Hey I'm Pat Perdue and I want to introduce you to my latest podcast. This one is a co-production between my company, YCASTR, and Seneca College, in Toronto.
Seneca College is a really great school. I know, because over the past couple of years I've been teaching some marketing and customer service courses there. People come to study at Seneca from all over the world which makes it a hotbed of innovative thinking. And a big part of that thinking is driven by our amazing faculty, many of whom are, well, like me, professionals who are thriving in their own businesses, and teach at Seneca as a way to share their passion for what they do. Needless to say I've been hugely inspired by the people I've met.
And what happens when I get inspired? Well, apparently I launch a podcast. So, here we are! Welcome to #SenecaProud Where I get to introduce YOU to some of Seneca College's amazing faculty.
So subscribe, download, and join me, as we meet some of the super inspiring folks who teach here at Seneca College, in Toronto.
I'm Pat Perdue, and I'm glad you're here today.
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Season 5, Episode 9: Season 5 In Review: Discovering Our Potential; Recovering our Dreams (00:33:45)
About Today's Show In this episode we revisit all of our conversations this season, and explore how it was that our alumni could use Seneca as such a powerful launchpad to their successful careers. How is it that a single conversation in a classroom can inspire a student to change the direction of their life; or find the courage to enroll in a program that speaks to a dream that had previously lay dormant? What kind of place can have such an impact on our lives? In revisiting conversations with Seneca alumni, as well as Seneca professors, and leaders, we uncover some of the components that make Seneca Polytechnic such a place, and we also take a look at how Seneca's future will help shape the economy of tomorrow. Until Next Season I'd like to thank everyone associated with the show this season: Seneca College for sponsoring this podcast, in particular Corey Long, Ryan Flanagan, and Constance Adams, for all of your help and this season. Courtney Rheume for her help in editing many of the episodes. And most of all, thank you for listening. Until next season, Stay Proud Seneca. This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening this season. Pat Perdue
Season 5, Episode 8: Seneca Professor, and Fashion Sustainability Expert, Dr. Sabine Weber (00:36:54)
About Today's Show Welcome to episode 8, Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast! Question: What do you do with the clothes you no longer wear? If you're like me, you try to donate them when you can, but what if they're tattered? For me, I probably throw them into the garbage, which of course goes straight to the landfill. Turns out, textile waste is a big problem, both globally, and in Canada as well. Here are some statistics, courtesy of Earth.org: 92 Million Tonnes of Textiles Waste is Produced Every Year - which is the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes ending up in a landfill site every second. The number of times a garment is worn is now between 7 to 10 times before it is discarded. To produce 1 kg of cotton requires 20,000 litres of water, and producing a single t-shirt requires 2,700 litres of water. Clearly this is a serious problem, and our guest in today's show is not only a Seneca Professor, she is also one of Canada's formost experts on the topic, Dr. Sabine Weber. In this show we talk about her Dumpster Study, funded by Seneca's Applied Research Fund. And.... In this episode we also learn: How serious the problem is in Canada The opportunity for entrepreneurs to solve the supply chain challenges, so that garmets can be recycled more easily What we can do to help reduce our textile waste So much more! About our Guest, Dr. Sabine Weber Sabine Weber has been teaching at Seneca Polytechnic since 2016, in the school of fashion, where she teaches in all three fashion programs: Fashion Business & Fashion Business Management, Fashion Arts and Fashion Studies. Prior to coming to Canada, Sabine began her career in Germany and later in Switzerland, where as a fasion buyer she oversaw a purchasing budget of over $250 million per year. Currently, Sabine's research topics are sustainable fashion, textile waste, and social innovation. Sabine's main interest is how social innovation can help to transition the fashion industry towards sustainability. Her particular focus is textile waste and a circular fashion system. And along with her students, she completed what became known as the Dumpster Dive study, which was funded by Seneca's Applied Research Fund. We touch on that study in our conversation. Sabine hold both a Master's Degree, and a PhD from the University of Waterloo. This description of Sabine only scratches the surface of Sabine's accomplishments in the area of textile waste and sustainable fashion. Suffice it to say, Sabine is one of, if not number one, expert on this topic, in Canada. And she teaches right here at Seneca! Pretty cool. Important Links Read more on the Dumpster Dive Studey here. To read more about the global issue of textiles, click here to visit Earth.org. This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 5, Episode 7: Seneca Graduate, and Queen's Park Bureau Chief for Global News, Colin D'Mello (00:45:12)
