Custom apparel business partners with students for practical business solutions

Innovation Sprint participants from SMU, Dal, NSCC and UNB

First-Place Team: Omar Dahleh, Haniel Lordwin and Martino Elias

Second-Place Team: Hinesh Jayeshkumar Patel, Prabhath Sundarapalli and Benison Ratheesh Amirvin

Third-Place Team: Tianhe Xu, Vadym Smal and Adrien Saxby-Smith

High Powered Customs, a Dartmouth-based custom apparel business, partnered with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and NSCC during the final Provincial Innovation Sprint of the fall term to connect with post-secondary students from across Nova Scotia and gather fresh ideas to support the growth of their business.

Founded by NSCC alumnus Stefan Williams, High Powered Customs offers customized printing services for T-shirts, hoodies, hats and toques. The business is rooted in community engagement and focuses on values of equality, sustainability and long-term growth. This Innovation Sprint was designed to help Stefan tackle key business challenges while giving students a real-world opportunity to collaborate, problem-solve and share innovative perspectives.

The event took place at the NSCC Makerspace in Dartmouth and brought together 25 students from Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University, NSCC and the University of New Brunswick. Notably, three students travelled from New Brunswick to participate, highlighting the strong interest and commitment from learners across the region. The Co-President of the Enactus NSCC Ivany Campus also took part in the day, contributing insights and energy throughout the sprint.

Students were presented with a challenge statement focused on improving pricing metrics to remain competitive in the custom apparel industry, scaling production with a small three-person team and creating a loyalty program to encourage repeat customers. Throughout the sprint, teams developed and pitched thoughtful, practical ideas aimed at supporting High Powered Customs’ next phase of growth.

“Even though we didn’t win, it was really valuable to see so many different ideas come together,” said Leo, an NSCC student who participated in the Innovation Sprint. “You can only come up with so much on your own, but when students put their minds together, it leads to ideas you can build even bigger things from.”

Some teams suggested implementing “give-back incentives,” such as offering discounts in exchange for donated clothing, which could then be repurposed or redistributed in meaningful ways. Others proposed partnerships with institutional societies and campus groups to build long-term customer relationships and encourage repeat business. Additional ideas included exploring opportunities within the tourism industry to reach new audiences and expand brand visibility.

The top-performing teams were recognized at the end of the sprint. First place was awarded to Haniel Lordwin, Martino Elias and Omar Dahleh, representing students from Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University. Second place went to Dalhousie students Prabhath Sundarapalli, Benison Ratheesh Amirvin and Hinesh Jayeshkumar Patel. Third place was awarded to NSCC students Vadym Smal, Tianhe Xu and Adrien Saxby-Smith.

Overall, the Innovation Sprint provided valuable insights for Stefan and meaningful, hands-on experience for students, reinforcing the value of collaboration between local businesses and the post-secondary community.

Being There wins $11,000 for innovative approach to senior care

This year’s Innovation Cup hosted by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre brought together students from Science, Arts and Business for one goal: to turn bold ideas into solutions that can make a real difference. Over ten weeks, participants pushed themselves through hands-on training, weekly eliminations and mentorship from industry professionals, all for the chance to win $10,000 in funding that they can reinvest in their business.

The Innovation Cup is built around collaboration, creativity and learning by doing. Through sessions focused on customer discovery, problem identification, ideation, concept development, financial planning and funding strategies, students were challenged to think critically and put their ideas to the test. What started with nine teams was narrowed down to four standout finalists who presented in front of a packed room of judges, community members, alumni and past Innovation Cup winners.

The top four teams tackled issues across health, food security, renewable energy and long-term care. Being There is a non-profit using preventative care to help older adults stay safe, stable and independent, while avoiding unnecessary emergency room visits. The Good Foodie pitched a food-exchange app that connects grocery stores with excess food to those within their neighborhood who need it. RMap introduced an AI-powered geospatial platform to simplify renewable energy site selection. Lastly, Gladsome Longterm Care proposed a warm, community-based alternative to traditional dementia care.

