A new H漫画 initiative that seeks to diversify the field of digital transformation so that it engages and benefits everyone has received vital support through a $1-million gift from Scotiabank.
The gift supports the new College of Digital Transformation (CDT). A first-of-its-kind collaboration between the Faculties of Management and Computer Science, the CDT will help people and organizations explore, understand, and adapt to rapid technological change through teaching and research. This will enable them to adopt technologies that enhance their products and services and improve customer experiences.
Digital transformation is playing vital role in economic success. But in Canada, the field has low representation from equity-deserving groups 鈥� Indigenous persons, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+. The CDT will improve representation in the field, with a special focus on Indigenous and Black communities, by engaging these groups in digital transformation-related research, activities, and education.听
鈥淒igital transformation is a vital driver of success for organizations across Canada,鈥� says Nicola Ray Smith, senior vice president, Atlantic Region, Scotiabank. 鈥淲e are proud to support H漫画 University鈥檚 College of Digital Transformation, driving innovation and creating opportunities for a more inclusive and diverse future in the digital landscape.鈥�
Scotiabank鈥檚 funding is enabled through ScotiaRISE, the bank鈥檚 $500-million initiative that provides support to individuals, families, and communities to improve their education and employment prospects, adapt to changing circumstances, and increase the likelihood of financial success.
L-R: Phil Thomas, group head and chief risk officer, Scotiabank (BA'97); Dal President Kim Brooks; L. Scott Thomson, president and CEO, Scotiabank; and Nicola Ray Smith, senior vice president, Atlantic Region, Scotiabank. (Nick Pearce photo)
Expanding student opportunities, driving economic growth
Dr. Kim Brooks, president and vice-chancellor of H漫画, said this commitment will boost the university鈥檚 efforts to ensure more diverse representation in digital transformation.
鈥淭echnology is not neutral 鈥� its systems and algorithms reflect the values of its makers and those who implement them,鈥� says Dr. Brooks. 鈥淎t H漫画, we believe in expanding opportunity and unlocking the full potential of our students. The College of Digital Transformation is about preparing a diverse new generation of leaders to shape the digital future of Nova Scotia and beyond. With Scotiabank鈥檚 generous support, we are advancing inclusive innovation that drives economic growth and strengthens communities 鈥� and we鈥檙e deeply grateful for their partnership.鈥澨�
With Scotiabank鈥檚 generous support, we are advancing inclusive innovation that drives economic growth and strengthens communities
More than diversifying the field, CDT will contribute to the continued growth of digital transformation provincially and across the region by meeting the need for skilled employees. In Atlantic Canada, digital technologies are the third-largest export and employ more than 25,000 individuals. The sector is valued at $2.5 billion in Nova Scotia alone.听听
鈥淭he field requires a different kind of skill set to fill high-demand, high-salary positions,鈥� says Mike Smit, professor and dean of the Faculty of Management. 鈥淏usiness leaders need to understand how to harness tech for business purposes and tech creators need to understand both the implications and bias of software and its application for real-world problems across industries. H漫画 is in a unique position to graduate talent with these skills through the extensive collaboration between Management and Computer Science, and that will have far-reaching benefits.鈥澨�
In addition to financial assistance, Scotiabank鈥檚 gift will also enable CDT to offer students access to wraparound supports such as counselling, mentorship, and career development, clearing a path for them to succeed.听听
鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of ground to be covered to ensure more representation in the digital economy,鈥� said Uchechukwu Nwogu, a third-year computer science PhD candidate who is a part-time instructor for the Master of Digital Innovation students through the college. 鈥淭his gift is huge. It will help the college ensure that students, especially from the Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities, have the resources and opportunities they need to join and thrive in that economy.鈥