May 13, 2022
We are thrilled to welcome four incredible students to the DNS team this Spring! Up first to tell us a bit about themselves are our Communications Coordinators, Leah Clarke and Becca Passmore.
Tell us about yourself Leah!
I was originally born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario and grew up with a passion for drawing and painting. After graduating from a fine arts high school, I decided to apply my creative background within Dalhousie University’s Management program. I am currently entering my fourth year of my bachelor’s degree and am actively involved with Dalhousie’s Rowe Women in Business Association (WIBA).
My previous work experience has been primarily in Human Resources and administrative roles. However, having taken on WIBA’s marketing coordinator position, I knew I wanted to redirect my ambitions within a more creative industry. I am excited to apply my enthusiasm for social media, communication skills and teamwork to the DNS team!
I consider myself a very active person and can often be found at the gym, running or trying out a new hike. On the weekends, I love exploring Nova Scotia and grabbing dinner out with friends.
What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia?
I am excited about the tremendous amount of growth within the tech sector in Nova Scotia. Halifax’s startup network is finally being recognized as Canada’s newest tech hub. I hope the digital workforce encourages innovation and creates opportunities within the community.
While you work or study, what do you have playing in the background?
It changes day to day, but I love catching up on Emma Chamberlain’s latest Podcast and listening to new music. I currently have Harry Styles on repeat.
What do you love most about your program at University?
I have really enjoyed the creative freedom of my Entrepreneurship and Innovation Major and the environmental lens that professors bring to course material. The Management program at Dalhousie has always encouraged me to think outside the box and have a deeper consideration for sustainable development.
What is your dream career? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My dream career is to work within a creative industry in a marketing or communications role. I would love to help companies build a digital presence and oversee the direction of their branding. In five years I hope to be working for a company that I enjoy, has a positive workplace culture and is open to travel.
What’s your favourite social media platform?
My two favorite platforms are Instagram and VSCO. I enjoy editing photos and building a curated feed.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
Three items I would take to a deserted island would be a good book, Smoke’s poutine and all 42 pre-downloaded seasons of Survivor.
Quick hitters!
Spring or Fall? – Fall
Android or iPhone? – iPhone
Comedy or Thriller? – Comedy
Coffee or Tea? –Tea
Chocolate or Vanilla? – Vanilla
Laptop or Desktop? – Laptop
Breakfast or Dinner? – Breakfast
Early Bird or Night Owl? – Night Owl
Ocean or Lake? – Ocean
Fun fact – I used to play basketball growing up.
Tell us about yourself Becca!
I grew up in an Ontario Tech Hub, which sparked a passion for innovation and communication. My first time to the Maritimes was to tour universities, and I instantly fell in love with the East Coast. I am about to begin my 4th year at Saint Mary’s University, pursuing a degree in Entrepreneurship with a Minor in Psychology.
Over the past two summers, I have been slowly entered the business world through contract and co-op positions that allow my to focus solely on my studies during the school year. These roles covered both tech and marketing, which have provided plenty of relevant experience and knowledge that I hope to apply to my time at DNS!
What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia?
The importance of community and tourism within the tech sector of Nova has been extremely refreshing. It’s been great to see individuals and organizations supporting one another, as well as participating in Non-Profits like DNS and Volta to connect and grow.
While you work or study, what do you have playing in the background?
I almost permanently have a speaker playing music in the background, though my short attention span changes up the genre frequently. On any given day you could catch me listening to anything from Abba, to Remi Wolf, to Hall & Oats. Currently though I’m listening to a Biographical Podcast called S-Town.
What do you love most about your program at University?
The flexibility and support that profs provide. The small class sizes allow me to make closer connections with both staff and other students, which has helped me feel more comfortable to ask for help or offer it to others!
