Global co-operative partnership at the Sobey School of Business

Representatives from Saint Mary’s University and the National Confederation of Cooperatives of the Philippines

NATCCO Philippine delegation arrives in Halifax for a week of collaboration, learning and a newly signed partnership with Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s University deepened its global ties this November, celebrating a new international partnership that connects co‑operative leaders from Canada and the Philippines.

On November 3, Saint Mary’s President Dr. Michael Khan, Sobey School of Business Dean Dr. Michel Delorme, and Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Dean Dr. Adam Sarty joined the International Centre for Co‑operative Management (ICCM) for a special event marking the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) of the Philippines.

With 2025 designated as the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives, the timing underscores a shared commitment to strengthening the co-operative movement worldwide.

According to the International Cooperative Alliance, cooperatives are people-centered enterprises owned, controlled and run by and for their members to realize their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations.

This ethos aligns closely with the UN theme for the year: Co‑operatives Build a Better World.

NATCCO, the Philippines’ national organization representing co‑operatives and credit unions, sent a delegation of 28 senior business leaders to Saint Mary’s for the first week of November. Hosted by the ICCM, the group explored the Canadian credit union system, engaged with the Centre’s specialized research on governance, strategy, and market differentiation, and visited co‑operative partners across Nova Scotia.

“We are delighted to bring our member-cooperatives here to learn, connect, and broaden their perspectives,” said CEO Sylvia O. Paraguya. “This week has been rich with insights, and we are grateful for the meaningful exchanges we have shared. As this is our pilot batch, we look forward to bringing another group next year.”

Regarding the partnership with ICCM, Paraguya states, “NATCCO remains committed to building stronger cooperatives within an integrated network, and education and training continue to be at the heart of our services. We deeply value our relationship with the International Centre for Co-operative Management. This partnership is yet another expression of cooperation among cooperatives — a truly fitting initiative as we celebrate the second International Year of Cooperatives (United Nations).”

For the ICCM, the partnership reinforces a long-standing commitment to global co‑operative education and collaboration.

“It is always a pleasure to connect with our international network,” said Karen Miner, Managing Director of the International Centre for Co‑operative Management. “We have been offering education to co-operatives across the globe since 2003, and each new partnership is strengthening our collective knowledge and network. The NATCCO group was a very engaged group and we look forward to more collaborations.”

Saint Mary’s International Centre for Co‑operative Management (ICCM) and the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) of the Philippines celebrated a new MOU in November 2025

The newly signed MOU promises to open doors to continued learning, shared research and joint initiatives that will support the advancement of cooperative systems in both countries. As the world approaches the International Year of Cooperatives, the partnership between Saint Mary’s University and NATCCO stands as an example of how global collaboration can help co‑operatives thrive.

More information about the International Centre for Co‑operative Management is available at www.smu.ca/iccm.

Building Her Future: Women Shaping the Landscape of Tomorrow

The 7th Annual Sobey School of Business Women in Business Conference took place on October 2

Students attended the half-day conference

Conference organizers from the Sobey School of Business

Panel event

When alumni return to Saint Mary’s University, they bring more than experience—they bring stories of growth, leadership and impact. That spirit was at the heart of the 7th Annual Women in Business Conference, held on October 2, 2025. More than 230 attendees, an all-time record, gathered to celebrate women shaping the future of construction and real estate. 

This year’s event, titled "Building Her Future: Shaping the Landscape of Tomorrow," highlighted women who are driving change in fields that have traditionally been led by men. Alumni, faculty, students, and professionals gathered for a day of conversation, inspiration and connection, all centered on opportunity, equity and what it really means to build your own future. 

Leading with empathy and conviction 

Victoria Stanhope BA’07 MBA’13 presented the keynote speech

One of the returning alumni was Victoria Stanhope BA’07 MBA’13, CEO of Stanhope Simpson Insurance Ltd. She gave a powerful keynote speech that set the tone for the day. As a nationally recognized leader in construction and insurance, Stanhope discussed leveraging the strengths of being a woman in a male-dominated, competitive business environment. 

