Lianna Genovese of Imaginable Solutions Recognized at Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards

Lianna Genovese, 25, the founder of Hamilton-based assistive technology company ImaginAble Solutions, was recently honored for her humanitarian work at the 11th annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards (MAHA). Alongside NBA Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal, Genovese was recognized for her efforts to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, marking yet another milestone in her impressive career.

Genovese’s journey began while she was still a student at McMaster University, where she met a woman named Elissa through a class project. Elissa, who has cerebral palsy, loved painting but struggled with using a brush due to limited hand mobility. This inspired Genovese to develop ImaginAble’s flagship product, Guided Hands, a mechanical device designed to assist individuals with limited hand mobility in activities like writing, painting, drawing, and using touch-screen devices. This innovation has made a profound impact, allowing people with disabilities to regain independence in their creative and daily tasks. The startup’s progress was further supported by an equity investment from the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation in August 2023.

Each year, the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, presents the MAHA to recognize a group of seasoned humanitarians, as well as six under-30s who are leading the charge in advocacy, activism, and social change. The young recipients are chosen for embodying the core principles of Muhammad Ali, including confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality. Genovese was recognized for exemplifying respect, with the Ali Center praising her commitment to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through her assistive technology. In addition, ImaginAble Solutions is committed to donating a portion of its sales to provide products to families in need.

Genovese, who has already received accolades such as the Forbes 30 Under 30 and the National James Dyson Award, expressed her gratitude in an email statement to BetaKit. She shared that she was selected as one of the six winners by Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali’s wife, after the MAHA committee learned about ImaginAble Solutions through her Forbes 30 Under 30 profile. “It was an honor to represent Canada as the only Canadian award recipient,” Genovese said, reflecting on the experience. “I had goosebumps the entire night.”

The awards ceremony, which gathered inspiring figures such as Dawn Gee, Nile Rodgers, and Shaquille O’Neal, left Genovese even more motivated to create a global impact for the disability community. During the event, she had the opportunity to meet Shaquille O’Neal and introduced him to the “Shaq-sized” version of the Guided Hands device, which he later signed.

The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, launched in 2013, not only honor the legacy of the legendary boxer but also celebrate a new generation of social changemakers. The event serves as the primary fundraiser for the Muhammad Ali Center, supporting its mission to advance social justice and provide educational programs, community events, and exhibitions. 

For Genovese, receiving recognition at the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards (MAHA) serves as a powerful affirmation of her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. It not only highlights her personal dedication to creating positive social change but also marks a crucial milestone for ImaginAble Solutions. This honor positions her and her company for greater visibility, opening doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and resources that will further enhance the reach and impact of their innovative assistive technology. With this recognition, Genovese is poised to continue advocating for the disability community on a global scale, using her platform to push for greater inclusivity and independence for those in need.