Miranda Kamal: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur

Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Miranda Kamal, who’s committed her career to the belief that sport can be used as a great educator for life skills. We caught up with her to find out how her business is making a difference in the community and what advice she would share with other young professionals…

WORK

1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I’m the founder of MJKO (Mentoring Junior Kids Organization). We are a fitness-based youth charity that uses non-contact boxing to teach life skills.

2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
I was the victim of a sexual assault as a teenager. I didn’t feel safe until I learned the art of boxing. After I started competing, I got injured. This was the hardest time of my life. I vowed to myself and my surgeon that if I recovered from spine surgery I would share my love of boxing to benefit others. That’s how I got here today.

3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
As of November 1, we rented our first boxing training facility with a boxing ring, complete with punching bag and fitness equipment. Having all the kids come on that first day and then realizing this was our space was pretty powerful. It was like kids in the candy store.

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
I’m taking every moment step by step. I just got accepted for the Advance Coaching Diploma at the Canadian Sport Institute.  This is the highest level of training within the Canadian sport system. My personal dream is to coach a Canadian team at the Olympics. From an organizational, standpoint I hope to see MJKO have a home in the MLSE Foundation youth training facility.

5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
You have to love what you do so much that you can’t think about possibly doing anything else. Don’t take short cuts and always act with integrity. Remember doing the right thing does not always mean an immediate reward.

6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I support multiple charities. I’m a member of 100 Women Who Care in Toronto and support many World Vision Canada initiatives. I also support many personal fundraising campaigns for causes like poverty, reading for kids, and cancer.

7. What does the word notable mean to you?
To me, “notable” means worthy of praise.

rbcchick2

PLAY

1. Where is your favorite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Insomnia on Bloor Street in Toronto.

2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
Our bank. As a new charity, cash flow is always a problem. I’m always monitoring where we are to make sure everyone gets paid.

3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Rahul K. Bhardwaj, the CEO of the Toronto Foundation.

4. What’s your favourite cocktail?
Mojito.

5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Not being able to say yes to everyone that reaches out gives me the greatest FOMO. I’m getting better about not taking on more than I can handle so I can be fully present without worrying about what I’m missing.

6. What would be your last meal? And don’t hold back…
I love fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken at a great Italian place.

7. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Baked goods.

Photos by Rick Bender Photography

[ad_bb1]