Keisha Turner BA’12
This year, Saint Mary’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport. Throughout the year, we will highlight women in sport like Keisha Turner BA'12—an inspiring athlete, innovative entrepreneur, dedicated philanthropist and valued Saint Mary's community member.
Whether speaking at an event, helping with volleyball camp, through her ongoing work with the Arthur L. Entrepreneurship Centre, or sharing her experience with students and other professionals, Keisha always takes advantage of an opportunity to get involved.
Keisha has been a devoted Huskies Varsity Volleyball team member since 2007. In 2010, she played a crucial role in the team's AUS Championship victory, setting the team on the path to success that continues today.
Even after graduating, Keisha continued to support the team as an Assistant Volleyball Coach until 2020. While coaching, Keisha shared her unique approach to success on the court. Her coaching philosophy, which blends physical preparedness with mental resilience, demonstrates her multifaceted approach to leadership—a quality that extends beyond sports into her entrepreneurial endeavours.
Now, Keisha remains an active member of the team's community by raising funds and cheering them on courtside and online.
Women's Atlantic University Sport Volleyball Championship, 2010
Keisha and Michael
Since graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Keisha combined her passion for sport, health and mindfulness to establish a career as an entrepreneur. With her husband, Michael Polak BComm'14, she has formed Akwekon—a consulting firm that guides Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations in the reconciliation of colonial and Indigenous practices.
More recently, Keisha co-founded Starberry Drink Co., a testament to innovation in the beverage industry, offering a refreshing, all-natural drink made from whole strawberries, maple syrup and water.
With her experience as an entrepreneur and athlete, Keisha has been named an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary's. In this role, Keisha is nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and enriching the Saint Mary's University's community by bridging academic theory with real-world business practices.
Keisha, a Black female entrepreneur and community leader, has established the Turner Bursary for African Canadian and Indigenous Women. She takes pride in the pivotal role bursaries played in her success and is committed to promoting positive change and student success at Saint Mary's University.
To honour her dedication to Saint Mary's University and exceptional volunteer service, the Saint Mary's University Alumni Association presented her with the Paul Lynch Alumni Volunteer Award in 2023.