About Today's Show Welcome to episode 7, Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast! Today's episode features Seneca College graduate Colin D'Mello, who is also the Queen's Park Bureau Chief for Global News. As Queen's Park Bureau Chief, Colin is responsible for gathering and reporting on our provincial leaders, and holding them accountable on our behalf, which often means asking the tough questions. This episode is a master's class in how determination, positive self-criticism, and focus can combine to transform raw talent into genuine success. In this episode we also learn: How to build your career strategically How competition in your field can make you stronger if you pay attention and learn from it. The value of giving back to your community So much more! About our Guest, Colin D'Mello Colin D'Mello is one of Ontario's most prominent political journalists. Colin is the Queen's Park Bureau Chief for Global News. After graduating from the broadcast journalism program at Seneca College, Colin began his career as a radio reporter in Moncton, New Brunswick before returning to Ontario. He helped launch 1310 News in Ottawa and later reported for 680 News in Toronto. In 2011, Colin moved to television broadcasting, beginning a long run at CTV News where he most recently served as their Queen's Park Bureau Chief. For the last few years he has also held the role of President of the Queen's Park Press Gallery, advocating for journalists and helping to manage the relationship between newsrooms in Ontario and the provincial legislature. In addition to his Queen's Park Bureau Chief Duties, Colin also currently works as a guest lecturer at Toronto Metropolitan University, is married and has two children. To Contact Colin Directly, DM him on Twitter: Colin's Twitter Handle: @ColinDMello This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 5, Episode 6: Mary Trant, Jamie Zeppa, and Erin Dolmage, on their Award Winning Roundtables (00:30:42)
About Today's Show Welcome to episode 6, Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast! In this episode, I speak with three professors who have created a regular, weekly online roundtable that has proven to be something quite special. Borne out of the need for connection we all felt during the COVID lockdowns, these weekly roundtables have become an opportunity for Seneca Faculty of the Arts to connect, share common experiences as educators, and simply hold space for each other, and for themselves, and as such have become tremendously popular. In this episode we learn how the professors manage to do week after week, what they talk about, and how you might want to set up one such forum for your workplace, department, or for whatever group you have in mind. And fun fact, our guests today are each bronze recipients of the CICan (Colleges and Institutes Canada) Leadership Excellence Award for Faculty as a result of the positive contribution their Roundtables have provided. In this episode we also talk about: The key difference between a meeting, and a Roundtable (ca you guess?) How ChatGPT is impacting the teaching landscape Best practices to help YOU can start your own weekly online Roundtable Lots more! About our Guests, Erin Dolmage, Mary Trant, Jamie Zeppa, and Erin Dolmage Erin Dolmage is a Professor in the Seneca @York School of English and Liberal Studies, Faculty of Arts and a Ph.D. Candidate in History at York University in Toronto. She had done extensive work with the Métis in British Columbia, working with Elders and Family History researchers. She co-authored a chapter in the edited collection Contours of a People. She collaborated on "Bodies of Water, Not Bodies of Women: Canadian Media Images of the Idle No More Movement" in Active History. For Seneca Press, alongside her students, she collaborated on A Celebration of Indigenous Culture at Seneca. She was an editorial consultant on the book Two Dead White Men - Duncan Campbell Scott, Jacques Soustelle and the Failure of Indigenous Policy, 2022. Erin has been co-hosting a weekly roundtable for the Faculty of Arts alongside Mary Trant and Jamie Zeppa and has been acting as the Academic Integrity Chair for Seneca York King since 2022. Mary Trant has been faculty at Seneca since 1990, and currently teaches General Education courses in the School of English and Liberal Studies at Newnham campus. Her favourite Gen.Ed. courses to teach are the Psychology of Creativity, the Psychology of Happiness, Group Dynamics, and Brain and Behaviour. Jamie Zeppa has taught writing and literature at Seneca since 2004. During her time at the college, she worked with colleagues to develop curriculum for the University of Centra Asia. She also helped to develop COM 101, the composition course taken by most Seneca students, and is engaged in a research project assessing the transfer of writing skills from COM to other courses. Before Seneca, she worked as a freelance writer and editor and taught corporate communications. She has written a memoir (Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan) and a novel (Every Time We Say Goodbye), both published by Penguin Random House Canada. This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 5, Episode 5: Winston Stewart - Seneca Alumnus, CEO of Wincon Security (00:38:43)
About Today's Show Welcome to episode 5, Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast! I have a question for you. Have you ever been set on a life-plan, and then something happens outside of your control, or maybe someone whispers something in your ear, which causes you to fully reconsider your plan, and pivot to a different life direction? What do you do? Do you decide to take the risk, and pivot to that new direction? Or do you cling to your original plan that doesn't make as much sense as it once might have? In this episode we meet Seneca Alumnus and CEO of Wincon Security, Winston Stewart, who was faced with that question 30 years ago and decided to take the risk and follow the new direction. The result was the creation of Wincon Security, which has grown into one of Canada's most successful privately owned security companies. In this episode we also talk about: The keys to running and growing a successful business. The importance of seizing the moment, and going for it. The role Seneca College