Meet the Grad

Virtual Meet the Grad with a person working on the computer

Virtual Meet the Grad - Recorded Spring 2021

Learn about the career journeys of Mohawk graduates by watching the alumni keynote and panel discussions below. 

 

Building & Construction Sciences


Opening Remarks and Alumni Keynote Speaker

Recorded March 25, 2021
College Welcome: Wendy Makey, Director Alumni Relations and Sean Nix, Associate Dean Building and Construction Science

 

 

Bella N. Dietrich, PhD 
Architectural Technician and Civil Engineering Technology, 2008 and 2009 

Bella N. Dietrich headshot

Bella graduated from Mohawk College from the Architectural Technician and Civil Engineering Technology program in 2008 and 2009. Bella worked for the public sector throughout her co-op terms from the City of Brampton, City of Hamilton, City of Niagara Falls and in 2009, securing a permanent position with the City of Burlington as a project manager in Capital Works. In 2010, she enrolled into the BTech program at McMaster University. She became the first student to have completed the program in exactly two years while working full time. 

In 2012, she received a scholarship at the University of Cambridge (UK) to complete a Masters in Structural Engineering and in 2013, she received the Commonwealth Trust scholarship to pursue a PhD in Construction Engineering Technology. She graduated in 2017 and took on the role at Arup, an engineering and design firm, as the Global Research Programme Manager in Foresight, Research and Innovation (based in London, UK). At Arup, she worked with internal and external clients to develop thought leadership pieces, research strategies, and prioritize funding across a broad range of sectors in the built environment. 

In March 2021, she took on the role as the European Sustainability Program Manager at Amazon to be part of Amazon’s transition towards net zero carbon future by 2040. 


Alumni and Industry Panel Discussions

Are you wondering how best to prepare for your career? During these panel discussions, you will hear from Mohawk alumni and industry professionals about getting started in the field, recommended resources, advice for new graduates and much more.

Architecture: Building & Construction

Recorded March 25, 2021
Panel Moderator: Kevin Haluik, Faculty

James Duncan 
Architectural Technology, 2009 
Ritestart
 

James Duncan headshot

James had a number of years of experience as a project manager in the ICI sector, before he stepped into the role of president and co-shareholder of Ritestart Limited. James possesses the skills, knowledge, and adaptability to lead and manage any project to its successful completion. Graduating from Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology with a degree in the Architectural Technology Program, James is a part of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologist, working as a Crestcom Bulletproof Manager Trainee and LEED Accredited Professional. 

 

Tim Langlotz 
Architectural Technology, 2015 
WSP
 

Tim Langlotz headshot

A graduate of Mohawk College’s Architectural Technology program, Tim Langlotz is a Project Manager with the Southwestern Ontario Building Sciences Team. Over his 5+ years in the consulting industry, Tim has been involved with Tarion B19 compliance review for new condominium construction projects; building envelope commissioning projects; various building envelope evaluations; development and implementation of various building restoration projects; and preparation of Performance Audits and Reserve Fund Studies for residential condominiums. Tim is a member of the Ontario Association of Certified Technicians and Technologists and is currently obtaining his Certified Engineering Technologist designation. 

Alicia Sljivic (Di Carlo) 
Paul’s Restoration 

Alicia Sljivic headshot

Alicia Sljivic’s passion for the construction industry dates back to grade school. Whether she was building bridges out of Popsicle sticks, or rendering her weekly dream home she has always been excited about both the design and construction processes.  

With 6+ years’ experience in the industry she manages mid to large sized re-construction projects in both the residential and commercial markets. In addition to project management, she plays a key role in researching, and implementing new directives for successful business growth and development.  

Currently, the Assistant Branch Manager at Paul's Restorations Head Office located here in Hamilton, she believes the future is female and is actively setting a strong and powerful example for the future of this industry!  

With this mindset, Alicia has been awarded 1st place for Best Building Contractor Consultant in the Hamilton Spectators Readers choice awards for 2020.

Architecture: Drafting and Design

Recorded March 25, 2021
Panel Moderator: Dan Robichaud, Faculty

Jessie Mayes 
Architectural Technology, 2019 
BLR Drafting
 

Jessie Mayes headshot

Jessie Mayes graduated from Mohawk College in December 2019 with a diploma in Architectural Technology. She started her full-time job at BLR Drafting & Design in February of 2020. Jessie speaks highly of her co-op experience as it allowed her to explore all possible options that she might face in her career. Throughout Jessie’s co-op experience, she got the opportunity to have three completely different co-ops, which helped her decide if she was more interested in commercial or residential design. Through these experiences she also gained team building skills, independence and was able to improve her communication abilities, which has helped in her career today. Her advice for students graduating with an Architectural Technology diploma would be to put yourself out there and explore all possible opportunities. She would also recommend asking plenty of questions and absorbing all the knowledge that will been given to you throughout your journey. 

Jy Hamilton 
Architectural Technology, 2007 
WalterFedy 
 

Jy Hamilton headshot

Jy Hamilton is a seasoned BIM Manager with over 15 years of industry experience, many of which he spent helping design firms produce quality design documentation and streamlined workflows. He is currently a Manager and Associate at WalterFedy, a local integrated Architecture and Engineering firm serving the GTA and Southwestern Ontario. As “the keeper of the keys” for the firm’s design standards, Jy ensures deliverable documents are exciting for clients and workflows are effective and collaborative within the studio. 

A former student at Mohawk College, Jy graduated in 2007 with an Honours Diploma in Architectural Technology. He has since achieved his LEED AP BD+C accreditation and is a registered Technologist with the Ontario Association for Applied Architectural Sciences. 

A mentor at heart, Jy spent years as a part-time professor at Georgian College in Barrie. During this time, he taught courses for the Engineering and Environmental Technologies Architectural Program. He is also actively involved with his company’s mentorship program, designed to provide staff with a confidential platform to discuss challenges, develop new skills, and share wisdom. 
In his spare time, you can find Jy fishing local lakes and rivers in his kayak, and spending time with his family and recently welcomed newborn.

Breanna Mcgucken 
Architectural Technology, 2019 
BLR Drafting 

Breanna McGucken headshot

Breanna McGucken is a graduate of the Architectural Technology program at Mohawk College. She graduated December 2019 and started her job at BLR Drafting & Design in January of 2020. The co-op portion of the program is what helped get her to where she is today. Breanna did two out of three co-op placements at BLR and she credits these experiences for preparing her for her current role today. Not only did she gain experience in the field, but her communication skills have also become stronger, and she feels more confident in her profession. Residential design has been a passion of Breanna’s and she is happy to be doing it every day with a great team. She would tell new graduates not to be nervous when starting a new job or feel like you don’t know enough, be eager to learn and your employers will be happy to teach. 

Civil Engineering

Recorded March 25, 2021
Panel Moderator: Rocco Carbone, Faculty

Dan McKinnon 
Civil Engineering Technician, 1986 
City of Hamilton, Public Works 

Dan McKinnon headshot

Dan graduated from Mohawk in 1986 from Civil Engineering Technician program, after 9 years in the private sector working for local sewer/watermain/roadbuilding and heavy civil contractors he took a position with the Region of Hamilton Wentworth as a Technician in the Construction office at City Hall. Shortly after that he became a Construction Inspector and in 1999 took a supervisor position in the contract's office. Subsequently he has held more progressively responsible leadership positions including Director of Operations and Senior Director of Hamilton Water and since 2016 he has been the General Manager of the City’s Public Works Department. The department includes Hamilton Water, Transportation, Engineering, Environmental Services, Solid Waste, Forestry, Parks, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Cemeteries, Energy Office, Fleet, Facilities and HSR. A combined operating and capital budget (2021) of approximately $1.3 Billion and a staff complement of 2,300.   

A resident of Ancaster for 29 years where he lives with his wife and where he raised their two sons. He has developed a deep appreciation for public service and the value of good leadership. 