Throughout the competition, teams received mentorship from guest judges and professionals, including semi-final judges Kim Dixon, Director of Learning & Workforce Transformation (COVE) and Minder Singh, Senior Account Executive (Halifax Partnership). Their insights helped students refine their ideas, strengthen their business cases and build confidence heading into the final presentations

Adding to the excitement, members from the 2024 and 2023 winning teams, Olivian Sanderson (Sociable) and Courtney Dingle (EmerAlt), returned to cheer on this year's finalists. The Innovation Cup trophy itself came from a local business, Nova Trophy, reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to supporting community partners.

After a competitive final round judged by Max Medyk, Founder & CEO (I’m Canada Media), Jisun Ryu, Student Success Project Coordinator (EduNova) and Mike Rothenberg, Economic Development Officer (ACOA), this year’s winning team was Being There, led by Stuti Sandhu (Arts), Mia Makhlouf (Engineering) and Nahriza Zahid (Business).

Being There team members with finalist judges

The team won a total of $11,000—the $10,000 grand prize and an additional $1,000 for earning the Audience Choice Award. Their vision is to reshape how older adults age at home by offering evidence-based, preventive support that prioritizes dignity, independence and connection. Being There is a project of Enactus Saint Mary’s, which won the World Cup in Thailand last October.  

The Innovation Cup continues to be a launchpad for emerging changemakers. What begins as an idea in week one often becomes a refined, investment-ready concept by week ten, proving what happens when students are given the tools, mentorship, and community to bring their ideas to life.

Watch the 2025 Innovation Cup recap reel

How students reimagined sustainable retail for Hope Blooms

Students pitched their strategies to Hope Blooms at the Experience Ventures hackathon

Hackathon participants with staff from Hope Blooms, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and Sobey School of Business

As part of Responsible Leadership Day, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre partnered with the David Sobey Retailing Centre and the Sobey School of Business to host the final Sustainable Retail Hackathon of the semester. The event brought together students from Saint Mary’s University and Mount Saint Vincent University to tackle a real challenge faced by Hope Blooms, a local social enterprise known for its youth-led urban agriculture, community impact and inspiring history.

What made this hackathon especially meaningful was the story that sits at the heart of Hope Blooms. Many people in Nova Scotian remember the moment in 2013 when six youth from the organization appeared on Dragon’s Den to pitch their dream of building a greenhouse that would allow them to grow produce all year long. They asked for $10,000. They walked away with $40,000 and a deal that kept 100% of the profits in their community. One of those six youth was Kolade Boboye, who returned over a decade later to join the hackathon as a representative and judge.

The hackathon brought together 11 students from marketing, management, entrepreneurship and general business programs. While the event primarily targeted undergraduate business students interested in sustainability and retail innovation, the group brought a mix of perspectives and problem-solving styles that helped fuel collaboration.

After Hope Blooms presented their challenge—finding ways to increase public awareness of the social enterprise side of their organization—students had just three days to research, ideate and build out their recommendations. Teams then gathered to pitch strategies such as impact-based loyalty programs, QR codes that highlight real youth stories and campaigns amplifying youth voices directly. The goal wasn’t to choose a winner but to generate meaningful, actionable ideas that could support the next phase of Hope Blooms’ growth.

“The students’ attention to detail was nice to see and so was their commitment to doing the work,” said Jesse Jollymore, Executive Director at Hope Blooms.  

Students shared their own reflections as well, with MSVU student Joshua Foster explaining, “For me, it was more than the money, I was focused on the challenge and wanted to make an impact. This is a good business, and the business is smart to get students involved.” SMU student Jonah Bucci added, “I enjoyed interacting with a real business and its problems, and the short timeframe made it exciting.”

The hackathon was hosted as part of the Experience Ventures program, supported by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary. As the final hackathon of the semester, it offered students a chance to apply entrepreneurial thinking in a hands-on way and support one of Halifax’s most inspiring community organizations in the process.

Learn more about Experience Ventures at SMU.

