On May 4, Niagara College employees came together at the Welland Campus for Day of Reflection. The event, which returned to a full in-person format for the first time since 2019, zoomed in on NC’s global reach – one of the key areas of focus in the College’s Strategic Plan.
“This day is a chance for us to reflect, dream, brainstorm, inspire one another and connect as a college community,” said NC President Sean Kennedy, who noted that the College’s global approach – bringing NC to the world and bringing the world to NC – is transforming lives across the globe.
Kennedy also acknowledged special visitors in the audience, including partners from Excelsior Community College in Jamaica, as well as NC’s Global Business Development Officers from India, Mongolia, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Jordan and Kazakhstan who were in Niagara on college business.
President Sean Kennedy celebrated his first in-person Day of Reflection since becoming President in 2020
Employees heard from Sean Coote, Vice President, International, who provided insight into how NC is Canada’s leading global college, and Holly Catalfamo, Senior Director, Global Engagement, who delivered a passionate keynote address.
Catalfamo, a Human Resources professor and practitioner, shared her experience working on her first NC global development project – a gender equality project called Mulheres Mils that supported life-altering development for marginalized women in Brazil through education and empowerment initiatives.
She explained how she engaged her HR students in the project, pulling them in to create training materials for the women in Brazil who were eager to learn from the resources. Catalfamo highlighted how proud her students were to contribute to the initiative and spoke about the cultural competencies that she acquired through the project – an experience that helped inform her own teaching when she returned to the NC classroom.
“When we embrace a global mindset, that feeling changes us – it’s transformational,” said Catalfamo.
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- Sean Coote, VP, International
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- Holly Catalfamo, Senior Director, Global Engagement
The impact of the College’s global reach was highlighted in two videos, created by NC Marketing, that featured students and employees who have benefitted from global experiences. The employee video closed with a powerful account from Lora Miani, Professor in the School of Liberal Studies, who reflected on the travel opportunities that she has participated in over the years through NC and how, when you “expect the unexpected,” your mind opens up to a world of possibility.
Watch the student video below:
Watch the employee video below:
The Day of Reflection agenda also included a plenary session with NC global champions and break-out sessions that provided an opportunity for colleagues to connect and learn more about the College’s global activities.
The plenary, which was moderated by Gary Torraville, Senior Director, International Students, featured Orel Ruiz, Director, Global Campus Operations; Wayne Toth, Professor/Coordinator, School of Trades; Taryn Wilkinson, Manager, Sustainability; Christal Langerak, Student Services Administrative Coordinator, Student Services & Wellness; and NC Human Resources student Kristen Boccia.
The group discussed how NC’s global reach benefits students and employees alike and spoke about the various global projects, initiatives and Be World Ready trips that they have participated in, all sharing how these experiences have enhanced their teaching, personal or career development in some way.
They also highlighted how global experiences help create a more inclusive learning and work environment. “Having awareness of cultural nuances helps our college be more inclusive for students and employees,” said Ruiz.
In the break-out session on “Global Reach in the Classroom” moderated by Jackie Frail, Interim Associate Dean, School of Community Services, both professors Charles Voth and Dawit Eshetu shared their insights about how cross-cultural competencies are key to creating and maintaining an inclusive classroom that is a safe space for everyone.
Other break-out sessions included topics on “Global Campuses,” “Bringing Niagara to the World,” and “Bringing the World to Niagara.”
Employees share their thoughts on NC’s global reach at a break-out session during Day of Reflection 2023
A key takeaway for employees from the entire day: To see your work through a global lens, no matter what role you hold at the College. Everyone can contribute to the success of Canada’s leading global college – engaging, celebrating and bringing together diverse cultures to prepare world-ready graduates.
Day of Reflection will continue to spotlight the areas of focus in NC’s Strategic Plan over the next few years.