Kevin Robinson 
Civil Engineering Technology, 2020 
Walters 
 

Kevin Robinson headshot

Kevin is a 2020 graduate from the Civil Engineering Technology program at Mohawk College. His path into the civil engineering technology world wasn’t as clear as some and he came into the program as a mature student. Kevin graduated from the University of Waterloo from a biotechnology degree and later from Niagara College from and ecosystem restoration post graduate certificate program. He worked in agricultural pathology research and later for the Ministry of Natural Resources in aquaculture but always struggled with the idea of working contract to contract in such a niche field. After a long summer, he was helping to plan and build a new research center for a research project and realized he enjoyed the building and design aspect much more than the research he was supposed to be gearing up for.  

Kevin found the civil engineering program and jumped right in and is so happy he did. After his first Coop with Walters Group, who specialize in complex steel fabrication in erection in North America, he was asked to continue working part time through his next semester and roll into his second coop holding the same position. He was hired in as a construction coordinator Co-Op, where he spent a lot of time learning and working on crane logistics and planning for various projects. Near the end of his eight months, he was tasked with taking the reins on the crane planning for several tandem (two crane) lifts of a large mining conveyor in Esterhazy SK. The management team and his peers helped guide him through the process, and Walters even let him fly down to watch all his planning come to life. By the end of second Coop term again with Walters he was asked to come on full time right out of graduation. It was a no brainer as he spent both my Co-Ops loving the work he was doing.  Since then, Walters has helped guide Kevin to completing my C.E.T., starting the process to gain his PMP and increased his roles and responsibilities by taking on more projects with higher levels of complexity.  

Currently, Kevin is working still with Walters Group as a full-time construction coordinator. He is currently part of several projects including the new state, of the art, Maple Leaf Foods Poultry plant in London ON, the one-million sqft Bombardier aircraft manufacturing project in Toronto, and even a complex tension cable picnic structure for Friday Harbor in Barrie. His job is always moving, always changing, and always challenging. There is always so much to learn and so much to do - he loves every minute of it.    

Looking back on his days spent in university, Kevin would have never predicted he would be where he is now, but is happy he choose to jump into the Civil Engineering Technology program at Mohawk College.

Business & Creative Industries

Opening Remarks and Alumni Keynote Speaker
 

Recorded March 11, 2021
College Welcome: Wendy Makey, Director Alumni Relations 

 

Amber Richardson 
Public Relations, 2014 

Amber Richardson headshot

Amber Richardson was born and raised in Hamilton Ontario and has a profound love for her city. After completing the Mohawk Public Relations post graduate program, Amber realized her love for helping businesses communicate their story and create models that work for them. She currently owns and operates Communicate PR, an independent PR agency that lets her follow her passion and live her life on own terms. 

Community involvement is at the heart of what Amber believes in. She currently resides on the executive board of the Hamilton Hive as the Past Chair and takes an active role in helping young professionals follow their dreams. Amber is a huge advocate for following your dreams and living every moment of life.


Alumni and Industry Panel Discussions

Are you wondering how best to prepare for your career? During these panel discussions, you will hear from Mohawk alumni and industry professionals about getting started in the field, recommended resources, advice for new graduates and much more.

Broadcasting – Television & Communications Media

Recorded March 11, 2021
Panel Moderator: Atul Rao, Faculty

Tina Allmark 
Broadcasting - Television and Communications Media, 1993 
CBC Studios 

Tina Allmark headshot

Tina is the Senior Manager of Visual and Design for CBC Studios in Toronto.  In her role, she works closely with production partners to develop creative, innovative solutions for content production.  Tina graduated in 1993 from the Broadcasting Television and Communications program at Mohawk College. 

Growing up in a home where the CBC was always playing on the radio or television was the fuel that sparked her lifelong passion for public broadcasting. With a professional background firmly rooted in live, multi camera production, Tina takes pride in leading a team of skilled technicians and designers who play a key role in presenting content that informs, enlightens, and entertains the nation’s diverse population.  Her top priority as a leader is creating an inclusive, equitable space for everyone to flourish. 

When Tina is not at work, she is raising her family in Oakville Ontario and trying to listen to as many podcasts and audiobooks as she can fit into her day! 

Andrew Dougherty 
Broadcasting - Television and Communications Media, 1998 
CHCH TV
 

Andrew Dougherty headshot

Andrew is the Supervisor - Broadcast Operations at CHCH TV. He began his career at CHCH TV in 1997 after graduating with honours from the Broadcasting Television and Communications Media program at Mohawk College. 

Throughout his tenure, he has worked as a news editor, camera operator and live truck operator for over 18 years. Three years ago, Andrew was promoted to his current position where he supervises camera operators, the news editing department, as well as the control room staffing. 

Andrew will celebrate his 24th year work anniversary this coming June. 

Brendan Nickolau 
Broadcasting - Television and Communications Media, 2006 
Cable 14 

Brendan Nickolau Headshot

Graduating from Mohawk College's Broadcasting Television and Communications Media program in 2006, Brendan got his first television job with Rogers TV in Toronto as a Master Control Operator. In 2009 he came back to his roots in Hamilton to begin working as a Technical Coordinator with Cable 14's mobile department. 

After several years with the Cable 14 team, Brendan has grown into his current role as Senior Producer - Technical Support, which has him working on a number of television productions, while taking technical lead on some of Cable 14's larger projects. 

Wayne Snow 
Broadcasting - Television and Communications Media, 1999 
Bell Media 

Wayne Snow headshot

Wayne graduated from the Broadcasting Television and Communications Media program at Mohawk College in 1999, and started his career in Master Control at BellTV.  In 18 years at BellTV, he worked in various roles, including NHL Events Coordinator, Senior Manager- Broadcast Traffic, and Operations Manager for FibeTV, Video on Demand Operations and Multiplatform Support.   

In 2018, he made the move to Bell Media to his current role as Senior Manager, Digital Operations. His teams in Toronto and Montreal are responsible for the ingest and delivery of all Bell Media Video on Demand content to the digital app footprint and cable/satellite partners across Canada, in both English and French (Crave, CTV, TSN, Super Ecran, Noovoo, etc).  His team in Montreal is also responsible for closed captioning, described video, content translation, and editing for broadcast for all French content. In addition, he also leads the support team responsible for incident management/triage and change management for digital and broadcast environments across Bell Media. 

Graphic Design

Recorded March 11, 2021
Panel Moderator: Pearl Mendonça, Manager Career and Student Success Advising

Sarah Bullard 
Graphic Design, 2020 

Sarah Bullard Headshot

Sarah Bullard is a recent graduate from Mohawk College's Graphic Design program. She took the illustration stream during her time there, specializing in digital drawing and motion graphics. She seeks opportunities to learn wherever she goes, which lead her to work at the print lab at Mohawk. Ultimately finishing my time there with knowledge in both illustration techniques and printing processes. She currently works at a large-format printer, handling the many jobs that come in day-to-day. She also often works on special projects, allowing her to use photography, video techniques, vector illustration, motion graphics, web design and much more. 

Amanda Cicero 
Graphic Design, 2016 
Brand Blvd. 

Amanda Cicero Headshot

Amanda graduated with honours from Mohawk College in 2016, earning an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design. After graduating, she didn’t stray far - she was a Graphic Designer for the Mohawk Students’ Association for two years before setting her sights on Brand Blvd.  

Amanda has worked at Brand Blvd. as a Graphic Designer for 3 years now, where she has the pleasure to work with an amazing team on a variety of projects for clients both high profile and small business, and recently won the company Integrity Award. She also works as a Freelance Designer in her spare time. Amanda's education at Mohawk College and practical experience have led her to a successful professional career in the creative industry and has achieved her goal of working a job that she loves. 

