See below for a reminder of what's open for food service on campus April 3-6, or visit https://smuca.campusdish.com/
Open:
DOCKSIDE: Fri-Mon, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
C-STORE: Fri - Mon, 11 a.m.– 6 p.m.
Closed
TIM HORTONS
STARBUCKS
STUDENT CENTRE FOOD COURT
GORSEBROOK LOUNGE
SANDWICH SHACK
LATE NIGHT DELIVERY
Peter MacKenzie graduated from the Master of Applied Economics program in the Sobey School of Business in 2020
When Peter Mackenzie MAE'20 first enrolled in the Master of Applied Economics program at Saint Mary's University, a PhD wasn’t part of the plan. Today, he’s helping shape national conversations on Canada’s economy as a Senior Policy Analyst at the C.D. Howe Institute—a journey he credits in large part to his time in Halifax.
“I honestly wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do after my undergraduate degree,” Mackenzie says. “But the MAE program stood out. It looked like a great opportunity to apply economics to real-world problems, and that really drew me in.”
Originally from Ontario, Mackenzie came to Halifax for its strong academic reputation and the applied focus of the MAE program. What he found was something more transformative than expected.
“I liked economics before,” he explains, “but the program really deepened that interest. It got me to a point where I wanted to commit another five years to studying it.”
That decision led him to pursue a PhD at York University, specializing in econometrics, a field that combines statistical methods with economic theory to analyze data and inform policy decisions.
A defining moment in Mackenzie’s academic journey came through his master’s thesis. This was the first time he led a full-scale research project from start to finish.
“That experience was huge,” he says. “Learning how to design research, analyze data and communicate findings clearly are skills I still rely on every day.”
Those skills carried him through his doctoral studies and into roles at institutions such as the Bank of Canada, where he worked as an economics PhD intern, and later into his current position at the C.D. Howe Institute.
Today, his work focuses on financial services research and economic analysis, including contributions to widely read commentary on Canada’s GDP performance and economic outlook.
Mackenzie recently co-authored a piece examining Canada’s economic resilience in the face of global uncertainty. While many predicted a downturn, the economy proved more stable than expected.
“People were expecting a recession, and we didn’t see that,” he explains. “In some ways, the economy performed better than anticipated, but there’s still room for improvement.”
It’s this balance—combining data-driven analysis with real-world implications—that continues to motivate his work.
“One of the things I love about economics is how versatile it is,” he says. “You can apply it to almost any issue, especially when it comes to public policy.”
For current and prospective students, Mackenzie emphasizes both effort and genuine interest.
Peter’s cohort in the Master of Applied Economics program
“Work hard, but also make sure you enjoy what you’re doing,” he advises. “The MAE program prepares you really well for careers in economics and public policy, but that passion is what carries you forward.”
Looking back, he credits not just the program, but the people and environment for shaping his path.
“The professors, my cohort, the city itself...it all contributed to an experience that really solidified my direction,” he says. “It’s a great place to study, and I’d highly recommend it.”
From uncertainty to impact, Peter Mackenzie’s journey is a testament to where curiosity, strong mentorship, and applied learning can lead—and how Saint Mary’s continues to prepare graduates to shape the world around them.
President Michael Khan learns about a SMU research project at the Research Expo
Saint Mary’s welcomed more than 150 participants to this year’s Research Expo, a key annual event showcasing the range of research underway across campus. The Expo featured 30 exhibitors and a series of engaging three‑minute pitch presentations on topics spanning early‑literacy challenges, health and well‑being, and end‑of‑life care preferences.
The Research Expo is an annual event that allows faculty, staff, students and external partners to connect, exchange ideas and spark new collaborations. Representatives from Science, Arts, and the Sobey School of Business joined colleagues from industry, government, and community organizations to explore ongoing and emerging projects from across the university.
Dr. Bitu Hurisso, Chemistry Lab Technician, received the Staff Research Recognition Award from Dr. Adam Sarty, AVP Research and Dean of FGSR
An event highlight was the presentation of the Staff Research Recognition Award, given annually since 2010 to a staff member who has demonstrated exceptional support for faculty research. This year’s recipient, Dr. Bitu Hurisso, serves as the Chemistry Laboratory Technician and is widely recognized for his expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to student and faculty success. Dr. Hurisso was praised for his solutions‑focused leadership, his expertise in maintaining advanced instrumentation, and his valued role as an instructor and mentor to students within the chemistry department.