Women in engineering honoured during annual ceremony

A student places a white rose to honour the victims of the 1989 École Polytechnique Montréal shooting

14 victims remembered

Roses to represent each victim

President Michael Khan with Mishka Hemmings, recipient of the 2025 Montreal Women’s Memorial Scholarship

On Monday, December 8, the Saint Mary’s community gathered to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. This annual event marks the anniversary of the 1989 mass shooting at École Polytechnique Montréal, when 14 women were killed, and others were injured, in an attack fueled by anti-feminism. The solemn event serves as an essential reminder of the ongoing issue of gender-based violence faced by many across Canada.

Dee Dooley, Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Advisor, speaks during the ceremony

“We hold this ceremony to honour the lives of the fourteen women who were lost on December 6, 1989 and all victim-survivors of gender-based violence, harassment and discrimination,” said Dee Dooley, Sexual Violence Advisor.

“Each year, a dedicated group of faculty, staff, and students collaborate to take a stand: ensuring that we remember this dark history and work towards equity and inclusion on our campus. I am proud of SMU's commitment to advancing cultural change in an effort to build a safer and more empowering world for all, on this day and every other day of the year.”

The ceremony took place during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which included a number of supportive and community-focused events.

The event also provides a moment of hope and celebration. Each year, a female engineering student is awarded the Montreal Women’s Memorial Scholarship. This year’s recipient is Mishka Hemmings, a first-year student in the Bachelor of Science with a Diploma in Engineering program.

Meet Mishka Hemmings

Mishka Hemmings

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Mishka says she chose Saint Mary’s for its small, interactive classes, hands-on approach and availability of professors.

“I chose to study engineering because I love solving real-world problems and creating practical solutions that make life better,” says Mishka. “It allows me to blend creativity with analytical thinking.”

Mishka’s dream of becoming a civil engineer, building safe and lasting structures for people to call home, propelled her to return to school as a mature student. The recent devastation in her home country caused by Hurricane Melissa has strengthened her resolve to succeed.

“Witnessing this tragedy has transformed my dream into a mission: to help rebuild my country stronger, safer, and better than before.”

At 29 years old, it took courage and determination to overcome challenges and return to school. She had always wanted to study engineering, but limited resources and the lack of professional guidance were barriers to overcome. After more than a decade in finance and administration, she was able to pursue this goal.

“The field remains male-dominated, and stepping into it later in life came with doubts and fears, but I refused to let those barriers determine my future,” says Mishka.

Explaining her connection to the 14 women who lost their lives 36 years ago in Montréal, Mishka says she found strength in the stories of women who dared to dream beyond societal expectations.

“The story of one woman in particular, Maud Haviernick, deeply resonates with me,” she says. “Like me, she was 29 years old and already held a degree when she chose to return to her dream in engineering. I believe we shared similar struggles in making that decision, though she faced even greater gender barriers in 1989 than I do today; nonetheless, she still persevered. Her courage continues to inspire me, as she was never able to achieve her dream, but for both of us, I am determined to achieve mine.”

Student-led ideas drive WorkSource Alliance Innovation Sprint

WorkSource Alliance, an organization based in Prince Edward Island, is dedicated to helping international students and graduates build meaningful careers in the region. Through professional development support, EDI-focused corporate consulting and regular events and webinars, they work to connect students with opportunities while also helping employers create inclusive workplaces.

This fall, WorkSource Alliance partnered with students at Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University for an Innovation Sprint held at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. The session brought together 12 international students who were invited to share their ideas on how the organization could strengthen and expand its platform.

The organization’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, Daniel Ohaegbu, is currently an MTEI student at SMU. His own experience navigating the international student journey helped shape the early vision for WorkSource Alliance. Identifying a clear gap in accessible, tailored support for international graduates, Daniel set out to build something that would make entering the workforce easier, more transparent and more equitable.

During the Sprint, students worked in teams and presented a range of thoughtful solutions. Some focused on ways to help students gain more hands-on experience, such as a Business Assisted Learning model that offers micro-placements or short-term opportunities to help build résumés more quickly. Other teams recommended adding “gig-style” roles in partnership with local employers to give students more flexible options. There were also suggestions for new marketing approaches, updates to the organization’s consulting services and ideas for expanding the variety of work opportunities on the platform.

