Celebrating our College community on International Women’s Day

Celebrated annually on March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) is an opportunity to celebrate women and their achievements while considering the challenges that still exist for women both locally and globally.

IWD’s theme this year is For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment. To celebrate IWD, we’re highlighting 4 NSCC community members who are proving that female empowerment is a powerful catalyst for change.

Check out the stories below on how Vivian, Gail, Julliane and Rebeccah are using their education to follow their dreams and become leaders in their field.

 

Vivian Dixon

Director, Women Unlimited

"My journey has been shaped by my personal experiences with racism and the determination to prove that a woman’s potential is not limited by society’s expectations. I believe deeply in the power of community and the importance of creating spaces where women, especially those from diverse backgrounds, can thrive in fields we've long been underrepresented in.

Raised by my grandmother, I learned the importance of education and that we rise by lifting others. The journey I’m on, from social work to Director of Women Unlimited, is rooted in my desire to help women believe in themselves and see possibilities where they might have seen barriers.

Women Unlimited goes beyond introducing women to careers in trades and technology. We help women build skills, confidence and the network they need to succeed and make an informed decision to transform their lives. We remove the obstacles, challenge systemic barriers and build a sisterhood. It’s about showing women that we can do more than succeed – we can lead and excel.

Seeing women complete this program and go on to teach, mentor and thrive in their chosen field inspires me every day. We’re not just preparing women for careers; we’re preparing them to inspire future generations.

My advice for any woman entering a trade or leadership role is to know your worth and never doubt where you belong. You’ve earned your place, and the road ahead, though challenging, is yours to shape.”

 

 

Gail Smith

Practical Nursing, '91

“Growing up in Middleton, it was vibrant, a great town, and people took care of people.
When I was in the Practical Nursing program at NSCC, my classmates and I had great camaraderie. We worked together in groups to do our homework and study for our exams, and we had the best teachers you’d ever want. They made us good nurses. You could ask any of us and we’d say it was the best year of our lives. It was hard work, but it was fun, and we were connected.

When I was working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), working nights with patients who couldn’t sleep, I learned there’s a reason they’re awake: maybe they don’t feel well, maybe they’re afraid. You sit with them. You go in and find out why. It’s about commitment and caring.

Something I learned during school is that, if you are willing to fight for something, then you need to put yourself out there.

As Mayor of Middleton, I want to be approachable. I want people to know I am still Gail and the regular person that’s always been here. I’m going to do my very best to make it easy. There’s a lot of processes, rules and regulations. I’m here to help residents through this.

A teacher of mine said whatever you do in life, do it well because someone is always watching. I think it’s really, really important that kids see people they know in places they didn’t think people could go. It’s so vital. I want all little girls to know they can be whatever they want to be in life.

I didn’t consider myself first of anything when I was running for Mayor, but when I went to the chambers and saw that all the pictures of past mayors hanging on the wall were of white men, I realized I was indeed the first Black Mayor and first female Mayor of Middleton. When we had our photos taken, I purposely wore a red sweater. I want all little girls to know they can be whatever they want to be in life.”

 

 

Julliane Correa

Construction Project Management student, Ivany Campus

"I grew up in a modest family in southern Brazil, so I always had my studies as a priority and a way to change my reality. After high school, I earned a full university scholarship to study Architecture and Urbanism. I’ve always liked construction in general. With cousins and uncles as construction workers, I felt a personal connection to the industry.

After working in design for a few years and wanting a career change, an unexpected layoff prompted my husband and I to pursue our long-time dream of living abroad. We chose Atlantic Canada for its milder winters, similarly sized cities to our hometown and the booming economy and labour market in our field.

NSCC’s Construction Management program (Construction Project Management) caught my attention. I loved the program’s practical approach. During my internship, I found myself applying what I'd learned in class to real situations on-site just weeks later. The program truly prepared me with tools I could confidently use in the industry.

I've had to set high standards for myself as a woman in construction – achieving the second-highest class GPA for my first year and receiving six student awards. Being a woman in a predominantly male field is challenging, but I believe that being persistent, always learning and having colleagues that encourage us and recognize our values are key to success.

NSCC pushed my career in the direction I always wanted. I'm currently working for one of Canada's top 10 construction companies while completing my diploma. I plan to become certified in my field and take on large projects to one -day be a lead role at a large company. NSCC was my pathway to living in Canada and the life I'm building here is proving to be very fulfilling. I'm very happy that I chose Halifax and NSCC.

My advice to women entering construction: Stay true to who you are and don't be afraid to express your opinion. We don't need to adjust to other people's expectations or to fit into a mold that makes us uncomfortable. We belong in these roles. Never let anyone silence you or make you feel unqualified, because you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.”

 

 

Rebeccah Slaunwhite

Business Administration '23

“When I was younger, I dreamed of being an athlete or a police officer. I never dreamed of working in finance or becoming a ‘banker'. Banking to me seemed like a male-dominated industry and I didn't see myself in those spaces.

The RCMP had an Indigenous student cohort and that was my first 'real' job. I wanted to make an impact in community but I felt like I wasn’t making the macro-level changes that I’d hoped for.

I started with RBC in 2014 through their Indigenous Summer Student program. I progressed from teller to account manager, then opened our student segment, and later opened a branch at Dalhousie University.

Today, I am the RBC branch manager at the Halifax Shopping Centre and lead our Atlantic newcomer segment. I also co-chair our Royal Eagles Employee resource group where we work on initiatives to advance Indigenous economies, communities, and people.

It took me a few years to find my voice and speak up. I learned to speak up for change to make impact with intention. I often found myself in spaces where most people were men and as the only Indigenous woman in most rooms, it was important I found my voice and share what it means to be an Indigenous woman leader.

I’m passionate about fostering inclusivity, particularly by amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and communities. It's important we support Indigenous women's access to business and leadership opportunities by bridging gaps and raising awareness of systemic barriers.

After a few years of working and enjoying the financial world, I went back to school as a mature student to complete my HR certificate and attend NSCC for Business Administration.

Going back to NSCC was strategic for me. I wanted to strengthen my leadership, financial, and management skills. I enjoyed it so much that I’m a few months from finishing my business degree with hopes of starting my MBA next year.

My advice for women entering this field is to be ambitious, speak up for change and make an impact with intent. Own your career. Advocate for yourself. Seek out mentorships, be a mentor and be adaptable.”

 

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