Damara Cox 
Graphics Design, 2017 
Hotline Apparel 

Darmara Cox Headshot

Damara is a Lead Graphic Designer at Hotline Apparel Inc., Canada's largest supplier for college and university wear. Graduating in 2017 from the Mohawk Graphic Design program she also has experience from working in the DPLC for several semesters. Hired in 2017 immediately after graduation, she started as a Junior Graphic Designer at Hotline, where in the past four years she has moved to the Lead Design position with a small design team. She specializes in textiles and direct to garment screen printing and embroidery, her work has been featured in such shops as Homesense and Roots, and she currently has a US College x Champion line in Boathouse. 

Marin Hudson 
Graphic Design, 2018 
Kitestring 

Marin Hudson Headshot

After graduating from Mohawk College’s Graphic Design program in 2018, Marin worked her way from junior graphic designer to co-owner of Kitestring, a local design agency serving community-based businesses in Hamilton and the surrounding area. Motivated by the potential to create impact, she focuses on how to best communicate big ideas and spark action through strategic planning and design. Marin’s skill set includes branding and campaign development, with a love of layout and function-first thinking. When faced with an unexpected challenge, she communicates and collaborates to find an innovative and creative solution. 

Born in Guelph, Marin is now proud to call Hamilton home. Her work with vulnerable populations, nonprofit organizations, and student groups is evident in her person-first approach to every project. Marin is passionate about people, motivated by her community, and leads every Kitestring project from start to finish. As a Provisional RGD with the Association of Registered Graphic Designers, Marin hopes to further engage with the design community and share her skills with future generations of designers.  

Melissa (Foye) Weldon 
Graphic Design, 2016 
McMaster University  

Melissa Weldon Headshot

Melissa (Foye) Weldon is an Honours graduate of Mohawk College's Graphic Design program. She has worked in a design capacity for Hamilton Health Sciences, Scotiabank, Mohawk College and The University of Toronto. As a freelancer, she is the go-to designer for local businesses in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. This includes clients in construction, startups and non-for-profits.   

Melissa currently works in Marketing and Communications at McMaster University where she strategizes and executes marketing plans, social media campaigns and student recruitment / engagement initiatives. She is a member of Mohawk College's Program Advisory Committee for the Graphic Design program and is currently pursuing an Honours Social Psychology degree at McMaster University. She aims to better understand how psychology is used in marketing to influence consumer behaviour and buying habits, and the importance of the user experience in digital applications and design. 

In her spare time, Melissa can be found scouring Pinterest for design inspiration, walking Hamilton's trail system with her Chocolate Lab Muchacho, and drooling over good kerning. 

Marketing

Recorded March 11, 2021
Panel Moderator: Janice Long, Faculty

Clayton Arnold 
Business Marketing, 2014 
Aucto Inc.
 

Clayton Arnold headshot

Graduating from the Business Marketing program at Mohawk College in 2014, Clayton started his career with an international marketing agency as an account manager. After developing skills in content creation, website design, graphic design, and more, he pivoted to become a marketing manager with an industrial surplus company. Leveraging everything he has learned; he now oversees all aspects of marketing for Aucto Inc.  

To remain involved in the local community, Clayton partnered with a fellow Mohawk graduate to form The Marketing Company. The Marketing Company's goal is to work with small local businesses and introduce them to the fundamentals of marketing without breaking the budget. In his spare time, Clayton likes to spend time outdoors with his fiancé and boston terrier named Stella. 

Jordan Dewaele 
Business Marketing, 2017 
GE Appliances Canada 

Jordan Dewaele Headshot

Jordan Dewaele is a 27-year-old Business Marketing Graduate from Mohawk College. He has been at his current employer MC Commercial Inc, better known as GE Appliances Canada for about 4 years. In this time, he has moved up from Product Specialist to where he is today as a Product Manager for built in cooking products. 

 

Mike Mitchell 
Sunrise Records
 

Mike Mitchell headshot

Mike Mitchell attending Mohawk initially in 2005 for Broadcast Journalism, he resumed his education in 2012 in the Business Marketing program, representing Mohawk College in the Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition in 2012. Beginning with an internship at Canada’s oldest independent record label, True North Records, Mike has enjoyed a variety of marketing roles across different verticals. Over the last eight years, Mike has made stops at Corus, BlackBerry, go easy, and Torstar. Mike has been the marketing manager for Sunrise Records, Canada’s only record store chain since July 2019. In 2020, Mike created, wrote, produced, and acted in the TV show This Is The Thing, coming to Bell FibeTV1 in April 2021. 

 

Photography

Recorded March 11, 2021
Panel Moderator: Scott Kenney, Faculty

Alexis Burton 
Creative Photo - Still & Motion, 2019 
Alexis Burton Photographing 

Alexis Burton headshot

Alexis Burton is an award-winning photographer from Hamilton, Ontario. Since graduating from the Creative Photography- Still & Motion program at Mohawk in 2019, Alexis is now working directly in the industry as a freelance photographer. Her work includes photographer engagements and weddings, business branding and real estate photography.  

Alexis has had many opportunities arise from her time at Mohawk. This includes participating in the Ontario Skills competition in 2019, bringing home a silver medal in the photography category as well as winning the CiCan 2019 Art Showcase in the photography category. 

Karlo King 
Creative Photography - Still & Motion, 2016 
Karlo King Photographer and Filmmaker
 

Karlo King Headshot

Karlo King is a 2016 graduate of the Creative Photography -Still & Motion program at Mohawk College. In his graduating year, he received an Emerge Media Award for videography. Karlo has been a part of the Light Imaging team since 2017 working as a videographer, director and editor. He has been shooting both video and stills on a commercial level for clients such as Dairy Farmers of Ontario, University of Waterloo, and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. 

 

Lauren Valvasori  
Creative Photography - Still & Motion, 2014 
Lauren Valvasori Photography
 

Lauren Valvasori Headshot

A corporate employee turned Entrepreneur, Lauren is a University of Guelph Grad who returned to school at Mohawk College in 2012 to learn how to better use her camera and chase her dream. Upon graduating with Honours from the Creative Photography: Still + Motion program two years later, she went full-time in her business documenting the life and milestones of her clients.  

Specializing in Weddings and Lifestyle Photography, she was named to the Top 30 Under 30 Wedding Photographers in Canada earlier in her career and she has a passion for documenting relationships of all kinds. Her studio is located here in Hamilton where she also offers mentorships and coaching for other photographers. Lauren remains connected to the program at Mohawk by Chairing the PAC committee and is an Instructor in the Continuing Education Department. 

Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering & Aviation

Opening Remarks and Alumni Keynote Speaker

 

Recorded March 25, 2021
College Welcome: Wendy Makey, Director Alumni Relations
 

Kevin Ford 
Mechanical Technology, 1975 

Kevin Ford Headshot

Kevin Ford, a Mohawk College Mechanical Technology graduate and successful serial entrepreneur, is working on reversing the "offshoring" of jobs to other countries. His specialities include taking high-tech products from conception to market dominance with a small, highly effective team. Ford forms and leads teams that conceive, develop and deliver high-tech computer-based software and hardware products plus services for governments, Fortune 500 companies, and SOHO markets. 

 


Alumni and Industry Panel Discussions

Are you wondering how best to prepare for your career? During these panel discussions, you will hear from Mohawk alumni and industry professionals about getting started in the field, recommended resources, advice for new graduates and much more.

Aviation

Recorded March 25, 2021
Panel Moderator: Shawn Hoyle, Faculty

Ashley Rush 
Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance, 2017 
Aviation Technician - Aircraft Structures, 2018 
KF Aerospace
 

Ashley Rush headshot

Ashley graduated from Mohawk College in both the Aviation Maintenance and Aviation Structures Program in 2017. She currently works at KF Aerospace at the Hamilton Airport and has recently got her AME S license. Ashley discovered the Aviation program at Mohawk from a high school co-op placement she did at KF Aerospace. From there, she went to Mohawk and right after graduation got hired full time at KF. She enjoyed her time at Mohawk College as it helped her gain knowledge that has supported her career at KF and with getting her AME S license.  Ashley enjoys working at KF Aerospace very much. Every day is exciting and something new. 

