HÂþ»­

How long have you volunteered at HÂþ»­ and in what capacities?

I have volunteered with the Women in Tech Society (WiTS). I started with them in my first year, became vice president in my third year, and since graduation have spoken at three events for them. I have also volunteered for the Global Game Jam when it was run by ShiftKey Labs the past two years.

What inspired you to become a Dal volunteer?

I feel strongly about increasing diversity in computer science and want to help make a difference in any way I can.

What have you learned or gained from volunteering at HÂþ»­?

I have connected with some wonderful students as well as other industry professionals speaking at these events.

What is the single best experience you’ve had as a Dal volunteer?

Speaking at the We Talk Tech event hosted by WiTS last year. There was a great turn out, and I got to speak directly to so many students until late into the night. I love answering questions about my job and inspiring the next generation of women considering a career in tech.

What advice would you give someone considering volunteering for Dal?

During my time at Dal, the WiTS society made a huge difference for me. I met many friends through the society and felt much more like I belonged in computer science because of it. Now, I think about volunteering as a chance to pay it forward. I want the next generation of women in computer science to have the same awesome experience. My advice is to think about what helped you or would have helped you as a student when choosing how to volunteer.

Beyond being an alum and Dal volunteer, do you have other connections to HÂþ»­?

I am a supervisor for the co-op program. My workplace hires co-op students exclusively from HÂþ»­, so I get to know a lot of current computer science students through their co-ops with us.

Have you made any professional connections through volunteering at Dal that have helped you advance your career?

I have met students through these events who would go on to become co-op students for us, so while not directly advancing my career, it definitely helped bring great new talent to my company.

What’s your favourite memory of Dal?

My favourite memories all have to do with WiTS, just hanging out in the Slonim Room in the Goldberg building, eating pizza and studying together until late, chatting and making lifelong friends.

There are many places to volunteer. Why do you give your time and talent to Dal?

Because of what Dal did for me during my time as a student. I enjoyed my time studying there and I want to pay that positive experience forward to the current students.