played in Winston's direction in life. Lots more! About our Guest, Winston Stewart Winston Stewart has over 30 years of experience in the security industry. While a still a student of Seneca College in their police services program, Winston recognized the rising need for security in the private sector, and the opportunities in private policing, and launched Wincon Security in 1992 at the suggestion of his professor at Seneca College. Starting, the way many start-ups do, with a single client who believed in him, and a single employee, Wincon Security is now a multimillion-dollar organization, employing over 250 people with over 100 clients. The Wincon Vision is to make security a worry-free experience, one that enables their clients to focus on what matters most: their organization's growth and success. Winston has created a nurturing workplace culture driven by their employees' insights and ideas, where engagement and long-term client partnerships set us apart from the competition. And it all began at Seneca College. Winston is a proponent of equity and diversity and is committed to creating policies, strategic plans, and programs that contribute to our multicultural society. Important Links and Contact Information Click here to connect to Wincon Security This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 5, Episode 4: Neil Hetherington - CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank, on what each of us can do to end food insecurity (00:32:51)
About Today's Show Welcome to episode 4 Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast! In this episode our guest, Neil Hetherington, Seneca graduate, and CEO of the Daily Bread Food Bank, talks about how each of us can take steps to help end food insecurity in Toronto, and across Canada. In this episode Neil shares his journey from student at Seneca College, to the youngest CEO in the history of Habitat for Humanity in Toronto and New York, and then to his role as CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank. In this episode we also talk about: How the need for food banks in general has increased dramatically in Canada, and specifically in Toronto The key steps each of us can take to help end food insecurity in Toronto: Sending an email to any elected official asking them to implement their poverty reduction strategy. Dropping food off at any Fire Station in the city of Toronto. The Daily Bread Food Bank will come an pick it up for distribution. Helping out as a volunteer at the Daily Bread Food Bank. Becoming more aware of the root causes of food insecurity by listening to the Daily Bread Food Bank's podcast, called the 2030 Project, which you can find here Neil also shares how his experience as a student of Seneca College helped shape his journey as a leader in the the not-for-profit sector, and how being rewarded by mission, rather than money, has shaped his career. About our Guest, Neil Hetherington Neil Hetherington is the CEO of Toronto's Daily Bread Food Bank. Previously he was the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Toronto and New York City for 16 years. He holds degrees or certificates from Huron University, Seneca College, Harvard Business School and the University of Virginia - Darden Business School and his MBA from UWO Ivey Business School. Neil was named one of Canada's Top 40 under 40 in 2005. He has received the distinguished alumni of the year awards from each of Huron University, Royal Saint George's College, Western University and Seneca College. He was awarded Queen Elizabeth's Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals in 2002 and 2012. In 2018 he was awarded the Premiers Award for Outstanding Ontario College graduates for excellence in business. Important Links and Contact Information Click here for the Daily Bread Food Bank Click here for their podcast, the 2030 Project Click here for the email address of your local Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament for your email asking about their poverty reduction strategy. Click here to find your Member of Parliament at the federal level. This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 5, Episode 3: Isabel Kanaan - Co-Creator and Star of OMNI's "Abroad" TV Show (00:33:02)
About Today's Show Welcome to episode 3 Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast! In this episode of the #SenecaProud podcast, we talk TikTok, TV, and chasing your dreams with Seneca College graduate Isabel Kanaan. Isabel shares her story of moving to Canada from the Philippines when she was a teenager, and what it was like to have to finish out her final year in high school in a completely new country. And while she dreamed of going into entertainment in the Philippines, the thought of her realizing that dream in Canada seemed like a more of a fantasy - until she enrolled in the Acting for Camera and Voice Programme at Seneca College. And the rest, as they say, is history. In this episode we also talk about: What it's like as a child of immigrant parents to pursue a career that's not "easy to define." How the multicultural, diverse aspect of the TV show "Abroad," filmed both in English and in Tagalog, has an impact on people beyond the Filipino community. How important it is to pursue the career to you love. About the TV Show, "Abroad" "Abroad" is a weekly comedy sketch show about life as seen through the eyes of Isabel Kanaan, in her experience as a Canadian. Abroad is filmed bi-lingually, in both English and Tagalog. In its second season, Abroad will be starting in May, on on the OMNI television network. Check your television listings for showtimes. About our Guest, Isabel Kanaan Isabel Kanaan is a Filipina-Canadian actor, comedian, and writer best known for OMNI's Abroad. She was on CBC's Air Farce (a legendary comedy show), TFC's BRGY, and MYX's News Hotlist. She was awarded the NBC