What a year we’ve had – a look back on another remarkable year!

As our 2017-year comes to an end I think it’s important to take time and reflect, acknowledge and celebrate. Reflections, in particular, allow us to take a breath and recognize the many remarkable things that have taken place, the inspiring people we have met, and the positive moments we have experienced. What a year we’ve had! 2017 has been outstanding for both Digital Nova Scotia and many of our member companies. We have seen our industry grow, strengthen and collaborate – there was so much momentum in Nova Scotia! We have seen companies expand their teams, win multiple international awards, lead innovative conferences, and secure awesome new contracts. For the second consecutive year, female leaders and diversity champions were recognized at our Digital Diversity Awards, new generations of tech enthusiasts were exposed to our thriving tech sector through our Digital Discovery Camp (close to 200 campers by now), and over 50 members took part in DNS led professional development opportunities. It’s been a year full of milestones, achievements, and successes – I couldn’t be prouder and more fueled to work in such an innovative, driven and motivated industry. 2017 has also been a time of change, growth, and ongoing positive developments for Digital Nova Scotia itself. We expanded our tremendous team, and now have four individuals from four different cultural backgrounds that make up DNS (the largest crew since our inception over 20 years ago). In addition, we have been featured over 30 times in local, national and international media outlets, engaged in a large number of impactful industry-leading events, established new national partnerships, increased membership engagement, grew to over 100 members, and developed new programs to support our members and our sector. We also welcomed 11 influential leaders to our Board of Directors, which is led by our first female Board Chair since 1989! When I look back on the year, I am delighted by how productive, impactful and positive it was. It was a time of many firsts for us at Digital Nova Scotia - for the first time (and I hope not the last) I was invited to give a TEDxTalk for TEDxKelowna, featured in the sold-out book, Canada 150 Women: Conversations with Champions, Leaders, & Luminaries, highlighted in the e-book Your Turn: Powerful Thoughts from Today’s Women to the Next, engaged and mentioned in multiple Canada 150 initiatives such as hEr VOLUTION and Executive Voice’s Best of Canada Report. In addition, I officially joined the Board of Directors with ICTC as the first representative from the East Coast, and was once again, humbled to receive my third consecutive WXN Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award. There is so much more I could share with you, but as I look back on the year I am filled with humility, gratefulness and lots of energy. Thank you to everyone who helped make 2017 our best year yet, including my ever-supportive family - here’s to a happy, healthy and amazing 2018! Ulrike & the DNS Team, Rosie, Caitlin & Tyler