The Research Expo is hosted by the Office of Innovation and Community Engagement (OICE) within the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, which works to facilitate research partnerships between Saint Mary’s scholars and external organizations, including companies, government bodies and not‑for‑profits.
By bringing people and ideas together, the Research Expo continues to strengthen connections across campus and support the vibrant research culture at Saint Mary’s.
For more details about the presenters, visit the Research Expo website.
The Research Expo was featured on CTV News
David Zapparoli, Dr. Michael Khan, Donna Paris and Dr. Lynn Jones
David Zapparoli and Donna Paris (center) are joined by Dr. Shannon Dea, PVPAR; Suzanne van den Hoogen, Dean, University Library and Archives; Sarah West, Librarian; Hansel Cook, Associate Dean, Library Strategy, Planning and Assessment; and Dr. Michael Khan, University President
Ayo Aladejebi and Robert Meek conduct a libation ceremony
Artists discuss the exhibit with Dr. Lynn Jones and attendees
The exhibit is on display in the Patrick Power Library until March 28
Anecia Shephard, Arts student; Danae Conrad, Black Student Ambassador; Deborah Brothers-Scott, Director, Diversity Inclusion and Wellness; Ebun Oladele, Black Student Advisor
Debbie Miller Brown
Dr. Val Johnson and Dr. Lynn Jones
Artists David Zapparoli and Donna Paris
Donna Paris and David Zapparoli (center) with Danae Conrad, Ebun Oladele, Anecia Shephard and Deborah Brothers-Scott
To mark its 50th anniversary and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, the Patrick Power Library proudly hosted the launch of Black Threads of the Canadian Tapestry, a new exhibition by artist Donna Paris and photographer David Zapparoli.
Featuring compelling portraits and accompanying audio stories, the exhibition highlights the diverse lived experiences of Black Canadians and invites visitors to engage with them in a meaningful way.
The launch event brought together students, faculty, staff and community members for an afternoon of reflection and celebration. Emceed by Associate Dean Hansel Cook, the program included remarks from Dean Suzanne van den Hoogen and Provost Dr. Shannon Dea, a moving libation ceremony by Black community members Ayo Aladejebi and Robert Meek, and a powerful spoken-word performance by second-year Arts student Anecia Shephard. Paris and Zapparoli also shared insights into the stories and artistic process behind the project.
The exhibition is now open on the first floor of the Patrick Power Library and will remain on display until Saturday, March 28. Visitors can explore a central banner and view portraits that link via QR code to personal oral‑history interviews recorded by the artists.
Black Threads of the Canadian Tapestry is supported by the Patrick Power Library and Saint Mary’s University, with contributions from the Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness and the Black Student Advisor. Additional funding was provided by the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.
The event was featured on CTV News
Michael Sanderson MBA’08 and Meredith Drost BComm’19 MTEI’25, leaders at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, have started their own venture called Athena’s Playground
At the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, supporting entrepreneurs doesn’t stop at mentorship; it often means leading by example. That’s exactly what the Director, Michael Sanderson MBA’08 and Manager, Business Design, Meredith Drost BComm’19 MTEI’25 and their third co-founder, Mukul Gupta BSc’14, are doing through their latest venture, Athena’s Playground.
They co-founded Athena’s Playground, an online learning platform designed to bring people together through shared interests; whether that’s cooking, dance, photography or other creative pursuits. Building on the idea that learning should feel accessible, social and inspiring, the platform creates a community where people can explore new hobbies and connect with others from around the world.
“We wanted to create something that makes learning feel more accessible, connected and rooted in community,” says Meredith Drost. “Turning lessons from local experts into bite-sized micro-sessions makes new skills more attainable.”
The venture is entering an exciting new phase with the launch of its Kickstarter campaign. For the co-founders, the campaign represents more than just fundraising—it’s an opportunity to test, validate and grow the business to 50 trainers, bringing on new courses and applying the same entrepreneurial principles they use every day at the Centre.
Their dual role as educators and active founders highlights a core strength of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre: its commitment to experiential learning. By actively building and scaling a venture, Michael and Meredith are reinforcing the Centre’s approach of learning by doing, demonstrating what it looks like to take an idea from concept to market.
“This is exactly what we’re doing with Athena’s Playground,” says Michael Sanderson, “taking an idea and building it into something we can test, refine and grow.”