“The table is set for you to succeed,” she said. “The inherent traits that make us women are the same traits that make us exceptionally powerful, successful business leaders.” 

Stanhope emphasized that empathy and conviction are essential leadership qualities that help women build trust, attract strong teams and create lasting client relationships. 

“Genuine empathy helps attract new team members and clients, while conviction keeps you true to your values and your goals.” 

Her message encouraged attendees to “leave your mark… and inspire other women to do so, too.” 

Constructing change: women leading in construction and real estate 

The event continued with a lively panel discussion titled "Constructing Change: Women Leading in Construction and Real Estate." Dr. Arla Day, Professor of Occupational Health Psychology at Saint Mary’s, served as the moderator. 

The panel included four accomplished women leaders: alumni Jacqueline Hamilton BSc’89, Executive Director of Planning and Development at HRM; Nabila Sufyani BComm’10 PMP, Project Manager at Shoreham Development Ltd.; Siba Saoud, a top agent with RE/MAX Nova; and Eva Parade, MSc Eng, P.Eng., National Senior Director for Preconstruction at Crombie REIT. 

Constructing Change: Women Leading in Construction and Real Estate panel

They shared personal stories about perseverance, mentorship and leadership. From breaking barriers in male-dominated workplaces to supporting other women, their insights showed how far the industry has come and how much opportunity remains. 

Hamilton and Sufyani discussed the importance of mentorship. They noted that when mentors are hard to find, women can step up and become mentors themselves. “Sometimes you need to be your own cheerleader,” one panellist shared, “but when you rise, bring others with you.” 

The panel also discussed the unique strengths women bring to real estate and construction, such as empathy, patience and a strong understanding of people. “Buying a home isn’t just purchasing an asset—it’s building a life,” said one speaker. “That perspective builds trust and lasting relationships.” 

Research, insight and inspiration 

The day started with a presentation by Dr. Bahareh Mansouri, Associate Professor of Management Science at the Sobey School of Business. Using her research on supply chain ethics, analytics, and sustainability, Dr. Mansouri provided a data-driven look at gender equity in construction and real estate, laying the academic foundation for the rest of the day’s discussions. 

Throughout the conference, one message stood out: women are not just taking part in these industries—they are leading them. From insurance to infrastructure, entrepreneurship to urban planning, they are changing what leadership looks like. 

Data with heart: A new pathway for healthcare innovators

When healthcare and data meet, the possibilities extend far beyond numbers—they shape the future of how we care for one another. That belief sits at the core of the Graduate Diploma in Health Data Analytics (GDHDA), Saint Mary’s newest graduate offering through the Sobey School of Business, designed for professionals ready to use data as a force for better health outcomes. 

Launching next fall, the GDHDA is a 12-month, weekend-format graduate diploma created for working professionals who want to remain in their roles while developing advanced analytical and leadership skills. The program responds to a growing need in healthcare: leaders who understand both people and data. 

“Healthcare is undergoing a profound transformation,” says Dr. Michael Khan, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University. “This program reflects our commitment to collaboration and innovation, connecting academia, the healthcare sector and our broader community to address real-world challenges that matter to Canadians.” 

Developed in partnership with Nova Scotia Health, the GDHDA bridges the expertise of data scientists, healthcare administrators and policy leaders. Students learn to connect analytics to real-world decision-making through courses in data governance, predictive modeling and visualization, all grounded in the ethics of responsible innovation. 

Dr. Shannon Dea, Provost and Vice-President Academic and Research, highlights how the diploma aligns with Saint Mary’s University’s broader academic strategy. “Programs like the GDHDA showcase how interdisciplinary education can have direct social and economic impact,” she says. “It gives professionals the tools to translate complex data into knowledge that improves patient care and system performance.” 

For Dr. Michel Delorme, Dean of the Sobey School of Business, the diploma captures Sobey’s mission in action. “The GDHDA represents what the Sobey School stands for: education that connects business, technology and community impact,” he notes. “It builds capacity in a sector that touches every Canadian and shows how data-driven leadership can improve lives.” 