Universal Bob Curry Fellowship, the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award, one of NOW Toronto's breakthrough stage artists, and was nominated for a Premier's Award for her expeditious achievements in theatre, film, and TV. Also, what you will learn from our interview is that it was her time at Seneca College that re-ignited her passion for acting, and made so much of her success possible. In addition to Abroad, selected TV Credits: Overlord and the Underwoods (Nickelodeon), The Good Witch (Hallmark), Nurses (NBC), Hudson & Rex (City TV), Holly Hobbie (Hulu). Isabel is also popular on Social Media, where on Tiktok her humorous style of storytelling has over 180k followers and nearly 6 million likes. Important Links and Contact Information Click here for Isabel's Tiktok Click here for Isabel's Instagram Click here to find episodes on Abroad on Youtube This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 5, Episode 2: Shahrzad Farzinpak - Creating Business Leaders for a Sustainable Future (00:28:24)
About Today's Show Welcome to episode 2 Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast! In this episode we talk about sustainability, and Seneca's role as a signatory in the UN Global initiative known as PRME. PRME is an acronym that stands for "Principles for Responsible Management Education." The mandate of PRME is to bring the concept of sustainability into every management classroom, regardless of the subject. Our guest in today's episode, Shahrzad Farzinpak, is not only the Chair of the School of Human Resources and Global Business, Sharhzad also leads Seneca's efforts in this crucial global initiative. Also in this episode, we also talk about: 1. The meaning of "Triple Bottom Line," and how business leaders of the future will consider more than just financial profits as they grow their businesses. 2. How Seneca students and faculty alike can include sustainability as an ongoing aspect of their daily assignments and class conversations. 3. How Shahrzad's experience prior to joining Seneca in 2014 influences and informs her current work as head of Seneca's PRME Initiative About Today's Guest, Shahrzad Farzinpak Shahrzad's Seneca Business journey started in 2014 and since then she served in different roles and has been involved in a number of projects including expansion of academic partnerships within and outside Canada, the development of many block transfer pathways that recognize business diploma studies for students moving into the Hons. Bachelor degrees, and the development and implementation of the Seneca Business transformation plan. In addition to all of that, Shahrzad is also the Seneca College head of a global initiative called PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education), which is a UN Initiative to bring the concept of sustainability into every management classroom, regardless of the subject, rather than having sustainability limited to, say, environmental courses, or energy courses. Before beginning her journey with Seneca in 2014, Shahrzad was a FT consultant in Iran, working on a range of projects related to sustainable urban development and socio-environmental impact assessments of large-scale infrastructure developments, and taught part-time in University of Honar, a public university in Tehran, Iran. Shahrzad also hold a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Tehran. About PRME PRME is a United Nations-supported initiative founded in 2007. As a platform to raise the profile of sustainability in schools around the world, PRME equips today's business students with the understanding and ability to deliver change tomorrow. Important Links and Contact Information United Nations PRME Website: https://www.unprme.org This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 5, Episode 1: President David Agnew - The Future is Now (00:35:19)
About Today's Show Welcome to the first episode of #SenecaProud Season 5! As in previous seasons, we launch Season 5 with an interview with Seneca College President, David Agnew. There's a lot that's changed in the year or so since President Agnew was on the podcast. While last year we were still in lock-down, this year, in-person classes are in full swing, students and teachers fill the hallways, and students are studying in the libraries. But it's definitely not the same as it was pre-pandemic. Technology has transformed much of the student administrative experience, and many more of our classes are completely flexible. And that's most definitely not all. Also in this episode, we also talk about: 1. How the Apple Store shopping experience inspired the Seneca registration experience, making it much more efficient and easy to navigate. 2. The 3 Year Strategic Plan embraces the Polytechnic side of Seneca. 3. The roll ChatGPT, and other AIs, might play in our daily lives in the very near future. About Today's Guest, President David Agnew David Agnew has been Seneca College President since July 2009, and under his leadership, Seneca has experienced record growth in enrollment and expanded its offerings in both undergraduate and graduate programs, and continues to be a national leader in innovation in education in Canada, and globally. One of the largest colleges in Canada, Seneca is growing its applied research, broadening international and corporate partnerships, investing in capital expansion and adopting an innovative academic direction to increase experiential, cross-disciplinary and flexible learning opportunities. Mr. Agnew was Secretary to the Cabinet and head of the public service in the Government of Ontario, Canada from 1992 to 1995 after serving as Principal Secretary to the Premier. In 1995, he led the Public-Private Partnerships Project and was seconded to Massey College at the University of Toronto where he was a Senior Resident. He was the President and CEO of