Business student recognized for excellence in leadership, athletics and entrepreneurship

We are thrilled to announce that Taylor Lougheed, a remarkable student in the Sobey School of Business, has received the prestigious 2025 Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies. In addition to this award, Taylor is also a Sobey Scholar, a recognition that highlights her exceptional academic and leadership potential.

A natural leader, Taylor has proven herself in multiple areas. As a manager at Scholar’s Edge Painting, a student-run business, she led her team to generate impressive sales and build lasting client relationships. Her experience taught her invaluable skills in communication, problem-solving and resilience—qualities that will serve her well in her future career.

Taylor embodies the perfect blend of entrepreneurial spirit, academic excellence and athletic leadership as the Assistant Captain of the SMU Huskies Women’s Volleyball team. Her dedication and discipline shine through as she motivates her teammates and balances her studies. She is also involved in various campus organizations, including the SMU Women in Business Society and the Saint Mary’s Athletic Council. These experiences not only define her leadership style but also set the stage for an inspiring and successful career ahead.

Looking forward, Taylor aims to pursue her CPA and MBA, laying the foundation for owning a successful and financially sustainable business. With hard work and a natural ability to inspire others, she is poised to become a promising leader in the business world.

AI device predicting UTIs wins $10K at The Arena

Manak Bajaj, a second-year PhD student from McMaster University, has been awarded the $10,000 grand prize in The Arena, Saint Mary’s University’s national pitch competition, for his breakthrough product, Wonder Guard—an AI-powered catheter bag module capable of detecting and predicting urinary tract infections (UTIs).

After 29 days of intense competition, with over 60 participants from 37 post-secondaries across Canada, Manak Bajaj won the grand prize of $10,000 for his product called Wonder Guard—an AI-powered Catheter Bag Module capable of detecting and predicting urinary tract infections (UTIs). Wonder Guard integrates electrochemical biosensors for real-time detection, quantification, and prediction of UTIs. This allows immediate diagnostic feedback to users and health information systems for AI-driven clinical decisions.

Wonder Guard app

“The Arena was a fantastic event! I profoundly enjoyed the challenges brought on by each round, and each iteration taught me so much about how to share the story of Wonder Guard,” said Bajaj. “I am grateful to be the Champion of The Arena 2025, and I’m eager to advance our efforts to create a lasting impact on patients’ lives. Thank you to all the judges who participated in my rounds—your feedback has given Wonder Guard a stronger pathway to market.”

The Arena, presented by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University, is Canada’s premier national pitch competition for student entrepreneurs. This year’s event welcomed 64 students from leading institutions, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, Queen’s University, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Waterloo and universities throughout Atlantic Canada.

During the month of March, students competed in a head-to-head pitch format, presenting their business ideas to panels of expert judges. In total, $17,000 in prizes were awarded: $10,000 to the first-place winner, $5,000 to the runner-up, and $1,000 each to third and fourth place.

“The calibre of world-changing ideas from these young entrepreneurs is impressive. They are inspired and inspiring,” said Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “These students are going to make their mark on our world, and the Centre is delighted to help them realize their dreams.”

The Arena is generously sponsored by Metronomics, a company founded by Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92, a Saint Mary’s University alumna and successful serial entrepreneur. Susko has been recognized among Canada’s Top 25 Inspirational Women Leaders and Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

Since its launch in 2021, The Arena has awarded $95,000 in prizes and showcased more than 320 student business ideas from across the country. With a focus on growth, innovation and cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is Atlantic Canada’s premier hub for cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets and driving open innovation.

Student-led startup named Canadian Champion at Hult Prize National Competition

Founded by Sheheryar Khan, a soon-to-be graduate in Diploma in Engineering at Saint Mary’s University, Alaagi is on a mission to replace traditional plastics with sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Using seaweed and other marine resources, the company creates fully compostable plastics. Using seaweed and other marine resources, the company creates fully compostable plastics.

The Alaagi team—comprised of SMU students Sheheryar Khan, Gabe Martin and Vaishali Sachdeva—was named National Champion after competing against 19 other teams from across Canada at the competition held in March at McGill University.

Kate Ramirez of the Hult Prize with Vaishali Sachdeva, Sheheryar Khan and Gabe Martin of Alaagi, and Hult Prize Advisor Aarondeep (Aaron) S. Bains

Another Saint Mary’s team that competed was Sociable, an online platform founded by Olivian Sanderson and Jason Phonchareon. The platform aims to help students build meaningful relationships through shared interests and community events.