One of the program’s most distinctive features is its pathway to the Master of Business Analytics (MBAN). Students earn graduate credits transferable toward the MBAN, allowing them to continue their studies and deepen their technical and strategic expertise. 

For Sobey MBAN alumnus Ryan Campbell, that pathway represents real opportunity. “The MBAN completely changed how I think about data, not just as numbers, but as a language for solving problems,” he says. “For healthcare professionals, the GDHDA offers that same transformation, but through the lens of health and human impact.” 

As the first cohort prepares to begin in September 2026, the GDHDA underscores Saint Mary’s ongoing commitment to driving innovation that serves people and communities. “It’s an investment in leadership that advances both healthcare and society,” says Dr. Khan. 

Saint Mary’s invites its alumni, partners and community to help amplify this milestone by sharing the opportunity and championing the program within their networks. 

Learn more or apply at smu.ca/gdhda.  

IKEA Canada CEO to headline Responsible Leadership in Retail event

Selwyn Crittendon, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA Canada

Sobey School of Business to host 7th Annual Responsible Leadership Day featuring keynote by Selwyn Crittendon

The Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University will welcome Selwyn Crittendon, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA Canada, as the keynote speaker at its 7th Annual Responsible Leadership Day on Friday, November 21, 2025. Learn more and register here.

Crittendon will share insights into IKEA’s ongoing sustainability and inclusivity commitments, discussing how the company integrates responsible practices into every part of its business. During the event, he will also be presented with the David Sobey Retailing Centre Distinguished Retailer Award, which honours retail leaders whose contributions have a lasting impact on their organizations, customers, and communities.

“IKEA’s vision of creating a better everyday life for people aligns perfectly with the values of responsible leadership,” says Dr. Ramesh Venkat, Director of the David Sobey Retailing Centre. “Selwyn’s participation offers an unparalleled opportunity for our students and community to learn from a leader redefining retail’s role in sustainability.”

This year’s event theme, “Responsible Leadership in Retail,” will explore how retail leaders can drive meaningful change through sustainability, equity and innovation. Presented by the David Sobey Retailing Centre, the annual event brings together students, faculty, industry experts and policymakers to discuss how the retail sector can advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through responsible operations, tackling issues such as waste reduction, responsible consumption, packaging and inclusive workplaces.

“Responsible Leadership Day showcases how business can be a force for good,” says Dr. Michel Delorme, Dean of the Sobey School of Business. “This year’s focus on retail recognizes the sector’s powerful role in shaping consumer habits and setting global sustainability standards.”

As a PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education) signatory since 2016 and PRME Champion since 2020, the Sobey School of Business continues to lead in aligning education, research and dialogue with the SDGs. Responsible Leadership Day embodies this commitment by creating space for collaboration, reflection, and action.

Meet your Valedictorian: Kjeld Mizpah Conyers-Steede, MTEI

Kjeld Mizpah Conyers-Steede

Kjeld Mizpah (KJ) Conyers-Steede is a graduate of the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI) program at Saint Mary’s University. His research explores how social finance and catalytic capital can empower rural and isolated communities to achieve sustainable economic transformation. Under the supervision of Dr. Chantal Hervieux, KJ’s thesis examined how seed funding shapes capital flows and governance in rural regions, providing new insights into how social innovation can reimagine development beyond traditional finance models.

As the founder and CEO of Future Civics, a nonprofit organization based in Nova Scotia, KJ continues to test ways to support rural innovation by merging business startup ideology with community-based approaches.

Learn more about KJ in the Fall Convocation Program.

Q & A

Where is your hometown?
I’m originally from Bermuda, but I’ve made my home in Hantsport, Nova Scotia. Both places are islands in their own way and have shaped how I see community, resilience, and innovation.

Why did you choose Saint Mary’s?
My father went to Saint Mary’s, and for him, it was the launching pad for his career. In many ways, it’s been the same for me. I chose SMU because of its reputation for connecting business with community impact, a balance that reflects both my roots and my goals.

Did you live on campus?
I lived off campus on my property, which I am turning into a small-scale farm while juggling work, research, and community projects. 