UNICEF Canada, the first head of the organization recruited from outside the international development sector. As Principal for the consulting firm Digital 4Sight, he led the firm's global research initiative on Governance in the Digital Economy, an exploration of the impact of technology on government and democracy. In the co-operative sector, he was the Executive Vice-President and Corporate Secretary for the Credit Union Central of Ontario. Mr. Agnew was the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments, the national dispute resolution service for consumers and small businesses. Mr. Agnew's working life started in high school as a newspaper reporter in Toronto and he continued his journalism career in St. John's, Ottawa and Edmonton. He was the gold medallist when he graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a B.A. in political science. Following his studies, he was a Parliamentary Intern at the House of Commons of Canada. In 2012, Mr. Agnew received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community. Important Links and Contact Information To learn what the fuss is about with ChatGPT, click here For more on the Au Large Program, click here All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 4, Episode 10: Season 4 in Review (00:44:05)
Today's episode revisits the conversations of Season 4. I've selected key moments of each conversation that, when heard together, form a uniquely Seneca tapestry of determination, grit, and a commitment to a better future. Every conversation demonstrates two very distinct, related themes: One theme is around working for a better future, and the other them is "Challenge Accepted." You'll hear how each guest is on their respective journey to live the mantra of "Challenge Accepted." Every one of our guests this season (as is the case in every season), has accepted the challenge to help build a better future for themselves, their communities, and even the planet. Thank you to this season's inspiring guests: President David Agnew Joseph Osei Bonsu Ar Jay Mateo, and Toni Petitt Eunice Kays Yeboah Ritik Sharma Marianne Marando Randy Pitawanakwat Professors Tatiana Mighiu, and Ragad Kamal Wai Chu Cheng, and Courtney Hayes Big Thank You! Also, thank you to Tiffany Hsieh for your tireless patience, support and invaluable logistics help, and Anibal Martins for your amazing positivity, and social media support. And thank you for listening. Stay proud Seneca. Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19 For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Pat Perdue
Season 4, Episode 9: Wai Chu Cheng, and Courtney Hayes, Sustainable Seneca (00:41:33)
Seneca College recognizes the importance of making sustainable choices in everything we do, from food services, to construction projects, to how Seneca keeps its sidewalks safe for walking during the winter, and even to curriculum design. To help formalize the processes for making sustainable choices, Seneca College has created the newly established Office of Sustainability. Working with curriculum planners, procurement, professors, and more, the Office of Sustainability provides consultation and guidance so that sustainability can truly be part of every decision Seneca College makes. The guests on today's show work directly with Operations, and with Academic, to help keep Sustainability top of mind in every aspect of life at Seneca College. Also in this episode we: 1. Get to meet our amazing guests, Wai Chu Cheng, Sustainability Specialist Academic and Courtney Hayes, Sustainability Specialist Operations. 2. Discover how Wai Chu and Courtney will approach such a large task 3. Gain insight into the newly created Office of Sustainability, which is poised to put Seneca at the leading edge of sustainable institutions in Canada. 4. Lots more! About today's guests, Courtney Hayes, and Wai Chu Cheng Courtney Hayes Courtney Hayes is the Sustainability Specialist in the Operations Department of the new Office of Sustainability. And on the day this podcast is published. She will have been in her role an entire month. Courtney has a BA in environmental and urban sustainability and her master's degree in sustainable management from the University of Toronto. Courtney also has experience in environmental consulting for clients in the IC and AI, industrial, commercial and institutional sectors to achieve environmental certifications, perform audits and reports and carry out engagement projects like internal trainings, webinars and events. Fun fact, Courtney is also a worm mom. She has a vermi compost bin in her front closet at home! Wai Chu Cheng Wai Chu is the Sustainability Specialist in the Academic Department of the Office of Sustainability and has been in that role for a very short time, just a few days when we recorded this podcast, but brings with her a wealth of experience in this space. Wai Chu has been named by Canadian living as one of its 10 Amazing Canadians making the world a cleaner, greener place, and is the co founder of one of Canada's longest running repair cafes called the repair cafe with over 800 volunteers. The repair Cafe diverted nearly 3000 household items from landfills in 2019. Wai Chu was also Sustainability Coordinator at Sheridan College from 2013 to 2022. YG was nominated for the 2020 shared and people award purple ribbon category for purposeful creativity, and was also nominated as a Mission Zero hero last year, as well. A project Wai Chu led involving transforming to sites filled with popcorn into pollinator friendly gardens, was a national finalist for nature inspiration awards 2021 by Canadian Museum of Nature, Wai Chu has a master's degree in environmental studies, and a second master's degree in education. In Wai Chu's own words, "My passion comes from my love for the natural world, and the local and global community. I am part of." Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19 For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 4, Episode 8: Professors Tatiana Mighiu, and Raghad Kamel Discuss Flex Learning (00:39:07)
