Niagara College’s annual United Way Workplace Campaign is underway, and this year, two dedicated staff members are helping lead this year’s efforts. Leah Neamtu, Learning Facilitator with the Community Integration through Cooperative Education (CICE program), and Nimisha Sumathi, Co-Curricular Engagement Coordinator, are serving as Co-Chairs for the 2025 NC Cares Campaign, building on their previous involvement with the fundraiser and their shared commitment to community.
Together, they will guide the planning and promotion of this year’s workplace campaign across both campuses and spotlight the impact United Way Niagara has throughout the region.
Introducing the 2025 Campaign Co-Chairs
Leah Neamtu: Learning Facilitator, Community Integration through Cooperative Education (CICE)
Leah has been part of the CICE program since it launched nine years ago, supporting students with diverse learning needs as they develop academic, employment, and life skills. Her experience at NC, and in her volunteer work with a local distress centre, has given her a deep understanding of the challenges people face and the difference community support can make.
“Through my work at the college and my volunteer role with a local distress center, I’ve had the privilege of hearing many personal stories from people in our community,” she said. “Those conversations are a powerful reminder of how closely connected we all are, and how essential community support is in building a strong community.”
Leah shared that past involvement with the United Way committee, and the opportunity to work closely with Nimisha on past campaigns, prepared her to take on this year’s leadership role.
“The United Way team feels like its own little community, full of creativity and compassion. It’s meaningful to help lead a campaign that brings so many people together across the College.”
Nimisha Sumathi: Co-Curricular Engagement Coordinator, Student Engagement & Leadership
A proud Niagara College alumna, Nimisha first joined NC in 2014 as a co-op student before transitioning into roles that allowed her to build strong connections across the student community. Today, she leads the NC Engage platform and creates opportunities for students to grow, give back, and feel connected outside the classroom.
Nimisha shares what motivated her to step into the co-chair role:
“Volunteering and giving back have always been important to me, and my time as an NC student really sparked that passion. After working with past co-chairs over the last two years, and seeing what we could accomplish together, I felt inspired to take on a bigger role. Having the chance to co-chair this campaign, especially alongside such a dedicated and like-minded partner like Leah, made the decision even more meaningful.”
She looks forward to building on her experience planning student-driven initiatives and finding new ways to engage employees in supporting United Way.
“Community is such a big part of life at NC,” said Sumathi. “Our core values are all about helping students succeed, and this campaign is a way to extend that same spirit of support to our wider community. By coming together for United Way, we’re not only helping people across Niagara but also strengthening the sense of care and connection within NC.”
The impact of the NC Cares Campaign
Both co-chairs see NC’s workplace campaign as an opportunity to strengthen connections on campus and across Niagara.
“At a large organization like NC, we sometimes stay within our own circles,” Neamtu shared. “This campaign brings people together, encourages collaboration, and reminds us that we all play a role in caring for our community.”
“Every contribution, whether it’s attending a Knights game, sharing the campaign message, or making a donation, helps someone in our region,” Sumathi said. “When we participate, we show what the NC spirit is all about.”
A message of encouragement
As the campaign unfolds, Nimisha and Leah encourage employees to explore the many ways to get involved:
- Make a one-time or recurring donation
- Attend on-campus fundraising events
- Share information across departments
“Everyone knows someone who has been touched by the programs United Way supports,” said Neamtu. “Your contribution, no matter the size, helps build a stronger, more connected Niagara.”
How to get involved
Employees can learn about NC’s workplace campaign, explore giving options, or donate online at: niagaracollege.ca/nccares.
There are two easy ways to donate online:
- Payroll deduction via NC’s payroll portal (options for one-time or recurring donations)
- Credit card via United Way’s payment portal (select “My Gift is Part of a Workplace Campaign”)
Thank you for your continued support of the NC Cares United Way Campaign.