At the end of the session, WorkSource Alliance selected three teams as winners:

• First Place: Hazzaa Sujeer and Chloe Pobjoy-Ridolfo (SMU)

• Second Place: Ibrahim Haddad and Hassan Rashid (Dal)

• Third Place: Nguyen Thu Trang Truong and Boluwatife Erogbogbo (SMU)

First place team

Second place team

Third place team

The WorkSource Alliance team shared that they were impressed by the quality and practicality of the ideas presented. They also offered an additional $500 in prize money to the teams that did not place, noting that every group contributed valuable insight. The organization expressed interest in continuing to build on the recommendations shared throughout the sprint.

Learn more about Innovation Sprints on our website.

Community, creativity and vintage fashion come together at an Innovation Sprint!

All student participants with Laura MacNutt of KingsPIER Vintage

First place team at the Innovation Sprint

Second place team in the Innovation Sprint

Third place team in the Innovation Sprint

For the final internal Innovation Sprint of the fall term, students from across Nova Scotia came together at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre to collaborate with KingsPIER Vintage, a local business known for its luxury vintage and sustainable apparel, footwear and accessories. Founded by Mount Allison and NSCAD alum Laura MacNutt, KingsPIER has become a go-to spot in Halifax for people who appreciate high-quality, curated vintage pieces. Laura’s passion for sustainability began during her academic years and it now guides every part of her business. 

This Sprint carried a special excitement, especially because some students were already familiar with KingsPIER and were eager to support Laura’s work. The session brought together a diverse mix of 28 students from Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University and Memorial University. The group included undergraduate students, MTEI students, and master’s students from programs such as nursing, computer science, and engineering. Their variety of backgrounds created a collaborative environment filled with fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. 

Shane Sayge Powell-Hayward, a SMU student from the faculty of science, says: “It was an amazing time. I really enjoyed thinking creatively and working with the team through challenges, and I would participate again.” 

Hosted in the Sobeys Inspiration Hub at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, the Sprint invited students to explore real challenges that KingsPIER is facing in inventory management, marketing and customer engagement. Students brainstormed a wide range of ideas, including hosting virtual workshops, partnering with Elevate Media (a business from a previous Provincial Innovation Sprint) and collaborating with the KingsPIER to connect with cruise ship customers visiting Halifax. 

Laura MacNutt, founder of KingsPIER Vintage, says: “I had a worthwhile afternoon at the Innovation Sprint. I learned a lot and loved seeing the creative responses and cooperation among students.” 

The winning team — Prabhath Sundarapalli and Hinesh Jayeshkumar Patel from Dalhousie University — stood out with an idea focused on virtual tours for KingsPIER’s website. Their concept included online walkthroughs, workshops and educational content to help spread awareness about the sustainable vintage market and consignment shopping. They also proposed a better inventory model that preserves the story behind each unique item. 

Second place went to the team of Jane Truong (SMU), Mo Li (Dal), and Ibrahim Haddad DipENG’23, who presented thoughtful ideas centered on customer connection and operational improvements. Third place was awarded to Adam Traore and Benjamin Harper from SMU, along with Dal student Aiden Sheppard, who suggested a membership model designed to engage loyal customers and encourage sustainable purchasing habits while also supporting consistent cash flow. Laura left with new strategies to explore, and students walked away with valuable experience working on a real local business challenge. 

Visit our website to learn more about Innovation Sprint.

Atlantic Canada students team up with the Ecology Action Centre to tackle energy and climate challenges

This fall, the Saint Mary’s University Experience Ventures team partnered with the Ecology Action Centre (EAC) on a Social Impact Challenge aimed at driving meaningful change in Nova Scotia’s energy and climate landscape. This unique challenge spanned across Atlantic Canada, as students from Saint Mary’s, St. Thomas University, Cape Breton University, NSCAD, Mount Saint Vincent University, and Dalhousie University came together to collaborate virtually, share knowledge and build solutions for a more sustainable future.