About Today's Show One of the big changes that's happening at Seneca College is the teaching modality. While traditional classes have all been in person, and during COVID classes have just about entirely been online, as we return to Seneca we have more options. One of those options is called Flex, or HyFlex. In this kind of class, the professor will always conduct the class in a classroom, and students can either attend the class in person, view the class online, or watch the recorded class whenever that works for them. Today's show focuses on how Flex classes really look (since many of us will be experiencing them) Also in this episode we talk about: 1. What setting up a Flex classroom really looks like 2. Some of the technology challenges that have been overcome 3. The benefits of Flex and in-person instruction. 4. So much more.... More about Today's Guests, Professors Tatiana Mighiu, and Raghad Kamel TATIANA MIGHIU teaches in the Opticianry Diploma Program at Seneca College. Among her course are Introduction to Optics, Eyeglass Dispensing Lab and Contact Lens Theory I & II and Contact Lens Lab I & II courses. Professor Mighiu is also the Opticianry Diploma Program Coordinator. Professor Mighiu earned her Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnic University of Romania, and then furthered her education at Seneca, in the Opticianry Diploma Program. We are also joined by Professor Raghad Kamel, who teaches a variety of courses in the School of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology. Professor Kamel received her Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science at the University of Baghdad in Iraq, and then earned her PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Ryerson University here in Toronto. Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19 For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 4, Episode 7: Randy Pitawanakwat - FirstPeoples@Seneca Faculty and Co-Facilitator, Skoden (00:37:40)
About Today's Show In today's show we talk about Skoden, which is not only an Anishenawbe word that means, "Let's go, then!" It's also the name of a 12 week program at Seneca for faculty to begin to understand how to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into their course materials. The Skoden course is an intense 12 weeks, co-facilitated by our guest, and others from the Indigenous community at Seneca College, who share personal stories, colonial history, treaty history, and ultimately our collective shared history as treaty partners. Also in this episode we talk about: 1. A couple of great Indigenous podcasts - Métis in Space, and Storykeepers. 2. The value of personal history and lived experience in understanding our own unique contribution to the lives of others. 3. Our guest's own journey from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, to Faculty member at Seneca College. 4. So much more.... Let me tell you about today's guest. More about Today's Guest, Randy Pitawanakwat Randy Pitawanakwat is a faculty member at Seneca College who works out of Odeyto, First Peoples' at Seneca. Randy co-facilitates two professional development courses, Skoden and Stoodis (Stoodis, as you'll hear, is the follow-up portion of Skoden) They're offered through the Teaching and Learning department of Odeyto. Randy is from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation. Previously, Randy worked with the Indigenous community in the Toronto area for over 11 years in the social work profession. Much of Randy's knowledge is a collective of understandings from oral tradition and experiences throughout his life in Wiikwemkoong and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. Some Important Links Click here for more information, and to sign up for Skoden (link is for employees of Seneca College) Click here for a link to the Odeyto Episode of SenecaProud - Season 2, Episode 4. Click here for Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Click here for Seven Fallen Feathers, by Tanya Talaga Click here for Métis in Space Podcast Click here for Storykeepers Podcast Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19 For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 4, Episode 6: Marianne Marando - Seneca College Vice-President, Academic (00:29:00)
About Today's Show Today's episode takes us behind the scenes of Seneca College, with our guest, Vice-President, Academic, Marianne Marando. In "normal" times, VP Academic is a very tricky role. But these days, with so much change happening, it's never been trickier, or more important. In this episode we'll hear about how Seneca is continuing to be a leader in providing flexible, accessible education and student experience. Also in this episode we talk about: 1. What will Seneca College look like as we come out of the pandemic. (Pat's looking forward to the food options!) 2. The excellent organization, Blue Door, which supports women, families, and men experiencing homelessness. (click here to visit their website) 3. Some behind the scenes insights into the role of Vice-President, Academic. 