With the national win, the Alaagi team immediately moves on to the next phase of the competition, working toward the grand prize of $1 million to be awarded at the Global Finals in London in September 2025. Alaagi has been mentored through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and is currently incubated through Enactus Saint Mary’s.

““Working with the team at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre was truly transformative. They supported my vision and taught me fundamental skills like how to pitch and manage my business. But I also have to credit my mom—she sent me to Saint Mary’s and to Canada to chase my dreams.””

— Sheheryar Khan

Alaagi Founder Sheheryar Khan presents at the Hult Prize Canadian National Competition

The Hult Prize is a globally recognized social entrepreneurship competition that challenges students to tackle the world’s most pressing issues through innovative business ideas. Each year, more than 187,000 students from 113 countries and 1,324 universities participate, pitching solutions for a chance to win $1 million.

“The Canadian National Competition was competitive and exciting! It was amazing to see teams from across the country come together—not just as competitors, but as colleagues supporting one another through the process,” said Kate Ramirez, North American Regional Manager of the Hult Prize. “This was the first Canadian National Hult Prize competition, and it set the tone for what’s to come.”

The Hult Prize competition consists of five stages. With their national win, Alaagi enters Stage 3: the Digital Incubator. Alongside 60 top teams from around the world, they will refine their ideas, validate product-market fit, build proof-of-concept models, and develop go-to-market strategies. Successful teams will progress to Stage 4: the Global Accelerator, held in person in London this August, where 28 teams will receive intensive mentorship, strategic guidance, and networking opportunities. Of those, eight will be selected to compete in the Global Finals in September, pitching their ventures to a distinguished panel of judges for the $1 million prize.

Follow the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre online for more updates on Alaagi’s journey and other student entrepreneur success stories.

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The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University is Atlantic Canada’s premier hub for fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and driving open innovation. Over the past five years, the Centre has supported over 4,000 students and 3,000 businesses through programs, mentorship, and entrepreneurial engagement activities.

Pizza, jazz and sustainability

Sobey students explore global solutions in Chicago 

Eighteen students from Canada, the US and Mexico participated in the Developing Climate Leaders course, pictured here on-site at Top Pallets in Chicago

SMU students Dakota Burrows and Barbara Ellis (3rd and 4th from left) present with teammates from Dominican University and Universidad Anáhuac at Top Pallets in Chicago

Students visited Top Pallets in Chciago to learn about sustainable supply chain management

SMU students joined Sobey School of Business professor Dr. Rahman Khokhar (pictured speaking) for the Developing Climate Leaders course

Rahman Khokhar, Dakota Burrows and Barbara Ellis among other students during a visit to Top Pallets

The Dean of the Brennan Business School at Dominican University in Chicago, IL welcomes the students and instructors

The vibrant energy of jazz, the universal love for pizza and the critical need for climate change solutions—an unexpected fusion of experiences shaped the Sobey School of Business students' transformative trip to Chicago, proving despite apparent divisions, Canada, the U.S., and Mexico can unite over global sustainability. 

During February's reading week, six ambitious Bachelor of Commerce students from SMU ventured to the Windy City for the "Developing Climate Leaders" course, guided by Dr. Rahman Khokhar, Associate Professor of Finance at the Sobey School of Business.  

Now in its third year, this innovative program showcases how cross-border cooperation can further sustainable business practices. 

International efforts in action 

Teamed with peers from Dominican University (Chicago, IL) and Universidad Anáhuac (Mexico), the students dove into assessing sustainability practices at companies like Top Pallets, Wintrust Financial, and Pepper Construction. 

Their mission was clear: to bring fresh, actionable insights back from their research. This work was supported by funding from the 100k Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund and the Linton Family Sustainability in Business Trust, established by Bill Linton BComm'75, DComm'22 and Marilynne Day-Linton. 

During their stay, the students presented their findings to company executives on-site and toured the facilities, gaining direct insights into operations and real-world experience. 

"Being able to interview the COO of Top Pallets opened my eyes to the critical role of green supply chains,” said Barbara Ellis, a second-year undergraduate student. “I loved collaborating with a cross-cultural group of students. We came up with solutions to practical business problems that could have a real impact."  

Halifax to Chicago: beats and eats  

The cultural experiences formed a core part of their journey. From tasting Chicago's legendary deep-dish pizza to grooving to a live jazz band, the students immersed themselves in the local scene.  

“I am starting to understand how different cultures might approach sustainability initiatives. Before this trip, my perspectives were short-sighted, but now I see the importance of hearing from different viewpoints,” said Zayna Eissa, a second-year undergraduate student and Sobey National Innovator Scholar. “I also loved trying new foods and I really admired the architecture in Chicago. That’s the beauty of international learning."  