The Ecology Action Centre’s Energy & Climate Team focuses on phasing out fossil fuels and creating a clean, reliable and affordable electricity system through research, advocacy and innovative collaboration. Through this challenge, 15 students joined forces to tackle pressing issues such as:

Energy Poverty in Nova Scotia:
Nearly 43% of Nova Scotians spend more than 6% of their income on energy costs. How can we reduce this burden and help families heat their homes without sacrificing essentials?

Green Trades and Energy Retrofitting in Cape Breton:
How can nonprofit organizations or social enterprises build green trades skills and retrofit homes to create sustainable jobs and cleaner communities?

Incentivizing Energy Retrofits in Multifamily Housing:
What policies or incentives can motivate landlords to make buildings energy-efficient, while keeping rent affordable for tenants?

Student deliver their final presentations to the Ecology Action Centre

The challenge began with a virtual kickoff on October 6, where students heard directly from the EAC’s Energy & Climate team about the challenges facing Nova Scotia’s energy future.

Over the course of one month, students conducted research, collaborated in diverse teams and developed strategic, data-informed recommendations. Weekly virtual office hours with EAC mentors ensured students had ongoing guidance, and participation was impressive; every session was filled with engaged, passionate students eager to refine their ideas and make a real impact. On November 3, students delivered their final presentations and written solutions, showcasing creative approaches that demonstrated both entrepreneurial thinking and deep social awareness.

Experience Ventures empowers students to think like entrepreneurs, digitally, creatively and impactfully. This Social Impact Challenge not only gave students valuable hands-on experience, it also strengthened connections between universities, industries and communities across the Atlantic region. Through challenges like this, students become mini-consultants, collaborating with real organizations to explore meaningful, innovation-driven solutions.

Robert (Rob) McLellan, a student from SMU, said. “I really enjoyed working on the project, analyzing case studies and energy data taught me a lot about Canada’s energy use and how to make it more affordable.”

Cierrah Smith, a second-year student at Dalhousie, said the program helped her develop skills in communication, collaboration and time management. “Balancing the project with other responsibilities was rewarding. I’d recommend this experience to other students!”

A partner from the Ecology Action Centre, Hannah Minzloff, said, “From start to finish, the team made the journey engaging and enjoyable. Engaging with students from different universities added depth, and we’ll be using their findings in our work. We highly recommend this initiative to other organizations!”

Interested in taking part in future challenges like this one?

Join the Experience Ventures interest list to gain early access to opportunities that let you learn by doing, work with real partners and make a difference in your community.

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Experience Ventures, powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, enables post-secondary students to make an impact alongside real world innovators through entrepreneurial thinking placements. EV is funded by the Government of Canda and is delivered in partnership with post-secondary institutions nationwide.

Learn more about the Ecology Action Centre and discover how the EAC is leading Nova Scotia's transition to clean energy: EAC Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Bluesky

From executive to evidence-based leader: EDBA graduate champions the unique program

Jonny Stevens graduated with one of SMU’s first EDBA degrees at the Fall 2025 convocation. Shown here with President Michael Khan, Chancellor Michael Durland, and supervisor Dr. Ramesh Venkat

When Jonny Stevens BComm'02 MBA'07 EDBA’25 decided to pursue his Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) at the Sobey School of Business, it wasn’t because he needed another credential. With a successful executive career already behind him, Stevens was driven by something deeper: curiosity.

“I didn’t want to just think I knew something—I wanted to know it,” he says. “I wanted to deepen my knowledge, challenge myself, and show my kids that you’re never too old to learn something new.”

As one of the first graduates of the Sobey EDBA program, Stevens helped shape the program’s early development while balancing full-time work and family life. He describes being part of the inaugural cohort as both an honour and a rare opportunity to help define a new academic path. “The core academics were solid from day one, but we got to influence some of the process details. That was exciting.”

The EDBA program, designed for experienced professionals who want to apply research to real-world business challenges, turned out to be exactly what Stevens had been searching for. For years, he had explored doctoral study options but found that traditional PhD programs required leaving full-time work behind. The EDBA provided a rigorous, research-focused alternative that was built around industry relevance.