4. So much more.... More about Today's Guest, Marianne Marando As VP Academic, Marianne Marando recently returned to Seneca after five years at Durham College, where she was Associate Vice-President, Academic. As you'll hear from our conversation, Marianne started her career in academia at George Brown College, where she became the marketing program coordinator, beforing joining Seneca College as a professor, and coordinator in the School of Marketing. Then she progressed to academic chair positions in the School of International Business, and the Centre for Human Resources and the School of Media and Marketing. Marianne also served as Seneca's Director of Marketing and Communications, before accepting the role of Executive Dean, School of Business, IT & Management at Durham. She was then appointed Associate Vice-President, Academic, responsible for program review and renewal, capital budgeting, corporate training, international education and the office of the registrar. Marianne holds an honours degree in business administration and an MBA from York University, an adult education certificate from Seneca and is enrolled in the Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership program at Western University. Marianne is also the board chair at Blue Door, a York Region-based provider of emergency housing and housing supports. Blue Door Shelters provides shelter to families, youth, women and men without a safe place to stay. As they say on their website, Homelessness can happen to anyone. It's an incredible organization that helps people experiencing homelessness and shelter anxiety make the transition to permanent housing, and begin to move forward in their lives. Important Links and Co Blue Door can be reached through their website here What does "Macgyver" mean? Check out this link to find out! Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19 For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 4, Episode 5: Ritik Sharma - Seneca Student Federation President (00:23:20)
About Today's Show In this episode we meet the President of the Seneca Student Federation, Ritik Sharma. We review the role the Seneca Student Federation plays in the lives of all Seneca Students (click here for the website), and we also talk about the Seneca College Food bank (click here to visit the Food Bank's web page). Also in this episode, we also talk about: 1. Ritik's journey from volunteering, to wanting to do more for the student population at Seneca. 2. Some of the specific initiatives that the SSF is undertaking 3. Some insights into good leadership, and the value of listening meaningfully 4. So much more.... More about Today's Guest, Ritik Sharma An International Student from India, Ritik graduated in April 2021 from the Seneca College International Business program. And in his own journey to get involved, he began helping out at the Foodbank. Seeing what an impact he could have on students even at that level, he decided to see how he could have even more of an impact, and that drove him to become the SSF President, which is a full-time job. And when he's not doing that, he devotes his time to fitness. Important Links and Contact Information: For the SSF (Seneca Student Federation), click here For the Seneca College Food Bank, click here Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19 For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 4, Episode 4: Eunice Kays Yeboah: Seneca Graduate, Anti-Racism Policy Consultant with the TTC (00:42:08)
About Today's Show In this episode we sit down with Seneca College graduate Eunice Kays Yeboah, whose list of accomplishments since graduation include co-founding both the Canadian Black Policy Network, and the Toronto Black Policy Network. In her current role as Anti-Racism Policy Consultant with the TTC, Eunice provides key leadership for the integration and application of anti-racism and an anti-Black racism lens to systems, policies, and practices at the TTC. Also in this episode, we also talk about: 1. The importance of challenging narratives that don't align with your own vision of who you are. 2. The role of support networks, and mentors, in helping to bring clarity to the more difficult choices in our life. 3. The importance of viewing our choices as having a multi-generational impact. 4. So much more.... More about Today's Guest, Eunice Kays Yeboah Eunice is the Co-Founder of the Toronto Black Policy Conference and Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Canadian Black Policy Network. She is also the Anti-Racism Policy Consultant at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Eunice is very passionate about confronting anti-Black racism and all forms of racism and discrimination. In her extended work in government and public policy, she has spent over 5 years in a variety of roles with municipalities and the Province of Ontario. Recognized for outstanding early career success and impactful volunteerism, Eunice was recently selected as part of York University's Inaugural Top 30 Changemakers Under 30 list and received the inaugural IPAC Toronto Region New Professional Award. Eunice is an alumna of the Liberal Arts University Transfer program at Seneca College, York University's Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies and University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. Important Links and Contact Information: For The Canadian Black Policy Network, click here For the Toronto Black Policy Conference, click here Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19 For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Canadian Spa Icons Celine Tadrissi, and Elena Zinchenko: How Spas Thrive through Constant Innovation (00:42:27)
