Niagara College students are invited to gain valuable insight into life after graduation at the final Speaker Series event of the term, taking place this April at The Core.
Launched earlier this term by the Student Engagement team, the series connects students with guest speakers who offer real-world perspectives on leadership, resilience, and professional growth. Each session provides an opportunity for students to engage directly with speakers, ask questions, and reflect on their own passions and career paths in a supportive and interactive environment.
Supporting students for life beyond NC
Stepping into the “real world” after NC can feel exciting, uncertain, and everything in between, and students don’t have to figure it out alone.
The upcoming speaker series event “Life after NC featuring NC Alumni” will feature an alumni panel moderated by Ali Ryder, NC Outreach & Education Advisor, bringing together graduates from a variety of programs to share their experiences navigating the transition from college to career.
The concept for this panel is inspired by the shared experience of many graduates, who often find the transition after college both exciting and uncertain as they move beyond campus life and the strong sense of community they built at NC.
The event will feature open and honest conversation, as alumni share what their journeys really looked like after graduation, including the highs, the challenges, unexpected turns, and lessons learned along the way.
Alumni panelists
Laura Dodman
Laura Dodman (Human Resources Management program, 2010), Vice-President, Human Resources, CAA Niagara
Laura Dodman is Vice-President, Human Resources at CAA Niagara, where she oversees organizational HR strategy. A graduate of NC’s Human Resources Management program (2010) and Brock University (BA, Business Communications, 2009), she holds both CHRP and CHRL designations. With more than 15 years of experience across the private and non-profit sectors, including roles with The Home Depot and CAA, she brings extensive knowledge in Ontario and Canadian employment law and internal communications.
Lai Hock Flores
Lai Hock Flores (Palliative Care program, 2023 & Community Mental Health program, 2024), Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Marotta Family Hospital (St. Catharines)
Lai Hock Flores is a Registered Nurse at Niagara Health’s Marotta Family Hospital in St. Catharines, where he works in the Emergency Department providing care in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. A graduate of NC’s Palliative Care and Community Mental Health programs, he is passionate about delivering compassionate, holistic patient care and is committed to supporting and encouraging students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Robert Francis Bernardo (Motive Power Technician – Automotive (co-op) program, 2024), Service Advisor and Licensed Automotive Technician, Henley Honda (St. Catharines)
Robert Francis Bernardo is a Service Advisor and Licensed Automotive Technician at Henley Honda in St. Catharines, where he combines technical expertise with a strong focus on customer service. A 2024 graduate of NC’s Motive Power Technician program, he was also actively involved on campus as a Student Engagement Leader and Student Assistant with the NC International Office, supporting a welcoming and inclusive student community.
Javier Carranza
Javier Carranza (Business program, 2024), Marketing Coordinator, SWS Warning Lights Inc. (Niagara Falls)
Javier Carranza is a Marketing Coordinator at SWS Warning Lights Inc. in Niagara Falls, developing digital marketing, advertising, and creative storytelling, and is a 2024 graduate of Niagara College’s Business program. While studying, he was part of the team that represented the college at the Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition (OCMC), he also worked with the City of Welland, where he developed a strong appreciation for how visual content can effectively deliver messages, and collaborated as an illustrator for the community-focused book Wonders of Welland. Javier brings a foundation in graphic design and enjoys creating digital content that blends visual creativity with marketing strategy.
Career Services: NC’s Career Services will also be in attendance to share how they can support students as they transition from college to the workforce.
Alumni Relations: NC’s Alumni Relations will also be present to highlight ways graduates can stay connected and supported after completing their studies.
Event Details:
- Date: April 1
- Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Location: The Core, Welland Campus
- Registration is required here.