What’s your favourite space on campus?

The Inspiration Hub. It’s the heartbeat of the university — open, bright, and filled with the kind of energy that comes from people who believe they can make things happen.

What was your favourite course?
My thesis. It gave me a framework for understanding how ideas move from concept to impact, a lesson that’s shaped both my thesis and my career.

Which instructor had the biggest impact on you?
Dr. Chantal Hervieux. Her guidance pushed me to connect research with purpose, and to always ensure that my work, whether academic or practical creates space for others to lead and innovate.

What is your favourite SMU memory?
Defending my thesis. It was the culmination of years of research, travel, and collaboration. That moment wasn’t just academic; it was deeply personal. It represented resilience, purpose, and growth.

What will you miss most about Saint Mary’s?
The community. SMU has a unique way of bringing together people from every walk of life, each with a story that adds to the bigger picture. I’ll miss that daily exchange of ideas, cultures, and perspectives.

What are your goals for the future?
I want to continue bridging research and practice, especially in social financing and rural innovation. Whether in Bermuda or Atlantic Canada, my goal is to design systems that make it easier for communities to access capital and build sustainable futures.

How has Saint Mary’s helped to set you on this path?
Saint Mary’s gave me the language and confidence to turn ideas into action. The university’s focus on entrepreneurship and social impact helped me see that business can be a vehicle for systems change, not just profit.

What advice do you have for new students?
Be curious about everything — not just your program. The real magic of SMU is in the connections you make and the ideas you explore beyond the classroom. Don’t just chase a degree; chase understanding.

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Fall Convocation takes place November 13 & 14. See the schedule, live stream links and more information here: smu.ca/graduation

Celebrating excellence: Saint Mary’s faculty recognized for external research funding

Dr. Adam Sarty recognizes researchers during a recent reception

Researchers at Saint Mary’s University were recently recognized for their success in securing over $10 million in external funding to engage in important work in their fields. The funding received was in the form of research contracts, Canada Research Chair positions and tri-council grants.

Saint Mary’s researchers are focused on such diverse topics as black holes, seaweed-based bioplastics, generating resilience in youth service, improving small-scale fisheries, building healthy leadership systems, innovations in job interviews, and creating culturally sensitive, trauma-informed tools with First Nation communities.

A celebration to honour 116 researchers from the faculties of Science, Arts, the Sobey School of Business and two staff members from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre took place in the McNally Theatre Auditorium on October 10.

Special mentions were given to Dr. Paul Muir in Mathematics and Computing Science for receiving consistent NSERC funding over 40 years. Dr. John Young, Professor Emeritus, was also acknowledged for becoming the fifth Honorary member of the Nova Scotia Institute of Science for his contributions to mathematics and chemistry over 75 years.

The calibre of research happening here at Saint Mary’s University is something that we should all be proud of, congratulations again to all of those that have been recognized.

Changing the game: how one sports business student is championing inclusion in sport

Van Bernard began his Bachelor of Commerce at Saint Mary’s in Fall 2025

Van Bernard has known what he wants to do since he was eight years old.

Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 2 as an infant, Van uses a power wheelchair to navigate daily life and support his vast athletic endeavours—participating in para-sports like power wheelchair soccer, sledge hockey and para sailing. He also coaches baseball.

Van’s love of sports began as a young child, when his father and his uncle—both lifelong hockey fans—competed over which of their respective teams would become Van’s favourite. Van’s uncle won, and he’s been a diehard Ottawa Senators fan since. As time went on, and as Van and his family began travelling for specialized medical treatment in Toronto, his love affair with sports evolved from a passion into a calling.

“I remember going to a Blue Jays game in Toronto, and I realized that sport instills a feeling of excitement like nothing else,” Van says. “I knew being a professional athlete wasn't how I envisioned my career as a person living with a disability and using a wheelchair. I knew I wasn’t going to be a professional NHL player, but it wasn't over for me. I knew I could still be in the sports world and combine my passion for relationship building with my love for athletics.”

“...sport instills a feeling of excitement like nothing else. I knew I could still be in the sports world and combine my passion for relationship building with my love for athletics.”

