Eric Chan

Lead – Equity Diversity and Inclusion, NorQuest College

Eric works as the Lead of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at NorQuest College, mobilizing the college’s strategic plan and serving as an EDI subject matter expert at the college and is currently completing a PhD in Public Health at the University of Alberta, specializing in Health Promotion and Sociobehavioural Sciences. His academic background began with genetics and microbiology and transitioned to high-risk obstetrics and maternal fetal medicine at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute after completing his B.Sc. in 2019. He also spent a brief period in Oncology after receiving a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee scholarship to study chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms at the University of Leeds in 2016. More recently, he completed a Master of Arts in Gender & Social Justice at the University of Alberta, with a primary research interest in exploring the intersections of sexual health and food insecurity in remote and northern communities. Personally, he enjoys cooking, cycling, and running when he isn’t working or reading!

Lucy Pohnert-Smith

Career Coach, NorQuest College

Lucy has been a Career Coach at NorQuest College for the past 7 years. She brings with over 15 years of experience in education and career development. Lucy has worked in many different areas of education including teaching English as a Second Language, facilitating post secondary studies and managing a Career Development program for individuals with barriers to employment. What she most enjoys about her work is helping students achieve their educational goals and working with students from diverse backgrounds.

Haley Dunwoodie

Career Coach, NorQuest College

Haley Dunwoodie is a Career Coach with NorQuest College’s Autism CanTech program. Haley started their career off as a teacher in a special educational classroom and has recently switched careers last year. Haley has degrees in both Sociology and Education and completed their Masters in Leadership. For fun, Haley enjoys snowboarding and hiking.

Fred Hines

Decolonial Indigenization Lead, Office of Equity

Fred Hines is a mixed-race Indigenous man originally from northern Nova Scotia. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree and Bachelor of Education degree from Saint Francis Xavier in Nova Scotia. He also holds as a Masters of Education degree from the University of New England, NSW, in Australia in the area of Gifted and Talented Programming for Indigenous Students. He began his teaching career with Frontier School Division in northern Manitoba, and spent 18 years as a Teacher and Principal throughout the province of Manitoba. Fred has taught Indigenous courses in education for the Post-Baccalaureate at the University of Winnipeg and delivered numerous keynotes, workshops and professional development sessions. The majority of Fred’s career has been in the field of working with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities; researching Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Land-Based Teachings. Fred has over 20 years of educational leadership as, Director of Indigenous Education, School Administrator, Coordinator of School Programs and Executive Director in both public schools and the private sector. His recent employment postings was Director of Indigenous Education with TELUS World of Science, Director of Education, Northland School Division ,and Principal of amiskwaciy Academy for 10 years; an Indigenous Junior & Senior High School with Edmonton Public School Division. Fred's goals are to enhance the Indigenous cultural component by continuing to attract community partners; further research Indigenous Ways of Knowing; to build upon the existing resources; provide instructional leadership to ensure inclusive learning environments so students can achieve academic success while maintaining their cultural identity.

Dolores Patterson

Partnership Advisor, NorQuest College

Dolores recently began a new role as the Partnership Advisor with NorQuest’s Alberta Indigenous Construction Career Centre, working with industry to develop meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities for indigenous learners. Before this, Dolores was a Career Coach with the Career Centre and spent two years creating and supporting work- integrated learning for students in the Settlement Studies program and engaging with community organizations to create new partnerships. Prior to joining NorQuest, Dolores worked with local non- profit where she assisted career changers to prepare for training and employment in the trades. Dolores has a long history of stakeholder engagement and social purpose work in a variety of settings including post- secondary, small business and community based non- profits. She is also certified as a Mental Health First Aid trainer.

Simran Bakshi

AHF Program Coordinator

Simran Bakshi is a recent graduate from Western University and an advocate for gender equality and intersectional feminism. As a Program Coordinator at AHF, she supports the development and implementation of a diverse range of programs and initiatives created by, with, and for Black, Indigenous, and racialized women.

Linda Griffioen

Education Programs Coordinator, Business Link Alberta

Linda is an accomplished entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience running her own company. Currently, Linda is the Education Programs Coordinator with Business Link Alberta who volunteers her time as a Volunteer Advisor for Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta. She is the Founder of Corporatelegals, a successful corporate registry and virtual paralegal tech company. Previously, Linda was also a Entrepreneur in Residence with Futurpreneur Canada for two years and a Small Business Advisor with the Business Development Bank of Canda (BDC). She has helped thousands of entrepreneurs across Canada start and build successful businesses. She is a passionate speaker and educator on the topic of Small Business. Linda believes that entrepreneurship is a rewarding & exciting career choice available to anyone with a willingness to learn and the fortitude to keep trying.