The Kickstarter campaign also reflects the collaborative and community-driven mindset that defines Athena’s Playground. Supporters are not just backing a product; they’re helping shape a platform designed to make learning more engaging and become a part of the community.
Through Athena’s Playground, Michael and Meredith are creating a new kind of learning platform while showing exactly what it means to lead from within the entrepreneurial journey.
Discover how the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre supports ventures like Athena’s Playground and follow their journey through their live Kickstarter campaign.
The founders of Athena’s Playground were recently featured on Global News Morning Halifax.
The fifth Provincial Innovation Sprint brought together by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and Nova Scotia Community College, gathered students and industry leaders at the NSCC Burridge Campus in Yarmouth, with additional students joining virtually from the NSCC Digby Learning Centre. The event connected 28 NSCC students from programs including Trades, Electrical, Business Administration and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning with Graves Electrical Ltd, a growing Atlantic Canadian company with ambitious national goals.
Founder Dwayne Raynard and two members of the Graves Electrical team presented students with a real challenge: how could Graves Electrical expand strategically and explore partnerships as it works toward becoming Canada’s first National Open-Shop Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Contractor. What made the Sprint interesting was that the same challenge is currently being explored by professional consultants hired by the company.
Students worked in teams to analyze the opportunity from multiple angles, offering creative and practical solutions. The range of perspectives and ideas impressed both the Graves Electrical team and Sprint organizers, demonstrating the value of bringing fresh student thinking into complex business conversations.
The winning team, made up of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning students Jake Whynot, Bill Ogdon, Josh Ford and John Gosson, presented a strategy focused on building partnerships with First Nations communities across Canada. Their proposal addressed several of Graves Electrical’s goals simultaneously, supporting national expansion while also creating opportunities for community integration and open-shop employment across the country.
Second place went to Business Administration students Angel Goreham, Jaxon d’Entremont and Ella Dyson, who explored expansion into the marine and shipping industry. Their concept highlighted an underdeveloped market where Graves Electrical could establish a strong early presence while building long-term relationships within coastal and small-town economies.
The third-place team, Sarah Thurston, Bryndis Baldursdottir and Chloe Deveau, who are all Administrative Professional Program students, proposed the creation of “Graves Academy,” a training and development initiative designed to support employee recruitment, professional growth and retention. Their idea focused on building a strong workforce pipeline while offering career mobility within the company.
Beyond the competition, the event also sparked early conversations about a potential scholarship or sponsorship opportunity between Graves Electrical and NSCC, highlighting how the Innovation Sprint continues to create meaningful connections between students and industry.
If you’re interested in being part of a future Innovation Sprint, click here.
Community Service Learning Team: Masrooq Hossain, Diego Ramos, Novella Nicchitta and Keslyn States
The Saint Mary’s Community Service Learning (CSL) program has seen unprecedented success and growth in recent academic terms, reflecting strong student and faculty interest in community-engaged learning. Through collaborative projects that address community-identified needs, CSL connects academic learning with meaningful community engagement, helping students apply their studies in practical contexts.
CSL-integrated courses at SMU span a wide range of disciplines, from history, literature and intercultural studies to computer science, environmental science, psychology and business, but share a common focus on connecting academic learning with community engagement. Thanks to expanded external funding, Community Service Learning now supports an average of 350 students each year and reached a notable 425 participants across 32 courses in 2025.
In the last year, CSL has provided 83 students with bursaries to support engagement, recognize commitment and enable meaningful community projects. Ten highly engaged students were selected for funding through the pilot Community Engaged Learning Certificate, a nationally-funded initiative supported by Career Experience and Work Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada. Designed for students who demonstrate a strong commitment to CSL, the certificate recognizes deeper involvement and guides participants in reflecting on their experiences and translating that learning into resume-ready competencies with career coach support.
SMU students have many opportunities to demonstrate learning outside of the classroom, including CSL, co-operative education and co-curricular recognition
“What we’re seeing through CSL is students stepping into meaningful work and realizing how much they have to offer while they’re still learning,” said Novella Nicchitta, CSL Placement Coordinator.
“As the program continues to grow, we’re creating more opportunities for students to apply their coursework in community settings, and for faculty and partners to collaborate in ways that benefit everyone involved.”
