NC’s Julie Niemiec, Rebecca Nicholls, and Michele O’Keefe recognized in special edition of ‘Made in Welland’ magazine.
The 2025 issue of Made in Welland magazine – a publication by the City of Welland’s Economic Development team – three Niagara College leaders were among women whose leadership, dedication and vision are shaping Welland’s future.
Those recognized included NC’s Rebecca Nicholls, Associate Dean, Academic Studies, Julie Niemiec, Manager, Apprenticeship, and Michele O’Keefe, Senior Director, Athletics & Student Engagement.
The feature on Nicholls and Niemiec – aptly named the dynamic duo – notes that the demand for skilled tradespeople can be met by the untapped pool of workers – women – given the right supports. Nicholls is also an NC alum.
Nicholls and Niemiec were commended for their efforts to bolster the involvement of women in the trades to future-proof the workforce of tomorrow.
The double-page spread includes examples of Nicholls’ and Niemiec’s efforts to engage women: NC Women in Trades, OPG Women in Trades, Trades has no Gender, and more.
O’Keefe’s leadership of NC’s athletics program is dubbed ‘world-class,’ citing several examples of her efforts to elevate women in sport, including Welland Girls Sports Day – a partnership with the City of Welland.
The feature ties athletics, community and wellness, and O’Keefe’s leadership in all three areas.
NC President Sean Kennedy is quoted as saying, “Michele’s unique ability to bring people together and drive collaboration in support of students is infectious.”
O’Keefe emphasizes that women’s sports is thriving in Welland and beyond.
NC alum among those featured
Three Niagara College alum were also celebrated in the Women Leading Welland issue:
- Lina DeChellis, 1990 Tourism-Tours & Attractions
- Kristen Groom, 2013 Human Resources Management
- Jill Croteau, 1987 Law & Security
