ÄÚÉä´óÄÌ

Co-Founder & Executive Lead, Alive House

What initially drew you to the Marketing and Advertising Management program at ÄÚÉä´óÄÌ?

TS: Receiving a scholarship was a big part of what brought me to Canada to pursue my education. Marketing and advertising has always been an interest and passion of mine – I love communicating, finding ways to make an impact in communities, and creating content.

ÄÚÉä´óÄÌ stood out because of the 2+2 pathway. I liked the flexibility of being able to complete two years at ÄÚÉä´óÄÌ and then decide whether to continue on PEI or elsewhere on the East Coast. As someone from a tropical island, there was also something special about choosing another island, and I felt a sense of connection right away. I remember watching videos of Prince Edward Island online and thinking, “I think I could live here.”

Tell us about your journey following graduation and how your community-minded interests have evolved.

TS: Living on PEI really shaped my perspective on community. So much of it was built around simple, meaningful moments, like sharing meals, gathering in people’s homes, listening to music, and having real conversations. That’s where I learned the value of connection and of appreciating people’s skills and creativity.

After ÄÚÉä´óÄÌ, I attended Mount Saint Vincent University, where I completed a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership. While there, I stayed deeply involved in student life, serving as Vice President of Communications and later Acting President of the student union.

Professionally, I began working in the employment sector with TEAM Work Cooperative in Nova Scotia. That role allowed me to continue connecting with people, helping them navigate opportunities, and supporting their personal and professional growth. It also helped me realize that I wanted to create something bigger, something that would bring people together in meaningful ways.

You co-founded Alive House. Tell us how that idea came to life and what your role looks like today.

TS: Alive House began with a simple but powerful conversation. My co-founder and I were walking through Toronto talking about our shared desire to create something meaningful.

I had the privilege of coming to Canada through a scholarship, but I saw firsthand the challenges many international students and refugees face. These experiences and stories are what inspired us to create a space that fosters conversation and supports those navigating employment, housing, education, and security.

We officially launched Alive House in March 2023. Today, I serve as Executive Lead, where I manage operations, build partnerships, and represent the organization publicly. My work focuses on bringing people together – employers, community leaders, and newcomers – to explore solutions and strengthen systems of support.

Something we launched through Alive House that I am really proud of is the Belonging Tour. It is an event series designed to bring together leaders, employers, educators, community builders, and allies to advance inclusive economic growth across Canada. We launched this in response to national immigration shifts and the growing need to strengthen community connection both locally and nationally.

You’re heading into the second year of the Belonging Tour. What has that experience been like, and what’s next?

TS: The 2025 Belonging Tour was incredibly impactful. We hosted events in Halifax, Calgary, and Toronto, engaging over 300 participants in conversations around belonging in education, employment, and housing.

From those discussions, we developed resource guides for employers, allies, and newcomers to help foster more inclusive environments. It was clear that people wanted more opportunities to have these conversations and to learn from one another.

For 2026, we’re shifting our focus toward resiliency and action. With evolving immigration policies and broader economic changes, it’s important to explore how organizations can adapt and better support newcomers today. This year, we’ll be taking the tour to Toronto, Calgary, and PEI! For the PEI event, we’ll be hosting a conference on Friday, July 24^th from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM at the ÄÚÉä´óÄÌ Tourism & Culinary Centre.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work so far?

TS: Hearing how people feel after attending our events has been incredibly rewarding. One moment that stands out is a family in Calgary who brought their children to the Belonging Tour because they wanted them to grow up understanding their value and how to advocate for themselves. After the event, they told me how meaningful it was for their kids to learn that they can define who they are, regardless of outside pressures or societal challenges. That really stayed with me. Knowing that our work can influence how people see themselves and their place in the world is powerful.

You also work full-time with Pride at Work Canada. How does that complement your work with Alive House?

TS: I work as the Leadership Programs Lead at Pride at Work Canada, where I develop and lead national programs focused on leadership and equity, diversity, and inclusion, particularly within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

There’s a strong alignment between my full-time role and my work with Alive House. Both focus on building inclusive spaces and helping people feel supported and valued. Having that overlap allows me to approach both roles with a deeper understanding and a broader perspective.

Have you faced any challenges in your career?

TS: One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to new environments. The East Coast felt very welcoming and community-oriented and it felt easy to settle in, while moving to Ontario was a bit of a different experience and required more effort to build connections.

Instead of seeing that as a barrier, I approached it as an opportunity. I’ve built smaller, intentional communities, whether it’s friends I meet for meals or groups of people doing similar work where we can share experiences and support one another. That sense of community continues to be central to how I navigate challenges.

What advice would you give to new alumni entering the workforce?

TS: My biggest piece of advice would be to listen to yourself. While it’s important to seek advice and learn from others, you should always be the one making the final decisions about your path.

Don’t let others dictate who you are or where you should go. Trust your instincts and take ownership of your journey. Honestly, you’ll be more fulfilled knowing the impact you make is truly your own.

How has ÄÚÉä´óÄÌ shaped you?

TS: ÄÚÉä´óÄÌ played a big role in shaping who I am today, especially in how I value community and connection. Those lessons continue to influence my work, and I carry that experience with me and integrate it in everything I do.