News

Camila Lima, a dedicated and passionate student in our School of Architecture, has been honored with a 2025 Impact Award for her outstanding leadership, student engagement, and community contributions. From advocating for her peers to representing Dalhousie in the Canadian Architecture Students Association (CASA-ACÉA), Camila has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration and strengthening the student experience at Dalhousie.

From the moment she joined Dalhousie, she sought to immerse herself in both academic and student life. As a student in the Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies (BEDS) and now the Master of Architecture (MArch) program, she has served as a class representative, ensuring her peers’ voices were heard. She has also played a significant role in the Dalhousie Architecture Students Association (DASA), particularly in helping to organize the student-led Lecture Series, which brings insightful guest lectures to the broader architecture community.

Her leadership extended nationally when she became Dalhousie’s representative in CASA-ACÉA, a role she continues to hold alongside serving as Committee Chair for the Student Work Showcase. In this capacity, she leads the annual nationwide student competition, securing jury members, fostering sponsorships, and crafting outreach materials to promote student achievements. Beyond her contributions to student governance, she continues to volunteer weekly with Halifax Dance’s Inclusive Movement program, offering dance classes to youth with disabilities.

Receiving a Dalhousie Impact Award is a moment of gratitude and reflection for Camila. She acknowledges that the recognition is not just for her efforts but also a testament to the supportive community around her—peers, mentors, faculty, and staff who have inspired and encouraged her along the way. She extends a heartfelt thank you to Susanna Morash-Kent, Émélie Desrochers-Turgeon, and Dotti MacNeil for their support.

For her, the greatest reward of her involvement has been the relationships and collaborations that have shaped her time at Dalhousie. She hopes that her contributions have strengthened the strong sense of community within the School of Architecture, making it an even more welcoming and connected environment. Through her work at the Digital Lab (Print Shop), she has had the opportunity to engage with students across different years, further fostering connections and support within the school.

Her dedication serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the profound impact that student leadership and engagement can have on both individuals and the wider university community. We are proud to celebrate her achievements and the lasting mark she has left on the institution.