Forensics

Trainer, survivor, athlete, alumna: VeloFit co-founder is just getting started

Mia and Simao in their gym spaceAlumna Mia Kairouz and partner Simão Santa Barbara opened VeloFit in Amherstburg in July 2026 (PROVIDED BY M. KAIROUZ/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

At just 24, Mia Kairouz (BA ’25) jokes that she’s already lived many lives. 

She’s been a lifeguard, a first responder, an endurance athlete, a personal trainer and a cancer survivor.  

In July, she became an entrepreneur, opening VeloFit Performance and Fitness Coaching in Amherstburg, with her partner Simão Santa Barbara. 

“In general, my goal is to help people,” Kairouz says.  

VIP placement reinforces student’s path toward health care

Photo of Michelle Eid at a white board writing the alphabetMichelle Eid, a third-year forensic science student, engages with children during her volunteer placement at Connections Early Years Family Centre through the University of Windsor’s VIP Community Service Learning Program, gaining hands-on experience while supporting local families. (VICTOR ROMAO/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

A volunteer placement through the University of Windsor’s VIP Community Service Learning Program is giving a student practical experience while helping support children and families at Connections Early Years Family Centre or other community organizations.