“Just getting out of Halifax over the break,” said Cole Fraser, a third-year undergraduate student, on his highlights of the trip. “The food scene, visiting the Morton Arboretum, and the nights spent exploring downtown Chicago with a great group of students were unforgettable.” 

Empowering students as sustainable business leaders 

The course included various team efforts, including a social media campaign promoting carbon neutrality and a real-world sustainability challenge about Walmart and one of its suppliers.  

Through this exercise, students strengthened their problem-solving and presentation skills, gained insight into supplier negotiation dynamics, and explored how sustainability decisions today can significantly shape global supply chains of the future.  

The Sobey School of Business is proud of its commitment to fostering future leaders who are ready to tackle the world's pressing environmental issues with innovative, culturally informed approaches.  

Additional resources 

• Sobey School globally recognized for supporting UN initiative

• Sustainability Initiatives

• Bachelor of Commerce at Saint Mary’s

• Certificate in Sustainability Business

Transforming healthcare: Saint Mary’s Experience Ventures partners with Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub

Students presented their ideas to the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub

A student team answers questions during their presentation

Some teams from across Atlantic Canada particpated online

Representatives from the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub give feedback on presentations

A unique collaboration driving change in healthcare

From January 22 to February 26, 2025, Saint Mary’s University’s Experience Ventures program embarked on an exciting collaboration with the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, engaging 15 students across Atlantic Canada. This initiative provided students with hands-on experience tackling some of the province’s most pressing healthcare challenges.

The Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub was established to do the right things for the right reasons. As the front door for innovation and partnerships within Nova Scotia’s healthcare system, it is shaping a methodical approach to innovation and bringing together partners (patients, clinicians, industry leaders, healthcare foundations, governments and academic institutions) to take the best local and global ideas and make them a reality in the pursuit of better health for all Nova Scotians.

The Experience Ventures Challenge presented three challenges to students to build solutions:

• Challenge A: Exploring innovative approaches to address mental health challenges in senior populations.

• Challenge B: Leveraging technology to enhance health outcomes for seniors and improve long-term care delivery.

• Challenge C: Identifying best-in-class frameworks, strategies, and practices from other Canadian and global jurisdictions to advance public healthcare systems.

Throughout the program, students conducted detailed due diligence reports, market scans and final recommendations, presenting solutions to help Nova Scotia Health improve its care system. This initiative provided students with an unparalleled opportunity to gain industry exposure, develop research and analytical skills and contribute to meaningful healthcare advancements. The collaboration highlighted the power of innovation and the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships in healthcare transformation.

“It was my pleasure to be part of the Experience Ventures program, where I learned how to apply my skills to solving real-world problems. I also got to make friends in such a short time and collaborate with them on the project,”  said Gulizar Sheikh Muslim, phycology student at Saint Mary’s.

Celia Peters and Michael Warner, Business Development Coordinators with the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, were excited by the work presented. “It was a pleasure collaborating with the future changemakers and exploring real healthcare scenarios together,” said Peters. “We were inspired by the students' innovative ideas and the potential impact they could have on both the healthcare system and patient outcomes." 

"It was inspiring to watch the final student presentations, where their passion and thoughtful approach to senior care shone through. Their innovative ideas highlighted the importance of prioritizing this area, showcasing the significant impact innovation can have on improving the status quo in senior care," said Warner.

Stay tuned for more exciting collaborations as the Experience Ventures program continues to foster innovation and create opportunities for students to lead the way in healthcare transformation.

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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 delivered in partnership with post-secondary institutions nationwide.

Women's Athletics leading the pack at SMU

Huge congratulations are in order for SMU Huskies women’s teams and athletes! On the courts, on the field and on the ice, female student-athletes have shone this season.

Most recently, two Huskies women's teams won AUS Championships on the same day, with the volleyball team joining the women's basketball team that won their third straight title earlier in the day at the Scotiabank Centre.

The Saint Mary's Huskies won their third Atlantic University Sport women's basketball championship, defeating the UPEI Panthers 68-53 on March 2. The win secured the team’s spot in the U SPORTS Final 8 National Championship, which will be played March 13-16 in Vancouver, BC. 

TheHuskies are the 2024-2025 AUS Women’s Basketball Champions for the third year in a row

The Huskies are the first AUS women's basketball program to hoist the AUS banner three straight years since their predecessors won four consecutive titles from 2013-2016.

MBA student Clara Gascoigne was named the AUS Women's Basketball MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Tournament MVP. Lucina Beaumont, Evie Hargraves and Aki Kobayashi were also recognized with AUS awards.