Katie Waito  
Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance, 2016 

Katie Waito headshot

Katie graduated in 2016 from the Aircraft Maintenance program at Mohawk College. She was already a pilot and wanted to add to her knowledge of airplanes. After college, she got a job flying floatplanes on the west coast. Here, she worked in the hangar on the off season and flew there for 4 years. Last year, Katie got a job being an aerial applicator out in Saskatchewan and will be there again this summer. She owns two airplanes and maintains them herself. 

Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology

Recorded March 25, 2021
Panel Moderator: Julie Farnand, Co-op Specialist

Earl Clarke  
Chemical Engineering Technology, 2004 
ArcelorMittal Dofasco
  

Earl Clarke headshot

Earl Clarke is a proficient Operation Shift Coach (Manager) at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Canada’s leading steel producer and a hallmark of advanced manufacturing in North America.  Previously, Earl worked as a Chemical Technologist for a Xerox Canada. He graduated with honors from Mohawk College with an advance Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology and was a recipient of the Alumni of Distinction Award in 2005. 

Holly Glenn  
Chemical Engineering Technology, 2020  
Bruce Power 
 

Holly Glenn headshot

Holly Glenn is from a small town 3 hours north of Hamilton called Port Elgin. Before she attended Mohawk College, she studied a year of the Bachelor of Medical Sciences at Western University in London. She was happy with the general content of that program, but found the style of learning didn’t suit her and she sought out an alternate educational path. Holly chose Chemical Engineering Technology at Mohawk because it encapsulated the content she felt most drawn to, but also offered 4 semesters of co-op.   

While attending Mohawk she was able to complete 4 semesters of co-op experience working for Petro Canada Lubricants in Mississauga as a production technician. It was here that she was able to gain the steam time required to complete her 4th Class Operating Engineer Certification. Holly also used her days off to complete an operator in training designation in all 4 water modules from OWWCO. She graduated from Mohawk’s Chemical Engineering Technology program with Honours in April of 2020. After graduating she moved back to Port Elgin and was given advanced placement into the 3rd Semester of Power Engineering Technology at Georgian College in Owen Sound. Nearing the end of this semester she received an offer of employment for the position of Radiation Protection Safety Technician from the Power Workers Union to work at the nuclear electric generation company Bruce Power. Holly is presently awaiting the start of training for this position and she is also currently being considered for her dream job as a Nuclear Operator at Bruce Power.  
 

Shelby Hinschberger  
Biotechnology (Health), 2016  
Biotechnology - Advanced (Development & Application), 2018 

Shelby Hinschberger headshot

Shelby as one of the very first students to graduate from the Advanced Biotechnology program at Mohawk College in 2018. She is currently working as a Sorting Laboratory Technician at ST Genetics Canada where they specialize in sex-sorting semen for livestock reproduction. As she was growing up in the small town of Listowel Ontario, Shelby was constantly surrounded by vast amounts of agriculture and as she got older, she realized her passion for science and technology, thus making this the perfect career path for her. Shelby’s hope to continue this path and learn and grow as the industry advances. 

 

Tabitha Moreira   
Biotechnology (Health), 2017 
Biotechnology - Advanced (Development & Application), 2018 
Sherwin-Williams
   

Tabitha Moreira headshot

Tabitha graduated from the Advanced Biotechnology program at Mohawk in 2018 and began working at the Sherwin-Williams powder coating plant in Grimsby, in the Research & Development lab.   

The products she works with/develop are thermosetting powder coatings, where the powder chemically reacts during the “baking” or curing process, leading to a polymer network, providing good mechanical properties and a coating resistant to breakdown. The network is made up of polymers that crosslink during the curing process, leading to an irreversible chemical bond. Usually used for high heat applications, appliances, automotive and industrial applications. There are several chemistries available that allow for a vast range of performance capabilities and appearances.   

Tabitha does a lot of work for large opportunity customers developing our OneCure products. It is a dry- on-dry primer, topcoat application that provides excellent corrosion resistance and edge protection for exterior coatings, such as automotive coatings.  

Ahmad Musa  
Chemical Engineering Technology, 2007  
Whitebird
  

Ahmad Musa headshot

Ahmad Musa immigrated to Canada from the Middle East in 1992. He is a 2007 graduate of the Chemical Engineering Coop program from Mohawk College. During his time at Mohawk, he served as President of the Chemical Engineering Club. He also graduated with honours and gold medal distinction as Coop student of the year. In addition to his Mohawk diploma, Ahmad obtained a degree in Political Science from McMaster University. He is fluent in Arabic and can converse in Mandarin.  

From 2007 to 2018, he worked at Xerox Canada SDC as a Chemical Operator, then shift lead hand. He then went on to work at Alpine Specialty Chemicals as Plant Supervisor. Since 2019, he has worked in his current position as Production Planner at Whitebird, a leading distributor and manufacturer of corrugated solutions, packaging, sanitation and safety supplies.  

Samantha Waytowich  
Chemical Engineering Technology 
Mohawk College
  

Samantha Waytowich

Samantha Waytowich is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with 14+ years of progressive experience in training, facilitation/coaching and leading teams using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.  

After graduating from the University of Guelph with a B.A.Sc. In 1994, Samantha obtained a diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology from Mohawk College in 1999.  In 2005 she became a certified Black Belt with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and in April 2015 received her Master Black Belt certification from Villanova University.  

As a passionate change agent in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, she is skilled at facilitating teams through change and implementing sustaining improvements demonstrating a proven track record.  

Her professional career has taken her across Canada and into the US with many diverse facilitation and training opportunities utilizing a Lean Six Sigma thinking approach. Samantha has trained thousands of employees in Lean Six Sigma, facilitated over 50 successful projects and coached just as many.  

Samantha is also a part-time Professor at Mohawk College McKeil School of Business, instructing continuous improvement methodologies to post grad Business Analyst students. She also teaches in the Mechanical Engineering department.  

Mechanical Engineering

Recorded March 25, 2021
Panel Moderator: David Buryta, Faculty

Mamoun (Moe) Ammar 
Mechanical Engineering Technology, 2020 
Keeprite
 

Moe Ammar headshot

Mamoun (Moe) Ammar is part for Keeprite National Refrigeration team since 2017. His journey started as a Co-Op Student, after graduating in 2020 he was officially hired as a Manufacturing and Maintenance Engineer.  

Throughout his time with Keeprite he has developed skills with multiple departments in the company, including Quality, Purchasing, Designing, and Production. Which has resulted in great teamwork and overall experience.  

Moe is originally from Syria where he started studying Aviation Engineering and found a chance to improve himself by moving to Canada and starting fresh from scratch. From the start he has worked, developed and supported himself. He lives by himself in Canada, and in his free time he masters self-education and develops his skills in 3D printing & engraving. Always looking for a new challenge.  

Today, Moe is responsible for hiring and training new Co-op students, to help them prepare for a successful future. 

Kevin Ford 
Mechanical Engineering Technology, 1975 
Onshoring Ventures 

Kevin Ford Headshot

Kevin Ford, a Mohawk College Mechanical Technology graduate and successful serial entrepreneur, is working on reversing the "offshoring" of jobs to other countries. His specialities include taking high-tech products from conception to market dominance with a small, highly effective team. Ford forms and leads teams that conceive, develop and deliver high-tech computer-based software and hardware products plus services for governments, Fortune 500 companies, and SOHO markets. 