Hoda Abokhadra

Analytics DevOps Engineer, Scotiabank

Hoda Abokhadra is currently working as an Analytics DevOps Engineer at Scotiabank while pursuing her Master's degree in Data Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. As an active member in the Google Developers community, Hoda currently holds multiple positions as a Women Techmakers Ambassador and an Organizer at the Google Developer Group in Mississauga.

Sherry Greenbank

Registered Psychologist, NorQuest College

Sherry is a registered psychologist with NorQuest’s Centre for Growth and Harmony. Sherry has worked with diverse learners in post-secondary education, as both an instructor and counsellor, for many years.  She has facilitated workshops and professional development sessions to promote mental health for students and workplace wellness for staff and faculty. Her approach to work-life balance includes the core belief that wellness is multidimensional – many aspects, including our professional life, contribute to an overall sense of being “well”. As an educator, Sherry has a passion for personal growth and learning, and feels honoured to witness this process in others.

Danni Okemaw

FNMI Initiatives Specialist, University of Alberta Students' Union

Danni Okemaw is Anishnaabe and Swampy Cree from Berens River First Nation and God’s River First Nation in Manitoba. Danni graduated from the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta in spring 2022. Danni is the FNMI Initiatives Specialist at University of Alberta Students’ Union. Danni is a dancer who is passionate about many styles of dance such as Powwow, Contemporary and Hip-Hop. Danni has co-founded a monthly Indigenous hip-hop dance workshop series Nimihitotan in Edmonton. Danni is also passionate about Indigenous Language Revitalization for Indigenous communities on Turtle Island.

Kristen Shudra

Benefits and Well-being Manager, Stantec

Kristen has been working in HR with Stantec for 16 years. In Kristen’s early career with Stantec, they worked in an HR Generalist role learning all the different areas of HR. After about three years in, Kristen decided to specialize in benefits. They’ve had the opportunity to work on all of the benefit programs that Stantec offers in both Canada and the US. These programs include medical/dental, wellness, retirement, etc. Kristen currently leads a team of Benefits and Leave of Absence Consultants.

Sukh Khinda

Senior Associate, Robert Half

Sukh is a Senior Associate at Robert Half – part of the Specialized Search & Placement team. Sukh started their career in accounting completing their CPA Designation with Deloitte Canada. Sukh works directly with employers and candidates daily and looks forward to answering your questions and getting you ready for your career pursuit!

Faizal Jiwani

Director, AMAN Builders Inc.

Faizal Jiwani, (MBA, PEng, LEED AP) is the Director (previously the President) of AMAN Builders Inc., an Alberta based construction company that specializes in educational institutions, affordable housing and many other commercial projects. AMAN, meaning peace, looks to support social impact projects like a women’s carpentry school in Asia, medical facilities in Africa and AMAN’s Global Professorship in Ophthalmology based in Edmonton.  As the Founder/President of Ubuntu, he helps differentiate students in their search for employment while strengthening inclusive communities. Faizal serves on the Telus Edmonton Community Board. He strongly believes that when we work together, we can inspire thriving communities locally and globally.

Binita Khadka (she/her)

Community Social Worker II, McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association

Binita graduated from NorQuest College in 2021 with a Diploma in Disability Studies. She was an international student actively involved in the NorQuest community during her college days. Now, Binita works as a Community Social Worker 2 with people with disabilities. The human brain fascinates her; Binita enjoys working with individuals with different abilities. She believes that everyone is different, our differences make us beautiful, everyone belongs, and some will need a little support. Binita is now a part of the Alumni Advisory Committee and looks forward to connecting with you.

Janill Burton

Licensed Practical Nurse, University of Alberta Hospital

Janill is an immigrant from Jamaica (2018), alumni of NorQuest’s Practical Nurse program (2020), and now a successful Licensed Practical Nurse at the University of Alberta Hospital in hematology oncology. Janill loves their job and enjoys being a nurse. Janill shared that covid may have thrown some ups and downs, but they are still standing strong. Janill is glad to be here today to share their experiences. Janill believes that hard work sure does pay off and even if you don't end up in your field of study, as long as you keep focused and persevere to the end, you'll become successful.

