Volunteer spotlights

Dal Computer Science alum and software development team lead of MOBIA Technology Innovations, Aleysha Mullen (BInf’17), says her volunteer experiences with Dalhousie are driven by a desire to help pass knowledge onto the next generation of tech professionals.

Once feeling unheard as a student in the classroom, Bermuda-based Montessori educator Tina James-Outerbridge (BA’96) is now sharing her knowledge as a Dalhousie Alumni Association (DAA) board member.

As a Dal Law alum, Cherry Ferguson (LLB’72) says the Weldon Tradition of unselfish public service is entrenched in her DNA. It encourages her to pass her knowledge and experiences on to the next generation of law professionals, “witnessing them soar to great heights” as they become leaders of tomorrow.

Engineering alum Kirk Drabble (Eng’22) says his volunteer efforts with Dalhousie stem from a desire to stay connected with his alma mater.

Robin Hennigar (BEng’66, MEng’68) is a one-time volunteer, who helped organize a Tech-TUNS-Dal reunion with his classmates from ’68.

Toronto real estate agent Tina Omrani (BEng’17) is one of the newest Dal Global Ambassadors to bring together Dal alumni and help strengthen alumni connections in her community.

Master of Digital Innovation alum, Aswini Anand (MDI’23), says her generous volunteer efforts at Dalhousie stem from a commitment to gain new experiences, a chance to advocate for important causes, and an opportunity to strengthen community ties.

Dr. Scott Swinden (BSc’70) is president of Swinden Geoscience Consultants Ltd. and volunteers with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences' (EES) alumni committee.

Dalhousie Alumni Association (DAA) vice-president and Board of Governors representative Jo-Anne Galarneau (BA’03) shares her time at Dal not only shaped who she is but continues to shape how—and why—she influences the next generation.

Halifax-based orthodontist and Assistant Professor in Dal’s Faculty of Dentistry Dr. Lee Erickson (DDS’77) has volunteered his time in many different ways.

As volunteerism is evolving, so will the Women’s Division of the Dalhousie Alumni Association and co-lead Cynthia Pilichos is ready to lead the charge.

A strong sense of purpose and focusing on the present help Alana Riley (MBA’17), president of Dalhousie’s Alumni Association, live a full and purposeful life as a senior financial services executive and active community member.

Nathan Murray (BScAgr’11) remotely volunteers his time and talent as secretary of the Agriculture Alumni Association Board. In his day job, he is an agile coach with Farm Credit Canada in Saskatchewan.

Cape Bretoner Darren MacDonald (BScK’96) lives and works in Sydney Forks, N.S., but stays connected to Halifax and to Dal through his volunteer positions.

Dr. Angela Ridi (MD’03) is a practicing anesthesiologist in St. John’s, N.L. She also finds purpose in volunteering, whether it’s with Dalhousie’s Alumni Association, the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society or her children’s school.

In the ever-evolving tech scene, Alicia Wong (BCS’20) stands out as a trailblazer and advocate for diversity in her industry.

Entrepreneur Taylor Quinn (BA’15) and recent grad Rose Schoonhoven (BMgmt’21) have been working together as mentor and mentee through the Dalhousie Alumni Link program for the past four months. They meet virtually once a month to discuss Schoonhoven’s career plans, her recent wins and struggles, and chat about their shared interest in Halifax’s non-profit sector.

Family Court Counsellor Kitty Choi-Cheung (BSW’17) is a social worker and volunteers with Dal's Insight Circle and Alumni Link mentorship program.

Mahbubur Rahman (MASc’16, MPA’22), a project manager with the Government of Nova Scotia, values the connections he has made volunteering with Dal since 2013.

Computer scientist Varsha Hemrajani (MEC’21) is a user interface (UI) developer and volunteers with Dal's Women in Tech mentorship program.

A teacher in Dartmouth, April MacQueen (BSc'06) has been a Dal volunteer since the mid-2000s.