 

Harry Sandall 
Mechanical Engineering Technology, 2018 
L3Harris WESCAM
 

Sandall Harry headshot

Harry graduated from Mohawk college’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program in 2018. During his program, he had the opportunity to work with L3Harris WESCAM, an Aerospace and defense company in Burlington, through a 1 year co-op position in a Test and Integration role. Upon graduation, Harry was offered full-time employment with L3Harris WESCAM in the same test and integration role he had performed in his co-op. At 6 months of full-time employment in this role, Harry was promoted to lead hand of his work cell. 6 months later, in February of 2019, Harry was given an opportunity to fill a temporary supervisor role. Through hard work and perseverance, Harry was then able to secure a full-time role, as a manufacturing supervisor, which is the position he holds today. In his free time, Harry enjoys spending time with his family and friends, 3D printing, watching Formula 1 and working on his own cars. 

Community Studies, Social Services & Justice Studies 

Opening Remarks and Alumni Keynote Speaker
 

Recorded April 1, 2021
College Welcome: Wendy Makey, Director Alumni Relations 
 

Careena Browne 
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 2015 
Child and Youth Care, 2018
 

Careena Brown Headshot

Careena grew up in Hamilton Ontario and was born July 30th, 1993. She is the youngest of 3 girls. Calicia who is three years older, and Carissa who is 6 minutes older than her. Since a little girl, they have been involved in sports and music. Her and her sisters went to Prince of Wales elementary school before the new reconstruction and graduated at Sanford. Careena attended Westdale Secondary School and fell in love with the sports program. She was an all round athlete and was on teams from volleyball to rugby. It was here that she fell in love with basketball. Graduating in June 2011, one of her highlights from back in the day was being selected to play 1st string on team Ontario u18 rugby team. She was not quite ready for the next step (college), so she returned to Westdale and took advantage of the extra time to figure what she wanted to do with my life.  

The following year Careena attended Mohawk College for business marketing. Her twin sister and joined the women's basketball team. Being an athlete her entire life it was extremely fitting. Unfortunately, she didn't take the term student athlete seriously enough and found herself sitting on the bench second semester ineligible to play. A different course of action was needed. General Arts and Science opened her eyes to different avenues she could take and places she could go. Mohawk felt like home. During this time, Careena got more involved with the college. She was working in the student engagement office between classes and practices, when she realized she wanted to influence the lives of younger generations. So, upon graduating from the Health and Wellness program, she accepted a position in Child Youth Care. With her new goal in mind, she changed. In her last year as a student athlete, she was a more serious student, striving to make honours every semester, making it a goal to get 85. She was going to be the best she could be. She volunteered for a project within athletics called " you can play" an initiative breaking stigma barriers and promoting an all-inclusive attitude. It was a truly gratifying experience, to have worked with such an incredible group of people. At Careena’s last athletic banquet, she was surprised to take home all round female athlete of the year as well as all academic award. During her last year at Mohawk, she was just a student, no athlete to the title although it was a different experience, she is happy she was able to give her absolute all to her placement in the field. The relationships she developed at her placements holds a place in her heart to this day. The people she has met, and the lessons she has learned are woven into the fabric of her life, and she is grateful for her time at Mohawk College.


Alumni and Industry Panel Discussions

Are you wondering how best to prepare for your career? During these panel discussions, you will hear from Mohawk alumni and industry professionals about getting started in the field, recommended resources, advice for new graduates and much more.

Child & Youth Care & Educational Support

Recorded April 1, 2021
Panel Moderator: Linda Jones, Faculty and Nicole Murray, Faculty

Kimberly Black 
Educational Support, 2016 
Counselling Techniques, 2019 
Mohawk College
 

Kimberly Black headshot

Kimberly is a 2016 graduate of the Educational Support program. Following her studies at Mohawk, she was hired as an Educational Assistant with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, supporting students in both elementary and secondary schools. Kimberly gained experience working in a specialized role as part of an Intensive Intervention team, where she coached students and staff to build skills in self-regulation, mindfulness and problem-solving. After completing an additional certificate in Counselling Techniques through Continuing Education at Mohawk, she made a transition to work at the post-secondary level. Currently, Kimberly is a Student Success Coach at Mohawk College, where she supports students across all Community, Social Service and Justice Studies programs. 

Taylor Robertson 
Child & Youth Worker, 2016 
Woodview 

Taylor Robertson headshot

Taylor graduated from the CYC program in 2016. Over the last five years after graduation, he has had the opportunity to work within the different school boards, big brother programs, residential treatment centers and elementary day treatment programs. Taylor currently runs a day treatment program within Woodview in Brantford for children ages 10-13 who are experiencing anxiety/behaviours which have created a disruption in their success within a mainstream education setting. 

 

Melissa Watts 
Educational Support, 2019 
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board 

Melissa Watts headshot

Melissa is a recent graduate of the Educational Support program at Mohawk College. She has worked with children of various ages for many years. For nine years, Melissa provided home childcare for families and has been a school bus driver in the Hamilton-Wentworth District for five years. Currently, Melissa works as a permanent Educational Assistant with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. “Every day is a new teaching and learning experience and truly fulfilling." 

 

Jillian Watson 
Child & Youth Worker, 2012 
Lynwood-Flamborough Site 

Jillian Watson headshot

Jillian graduated from the Child and Youth Work Program in the spring of 2012. She is a dedicated and reliable team member, with several years of experience working in children’s mental health. Upon completing the Child and Youth Work Program at Mohawk and having completed my final placement at Lynwood Charlton, Jillian was hired in a relief position. This moved to several fulltime case management contracts and eventually a permanent case management position which she was in for several years. Currently she is the Program Team Leader in the intensive out of homes program at the Lynwood-Flamborough Site. 

Early Childhood Education

Recorded April 1, 2021
Panel Moderator: Karen Boughton, Faculty

Sherri Brown 
Early Childhood Education, 1999 
Catholic Family Service’s St. Martin’s Manor 
Mohawk College 

Sherri Brown headshot

Sherri Brown is a Registered Early Childhood Educator who graduated from Mohawk College in 1999. In addition to her diploma in Early Childhood Education, Sherri earned a BA in Psychology with a focus on child development and behaviour from the University of Western Ontario in 1997.  Sherri has worked in early years programs for the past 22 years.  She has worked with children from infancy to school-age and has a passion for supporting children with special needs and working with families who are considered vulnerable due to social and emotional needs or other life challenges.  In her current role, Sherri is the Team Leader for a licensed childcare program in Catholic Family Service’s St. Martin’s Manor.  This program supports young parent families and their children.  Sherri also teaches in the ECE department at Mohawk College on a part-time basis. 

Corrie Ledgerwood 
Early Childhood Education, 1999 
YMCA  

Corrie Ledgerwood headshot

Corrie has been a Registered Early Childhood Educator working with the YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford for over 20 years. The YMCA has provided her with numerous opportunities for professional growth from a front-line educator to a Child Care Supervisor to a School Age Area Manager to her current role as Child Care Manager.  In her role, Corrie oversees 8 (soon to be 9) full day childcare programs offering care for children 0-12 years of age, and 1 Early ON Program.  

 

Barb Mitchell 
Early Childhood Education, 2015 
Brant Haldimand and Norfolk Catholic District School Board
 

Barb Mitchell headshot

Barb Mitchell is currently the Early Years and Child Care Coordinator at the Brant Haldimand and Norfolk Catholic District School Board. She has worked with children and families in various settings for more than 35 years. She has spent over 20 years supporting registered early childhood educators and families for the inclusion of children with special needs. Barb has served as a representative at many community tables, associations that support adults with disabilities, and local community committees to enhance our neighborhoods. In 1996, her passion for our youngest learners and their families led her to return to Mohawk and obtain her ECE. After many years of working with ECEs, Barb was honored to join the College of Early Childhood Educators.  