Alison Besecker

Senior Coordinator, Network and Engagement, Volunteer Alberta (VA)

As Senior Coordinator, Network and Engagement at Volunteer Alberta (VA), Alison manages VA’s members, leads our Alberta Volunteer Center Network, and looks at other ways to connect with the nonprofit sector. Alison received a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies and has a diploma in Arts and Cultural Management. She also has 8 years of experience as a volunteer coordinator. Growing up, Alison attended many festivals and art events – she has only missed one Edmonton Folk Festival her whole life. Now, Alison volunteers with Edmonton Folk Music Festival on Greeting Crew. When not at work, you find Alison out enjoying neighborhood walks with her cat, Kat, going to art and cultural events, and eating ice cream.

Kassey Koumarelas

Administrative Assistant, Alberta Health Services, Cross Cancer Institute

Kassey Koumarelas is an Administrative Assistant with Alberta Health Services at the Cross Cancer Institute. In September 2020, Kassey became a NorQuest student in the Medical Office Assistant program and graduated in June 2021, making them an official NorQuest Alumni! Kassey’s NorQuest studies marked a stepping stone for them as they began to reintegrate back into the workforce after spending the previous eight years as a full time stay-at-home mom raising their two young daughters. Prior to starting a family, Kassey worked as a Program Advisor in Executive Education with the Alberta School of Business at the University of Alberta. Here, Kassey managed a portfolio of professional development programs for public sector clients within Alberta and throughout Western Canada. In addition to the Medical Office Assistant certificate, Kassey also holds a Human Resources Management diploma from MacEwan University. In their spare time, some of Kassey’s favourite things to do are bake, go for walks, and spend time hanging out with their husband and daughters, discovering the many cool things Edmonton has to offer.

Emily Hartman

Career Learning and Networking in the Metaverse, Canada's Only Virtual Reality WIL Program

Emily is the Director of Student Engagement at Wavemakers, Canada's Only Virtual Reality WIL Program.

Abdulmajid Jimale

Anti Racism Lead, NorQuest College

Abdulmajid is the Anti Racism Lead at NorQuest College.

Cassidy Rhoads

o Equity Coordinator within NQ'S Equity Office

Cassidy Rhoads (she/her) currently supports the Equity Office with coordinating operational initiatives that advance EDI at NorQuest College. Cassidy is a former NorQuest alumni and previously worked in the college's Strategic Project Management Office as a Business Analyst. Every day Cassidy feels grateful and excited to bring together her background in project planning and analysis with her experience as someone who is BIPOC, part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and a former NQ student to create and advance meaningful, systemic change in our community and college.

Simone Rennie

Director of Outreach, Onyx Initiative

Simone Rennie is the Director of Outreach for Onyx Initiative. "Onyx Initiative aspires to be a catalyst for the professional growth and development of Black Canadians as they launch their careers after university/ college, helping them through access to placements, mentorships, coaching, and professional development." - 'What We Do' page of the Onyx Initiative website.

Nicole Dela Cruz

Recruiter, YMCA of Northern Alberta

Nicole Dela Cruz is a Recruiter for YMCA of Northern Alberta.

Vaishnavi Bhawsar

Business Administration Graduate

Vaishnavi Bhawsar graduated from NorQuest College in 2021 with a Business Administration in HR Diploma and is currently a proud NorQuest Alumni. During her college journey, Vaishnavi had several opportunities to work for the student community through various roles like International Peer Mentor, Student Council Representative, Academic Council Representative and CPHR Campus Ambassador. Vaishnavi joined CWB Financial Group as a HR Coordinator Support Student during their Co-Op. After completion and graduation, she later received an offer to work as Benefits Administration Assistant on the term-role within CWB. Most recently, Vaishnavi went back to India for few months to visit family and is now returning to work, and actively looking for opportunities in her field. As an immigrant from India, Vaishnavi feels that NorQuest has always felt like second home to her. She can't wait to give it back to the college which shaped and rooted for her from the very start.

Teresa Craig

Director of Care, Qualicare Home Care of Edmonton East

Teresa Craig is the Director of Care for Qualicare Home Care of Edmonton East.

Alison Reaves

WILCEC Manager

Alison Reaves currently manages the Work-Integrated Learning and Career Education team at NorQuest College, supporting students to become workforce relevant and start their careers.