
Roan Missaghi
Roan lives in Richmond Hill, Ontario. After graduating from college he found it challenging to locate job opportunities. So he started a micro-business called Fidget Island (@fidgetislandco on IG). He manufactures fidget objects that help regulate sensory input and assist with calming and focus, for home use and in portable away-from-home and classroom-friendly styles. He also offers a hands-on, interactive workshop on 3D printing. When not working on his business or doing community service, Roan participates in curling, bowling, rock-climbing, and dragon boating.
How to Build Your Own Job: Conversations with Neurodivergent Young Entrepreneurs
HTBYOJ is a response to reading that up to 80% of neurodivergent people are un- or underemployed. It is a series of peer-to-peer interviews introducing online viewers to neurodivergent-led microbusinesses. The goals are to amplify voices of neurodivergent youthpreneurs, show that starting a small business can be an achievable goal, spotlight neurodivergent youth in productive, creative roles that build work skills and self-confidence. The project corresponds with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #1 No Poverty, #8 Decent Work & Economic Growth, and #15 Reduced Inequalities

À propos de ce projet
Communautés servies
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Les objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU
Il est possible de catégoriser les projets à impact communautaire selon les objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.
Le fonctionnement du projet
The project team will spend August-October 2026 travelling in south- and central Ontario to meet with neurodivergent youthpreneurs, listen to their stories, and see where they work. From November-December, the team will edit and upload the videos to Youtube and/or Tiktok under the project name. In January 2027, the team will submit a report.
Résumé de l'impact
10+ interviews in a 1:1 format plus 10+ interviews in a market format resulting in 40 views and 4 comments/engagements each = 880 impacts
Résumé de la mission
The mission is to shift the narrative around neurodivergent youth from a deficit-based lens to a strength-based focus by posting authentic peer conversations between entrepreneurs with lived experience online, highlighting representative role models working in accessible self-employment formats. To shape a future in which neurodivergent youth see themselves, and are seen by others, as genuine and innovative labour market stakeholders.
Équipe du projet
HTBYOJ has a 2 person team, a young adult plus a family member support person.
- Roan, project lead and interviewer. Monica, driver and email responder.
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