Justice Studies

Recorded April 1, 2021
Panel Moderator: Trent Jarvis, Co-op Specialist

Rosalie Cloutier 
Police Foundations (CoOp), 2020 
Hamilton Police Service 

Rosalie Cloutier headshot

Rosalie is a graduate of the Police Foundations program at Mohawk College. She learned of the co-op path in her first year of the program and decided for herself that she needed more experience. Rosalie was a co-op volunteer for Hamilton Police Service and was provided the opportunity to work for the City of Hamilton, Municipal By-Law. These experiences combined with her six years of customer service at Tim Hortons provided her with skills and examples she could bring to her resume. Since graduating from this program, Rosalie has been employed with Hamilton Police Service in the Cadet program. She applauds each one of you for participating in this event because it will help guide you in your path. Depending on what you are looking for, she would love the opportunity to speak with you. 

Chris Loiacono 
Police Foundations (CoOp), 2020 
Advanced Security Management Student, Mohawk College
 

Chris Loiacono headshot

Chris graduated from the Police Foundations program in 2020 and is currently studying Advanced Security Management at Mohawk. While in Police Foundations, he took a couple co-op placements – one with Hamilton Police Services and the other with CBSA. As a HPS volunteer, his responsibilities included crime prevention events, CCTV monitoring, and assisting in training activities. Before working in his co-op placements, Chris was engaged with his community through Scouts Canada where he volunteers as a first aider providing medical services. 

 

Brandon Partridge 
Police Foundations, 2008 
Paladin Security 

Brandon Partridge heasdhot

Brandon Partridge is a Client Service Manager with Paladin Security with over 14 years in the security industry. Over those 14 years, he has worked in a number of industry verticals including operations management, protective services, internal investigations, retail loss prevention, special event security and private investigations. Brandon graduated from the Police Foundations Program at Mohawk College in 2008 and currently sits at the Chair for the ASIS International’s Southwestern Ontario Chapter. 

 

Jason Pryde 
Police Foundations, 2012 
City of Hamilton 

Jason Pryde headshot

Jason graduated from the Police Foundations program at Mohawk College in 2012. Since June 2017, he has worked in his current role as Municipal Law Enforcement Officer for the City of Hamilton. Jason has a wide variety of obligations and duties, which include enforcing Municipal Bylaws, working with Hamilton Police and more recently the Reopening Ontario Act. 

Social Services

Recorded April 1, 2021
Panel Moderator: Christine Sager, Faculty

Sue Taylor 
Social Service Worker, 1997 
Interval House of Hamilton 

Sue graduated from Mohawk College’s Social Service Worker program in 1997. For over 20 years, she has provided supervision and program development to many programs serving individuals experiencing homelessness. In 2006, Sue piloted the City of Hamilton’s first managed alcohol program. In 2013, she received the Award of Appreciation from Mohawk College. From 2008-2015, Sue worked at Mohawk providing instruction to Social Service Worker and Concurrent Disorders students. Sue is currently employed through Interval House of Hamilton, as Director of Programs and Services, where she is responsible for providing programs to women and children experiencing violence and abuse. 

Mark Tennant 
Concurrent Disorders 
Good Shepherd
 

Mark Tennant headshot

Mark holds a degree in theology, as well as a certificate in Concurrent Disorders from Mohawk College. He has 30 years business management and not for profit experience. Throughout his career, he founded and operated a not-for-profit organization from 1992-2001. He joined the Good Shepherd in 2005 as a PT shelter support worker and the Venture Centre in 2015 in the capacity of FT program Supervisor.  

Mark’s business management career began in the newspaper circulation in 1985 and concluded in the cash logistics management with Brinks Canada in 2015 when he accepted the position with the Good Shepherd. 

His unorthodox journey to where he is today taught him both practical and theoretical skills necessary to think on your feet while disciplined to follow policy and procedure in a professional and non-partisan manner.   

Vicky Webb 
Social Service Worker, 2011 
Career Consultant, 2017 
Mohawk College
 

Vicky Webb headshot

An alumnus of Mohawk College, graduating from the Social Service Worker program in 2011, Vicky has pursued certificates in Career Consultant, Teaching the Adult Learner, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and has recently completed Mursion’s Simulation Specialist training. Previous employment included working with brain injury clients as a Rehabilitation Facilitator.  As Field Placement Specialist Vicky is responsible for the facilitation and coordination of the placement process while collaborating closely with academic departments and community partners. A particular passion is networking with and cultivating strong working relationships with local agencies as they host students. She teaches Community Awareness and Field Preparation, along with acting as Seminar Instructor in Continuing Education.  Vicky is also on the Board of Directors for Workforce Planning Hamilton. 

Electrical and Computer Engineering & Computer Science and Information Technology

Opening Remarks and Alumni Keynote Speaker

 

Recorded April 6, 2021
College Welcome: Wendy Makey, Director Alumni Relations 
 

Ryan Barichello 
Computer Systems Technician - Web Applications, 2006 
Enterprise Business, 2004 

Ryan Barichello Headshot

Ryan Barichello is a graduate of Mohawk College’s Enterprise Business program and Computer Systems Technology - Web Applications program. During his last semester, he founded LinxSmart. The vivacious start-up began as a web design company, but later pivoted to building custom applications for nationally recognized organizations. Shortly after, Ryan would co-found Noterro (originally branded as SOAP Vault), a software-as-a-service (SaaS) product used to manage massage, chiropractic, and physiotherapy clinics around the world. Today, Ryan focuses on bolstering Noterro's success while seeking new and exciting SaaS business opportunities. 

 


Alumni and Industry Panel Discussions

Are you wondering how best to prepare for your career? During these panel discussions, you will hear from Mohawk alumni and industry professionals about getting started in the field, recommended resources, advice for new graduates and much more.

Computer Science and Information Technology

Recorded April 6, 2021
Panel Moderator: Joe Varrasso, Faculty

Jen Armstrong 
Computer Systems Technician - Software Support (CoOp), 2019 
Reliq Health Technologies
 

Jen Armstrong headshot

Jen Armstrong is a junior software developer with Reliq Health Technologies in Hamilton, Ontario. After graduating in December of 2020 with an advanced diploma from Mohawk College, she founded and helps run a software development club for students called The New Developers, she has a strong background in the creative arts, and her career goal is to learn a little bit of absolutely everything. 

 

 

Ryan Barichello 
Computer Systems Technician - Web Applications, 2006 
Enterprise Business, 2004 
LinxSmart | Noterro 

Ryan Barichello Headshot

Ryan Barichello is a graduate of Mohawk College’s Enterprise Business program and Computer Systems Technology - Web Applications program. During his last semester, he founded LinxSmart. The vivacious start-up began as a web design company, but later pivoted to building custom applications for nationally recognized organizations. Shortly after, Ryan would co-found Noterro (originally branded as SOAP Vault), a software-as-a-service (SaaS) product used to manage massage, chiropractic, and physiotherapy clinics around the world. Today, Ryan focuses on bolstering Noterro's success while seeking new and exciting SaaS business opportunities. 

 

Rodney Barnes  
Computer Systems Technician - Software Support (CoOp), 2019 
Reliq Health Technologies 

Rodney Barnes headshot

Rodney Barnes is an intermediate developer at Reliq Health Technologies. He graduated from Mohawk College's Computer Systems Technician - Software Support program in 2019 and has strong ties to the college, having worked with MEDIC, Student Life, and is one of three founders of a student club called The New Developers whose purpose is to help CSAIT students develop their skills and increase their chance at finding employment. 

 

Gurpreet Singh Punj 
Computer Systems Technology - Software Development, 2017 
TD Bank 

Gurpreet Singh Punj headshot

Gurpreet Singh Punj is a graduate of the Computer Systems Technology Software Development advanced diploma program at Mohawk College. He currently works as Software Developer at TD Bank, where he works as an IT solutions developer in the automation team. Gurpreet is assigned to lead automation projects across various areas in the bank as technical lead and finishes them from design to development and promote to production. 