Clara Gascoigne at the 2024-2025 U SPORTS Awards Banquet

Gascoigne was also named 2024-25 U SPORTS women's basketball defensive player of the year and a First Team All-Canadian. The six-foot guard from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, started in 19 games and led the Huskies in minutes, averaging 31.6 per game.

She is only the second Saint Mary's player and the second Atlantic University Sport women's basketball player to win the Defensive Player of the Year award after Kennisha-Shanice Luberisse and second to be named First Team All-Canadian after Justine Colley-Leger.

Read more about the U SPORTS Basketball Awards.

The Huskies are the 2024-2025 AUS Women’s Volleyball champions

The Saint Mary's Huskies women’s volleyball team became the AUS Champions for the first time since the 2011-12 season.

The Huskies defeated the Memorial Sea-Hawks to win the 2024-2025 AUS Championships, with left-side hitter Emilia Mikanovich named the AUS MVP and Playoff MVP. Grace Blaskovits was named AUS Rookie of the Year and Alena Piatukhova was named First Team All-Star. Mikanovich was also named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian, while Blasksovits was named to the All-Rookie Team. Read more on the U SPORTS Volleyball Awards.

The Huskies will move on to represent the AUS at the 2025 U SPORTS National Championship, and will be making their second straight appearance at nationals slated for March 14-16 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

More honours for student-athletes

Women’s Hockey captain Ashley Penney was recognized for her academic, athletic and community contributions with the AUS Student-Athlete Community Service Award. Abigail MacKenzie and Ava Shearer also received AUS awards.

In the Fall term, Cara Freeman was named 2024 AUS Women's Soccer First Team All-Star and Elliana Porter was named 2024 AUS Women's Rugby All-Star.

Track and Field shotputter Katie Pegg won a gold medal in the F46 Para Shotput, with a personal best of 11.57m.

AUS award winners Clara Gascoigne, Ashley Penney and Emilia Mikanovich

Enactus Saint Mary's secures first place in Environmental Sustainability, Innovation & Impact and Entrepreneurship Competitions

The Enactus Saint Mary’s team at the Atlantic Regional Exposition in February 2025

Saint Mary's University placed first in three regional challenges at the Enactus Canada Atlantic Regional Exposition: the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge, the Innovation and Impact Challenge powered by Enactus Alumni and the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge.

The team's success solidifies its leadership position in the Enactus network for its continued dedication to positive change through entrepreneurial action and sustainable business practices.

Championing Environmental Sustainability
The judges were impressed with Square Roots and EmerAlt, two projects in the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge. Square Roots provides affordable fruit and vegetables to community members across Nova Scotia. EmerAlt is creating plastic cutlery from potato starch.

Driving Innovation and Impact
In the Innovation and Impact Challenge, powered by Enactus Alumni, Enactus Saint Mary's showcased its ability to identify and address real-world problems with creative solutions. Their project Alaagi, only in its first year of conception, won first place for its powerful combination of ingenuity and practical application. The judges were particularly impressed by the team's ability to develop a solution that focused on sustainability.

Empowering Entrepreneurial Spirit
In the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge, the team showcased Square Roots and their ongoing growth by launching seven new locations, now totalling 16 across Nova Scotia. This expansion further proved the program's dedication to community empowerment. The team provided 25 entrepreneurs with essential skills, valuable tools and knowledge to foster entrepreneurial success within the community. 

With the recent win, Enactus Saint Mary's will compete in four competitions at the Enactus Canada National Exposition from May 6-8 in Calgary, Alberta, including defending its national championship title.  

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About Enactus Saint Mary's

Enactus Saint Mary's is a student-led organization dedicated to creating a better world through entrepreneurial action. They develop and implement projects that address social, environmental and economic challenges, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.  

Anecia Shepherd: celebrating Black culture and women’s history through art

Arts student Anecia Shepherd performed at the African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony at SMU on January 31

First-year Arts student Anecia Shepherd has already made an impression at Saint Mary’s with her passion, powerful writing and commanding presence. So, when her Professor, Soji Cole, recommended her to perform at the African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony, she saw an opportunity not only to share her words but to honour the legacy of those who came before her. 

Originally from Antigua, in the Caribbean, Anecia says she immediately felt a sense of belonging at Saint Mary’s. “SMU has this community feel that fosters not only growth but health and wellness,” she explains. She credits her professors for making efforts to connect with and support students as individuals, as well as campus initiatives like African Heritage Month programming, which helped establish a deeper sense of connection and belonging. 