“It's the same level of academic rigour as a PhD,” he explains, “But it’s designed for people who want to bring evidence-based thinking directly into business practice.”

Putting knowledge into practice

That mindset led Stevens to make a career pivot during the program. Formerly the Chief Revenue Officer of a billion-dollar professional services company, he founded his own consulting practice to help organizations apply research-based approaches to leadership and growth.

“I tell people my superpower is my library card. I help businesses move from thinking to knowing—to make decisions backed by data and evidence.”

His own research explored inclusion climates in B2B sales environments, developing an original 11-item scale to measure the impact of gender inclusion on team performance. The results showed that positive inclusion climate leads to greater job satisfaction and job performance. “It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s the profitable thing to do,” he says.

For Stevens, who graduated in fall 2025, the EDBA experience was transformational. “You can’t start this program and finish it as the same person,” he says. “It stretches your thinking, your skills, and your view of what’s possible.”

His advice for future students? “Know why you’re doing it, be clear about your goals, and be ready to work hard. If you want to be surrounded by the best professors, peers, and research opportunities—this is the program for you.”

Learn more about the EDBA program and how it’s transforming business leadership: smu.ca/sobey/edba

Students develop fresh ideas for Elevate Media in Provincial Innovation Sprint

Students from Saint Mary’s University, NSCC, Dalhousie University, Cape Breton University and St. Francis Xavier University came together at the end of October for the second Provincial Innovation Sprint, a high-energy problem-solving event designed to connect students with industry. The Sprint invited participants to support Elevate Media, a growing social media management agency based in Sydney, NS, by developing ideas that could strengthen the company’s reach and long-term growth.

Participants of the virtual Provincial Innovation Sprint

The virtual session allowed broader participation, bringing together students from across the province. This created a collaborative environment where students from different institutions engaged meaningfully with each other and the business.

Elevate Media is co-owned by Ethan MacLean, an NSCC alumnus and Brooke McDonald, a current NSCC student. Together, they help businesses improve their digital presence by adapting content to current trends and maintaining clear and consistent brand storytelling.

Ethan and Brooke challenged students to develop a plan for expanding their services across Canada while preserving their authentic, creative approach and strong client relationships.

Students were introduced to the challenges of helping Elevate Media scale its business to serve clients across Canada, ensuring that the agency could maintain authentic connections, uphold consistent brand storytelling and deliver the creative quality clients have come to expect, even without being physically present for every piece of content creation.

Drawing from diverse academic backgrounds, the students worked to create solutions that combined creativity with strategic business thinking. Ideas included building partnerships with freelancers and designing automated systems to streamline client outreach. Several teams also explored Elevate Media’s brand positioning and recommended developing a more distinctive name to stand out in a competitive market.

Dalhousie student Omar Dahleh

Dalhousie student Omar Dahleh earned first place for presenting a clear and future-focused approach to supporting Elevate Media’s growth. Cape Breton University student Ryan Drohan and St. Francis Xavier University student Emma Jewkes placed second for their thoughtful recommendations around partnerships and expansion. Third place went to Saint Mary’s students Martino Elias and Jaxon Yon for their creative ideas related to workflow improvements and brand identity.

Ethan and Brooke expressed their appreciation for the students’ professionalism and insight. They shared that the ideas generated during the Sprint offered valuable direction for the company’s next stage of growth and demonstrated how impactful student perspectives can be when applied to real business challenges.

The Provincial Innovation Sprint continues to bring motivated students together with Nova Scotia businesses that want to innovate and grow. For Elevate Media, the ideas presented open new opportunities for expansion. For students, the Sprint provided practical experience in supporting a fast-growing digital agency in an evolving industry.

Students team up to boost local pet business through Innovation Sprint

Students from Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie joined Jenn and Winston from East Coast Dog at the recent Innovation Sprint

Students from Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University recently teamed up to help East Coast Dog, Halifax’s premium boutique pet store and grooming salon, strengthen its community engagement and brand presence. The challenge was part of the Innovation Sprint program held at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, where students collaborate with local businesses to apply creative problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking to real-world needs.