— Van Bernard

Van has already begun to carve a path that blends these passions. His dedication to disability advocacy in sport was recognized earlier this year when he received the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award. Looking ahead to his career, Van has identified an area of the sports industry that he is uniquely suited to address—para-athlete sponsorship—and he’s come to Saint Mary’s to gain the education he needs to start making waves in the industry.

Van plans to use his Sports Business degree to work with para-athletes

“I've always wanted to manage the sponsorships of para-athletes,” he says. “I love them. They're people like me, and giving them an opportunity to be a pro, to be recognized, and to get more recognition from able-bodied people is something I’m passionate about—because these athletes are extremely talented, and often, nobody hears about them.”

The Sports Business major is a new specialization within the Bachelor of Commerce program at Saint Mary’s. It’s designed to give students like Van hands-on experience that prepares them to work in the world of athletics. The program is also unique in Atlantic Canada, helping to nurture Maritime talent right here at home. The timing of the new major was perfect for Van.

“One of the main reasons I came to Saint Mary’s was the sports business program. I was looking at universities outside of Atlantic Canada because I knew this was what I wanted to do, and I was prepared to move to pursue the education I needed. The minute SMU announced that they were introducing a new major in sports business, I immediately applied. And when I got in, I was thrilled.”

“The minute SMU announced that they were introducing a new major in sports business, I immediately applied. And when I got in, I was thrilled.”

Offering courses in sports marketing, sports and sustainability, and sports law, the major combines classroom learning with experience-based projects to equip students to thrive in a fast-paced and in-demand industry. For Van, that education is an invaluable foundation to build the career of his dreams.

“I’ve done lots of advocacy work for disability rights,” Van says. “That’s my path, that’s what I want to do, and I’m continuing to do that work right here at Saint Mary’s.”

As one of the 2025 recipients of the prestigious Sobey National Innovator Scholarship, Van is part of the Sobey Scholars Network with fellow students, alumni and faculty (shown here).

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STARS Gold: Saint Mary’s earns national recognition for sustainability

Powered by our people: A sustainability story by everyone at Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s University has achieved a STARS Gold rating for sustainability. This is a national recognition that reflects years of work by students, faculty, staff and partners across campus.

Awarded by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), Saint Mary’s now joins a select group of universities around the world recognized for high performance in sustainability across academics, operations, planning and community engagement.

“This great accomplishment is a people story,” says Dr. Margaret McKee, Associate Professor of Management in the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University. “Hundreds of students, staff, faculty, alumni and partners have contributed. This rating reflects their combined efforts over a number of years across all aspects of our campus.” 

What Gold looks like on campus

In the classroom: Saint Mary’s is recognized for its strength in sustainability-focused courses, research, and immersive learning.

In your hands: The SMU Community Garden keeps growing, led by students who are growing food, supporting pollinators, and connecting climate to community well-being.

In your cup: As a Certified Fair Trade Campus, Saint Mary’s supports ethical sourcing with every purchase: real impact, brewed daily.

Under your feet: The Trees of Saint Mary’s project has transformed the university into a living arboretum with over 100 species planted: shade, biodiversity and habitats rooted in over 30 years of care.

On the skyline: The Loyola Residence tower is the tallest integrated solar wall in North America — 22 storeys turning sunlight into clean energy every day.

On the wall: A three-storey living wall in the atrium just outside the Patrick Power Library cleans the air, regulates humidity, lowers heating costs, and brings nature into the heart of campus.

On two wheels: A self-service bike repair station, secure bike lockers and e-scooter and bike rentals on campus make it easier for students and staff to choose active, low-carbon transportation every day.

Along the shoreline: Through a partnership with TransCoastal Adaptations, Saint Mary’s students are restoring tidal wetlands, supporting habitat resilience and infrastructure.

On the water: Saint Mary’s researchers are empowering small-scale fishers and the ecosystems they depend on.

Around the world:  The Saint Mary’s Enactus team won the 2025 World Championship with community projects reducing plastic waste through Alaagi and improving food security through Square Roots.