“Students respond extremely well to the CSL option and frequently report that they 'love it' because it feels meaningful, applied and connected to real-world issues,” shared Dr. Margherita Cameranesi, Assistant Professor of Psychology, who has integrated CSL into multiple courses.
“In my courses, I intentionally design CSL-related assignments that are directly relevant to the host community organization’s goals and needs so students can contribute in concrete, appropriate ways.”
“Experiential learning is a great way to stay involved and give back to your community. I was able to have experiences which deeply enriched my learning of psychology. I think it is so important to be reminded that psychology is not just theories and symptoms – my hands-on experience was a very important reminder of this. ”
For many students, CSL is where coursework connects directly to community engagement. Honours Psychology student Sage Rizcallah, who took Typical and Atypical Development in Winter 2025, described their placement with Autism Nova Scotia’s Arts program as a chance to deepen their learning beyond the classroom.
The CSL program also makes experiential learning more manageable during a busy semester. “Many university students are simply too busy to be able to get applicable and course-related volunteer experience throughout the year," Rizcallah noted. "Experiential learning is a great way to get such experience, while still contributing work to an ongoing course, making it more manageable to fit into an already busy semester.”
Dr. Tatjana Takševa, Professor and Chair of the Department of English Language and Literature, says CSL gives students the chance to bridge academic theory with meaningful experience.
“CSL fosters deep integrative learning and active application of theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, helping students connect classroom learning to authentic demands and expectations,” Takševa noted. “CSL facilitates discovery of multiple career paths, showing students how they can put to work their arts education for meaningful participation in today’s globally oriented civil society.”
Dr. Tatjana Takševa and students in WGST 6604: Contemporary Issues of Feminism
Adebola Osegbun, a master’s student in Dr. Takševa’s Transnational Feminism course, described her CSL component at The Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender and Social Justice as “the best and most memorable experience of my graduate studies”.
Matthew Nault at his CSL placement, and now workplace, United for Literacy
Similarly, Matthew Nault described his CSL placement with United for Literacy—connected to Dr. Takševa’s Reading and Wellness course—as “an amazing opportunity for experience and resume building that will be invaluable later in my career.”
Nault also participated in the pilot Community Engaged Learning Certificate and is one of several students whose placement roles have evolved into paid employment opportunities.
Beyond employment, CSL helps students explore potential career paths, expand their professional networks and gain clarity about what kind of experiences feel meaningful. For students like Chloe Gohier-Mossman, CSL also helped her build professional connections, gain advocacy experience and clarify her future academic goals.
“CSL opened doors for me to explore career opportunities, build professional connections and advocate for the communities I belong to, all while applying what I’m learning in my courses,” Gohier-Mossman shared about her experience working with the Chisholm LINKS Literacy Program.
Miranda Haley, Chisholm LINKS Program Manager, shared that CSL placements benefit both community partners and students. “The CSL program supports organizations like ours in filling important part-time roles, while giving students meaningful experience,” Haley said. “We value the opportunity to guide and mentor students as they develop practical skills, confidence and professional insight. At the same time, we learn from their perspectives, energy and academic knowledge, which strengthens our organization and the work we do in the community.”
To learn more about CSL opportunities for students, faculty, and community partners, visit SMU Community Service Learning, or connect with the CSL Placement Coordinator at service.learning@smu.ca.
Stuti Sandhu
As a fourth-year arts student studying psychology, Stuti Sandhu is turning her passion for helping others into meaningful action. As the founder of Being There, Stuti is working to address a critical gap in community support for older adults by creating a preventive care model designed to help them maintain independence and age in place.
Her journey began long before the idea for Being There took shape. Growing up, she always knew she wanted to help people. While many children dream of becoming astronauts, engineers or superheroes, Stuti envisioned starting a nonprofit organization that would make a real difference in people’s lives. At the time, she didn’t know exactly how that dream would unfold, but she continued to pursue opportunities that allowed her to serve others.
That clarity came while volunteering in hospitals. During this experience, she encountered many older adults navigating complex health challenges and a lack of preventive support. She began to see firsthand how easily small issues, such as dehydration, missed meals or forgotten medications could escalate into serious health concerns.
Those observations sparked the idea behind Being There. The organization focuses on prevention, aiming to support older adults before health challenges become emergencies. By identifying early warning signs and providing consistent community support, Being There works to reduce avoidable emergency department visits and help older adults maintain their baseline health and independence for as long as possible.