Founded and operated by Jenn Marotta, East Coast Dog has quickly become a trusted name in the local pet care community. With a background in animal care and customer service, Jenn built her business around one goal: to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable experience for both pets and their people. Combining professional on-leash dog walking, expert grooming and high-quality retail, she’s built a space that reflects her passion for animal well-being and community connection.

When Jenn joined the Innovation Sprint, she brought her dog Winston, who quickly became the star of the event. Students connected deeply with East Coast Dog’s mission and were curious to learn about the certifications and training programs that make the business unique. Over the course of the session, they worked in small teams to brainstorm ways to expand community engagement, attract new customers and build brand loyalty through creative programs and partnerships.

Ideas ranged from dog run clubs and reward programs to rehab coaching for retired K-9s and community training events. Many teams focused on initiatives that would deepen local connections and create memorable experiences for pet owners, while also introducing new revenue streams for the business.

The winning team took home the program’s $1,000 grand prize. To close the session, Jenn also awarded $170 in gift cards to the top three teams and $5 gift cards to all participants-a thoughtful gesture that reflected her commitment to appreciation and community spirit.

The winning team, Mila Souilliere and Patricia Tagliapietra from Dalhousie University, impressed Jenn with their creative approach to community engagement. In fact, one of the winning ideas even sparked a potential collaboration. A student who runs a local club caught Jenn’s attention and the two discussed partnering on a future event.

From experience to employable: new Experiential Badges recognize student achievements

Tom Brophy, Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and Services; Lyra Telles; Emily Fisher; Christy Starkey, Co-Curricular & Career360° Lead

Saint Mary’s University’s Career & Experiential Learning (CEL) team recently launched the Experiential Badge Program, a new initiative that helps students showcase their learning and leadership experiences gained outside the classroom.

These digital badges recognize students for the meaningful skills and competencies gained through campus involvement, community engagement, co-op placements, micro-experiential learning, and more. The badges appear directly on a student’s Experience Record and can easily be shared on LinkedIn or with future employers, helping to demonstrate their professional growth and employability.

“The Experiential Badges are a bridge between what students learn through applied experiences and what employers are looking for,” says Christy Starkey, Co-Curricular & Career360° Lead. “They help make the transferable skills gained at Saint Mary’s visible and credible, giving students a competitive edge on the path towards their career goals.”

What are Experiential Badges?

The Experiential Badge Program enables students to earn recognition in five distinct experience categories, each with four different levels of achievement.

• Community Leader: Demonstrate exceptional leadership and personal growth while contributing to the Saint Mary’s campus or broader community.

• Career Explorer: Learn to identify, articulate and communicate the professional skills and experiences developed throughout their degree in résumés, cover letters and interviews.

• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA) Champion: Engage in practices that promote inclusion, challenge inequity and advocate for social justice.

• Sport Leader: Build teamwork, organization and communication skills through sport and community engagement (open to all students, not just varsity athletes).

• Entrepreneurship: Explore how to create, evaluate and pitch innovative business ideas through experiential learning opportunities.

To start earning a badge, students can log into Career360° and track their experiences through the Experience Record, which includes Co-Curricular Recognition, Community Service Learning, Co-op, Micro Experiential Learning, and the Student Employment Initiative program.

“Keeping my record updated has been incredibly helpful when requesting reference letters,” explains Melissa Maria Alvarez, Experiential Badge recipient. “It provides supervisors with a clear, detailed overview of my roles and responsibilities, making it easier for them to write a letter on my behalf.”

Meet the First Badge Recipients

The CEL team recently awarded the first Platinum Experiential Badges to Lyra Telles and Emily Fisher at a recognition lunch with Tom Brophy, Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and Services. These inaugural recipients – along with another early badge earner, Melissa Maria Alvarez Del Angel – are setting an inspiring example for how students can use the Experiential Badge Program to reflect on their learning and tell their stories in meaningful ways.