“This Gold rating reflects years of hard work and thoughtful planning on how we build and care for the university, from major infrastructure upgrades to everyday sustainable choices,” says Dennis Gillis, Senior Director of Facilities Management. “You can see that commitment in the way we plan and operate our campus. Each project brings us closer to a more sustainable future.”

Faculty continue to add sustainability across programs, linking classroom learning to real-world challenges. Students analyze data, propose solutions and field-test their ideas.

Student leadership is at the heart of the Gold rating. Through entrepreneurship, policy advocacy, energy audits and waste reduction campaigns, students are leading by example and proving that small teams can drive big change.

“We’re proud of this achievement, but we’re not done,” says Dr. McKee. “To everyone who contributed by planting seeds, teaching, thinking outside the box and pushing for innovation — this achievement belongs to you.”

Bill Linton BComm'75 DComm'22 and his wife Marilynne Day-Linton made a generous gift to the Sobey School of Business and Saint Mary's University. Funds from The Linton Family Sustainability in Business Trust provided the preliminary funding for this project. 

The Gold rating is valid through 2028. The full STARS report provides a transparent breakdown of scores.

View the full STARS Gold report → Saint Mary's University | Scorecard | Institutions | STARS Reports

Sobey MBA students gain global perspective through immersive learning in Mexico

Business looks different when you step outside your own borders. That’s precisely what Sobey MBA students discovered in Mexico this summer, where they partnered with local companies to tackle real business challenges while gaining firsthand insight into global consulting practices. In July, Sobey School of Business MBA students travelled to Mexico for their International Immersion Experience (SMBA 6500)—a mandatory, three-credit course that is a signature element of the program. Each year, a new location is chosen for this course, with Mexico selected as the 2025 destination.

Over a week, students stepped beyond the Canadian classroom to work directly with Mexican businesses to complete consulting projects. They applied the skills and frameworks developed during their first year of the program, adapting to shifting client needs and delivering professional recommendations—all while navigating cultural differences that challenged them to think in new ways. Their experience extended beyond the boardrooms, with visits to local companies, cooking sessions, guided tours and historic sites that deepened their understanding of how culture and business intersect.

The program's businesses are carefully chosen to reflect the Sobey School of Business values of entrepreneurship, cultural awareness, innovation, sustainability and social responsibility. This ensures that when students step into international settings, they encounter work that is both relevant and meaningful, broadening their perspectives while reinforcing their skills.

The International Immersion Experience is designed to replicate the realities of international consulting. Students are challenged to apply classroom learning to real-world problems while navigating cross-cultural communication, diverse business practices, and the need to pivot quickly when expectations change.

“Every time we return, students tell us this was the moment they realized how much they had grown,” said Chantal Hervieux, Associate Professor and MBA Director. “They see their skills in action, pivot with confidence and come back with a new lens on both business and the world. It’s transformational.”

Beyond consulting practice, students return with broadened perspectives, deeper cultural awareness and a more comprehensive understanding of global business. The program also works to challenge common assumptions, encouraging students to recognize the sophistication and scale of businesses outside of North America and Europe.

Unlike many business schools, where international travel is offered as an elective, the International Immersion Experience course is a required component for the Sobey MBA. This commitment ensures that every graduate leaves with hands-on international consulting experience, cultural literacy and the ability to work across borders—skills that set Sobey MBA graduates apart.

By combining rigorous academics with experiential learning, the 16-month Sobey MBA prepares students to lead with purpose and impact in today’s interconnected world.

From student to mentor: how Experience Ventures came full circle for Hayden Ennis

Hayden Ennis BComm’25 participated in the Experience Ventures program for entrepreneurship. He now owns Downstream Exterior Cleaning.

When Hayden Ennis BComm’25 first signed up for Experience Ventures through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University, he had no idea how the opportunity would shape his career path or that, just a few months later, he’d find himself on the other side of the experience—this time as a small business owner welcoming a student into his company.

“I saw the program as a great chance to put everything I’d learned into practice,” Hayden recalls. “I was placed with CanNova Construction in Halifax, and suddenly I was doing social media, content creation and graphic design — things that were totally new to me at the time.”

