Book Club’s mission is to make meaningful connections more accessible to young adults. By bringing people together through creative activities, shared experiences, and open conversations, the project encourages curiosity, self-expression, and understanding across different backgrounds and perspectives. Its goal is to help people step outside their usual circles, form new friendships, and rediscover the value of community.

      Project Team

      Our team works collaboratively across event planning, logistics, communications, and content creation, bringing different skills and perspectives to the project. Together, they help shape and facilitate experiences that are welcoming, engaging, and accessible, with an emphasis on learning and growing together.

      • Alya H Robert O Bassima R Abdillahi N Rayan I Aliyah G