 

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Recorded April 6, 2021
Panel Moderator: Elizabeth Martin, Associate Dean of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology

Nathan Field  
Electrical Engineering Technology – Control, 2017 
Enginuity Inc. 

Nathan Field headshot

Nathan is currently the Automation and Robotics Manager at Enginuity Inc in Nova Scotia Canada. He has 5 years' experience in industrial automation as both a designer and managing a team (3 years technical and 2 years management). His technical experience includes industrial automation, robotics, machine vision, and data systems. Nathan was born and raised in Ontario Canada and went to school at Mohawk College in Hamilton Ontario, graduating in April 2017. He personally enjoys home automation, machine vision, and AI and machine learning. 

 

Eli Laterne (Dimand-Buczek) 
Electrical Engineering Technology, 2020 
Evertz Microsystems 

Eli Laterne headshot

Eli Laterne graduated from the Electrical Engineering Technology program in April 2020. She works as a Junior Product Specialist – Control Systems at Evertz Microsystems Ltd. Her job involves problem solving with hardware and software created by Evertz for the broadcasting industry. Most of the time she works with Evertz products, however she is the department specialist for integrating equipment from third party manufacturers, skills she developed in the Electrical Applied Research courses at Mohawk. 

 

Patrick Mcinnis  
Electrical Engineering Technology – Control, 2017 
Electrical Engineering Technician – Power, 2011 
Energy and Power Utilities Lab 

Patrick Mcinnis headshot

Patrick is the key technical lead for electrical related projects specialized on protection & control projects at the Energy and Power Utilities Lab (Caroline Substation).  

Patrick is a graduate from Mohawk College from the electrical engineering technologist program and the electrical engineering technician program with hands-on experience in substation automation. As part of EPIC, Patrick works directly with industry partners to create testing, demonstration and validation projects that are relevant for our industry partners, as well as mentoring students.  Before joining EPIC, Patrick worked for Virelec, a protection, control and SCADA contractor where he worked on many different projects including system integration at the Toronto Hydro Copeland Transformer station. 

Shivam Saxena 
Computer Engineering Technology, 2017 
BlackBerry QNX
 

Shivam Saxena headshot

Shivam graduated from the Computer Engineering Technology program at Mohawk College in 2017. As one of the 11 students to graduate that year, he has been fortunate enough to be able to apply the teachings at various positions within the corporate world from Networking, Cloud infrastructure automation all the way down to mission critical embedded systems. It is his strong belief that one of the highly sought out traits for career growth is initiative. Shivam looks forward to sharing his story and hearing yours.

Marshall School of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship

Opening Remarks and Alumni Keynote Speaker
 

Recorded March 18, 2021
College Welcome: Wendy Makey, Director Alumni Relations 

Watch the Opening Remarks and Keynote on the Marshall School of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship event page

Brad Arnold 
General Carpentry 
Hickory Dickory Decks
 

Brad Arnold headshot

Brad Arnold is President of Hickory Dickory Decks, the largest deck company in Canada. Brad began his journey with the company in 1997 in a sales and carpentry assistant role. He then went on to complete his General Carpentry apprenticeship at Mohawk College and receive his red seal certificate in 2002. Following this, Brad obtained his Building Code Identification Number, which allows him to prepare and sign permit drawings for submission to the city. Throughout his career at Hickory Dickory Decks, Brad has been promoted to Sales Manager, Vice-President and in 2018, began his current role as President. He is now part owner of the company and owner of the Hamilton Mountain franchise.

 

Alumni and Industry Panel Discussions

Are you wondering how best to prepare for your career? During these panel discussions, you will hear from Mohawk alumni and industry professionals about getting started in the field, recommended resources, advice for new graduates and much more.

Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship

Recorded March 18, 2021
Panel Moderator: Angelo Cosco, Associate Dean of Construction and Building Systems

Watch the Alumni and Industry Panel on the Marshall School of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship event page

John Ambrosio  
Residential Design and Construction, 2016 
Ambrosio Construction & Renovations 

John Ambrosio headshot

Since flipping his first residential property while in University, John has continued to have his hands in different construction projects in several of his own properties as well as those of family and friends. He graduated with a Degree in Business Management and entered the corporate world. After working 12 years in both the private and public sectors, he decided it was time to walk away from the desk job and start getting his hands dirty. 

John completed the Residential Design & Construction Program at Mohawk College in Hamilton to further his knowledge in the Ontario Building Code and general construction practices in the industry.  He founded Ambrosio Construction & Renovations Inc. in 2015, and has watched his company grow to 9 full-time employees, multiple fleet vehicles and a new head office & showroom in Ancaster during this short time. His beliefs that a contractor should be transparent and honest with clients are the foundation that Ambrosio Construction has been built from. Building a trusting relationship with clients before, during and after a renovation project has been fundamental in the company’s success. 

David Cameron
ArcelorMittal Dofasco

Dave Cameron headshot

David is a Learning and Development Team Leader at ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Hamilton, ON, where one of his main priorities is the Apprenticeship Program.  He started at Dofasco as a welding apprentice in 1978.  He completed his apprenticeship in 1981 and worked primarily in the Dofasco Sheet Mill Maintenance department up until 1985 when he accepted an opportunity as a welding instructor with Trades Training. Although it was a temporary assignment, he was teaching apprentices and journeypersons from all areas of the company for the next five years.  

David attended the Technical Instructor Institute at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire to become a certified technical instructor and expanded his skill base to include other mechanical courses to support the development of apprentices and maintenance employees. In 1997, David began assisting with the development and implementation of the Apprentice Induction/Orientation Program. In 2007, he was assigned full time to apprenticeship program coordination. Since 2008, David has been the Lead Specialist responsible for all aspects of the apprenticeship program. Now the Team Leader - Learning & Development, David has been a member of the Hamilton Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Consortium and is also on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum.  

Daniel Guest
Plumber, 2013 
Guest Plumbing

Dan Guest headshot

Daniel Guest is the President of Guest Plumbing and Heating and Guest Heating and Air Conditioning, providing services for both commercial and residential clients throughout the Greater Hamilton Area. Daniel started his career as an apprentice and worked as a licensed plumber and gas fitter before starting his own company in 2015. In that time, Guest Plumbing and Heating has seen significant growth and established itself as a valuable part of the construction industry, and the Hamilton community. This led to the opening of Guest Heating and Air Conditioning in 2020.   

As a Mohawk College grad, born and raised in Hamilton, Daniel is passionate about his local community and continues to give back wherever he can. In 2020, Daniel was the recipient of the Kevin McIntosh Memorial Award for his community involvement. He has also been recognized by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce as a Young Entrepreneur in 2017 and was named to the “Fast 40 under 40” in both 2018 and 2019. These days you can also find Daniel connecting with local entrepreneurs on his “Guest Life” Podcast.  

Luc Seguin
Construction Engineering Technician - Building Renovation, 2012
Civil Engineering Technician, 2013 
GEN-PRO 

Luc Seguin headshot

Luc graduated from Construction Engineering Technician - Building Renovation program at Mohawk in 2012, then went on to complete the Civil Engineering Technician program in 2013. After graduating from Mohawk, he worked for a land surveying company out of Mississauga for one year before starting work with GEN-PRO as a project coordinator. Over the last seven years, he has worked his way up to project manager. GEN-PRO is a general contractor operating out of Burlington, that works in the ICI sector with a focus on institutional projects. GEN-PRO has completed numerous projects across Mohawk College campuses, including new VR Welding lab (Stoney Creek Campus), Career Pathways space (Fennell) & The Café Canopy (EA Building). 