That placement wasn’t just a one-off learning opportunity. The skills Hayden gained during the project stuck with him. Now, they’re part of the foundation of Downstream Exterior Cleaning, the business he officially launched in January 2025.

Based in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, Downstream has already served nearly 100 customers since beginning operations in April, and it’s just getting started.

This summer, Hayden stepped into a new role in the Experience Ventures program, not as a student, but as a business owner. Through the same initiative that helped him gain hands-on experience, he’s now providing that opportunity to Alexi Melanson, a double honours student in finance and accounting at the University of New Brunswick.

And just like Hayden, Alexi didn’t waste a moment.

“Drawing on my background in corporate finance, I was able to step into a consulting-style role with Downstream,” Alexi explains. “I worked on refining the company’s approach to financial planning, building out cash flow projections, setting budgets and streamlining existing practices. It was amazing to work so closely with a small business and actually see my ideas implemented.”

For Hayden, watching Alexi’s impact has been a full-circle moment. “It’s surreal, honestly,” he says. “Experience Ventures gave me the space to learn and grow as a student. Now, I get to pass that on. Even if a student walks away with just one new skill or lightbulb moment, that’s a win.”

This story also highlights something bigger: the growing reach of Experience Ventures across Atlantic Canada. Hayden, based in rural Nova Scotia and Alexi, from New Brunswick, show how the program fosters meaningful cross-provincial connections by bridging classrooms with real businesses and students with entrepreneurs who were once in their shoes.

As Hayden looks ahead to 2026 with big goals for Downstream, he credits programs like Experience Ventures for helping him build the confidence and the community to take the leap.

“It’s more than just a resume line. It’s real growth, real people and real impact,” he says. “I’m proof of that.”

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Powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary and funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative (I-WIL), Experience Ventures enables students to make an impact alongside real-world innovators through entrepreneurial thinking placements. See our upcoming Hackathons and Challenges. Honorariums are available for students.

Visit our website to learn more.

Empowering small-scale producers

A partnership for global food security and sustainability

Dr. Tony Charles and Hasan Latif

A specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is working toward food security for all by ensuring regular access to sufficient, high-quality food for active, healthy lives.

Saint Mary’s University is engaged in a partnership with FAO through Dr. Tony Charles, Director of SMU’s School of the Environment and a professor in the Sobey School of Business.

Dr. Charles has a long history of supporting local communities worldwide in their stewardship activities, protecting the environment while maintaining their livelihoods, and connecting with governments to advance policies that support these grassroots initiatives.

Working with FAO, Dr. Charles created a stewardship database and a framework to assess conservation practices and environmental stewardship among small-scale producers in fishing communities. The impressive range of such stewardship achievements has been published by Dr. Charles in FAO’s report Environmental Stewardship by Small-Scale Fisheries.

“Dr. Charles’s work on small-scale fisher stewardship, community-based management, and the link between climate change and poverty has been pivotal in removing obstacles faced by small-scale producers,” said Dr. Daniela Kalikoski, Fishery Officer and Leader of FAO’s Priority Area on Small-Scale Producers’ Equitable Access to Resources, and Social Protection in Fisheries. “Saint Mary’s University has fostered a unique environment that integrates scientific and local knowledge, offering critical insights for policy creation and governance that emphasize openness, collaboration, and inclusion.”

This collaborative effort demonstrates the profound impact that integrating research, local knowledge, and global initiatives can have in empowering local people and their communities worldwide and building a more sustainable and food-secure future.

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The Office of Innovation and Community Engagement (OICE) at Saint Mary’s University facilitates research partnerships between the University and companies, government departments and community organizations. OICE is the initial point of contact for faculty members and external partners wishing to collaborate. The office assists with finding suitable expertise, contract development and advising on funding opportunities.

This project highlight is from the 2025 OICE Report, which features researchers from Saint Mary's University and their external partners.