For Stuti, entrepreneurship has played an important role in turning her academic knowledge into real-world impact. Through her psychology program, she developed a strong understanding of research and human behaviour. However, it was through her involvement with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and the World Champion Enactus Saint Mary's team that she learned how to implement ideas and build solutions that address real community needs. The business was also a part of the team that recently took third place in the 2026 Desjardins Community Empowerment Challenge at the Enactus Regional Exposition this February.
She says that many students in arts and science fields are motivated by a desire to change the world, but often lack the tools to turn research into action. Entrepreneurship, she believes, provides that pathway.
Today, Being There is preparing to launch its first pilot program, marking an exciting milestone for the organization. Stuti hopes the initiative will not only support older adults in the community but also inspire greater collaboration among organizations that share a commitment to improving aging care.
As the project grows, Sandhu continues to focus on her original mission: ensuring that older adults feel supported, valued and able to live independently for as long as possible.
Interested in learning more about how entrepreneurship can blend with other areas of study? Explore programs and events at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.
Photo by Mona Ghiz
Maritimers have a reputation for hospitality. Hosting visitors is a point of pride for us—from shows, to competitions, to expos and more, we like to create unforgettable experiences for audiences, performers, and teams alike.
Halifax has hosted major national and international events, including city-wide efforts like the 2024 Junos, the 2018 Pan American Canoe Sprint Championships and the 2015 Canadian Country Music Week & Awards, just to name a few. Every year, we welcome people from around the globe for once-in-a-lifetime experiences made uniquely possible by our vibrant city.
University sports are no exception to this legacy of excellence, with Halifax being a major player in the university sports world, hosting various varsity championships over the last 50 years.
With the U SPORTS Men’s Hockey Championships set to take place at Scotiabank Centre March 19-22, Saint Mary’s leads Team Halifax in the first of a multi-year lineup of U SPORTS championships that are set to make waves.
So, what makes this year unique?
In university sports, schools bid to host championships, taking on the task of hosting competing teams and spectators at their facilities while working with local hotels and restaurants to ensure visitors get a taste of the host city.
Bidding on regional or national championships not only gives student-athletes a professional competition experience, but also involves all areas of athletics in planning, organizing and executing a major sports event—a fantastic opportunity for those looking to make a career in sports business.
Scott Gray at the U SPORTS press conference in 2024
“For a 20-year span, Halifax played host to the men’s Final 8 basketball tournament here at the Scotiabank Centre, when it was called the Metro Centre. And before that, tournaments were hosted at the Halifax Forum,” says Scott Gray, Director of Athletics & Recreation at Saint Mary’s.
“Halifax has set attendance records in university men’s hockey over the course of the tournament, with upwards of 40,000 attendees across all games. Men’s basketball tournaments have seen similar numbers—in part due to our access to a professional sporting venue like the Scotiabank Centre.”
This time, instead of a single school taking on the host duties, the Maritimes are doing things a little differently.
Saint Mary’s University is partnering with Acadia University, Dalhousie University and St. Francis Xavier University to host U SPORTS championships in Halifax for the next three years. SMU is kicking off this Team Halifax approach with this year’s Men’s Hockey University Cup, with each university stepping up as the host team in subsequent years in a collaborative effort to leverage all that the city has to offer.
Partners at the Team Halifax U SPORTS partnership announcement in 2024: Chris Larsen, President, Sports & Entertainment Atlantic ; Brian Finnis, Acadia, Director of Athletics & Recreation; Cindy Tye, Dalhousie, Athletic Director; Pierre Arseneault, U SPORTS CEO; Scott Gray, Saint Mary's Director of Athletics & Recreation; Leo MacPherson, STFX, Director of Athletics & Recreation. usports.ca
Working together allows Maritime universities to make use of professional venues like the Scotiabank Centre and brings big business to local hotels, restaurants and tourist destinations as participating student-athletes come from across the country to go toe-to-toe in downtown Halifax.
“This is a professional arena,” says Gray. “It's hosted everything from The Brier and The Scotties to the World Junior Hockey Championships and Professional Women’s Hockey League games this year. This is elevating the university game in a professional setting, for both student-athletes and spectators.”
Beyond our university partners, SMU will work with the Halifax Regional Municipality, Events Nova Scotia, Events East Group, Discover Halifax and Sports & Entertainment Atlantic for a full-scale sporting experience that offers something for everyone across the city.