“We put everything into celebrating Black culture in February back home,” Anecia explains. “The fact that SMU acknowledges February as this sacred month for Black people and celebrates that is beyond words. I think it makes all the Black students feel extremely appreciated.” 

Anecia moved the audience with her spoken word piece ‘Recalled: A Dream Had, A Dream Have’.

Anecia’s performance at the AHM Opening Ceremony took the audience on a journey through a dream, where a dove sent by her ancestors urged her to confront the past and acknowledge the towering legacy of Black culture. “What lies ahead of you is forged in the histories of those who have bled before you,” she recited from her spoken word piece, Recalled: A Dream Had, A Dream Have. 
 
Her performance reflected on the sacrifices and resilience of Black individuals, particularly Black women, and the burden of expectation placed upon them. “I can’t just be. Being is a measure of mediocrity. I gotta be strong...original...creative...revolutionary.” Her words lingered, acknowledging each stacked pressure before finally casting them off. “Forget I gotta be,” she declared, embracing both the struggles and triumphs of the legacy that shaped her. At that moment, she reclaimed her power. “I am!” 

As February’s Black History Month transitioned to March’s Women’s History Month, Anecia sees a natural connection between the two. "Black history and women’s history are deeply intertwined, woven together by stories of strength, struggle and resilience," she says. But with that legacy often comes immense pressure in the expectation to be everything to everyone and to do it all without faltering. 

Anecia’s piece also paid tribute to her grandmother, whose life was a testament to choosing fulfillment over expectation, embracing culture and living on her own terms. But beyond her personal inspiration, the poem served as a broader reflection on how Black individuals, and women in particular, face relentless pressure to fit into societal moulds, to excel without rest, and to endure without complaint. Her performance challenged that societal construct, rejecting the notion that success must come at the cost of self. 

Anecia’s love for writing extends beyond the spoken word. She hopes to use her words to explore injustice, honour her identity and find ways to influence meaningful change. “Writing feels like something I’ll do in every lifetime,” she says. 

Reflecting on both African Heritage Month and Women’s History Month, she shares a powerful message: “I’m still here…I, for myself, for my ancestors, for every Black person and woman in the wider community. We are still here...make space. Let’s work together and flourish together by building a community built on equality, love, kindness, and justice.” 

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Related:

• Celebrating International Women’s Day at Saint Mary’s

• Legacy in Action: Black Brilliance - SMU's inaugural African Heritage Month opening ceremony

• African Heritage Month 2025: Celebrating our community with events, resources and more

• Black/African Descended Student Support online hub

• Black/African Nova Scotian SMU Community News

Celebrating International Women's Day

Saturday, March 8, is International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration of women and girls. This year, we’re challenged to amplify the voices of all women, create opportunities for women and girls and accelerate action for gender equality. Learn more about the Government of Canada’s Strength in Every Story theme and the IWD Accelerate Action theme.

Join the SMU community for uplifting events happening on campus and online in celebration of International Women’s Day, and read about the students and alumni whose leadership inspires us all.

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International Women's Day - Celebrating a Feminist Future

Wednesday, March 5
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Loyola Colonnade

Join the Sexual Violence Support Centre team in the Loyola Colonnade to mark International Women's Day and celebrate a feminist future!

Drop by between 11-2 to honour a woman in your life, contribute to a special art exhibit and share a treat. All are welcome.

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Journalling Workshop for Black Students

Wednesday, March 5
2:30-4 p.m.
Loyola Private Dining Room, LA 298

Join the Black Student Advisor and the Sexual Violence Support Centre for a Journalling Workshop for Black students. FREE journals for the first 20 participants!

Shianne Gordon (Community Mobilization Coordinator with the East Preston Resource Centre and Community Navigator with Avalon Centre) will guide a journalling process of mindfulness and gratitude to support wellbeing.

Join us in Loyola 298 (Private Dining Room) for an afternoon of connection and reflection.

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Her Story: Empower Her

Wednesday, March 5
5:30-8 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Inspiration Studio (SH 212)

Join us for a special Women’s Day celebration as we come together to honour the achievements and contributions of women across various fields.

This event will highlight how women are re-imagining success by breaking boundaries, overcoming challenges, and leading with courage, innovation, and resilience.

Meet Inspiring Speakers:

• Rashmi Prakash – CEO & Co-founder, Aruna Revolution

• Sayeda Nabila – Senior Market Manager, TELUS

• Navdeep Parmanand – Chief Curves Officer & Founder, Celebrate Your Curves

Join us for an afternoon of thought-provoking conversations, shared experiences, and powerful insights from trailblazing women redefining success in their fields. Register Here.