Indigenous Youth Business Camp builds early pathways and community at Saint Mary's

Indigenous Youth Business Camp participants at Clearwater

Campers check out the E-sports arena on campus

SMU faculty and staff provided mentorship during the week-long camp

A visit to Tribe Network in downtown Halifax

Camp participants visited the Halifax Wanderers fan shop and offices

A visit to Clearwater

Clearwater hosted camp participants in their boardroom

Participants with reps from Clearwater

Sobeys headquarters

A store visit to Sobeys

This July, Saint Mary’s University welcomed Indigenous youth from Cape Breton for a week-long immersive business and university experience through the inaugural Indigenous Youth Business Camp.

Led in partnership by the Sobey School of Business and Kylar Johnson, Indigenous Student Advisor in Student Affairs and Services, the pilot initiative was designed to create early pathways to post-secondary education for Indigenous youth in Atlantic Canada. Over the course of the week, students lived in Saint Mary’s residence, explored life on campus and in Halifax, and participated in a range of programming focused on entrepreneurship and business fundamentals.

“This week was all about connection,” said Kylar. “It was about giving students a feel for what it’s like to live here and learn at Saint Mary’s, helping them build relationships with our Indigenous community at SMU, showing them what supports exist within Student Affairs and Services and beyond, and giving them a chance to explore what SMU has to offer.”

The Sobey School of Business programming focused on experiential learning with faculty, staff and student groups. Participants engaged in workshops on how to pitch a business idea, develop marketing strategies and manage key aspects of business operations. They also visited local businesses aligned with key business streams, including site visits to Sobeys headquarters, Clearwater, the Halifax Wanderers and Tribe Network, and took part in an on-campus session with the CEO of SimplyCast and prominent SMU alum, Saeed El-Darahali BSc’02 MBA’04. Participants also connected with members of the SMU Enactus team and learned how getting involved outside the classroom can enrich the university experience.

Camp participants visited a local Sobeys location

SMU Enactus members gave a presentation to students

According to Manar Salem, Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects at the Sobey School of Business, one of the most valuable aspects of the experience was its two-way learning model.

“We wanted to give students a realistic insight into university life – what to expect, how it differs from high school, and what opportunities exist across different areas of business,” Salem said. “But it was also a learning experience for us. Hearing their questions and seeing what sparks their interest helps us understand how to better connect with and support our future students. It shapes how we think about teaching business, and how we build community.”

Throughout the week, participants explored a variety of business disciplines, from marketing and sustainability to sport, retail, AI and non-government organizations. They gained a deeper understanding of the different academic pathways available at Saint Mary’s and how these are reflected in real-world business operations.

“It was validating to hear from presenters who wanted to learn from us too,” said Bethany, a participant in the program. “I make art, and I want to sell it, so this experience helped me start thinking through what I need to consider like expenses, pricing, even how to market to audiences. It also helped me think about how to find balance and not burn out.”

Indigenous student leaders played a key role throughout the week, with two current students serving as chaperones and mentors. “All it takes is one visit to campus and you're sold,” shared BComm student and Huskies Football player Cole Prosper. “Everyone here wants you to succeed - don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

The group also had the opportunity to experience campus life by staying in residence, touring spaces, including SMU’s newly renovated Indigenous Student Space, learning about available resources and supports, and going on social outings together.

“I loved the camp,” exclaimed Cheyanne, another student participant. “Everyone connected so quickly. I feel like I would be more likely to choose SMU now, having had the chance to meet some of the Indigenous students and seeing the student space they have here.”

A highlight of the week was the final presentation project. Participants worked in teams to develop and pitch creative solutions to real cultural issues, applying what they had learned throughout the week. Supported by student mentors from the Sobey School of Business, they presented their ideas to a panel of judges, impressing the judges with their innovation, confidence and thoughtful insights, and offering a glimpse of the potential these future leaders bring.

“This camp gives students a real chance to picture themselves here,” said Professor Vurain Tabvuma. “They’re not just hearing about university; they’re living it for a week, asking questions, meeting people and seeing what’s possible. That kind of experience can be a turning point in helping them figure out what they want and knowing they’d be supported if they came here.”