Melissa Maria Alvarez Del Angel
Badge: Bronze Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility (EDIA)

A fourth-year Psychology Honours student from Mexico, Melissa is passionate about mental health, belonging, and community care. Through her research on post-traumatic growth among newcomers and her leadership as a Senior Residence Assistant, she’s committed to supporting others through advocacy and research.

Her advice for building experiences: “Start small, follow your curiosity, and say yes to opportunities that feel meaningful, even if they scare you a little. Every role teaches you something new about yourself.”

Lyra Telles
Badge: Platinum Community Leader

A fourth-year Environmental Science student, Lyra’s roles as a Residence Assistant, Pack Leader, and Peer Success Coach have helped him build essential leadership and teamwork skills. He is also involved in other societies such as Saint Mary’s University Astrophysics and Ancient Studies Society.

“The CCR is such a valuable tool,” Lyra says. “It lets you record everything you’ve done in one place – your hours, skills, and references – so you’re ready for whatever comes next!”

Emily Fisher
Badge: Platinum Community Leader

A fourth-year Honours Astrophysics student, Emily has held roles such as President of the SMU Astronomy and Physics Society, Contributor for the SMU Journal, Residence Assistant, and Executive with the Ancient Studies Society. She has found confidence and connection through involvement.

“Log into Career360 and take a look at the CCR,” she says. “It only takes a few minutes, and you can create a permanent record of everything you’ve done at SMU. You might even discover new opportunities along the way.

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Congratulations to all the inaugural badge recipients for leading the way and inspiring others to take their university journey beyond the classroom!

To learn more or begin earning your own Experiential Badge, visit the Experiential Badges page on Career & Experiential Learning online.

SMU Huskies continue campus tradition with upcoming Red Tape hockey games

SMU Huskies players put red tape on their hockey sticks as a visual statement against racism in sport.

Saint Mary’s University has a deep connection with the Red Tape movement.  

The movement began in 2019, when former SMU student Logan Prosper—of We'koqma'q First Nation—was on the receiving end of racial abuse during a minor hockey game in Cape Breton (Unama’ki). Logan, and his father Phillip Prosper, started what is now an internationally recognized statement against racism, wherein hockey players wrap their sticks with red tape as a sign of solidarity with athletes in all levels of hockey.  

The movement picked up quickly, as athletes across Canada spoke out about their experiences with racism in the sport, noting the generational impact of the issue and the effect it continues to have—especially on Indigenous youth.  

SMU Huskies were early adopters of the movement, launching their first Red Tape game in January 2020 in support of the Prospers’ vision. Five years later, Saint Mary’s continues to host Red Tape games in solidarity with athletes across Canada and the world, and this year is no different.  

Former SMU Husky Erin Denny BSc’25 hits the ice at one of last year’s Red Tape games.

This year, Ryan Francis (Saint Mary’s first Indigenous Visiting Fellow) is once again working together with Athletics & Recreation and the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health to organize the Red Tape events on Saturday, November 22.  

Francis grew up in Cole Harbour—an area known for its hockey history—and is from Wasoqopa'q First Nation. He’s had his own experiences with racism during his time in hockey, and he has done exemplary work to address systemic barriers in the sport, including launching the Indigenous Girls Hockey Program, a program that sees him working closely with former SMU Husky Erin Denny BSc’25. 

Francis also founded the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, an organization that “[provides financial support] to communities, and charities in Atlantic Canada who lead initiatives that create opportunities for Indigenous women and girls to experience sport, recreation, and physical activity in a meaningful way.” 

This Saturday, November 22, Saint Mary’s will host two games – one with the women’s hockey team and one with the men’s hockey team – to raise awareness of the movement. The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health will also be hosting a draw for six copies of Beyond the Rink to encourage attendees to examine the “complicated role of sports in residential school histories.”  

“What makes this matter is the ongoing commitment and recognition of this cause,” says Francis. “Showing up every year and saying that this matters and that this is a priority for the athletic community is a key part of how the university creates [more inclusive space for Indigenous athletes.]”  

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To support the movement by attending our Red Tape Games, see the Huskies website here: Saint Mary's Huskies - Universe  

For more about the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, see the website at Home | GFMF.