“This joint effort with municipal government, provincial government, professional organizations and our fellow universities is a true example of collaboration. Working with each other to provide a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our athletes is a point of pride, and although we our teams may compete with each other on the court, on the field, or on the ice—we work together in the true spirit of sport to make these experiences great. ”
SMU isn’t the only university set to host under this model, but it is the first one up to the plate. Bringing multiple sectors together isn’t for the faint of heart, and whether you’re a diehard fan or haven’t attended a game, there’s no better time to bring your Husky pride to the arena.
“It's an opportunity to be part of something unique,” says Gray. “A National Championship happens once a year, and it’s not always going to be here in Halifax. It’s an experience—seeing a high-level event that you may get to see once in your university career.”
With the championship rapidly approaching, weekend passes and single-game tickets are on sale now. Saint Mary’s will play their quarterfinal game on Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m.
““It’s not about the hockey. It’s about Saint Mary’s.””
SMU earned bronze at the 2016 University Cup
Thursday, March 19
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Durty Nelly’s, 1645 Argyle St., Halifax
To kick off the U SPORTS Championships, Saint Mary's is taking over Durty Nelly’s ahead of the 7 p.m. puck drop at the Scotiabank Centre. Expect good vibes, giveaways, exclusive prizes, and pub specials before the big game.
Whether you're an alum, a student, a faculty member, a staff member, a family member, or a friend of the SMU community, everyone's welcome to come celebrate. Let's pack the pub and show our Husky spirit.
Single Game Tickets are on sale NOW! Faculty, staff and students receive 20% off all SMU games here. Be sure to click "unlock" and enter code: STDNT20.
Alumni receive 20% off with Promo Code ALUMNI here.
Register for the Alumni Huskies Pre-Game.
Makayla and Mia Makhlouf
From her first day on campus, Mia Makhlouf had high standards to live up to. Luckily, she has an excellent role model in her sister, Makayla.
Makayla graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology in 2025. During her time as a student, Makayla was an active volunteer in student societies, organizing the first Science Gala at Saint Mary’s in November 2024—her first time managing a large event. She found sponsors, managed ticket sales, booked space, sourced decorations and many other details that made it a successful event for upwards of 150 students. She followed that success by landing a position as the Human Resources Volunteer Coordinator at the Magnetic World Music Festival, where she coordinated 100 people each day of the three-day festival in downtown Halifax.
Mia is following in her sister’s footsteps—she is currently in her second year of a Bachelor of Science with a Diploma in Engineering while maintaining a busy extracurricular schedule.
Along with her role as the Engineering Society’s Vice President of Media, Mia works part-time at an engineering company. She was a three-time gold medalist in public speaking with Skills Nova Scotia before returning as a coach. Her public speaking skills have also made her a valuable member of Enactus Saint Mary’s, a student-led entrepreneurial community focused on making a positive impact in their communities. She joined Enactus on Makayla's recommendation, and it has been the highlight of her time at SMU.
“One of the best things that I have done was join not just Enactus, but an extracurricular in general,” says Mia. “It can be easy to feel burnt out when you just have schoolwork all the time; being part of something else can feel like you’re accomplishing something.”
“... being part of something else can feel like you’re accomplishing something. It can also open your eyes to so many more opportunities and show you what you can do with your degree and what change you can create—like environmental or societal change.”
Mia was a presenter on the national Enactus team at Saint Mary’s that won the 2025 Enactus World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand—an incredible recognition for their two student-run social enterprises, Alaagi and Square Roots. Mia’s background in public speaking began as a student at École Secondaire du Sommet, a French high school in Halifax. Her ability to apply her engineering and scientific knowledge to entrepreneurship is a key skill that allows the team to share their businesses with international judges.
Mia delivered an award-winning presentation at the Enactus World Cup in September 2025
“I didn't always realize what an important skill public speaking would be,” says Mia. “Being around my engineering peers who are very technically minded, they have such great ideas, but when it comes to presenting them, that's the hard part.”
“To explain something clearly, you must really understand it,” she says, adding that “textbook learning is one thing, but to be able to translate that into something that anyone can understand—and potentially buy into—is a real skill that's extremely valuable.”