What is your dream career? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
When it came to schooling, I chose a path that would prevent me from getting lost in a crowd and an environment that would help me become my best self. My choice in career is no different. I hope that my degree in Entrepreneurship will lead me in the direction of impactful, sustainable, and innovative work with a greater cause. I’m a strong believer in accepting whatever comes my way, so I look forward for what’s to come!
What’s your favourite social media platform?
Twitter for sure. It keeps me in the loop of both business and pleasure, plus the learning curve it takes after downloading keeps my circle small. (I think I downloaded it 5th grade, got confused, and didn’t touch it again until high school. But many never get used to it!)
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
Only the essentials: Sunnies, a kaleidoscope, and a music box that plays “You are my sunshine”
Quick hitters!
Spring or Fall? – Fall
Android or iPhone? – iPhone
Comedy or Thriller? – Thriller
Coffee or Tea? – Coffee
Chocolate or Vanilla? – Chocolate
Laptop or Desktop? – Laptop
Breakfast or Dinner? – Breakfast
Early Bird or Night Owl? – Night Owl
Ocean or Lake? – Lake
Fun fact – I have a miniature wiener dog named Fezzik (after the giant from The Princess Bride!)
Up next, we have Aydin Jiwa and Parker Woolaver who are joining our team as Project Coordinators!
Tell us about yourself Aydin!
I was born in Calgary, went to highschool at West Island College, and always had an interest in the digital sector. Members of my family are also project managers which led me to apply to this position as I wanted to get a better understanding.
What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia?
What excites me the most is how the Tech Sector in NS is continuously evolving and seeing all the new web designs/ processes!
While you work or study, what do you have playing in the background?
I enjoy listening to some lofi beats or some old rock.
What do you love most about your program at University?
That it has a variety I can choose from so I’m not stuck with something I don’t enjoy doing
What is your dream career? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
Dream career would be working as a financial analyst for a sports club.
What’s something you’re passionate about?
Very passionate about sports… even more passionate when I’m watching sports.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
I would take A book, some water and a swiss army knife
Quick hitters!
Spring or Fall? – Spring
Android or iPhone? – iPhone
Comedy or Thriller? – Comedy
Coffee or Tea? – Tea
Chocolate or Vanilla? – Chocolate
Laptop or Desktop? – Laptop
Breakfast or Dinner? – Breakfast
Early Bird or Night Owl? – Night Owl
Ocean or Lake? – Lake
Fun fact – I can eat a drum flat under 1 second
Tell us about yourself Parker!
I’m currently a 3rd year Applied Computer Science student at Dalhousie University. This is my first Co-op position that I am very excited about. I’ve always been interested in technology growing up and wanted to learn how to contribute in this field.
What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia?
One thing that really excites me about the tech sector in Nova Scotia is its rapid growth. The rapid growth is very good for Nova Scotia as it will bring many jobs and opportunities.
While you work or study, what do you have playing in the background?
I often have relaxing music playing in the background.
What do you love most about your program at University?
One of the things I love the most about Dalhousie’s Applied Computer Science program is the diversity. Dalhousie has allowed me to meet people from all over the world while allowing me to get a very diverse education.
What is your dream career? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My dream career would be to lead a team of developers for a tech startup. In five to ten years I see myself living in Halifax working in the tech industry. Unsure of my exact path but it will definitely be in the tech industry.
What’s something you’re passionate about?
I’m very passionate about fitness and nutrition. I’m a big believer that a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
Phone, Water, and an airfryer
Quick hitters!
Spring or Fall? – Fall
Android or iPhone? – iPhone
Comedy or Thriller? – Comedy
Coffee or Tea? – None
Chocolate or Vanilla? – Chocolate
Laptop or Desktop? – Desktop
Breakfast or Dinner? – Dinner
Early Bird or Night Owl? – Night Owl
Ocean or Lake? – Lake
Fun fact – I have a Miniature Goldendoodle named Charlie
In addition to answering these questions, our new students came together on their first day and created a video to introduce themselves to the DNS community! You can watch it on our Instagram here.