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Celebration of Women in Entrepreneurship

Friday, March 7
10-11:30 a.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Inspiration Studio (SH 212)

Mark your calendars for March 7, 2025, as we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. This event is all about confidence, connection and celebration—an uplifting space to honour women entrepreneurs and change makers!

Why you should attend:

• Connect with like-minded women entrepreneurs, students, alumni and changemakers

• Be inspired by success stories from incredible women making an impact

• Engage in fun, empowering activities designed to boost confidence and self-reflection

• Enjoy delicious treats from women-owned businesses

This event is open to all students, alumni and community members, and we welcome everyone who believes in the power of women’s leadership and entrepreneurship. Register here.

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International Women's Day: Embodying Support

Monday, March 10
10 a.m.-noon
O’Donnell-Hennessey Student Centre, 5th floor common space

Join the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative in celebration of International Women's Day at the Student Centre 5th Floor common space! Get a temporary tattoo of a purple and/or teal ribbon to show your solidarity and support for those who have been impacted by gender- and sexual-based violence.

Meet the SVPI team, get resources for available supports and grab some snacks for the day!

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Empowering Voices: A Talking Circle for Immigrant and Black Women Entrepreneurs

Wednesday, March 12
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Inspiration Studio (SH 212)

If you are an immigrant woman entrepreneur, a Black woman entrepreneur, or both, we want to invite you to connect with us at our intimate Talking Circle!

This is not your typical formal event—it’s a welcoming space to exchange stories, reflect on personal journeys and build meaningful connections.

We'll gather in a cozy circle of seats, sharing our backgrounds and experiences in a warm, supportive environment. It’s a chance to feel connected, comfortable, and inspired—the perfect way to brighten up a cold winter evening.

What to Expect:

• Open conversations about challenges, barriers, and triumphs

• A supportive environment to learn from diverse cultures and perspectives

• Opportunities to foster new friendships and explore business growth in Halifax

Our Facilitator will be Keisha Turner BA'12, Co-Founder of Starberry Drink Co. Register here.

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Paint and Sip

Wednesday, March 19
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Inspiration Studio (SH 212)

Come join us for a relaxing evening of creativity and tea at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre in support of local women-owned businesses! All ticket sales will go to a local woman-owned business or organization supporting women - we will do a draw at the end of the night. There will also be amazing giveaway prizes from local businesses for attendees.

There will be a tea bar with a selection of teas and snacks to keep you warm and someone to help guide you through the painting process. No experience is necessary; just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! This event is perfect for a fun night out with friends or a solo artistic adventure. Let's paint, sip, and unwind together! Register here.

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Recurring Events

EDIA Book Club

The book for the Winter Term is Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong – and the New Research That's Rewriting the Story by Angela Saini.

The EDIA Book Club meets biweekly on Fridays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Patrick Power Library room LI-135.

Remaining dates for this term: March 7, March 21, April 4

Visit the webpage for updates about which chapters to read and for more information about the book club. If you would like to be added to the EDIA book club mailing list, please reach out to Maheshi Dharmasiri (maheshi.dharmasiri@smu.ca).

Women in Sport Business Speaker Series

In this monthly online speaker series, women with expertise in the field of sport business share their insights, highlighting their important roles in the sport industry.

Next event: Tuesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. with Lindsay MacPhee DipEng’04. Register here.

Lindsay, a former chemical engineer turned entrepreneur, founded The Floatation Centre Health and Wellness in 2015. She will discuss the benefits of floatation therapy and holistic wellness for athletes.

For more information, visit the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health website.

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50th Anniversary of Women in Varsity Sport

Former athletes, coaches and supporters gathered to celebrate the anniversary at Homecoming in October 2024

In 2024, Saint Mary's celebrated a monumental milestone: the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sports. The yearlong celebration showcased the inspiring journeys of female athletes who have shaped the university's athletic program, creating a legacy of achievement, determination and empowerment.

The highlight of the festivities took place during Homecoming in October 2024, when alumnae athletes, current student-athletes and prominent figures in women's sports gathered to celebrate the accomplishments and journey of the past 50 years of women in varsity athletics. It was more than just a celebration; it was a heartfelt tribute to the past, present and future of women's sports at SMU. Read more about the celebration and alumni highlights in Maroon + White alumni magazine.

Today, the SMU Huskies women’s teams are leading the pack!

Women’s Basketball AUS Champions 2024-2025

Women’s Volleyball AUS Champions 2024-2025

The Women’s Basketball Huskies won the 2024-2024 AUS Championships for the third season in a row! MBA student Clara Gascoigne was named the AUS Women's Basketball MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Tournament MVP. Lucina Beaumont, Evie Hargraves and Aki Kobayashi were also recognized with AUS awards.

