Digital Nova Scotia
Back
September 14, 2021

Welcome to Digital Nova Scotia, Sierra!

Welcome to Digital Nova Scotia, Sierra!

Please give a warm welcome to Sierra Gibson, a co-op student from Dalhousie University who will be joining Digital Nova Scotia this fall! Tell us about yourself! Although far from home in Toronto, I decided to come to Halifax immediately after my first visit. I was drawn to the beautiful city and kind-hearted community. I am now overjoyed to be attending Dalhousie University as a student in the Bachelor of Commerce program. This month marks my third year at the school. I am majoring in marketing which is providing me with the opportunity to become both analytical and creative while also developing the skills and abilities needed to solve marketing problems. As a co-op student this fall at Digital Nova Scotia, I am very open to accepting new challenges in which I can progress and better utilize my skills. From a young age, I have been drawn to the force of technology. However, as I transition into my professional life, I look to expand my understanding of the tech industry and the immense impact it has on people, businesses, and our future. The tech sector in Nova Scotia is thriving, what are you most looking forward to about working in this industry? Is there a particular area in tech that excites you the most? As we all know, the world of tech is constantly changing. We are consistently seeing new technologies emerge that are making a real impact on our everyday lives. These new technologies, from my perspective, should be created and built by diverse teams so that everyone is given the opportunities contribute to such a powerful area. Tech has such a stimulating and exciting culture. It has drawn me in and demonstrated that I can have a career where I can learn something new and expand my knowledge every day as technology advances. I am open to exploring various areas of tech. However recently, I have been curious about machine learning and artificial intelligence. I believe these things can help redefine and how manufacturing happens, how business models are developed, and how the workforce is optimized. What do you love most about your program at University? This month marks my third year enrolled at Dalhousie. I am majoring in marketing which is providing me with the opportunity to be both analytical and creative while also developing the skills and abilities needed to solve marketing problems. The great thing about learning the principles of marketing is that it prepares us as students to work with amazing brands and people. For me, it feels rewarding to be learning what it takes to help someone, or something great, succeed through your help and expertise. What’s something you’re passionate about that might surprise us? What I do with my downtime varies quite drastically. I love learning new things, meeting new people, and finding new hobbies. I love to read, play guitar, and ski. In my last two years of high school, I attended a school dedicated to ski racing. For a long time, I was on the hill most days of the week. However, living on the east coast has compelled me to try out new sports and activities that are just as thrilling. If you were given a plane ticket to anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? My next adventure will be learning to surf. Perhaps if I get good enough here in Nova Scotia, I will finally have the excuse to go to Hawaii. However, due to my fascination for sustainable development, I am eager to visit Northern Europe and explore the unique countries found in that region.

Quick hitters!

Spring or fall? - Fall Android or iPhone? – iPhone Comedy or thriller? – Thriller Coffee or tea? – Coffee in the morning, tea at night Chocolate or Vanilla? - Chocolate Laptop or Desktop? – Laptop Breakfast or Dinner? – Dinner Early Bird or Night Owl? – Night owl Ocean or lake? – Ocean

Similar articles

See all articles
Beyond the research: How Pisces Oceans connects science, strategy and storytelling
By Winona HernandezNovember 10, 2026

Beyond the research: How Pisces Oceans connects science, strategy and storytelling

Ocean research can shape policy, help coastal communities and change how industries operate. Getting from a discovery to something people can use takes more than a final report. That’s where strategy and storytelling come in.

Board Spotlight: Q&A with Dan Ellenberger
November 3, 2026

Board Spotlight: Q&A with Dan Ellenberger

Our Board Spotlight series continues this month, highlighting the leaders who lend their time, experience and perspectives to Digital Nova Scotia’s Board of Directors. Representing organizations from across Nova Scotia’s technology ecosystem, our Board members play an important role in guiding Digital Nova Scotia’s work and helping us stay connected to the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping our sector. Each month, Board Spotlight gives us the chance to get to know one of those leaders a little better, and for our November Spotlight, we’re joined by Dan Ellenberger , President of ABM Integrated Solutions and a Director on Digital Nova Scotia’s Board of Directors. Dan reflects on his journey into working 20 years in large technology programs, his experience on the Board, what excites him about the growth happening across Nova Scotia and why he wants more people to know there’s space for them in tech.

Uncovering Hidden IT Risks: A Smarter Approach with Digital nGenuity
By Winona HernandezNovember 2, 2026

Uncovering Hidden IT Risks: A Smarter Approach with Digital nGenuity

For many business owners, they feel like their IT is under control. For a business owner, gaps in IT support can be difficult to spot when day-to-day work is running smoothly. The real test often comes when something goes wrong, and by then, those gaps can be costly. But should they rely on that proof solely?

How TDAP is helping a new generation discover Birchtown’s Black Loyalist history
October 8, 2026

How TDAP is helping a new generation discover Birchtown’s Black Loyalist history

A website rebuild through the Tourism Digital Assistance Program is helping the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre reach more people — and giving visitors new ways to explore its stories.

Join our community!

Digital Nova Scotia Memberships

Join our community!

With over 400 members and a growing community of 10,000 tech professionals, including leaders across industry, government, academia, and non-profits, DNS is the leading association representing Nova Scotia’s tech sector.

Become a member