Luc’s role at GEN-PRO is to look after projects after they have been awarded to GEN-PRO including gathering the necessary submittal document, preparing schedules, managing the shop drawing process, as well as communication between the client and consultant. He assists in the invoice process both incoming and outgoing. Generally, he oversees the entire project from start to finish. He also assists in the hiring of co-op students and new grads. Further to his Mohawk education, Luc has received the Gold Seal Certificate as a project manager.

Nursing, PSW, Allied Health & Health Studies

Opening Remarks and Alumni Keynote Speaker
 

Recorded March 30, 2021
College Welcome: Wendy Makey, Director Alumni Relations 

 

Lisa Cook 
Pharmacy Technician, 2002 
Trutina Pharmacy
 

Lisa Cook - Headshot

Lisa Cook is a Registered Pharmacy Technician currently working at Trutina Pharmacy in Ancaster. Her journey as a Pharmacy Technician started back in 2002, when she enrolled in the Pharmacy program at Mohawk College. Since then, Lisa has worked for Marchese Healthcare, Juravinski Hospital, Pharmasave, Mohawk College and her current employer Trutina Pharmacy, gaining knowledge and skills that have led her to where she is today. Her experience has allowed her to focus in on what she loves about Pharmacy, which is working in the specialized field of Sterile Compounding.   

 

 


Alumni and Industry Panel Discussions

Are you wondering how best to prepare for your career? During these panel discussions, you will hear from Mohawk alumni and industry professionals about getting started in the field, recommended resources, advice for new graduates and much more.

Health Sciences

Recorded March 30, 2021
Panel Moderator: Tiffany Iles, Faculty

Sandra Mejia de Lemus 
Personal Support Worker, 2019 
Long Term Care 

Sandra Mejia de Lemus headhot

Sandra is an international PSW from Mohawk College, who speaks Spanish, French, and English. During this challenging time, she had the great opportunity to become a new member in one of the Lodges for the City of Hamilton. Her passion is to give the best of her every day, helping others to continue doing what they can do themselves, respecting their choices, making them feel safe, and of course, respecting their privacy. 

Sandra is an easy-going person who got along with others. She believes that a PSW is the “eyes and ears” for Nurses and Doctors, which is one of the most important qualities. Sandra thinks that if you find the job you “love”, you do not “have” to work again. 

Jackie Riches 
Human Resources, 2020 
CBI Health Group 

Jackie Riches headshot

Jackie graduated from Business at Fanshawe College with a focus in Human Resources. Upon graduation, she worked in various HR support roles from Human Resources Assistant and Payroll Admin before becoming a Recruiter. Talent Acquisition motivated her to pursue her Human Resources certificate via Mohawk College Continuing Education on a part time basis and graduated in 2020. Jackie has worked in Talent Acquisition for over 10 years, sourcing candidates and hiring entry level to management roles in Ontario, Quebec and Eastern Canada. In 2020, she joined CBI Health Group as a Regional Talent Acquisition Specialist recruiting Home Support & Personal Support Workers, Nurses and Therapists across South West Ontario as part of the Home Health team. 

 

Shari-Lee Srigley 
Social Service Worker, 1989 
Thrive Group
 

Shari-Lee Srigley headshot

Shari-Lee is a highly motivated professional with over thirty years of progressive management experience in health and social services. Shari-Lee is currently the Director of Development and is responsible for the design, implementation and management of a variety of initiatives to promote financial diversification and sustainability of Thrive Group organizations including AbleLiving Services, Capability Support Services, Idlewyld Manor and St. Peter’s Residence at Chedoke. Shari-Lee is a proud Mohawk College Alumni with her diploma in Social Services. She is a Bay Area Leadership Graduate and holds a certificate in Management Development. Shari-Lee has been actively involved in her community for over thirty years making a difference in the lives of children, youth, and seniors, participating on various Boards and committees. Shari-Lee was an active Rotarian in the Hamilton AM Club for eight years and was honored with a Paul Harris Fellowship and Service Above Self Award. 

Health Studies

Recorded March 30, 2021
Panel Moderator: Tara-Lyn Dinyer, Faculty

Julian Bommarito 
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 2016 
MSc Student at the University of Guelph
 

Julian Bommarito headshot

Julian graduated from the Health, Wellness and Fitness program at Mohawk College, and took a different approach compared to most of his classmates. He decided to further his education by bridging into the Kinesiology program at the University of Guelph-Humber. Now Julian is a MSc student at the University of Guelph and his research focuses on how exercise and sleep effects the circadian rhythm of blood pressure. 

 

 

Emma Daigle 
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 2020 
F45 Stoney Creek Mountain 
Wellington Park Care Centre 

Emma Daigle headshot

Originally from Edmonton Alberta, Emma moved to Ontario in 2017 to further her career in synchronized figure skating. She has been a member of Team Canada for 4 seasons now, and with her team Nexxice she is a 2019 World Bronze Medalist. Emma graduated from the HWF program at Mohawk College in 2020, and since then she has enrolled full-time in the Athletic Therapy Degree program at Sheridan College. Emma is currently a coach at F45 Stoney Creek Mountain and is also a dietary aide at Wellington Park Care Centre. 

 

Nancy Kahl 
Recreation Therapy, 2016 
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton 

Nancy Kahl headshot

Before her entry into Recreation Therapy, Nancy held a range of positions over a span of 15 years as a Registered Massage Therapist. After completing her Diploma with Honours in Recreation Therapy at Mohawk College in 2016, she was the successful recipient of the Therapeutic Recreation Ontario-Adrienne Gilbert Award of Student Excellence. Nancy has obtained valuable experience in the Forensic Psychiatry Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. She has worked for the Schizophrenia Community Integration Services program in various programs both inpatient and outpatient.  

She is the creator and lead facilitator for Pawsitive Strides, the successful Animal Assisted Intervention program being offered at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. She and her colleagues were published in the TRPR Journal through the University of Waterloo for the same program under the name “Pawsitive Strides: Changing the face of Animal Assisted Interventions” in the 2020 publication.  

She is dedicated to elevating the profession through her evidence-based practice, patient-centered care and her overall contributions through the following professional associations : Member at Large and Chair of Membership Services for Therapeutic Recreation Ontario and Member of the Mohawk Professional Advisory Committee for Mohawk College. When Nancy is not working she is dedicated to her passion for Powerlifting and Fitness. 

Evan Scarlett 
Massage Therapy, 2016 

Evan Scarlett headshot

Evan graduated from Mohawk College in 2016. Working in massage therapy after completing his licensing exams, the early stages of his massage therapy career have exceeded even his own expectations. While working primarily in a spa setting, Evan is also able to utilize therapeutic and athletic techniques he developed while studying at Mohawk. During his time at Mohawk, Evan made a concerted effort to always try to uplift other students in the program and has continued to do so since graduating. Often volunteering either to help during orientations, or as a body for massage students during their examinations. Believing strongly in what Mohawk and its massage program offered, Evan finds it very important to continue paying it forward to the classes that follow. 

Guilherme Tamanini 
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 2020 
Momentum Fitness 

Guilherme Tamanini headshot

Guilherme graduated from the Health, Wellness and Fitness program at Mohawk College in 2020. He has been working as a Personal Trainer since Jan 2020 and as a Manager since August 2020. As a Momentum Manager his duties are to schedule tours, manage clients scheduling, Training guidance, online classes, managing gym supplies, maintenance, personal training, scheduling personal training sessions for our personal Trainers, and follow ups with our clients. 

 


Career Services Just for You!
Student and Graduate Employment

Our team is here to support Mohawk students and alumni get job ready!  We can help you create/update your resume and cover letter, create an e-portfolio, prepare for an interview and explore career options.  Services are available via Zoom, phone and email.

Visit our Career Centre site to learn more


Interested in sharing your career experiences with students?
Contact the alumni [at] mohawkcollege.ca (subject: Alumni%20Guest%20Speaker) (Alumni Office) to learn more about upcoming alumni guest speaker opportunities.