The Women’s Volleyball Huskies won the 2024-2025 AUS Championships, with left-side hitter Emilia Mikanovich named the AUS MVP and Playoff MVP. Grace Blaskovits was named AUS Rookie of the Year and Alena Piatukhova was named First Team All-Star.

Women’s Hockey captain Ashley Penney was recognized for her academic, athletic and community contributions with the AUS Student-Athlete Community Service Award. Abigail MacKenzie and Ava Shearer also received AUS awards.

In the Fall term, Cara Freeman was named 2024 AUS Women's Soccer First Team All-Star and Elliana Porter was named 2024 AUS Women's Rugby All-Star.

AUS award winners Clara Gascoigne, Ashley Penney and Emilia Mikanovich

Inspiring Students

Rheannon Richards BA’24 was the first woman to be awarded the Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award at last year’s Spring Convocation. She was recognized for giving back to her community as a tutor and conversation partner for newcomers. The $30,000 award was established in 2023 for undergraduate Arts students of African Nova Scotian or Black/African descent who aspire to careers in writing.

Commerce student and entrepreneur Olivian Sanderson was awarded a Dream Chaser Change Maker Award for Sociable, a mental health app for students, which she co-founded. The award provides a $10,000 scholarship and celebrates student entrepreneurs who use their businesses to address pressing social and environmental challenges. 

First-year Engineering student Mia Makhlouf received the Montreal Women’s Memorial Scholarship, which honours the memory of the 14 women who were killed on December 6, 1989 in an anti-feminist attack at the École Polytechnique, the engineering school at the Université de Montréal.

First-year student Emi Morse received the prestigious Honourable David C. Onley Scholarship Award from Canadian Hearing Services. This national scholarship is awarded to an individual who demonstrates outstanding academic achievements, resilience, and dedication as a leader in accessibility and the deaf community.

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International Women’s Day Collection at the Patrick Power Library

This year's theme, Strength in Every Story, highlights the importance of uplifting the voices of all women, especially those who continually face barriers to success. The SMU Library's International Women's Day book list celebrates women’s resilience, determination, and contributions to our past, present, and future.

Find the display on the ground floor of the library, or browse the book list online. All Library resources are free for SMU students, faculty, and staff to borrow. 

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More inspiring women at Saint Mary’s:

• Sustainability…period! From classroom to Aruna Revolution: how Bridget's MBAN is helping make menstrual products eco-friendly

• Anecia Shepherd: celebrating Black culture and women’s history through art

• Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre highlights Female Changemakers

• BComm student with focus on sustainability wins prestigious Frank H. Sobey Award

• 'A dream come true' Saint Mary's shot put star Katie Pegg set to compete at 2024 Paralympic Games 

• PWHL's Victoria Bach inspires young hockey players during campus visit

• Celebrating Women in Business: Highlights from the 2024 Conference

More events this month:

• March 6: Public reading by our SMU 2025 Writer-in-Residence Souvankham Thammavongsa

• March 12: Queer Market

• March 13: Upholding Sacred Obligations: Searching for the Missing and Disappeared Children

• March 14: Fighting for France: Secret Intelligence, War Memoirs, and How Josephine Baker Took on the British Empire

Fresh ideas for accounting’s future

The AC Group teams up with students to tackle recruitment challenges in the CPA industry at recent Innovation Sprint challenge 

Tezas Sethi showcasing their solutions to the AC group representatives

Pari Ajay Mehra, Iram Sheikh and Rishita Mishra present to the AC Group

SMU students Asmita Ale, Hazzaa Sujeer and Lydia Lee present to AC Group

Students brainstorming ideas

Third-place team Kathleen Murray, Angus Bonnyman (CEO of The AC Group), Nguyen Thu Trang Truong, Aquilya Smith

Participating students and the AC Group

Last week, 28 students from Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University and NSCC worked in teams on an Innovation Sprint. In this short, high-energy event, students collaborate to generate solutions for business challenges. The AC Group of Independent Accounting Firms Limited (AC Group) brought forward a challenge focused on addressing recruitment challenges within the CPA and accounting industry. 

The AC Group is an alliance of 13 independent accounting firms in Atlantic Canada. It facilitates the member firms' being leaders in serving the needs of owner-managed businesses in their marketplaces. 

Students heard from Angus Bonnyman, CEO of The AC Group, and Shirley Jollimore, Director of The AC Group. They provided insights into topics such as attracting high-quality applicants and increasing awareness and opportunities in the CPA and Accounting industry. 