Those public speaking skills are ones she can share with younger students. As an alumnus of the Skills Nova Scotia program, she competed at the national level for three years, delivering speeches on the value of skilled trades and technologies. She’s now a mentor and coach for high school students and will take a provincial gold medal student to the nationals.
“It was honestly better than ever winning anything to see someone that I worked with succeed…I feel like I found my calling,” says Mia.
The sisters have a family connection to the university—their aunt and uncle, Nali and Dr. Fred George, are cherished members of the Saint Mary’s community and generous donors who established scholarships in entrepreneurship and geology/business studies. Beyond that, they chose Saint Mary’s for its small classes and connected campus.
Mia loves that she got to know her professors, whose flexibility allowed her to work around Enactus competitions. The ability to take spring and summer courses also made it easier to maintain her busy schedule.
Makayla agrees, adding that she appreciates Saint Mary’s size, knowing that in the future, she’ll move to a much larger school. Makayla has been working toward becoming a doctor since high school; she is now busy studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which she’ll take in the spring.
Both Makayla and Mia have been working towards STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields since grade school and have mastered being well-rounded students, combining education, extracurriculars and supporting their family. They are multilingual, speaking English, French and Arabic.
“I knew that whatever field I wanted to go into, I wanted to create something of my own, whether that was interior design or fashion design,” says Mia. “I chose engineering not because I excelled at math or science, but because it challenged me. There are so many different pathways and opportunities that you can do once you're an engineer, like industry work, research or go more into entrepreneurship or leadership roles.”
Makayla’s microscopic artwork was featured in the SMU Science calendar in 2025
Makayla, who majored in biology, has aspired to study medicine for as long as she can remember. She began building a solid resume to achieve that goal while in high school, and her persistence in contacting doctors led to landing two 80-hour co-op positions in plastic surgery and physiotherapy through Nova Scotia’s O2 (Options and Opportunities) program.
“It’s a great way to see if the career you’re thinking about is the right one for you,” said Makayla, adding that she enjoyed being able to watch surgeries and meet medical students.
Makayla comes by her interest in healthcare—and community service—honestly. Their parents met when they were both volunteers with the Lebanese Red Cross in Batroun, near Beirut in northern Lebanon, before emigrating to Canada in 2000.
Their parents’ commitment to service, first through the Lebanese Red Cross and later through building a life and business in Halifax, continues to shape the sisters’ outlook and guide them as they look ahead.
As Makayla prepares for the next step toward medical school and Mia continues to balance engineering studies with leadership and mentoring, both are carrying that perspective forward. At Saint Mary’s, they found a campus where they could challenge themselves, try new things and grow into their own paths while staying grounded in the values that brought their family here in the first place.
Starting in fall 2026, students can earn a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Resource Engineering at Saint Mary’s. Choose between Renewable Energy Engineering and Mining Engineering.
Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre
Molly Morgan, Project Manager with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre
A town crier’s bell isn’t a typical way to start an event at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, but that’s how the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Celebration Event kicked off at Saint Mary's University last month. Will Brewer, owner of Planet*21, opened the afternoon in full town crier fashion, setting a light and welcoming tone for a gathering that was long overdue.
The event brought together entrepreneurs who participated in the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Program. For many, it was the first time meeting in person since 2023, when the program ran in a fully virtual format, making the in-person gathering significant.
The purpose of the event was simple: recognize progress. Entrepreneurs showcased their businesses, connected with mentors and community partners and watched promotional videos featuring participants and their work. Spring rolls were served by KevEthels, an entrepreneur from the program, adding a practical example of how participants continue to build and grow their ventures.
The room included family members, friends, speakers, mentors, videographers and community supporters. The mix reflected what the program is designed to do: create space for entrepreneurs with disabilities to develop their ideas while building strong networks around them.
Dayle Eshelby, a 2026 Speaker Series participant, shared afterward, “It meant so much to people to see the possibilities in that room. The energy was almost palpable. I am certain it will remain strong and be a boost for everyone.” She added that because of the program, she feels she is on the cusp of changing her life.
Alumni and speakers shared similar feedback. Ghazal Afrahi, a participant of the 2024 cohort, noted how valuable it was to reconnect in person. Speaker Pranay Malusare thanked organizers and emphasized that the entrepreneurs themselves are the driving force behind the Centre.
More than a celebration, the event marked a return to in-person community and reinforced the Centre’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship, not just in theory, but in practice.