The participating students brought fresh perspectives and creative strategies to the table, creating a win-win situation for both students and the AC Group. 

Solutions from the winning team, comprised of three business students, Hazza Sujeer, Lydia Lee and Asmita Ale, ranged from building strategic university partnerships for talent acquisition to targeted social media strategies aimed at increasing brand exposure. Reflecting on the competition, Hazza shared, “We tackled one of the biggest challenges in public accounting, which is to attract and retain top talent. It was an incredible experience being around creative and like-minded individuals to develop real-world solutions.” 

Business student Munyaradzi Matura and science student Q’Ba Richards won second place, while a team of business students, Kathleen Murray, Nguyen Thu Trang Truong, and Aquilya Smith, secured third place. 

The AC group representatives were highly impressed by the students’ professionalism and innovative thinking. Angus remarked, “We worked with a very dynamic group of students who had great ideas about how we could solve a real-world problem.” The firm was enthusiastic about implementing some of the proposed solutions. 

At the end of the Sprint, businesses choose the winning teams, with the first-place winners receiving $1,000, second-place winners receiving $700, and third-place winners receiving $300. In a unique opportunity, The AC Group also opened scholarship applications to participants and actively encouraged students to submit resumes for potential career opportunities. 

Find out how to participate in an Innovation Sprint. 

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About Innovation Sprint  

Innovation Sprint is a short, focused event that brings business and keen, creative students together to generate ideas and solutions to business problems.  During the Innovation Sprint, participants:  

• engage in time-sensitive bursts of intensive problem-solving and developing business solutions;  

• receive insightful resources and mentorship, helping them address business challenges;   

• learn how to facilitate rapid and effective outputs to challenges they may face in their business. This is a unique entrepreneurial experience that can be translated into their own chosen fields;  

• collaborate with students from across Atlantic Canada from various faculties and disciplines.  

Nine students awarded $90,000 in Tribe Network Scholarships

Saint Mary’s University graduate student Tribe Network scholars with Dr. Adam Sarty, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and AVP Research. Student scholars named in story below.

On February 4, members of Saint Mary’s University and The Tribe Network gathered at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre to celebrate nine exceptional graduate students who received $90,000 in scholarships and internships provided by The Tribe Network.

In March 2024, The Tribe Network and Saint Mary’s University announced a scholarship program for Black and Indigenous students pursuing studies in commerce, computer science and analytics. To qualify, self-identified students must be studying in any discipline involving computing and analytics at the graduate level and share a passion for learning and a commitment to making a difference.

Successful recipients receive an internship opportunity and $10,000 annually, which can be applied towards tuition fees and/or support for student internships with external companies or non-profits.

Congratulations to the 2025 recipients!

• Frank Kwaku Aazore, Master of Arts in Geography

• Samuel Ebong, Master of Science in Computing and Data Analytics

• Terdoo Sylvester, Master of Science in Computing and Data Analytics

• Chidiebere Onwe, Master of Business Analytics

• Uzoamaka David, Master of Business Analytics

• Maxinne Baddoo, Master of Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Nana Eko Korsah, Master of Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Stephen Osunrinde, Master of Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Papa Kwame Twumasi-Ntiamoah, Master of Science in Computing and Data Analytics

As these students embark on their educational journeys, these scholarships provide financial support and recognize their potential to make lasting impacts in their respective fields.

“Receiving this award has been a tremendous support in my academic journey,” said MA in Geography student Frank Kwaku Aazore. “The financial assistance helped cover my international travel and fieldwork expenses for my thesis research, allowing me to collect critical data collection for my study on Nature-based Coastal Adaptation in Accra, Ghana. This support relieved financial stress, allowing me to concentrate on my studies and professional development. Beyond financial support, this award has given me a sense of community and recognition, emphasizing the importance of representation and support for Black scholars in computing and analytics-related fields.”

Alfred Burgesson BA’19 BComm’19, Founder and CEO of Tribe Network, is extremely passionate about the value of education. He created the scholarship to help ensure that deserving students have access to higher education, regardless of their financial background.

Applications for the September 2025 Tribe Network Graduate Scholarship and Internship are open until February 28.

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About Tribe Network

The Tribe Network Award is a Nova Scotia provincial government-funded program to align Computer Science programs at Saint Mary’s University with initiatives to develop pathways for Black and Indigenous youth, with a particular focus on engaging African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaq youth participating in programming through the Tribe Network and associated partners. The Tribe Network is a community of racialized people pursuing entrepreneurship and innovation. Their mission is to foster a culture of leadership, collaboration, creativity and growth for racialized individuals.