In this episode we sit down with two of Canada's leading entrepreneurs in the spa industry and take a close look a how each of them responded to the COVID-19 lockdowns, discovered new ways to innovate, and emerge from the worst of the pandemic lockdowns ultimately stronger than they were pre-lockdown. Today's Guests: Celine Tadrissi, and Elena Zinchenko Celine Tadrissi is the founder / owner of Hammam Spa by Céla. With 2 locations in Toronto, Hammam Spa has been one of Toronto's most beautiful and renowned spas since opening their first location 15 years ago. Hamman Spa by Céla was recently awarded Canada's Top Day Spa for 2021 by the London England based World Spa Awards. Celine tadrissi is also the founder of luxury skincare line, Cela and sits on the board of directors of the Leading Spas of Canada, which is how we met. Elena Zinchenko also on the board of directors of Leading Spas of Canada (and a former chair) is the spa Director at the luxurious TenSpa, which she helped launch 17 years ago in the beautiful Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, in the province of Manitoba. Elena is also the business director of The Face Bar, also in Winnipeg, which she launched 2 years ago. The Face Bar's mission is to bring intensive skincare treatments and medical grade products to the public at affordable prices because top quality skincare shouldn't have to be a luxury. In this episode, we discuss: How "remembering the why" of being in business provided a focus on where to innovate How a commitment to top quality kept loyal clients guests coming back How strategic collaboration with other brands helped to bring in new clients Much more! To Contact Our Guests: Elena Zinchenko: Click here to connect to Ten Spa Click here to connect to The Face Bar Celine Tadrissi Click here to connect to Hammam Spa by Céla Click here to connect to the luxury skincare line, Céla To Connect with Pat Perdue Twitter: https://twitter.com/patperdue Website: https://www.patperdue.com
Season 4, Episode 3: Seneca Students Ar Jay Mateo, and Toni Pettit, and the Seneca SMILE Mentoring Program (00:29:25)
About Today's Show Today's episode focuses on the SMILE Mentoring program at Seneca College. Smile is a mentorship program that puts new students in touch with a senior student mentor within a similar program area or identity who can support them in their transition to Seneca. And our guests today – we have two guests - are both students who participate in the SMILE program in different ways. Also in this episode, we also talk about: 1. Specifically how the SMILE mentors can help new students really thrive during their time at Seneca College 2. The value of being a mentor, and what it's like to see the huge impact mentors have on the student lives of the people they help. 3. How having a mentor can help new students at Seneca naviage the complexity of life here, and even help manage the stress. And a lot more... About Today's Guests, Ar Jay Mateo, and Toni Petitt Ar Jay Mateo is in his first year at Seneca@York. Ar Jay is a CLP (Chemical Laboratory Tech - Pharmaceutical) student, an avid reader, gamer, and sings and runs for fun. Toni Petitt previously graduated from the Recreational & Leisure services diploma program, and currently is studying in the Child and Youth Care Advanced Diploma Program. I loved getting the chance to meet AJ and Toni, and I'm excited to share our conversation with you. Important Links and Contact Information: Important Links: For more about the SMILE Mentoring Program, click here COVID-19 Updates All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 4, Episode 2: Joseph Osei Bonsu: Seneca Graduate, Professional Artist and Illustrator (00:28:17)
About Today's Show This episode is specifically directed to the students of Seneca who might be wondering about "life after "Seneca College." And that's why we're so excited about our guest for this episode - Seneca Graduate, Joseph Osei Bonsu, who joins the podcast to talk about how he succeeded at Seneca, made friends, and learned what he needed for a career as a professional artist and illustrator. Also in this episode, we also talk about: 1. What it was like at Seneca, and how he overcame some initial shyness and found his group. 2. Joseph shares how he launched the "Heroes of the World" series (it involved jumping fences, sneaking into Caribana, and just making it happen) 3. What it was like to illustrate Race With Me, a book published by Scholastic, and written by Andre DeGras and Robert "Lucky" Budd. 4. How you might have seen him around town on the Challenge Accepted posters. And a lot more... About Today's Guest, Joseph Osei Bonsu Born in Toronto, Ontario, Joseph Osei Bonsu has always had a fascination with the visual arts. His inspiration originates from comic books and animated shows that he grew up watching. His fascination with the visual arts encouraged him to enroll in Sheridan College (Art Fundamentals) and Seneca College in the Digital Media Arts and 3D Animation programs. Since graduating, Joseph has provided illustration work for companies such as CBC, CIBC, TD Canada Trust, ArtXperiential, The City Of Toronto, and more. Joseph is also the co-founder of Heroes of the World with his long-time friend, Mark Williams. The comic-inspired brand features heroes and villains that represent different countries around the world. Joseph also illustrated the children's book Race With Me with authors Andre DeGrasse (famous Canadian Olympic sprinter) and Robert Budd. Important Links and Contact Information: Heroes of the World Links Heroes of the World website, click here Heroes of the World on Insta, click here Heroes of the World on Twitter, click here Heroes of the World on Facebook, click here Race With Me Links Race with Me, illustrated by Joseph Osei Bonsu, click here All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 4, Episode 1: President David Agnew - It's a "bones day" (00:27:54)
About Today's Show This episode is the first episode of #SenecaProud Season 4! And we kick off the season with an interview with Seneca College President, David Agnew. When we last spoke with President Agnew, things were a lot different. While Seneca College was completely closed with the exception of some key programs that absolutely required in-person teaching, there was still a lot going on. The transformative project, Au Large, was ramping up. (for more on what that project was about, you can click here, or listen to some episodes from last season, which was just about entirely dedicated Au Large) Also in this episode, we also talk about: 1. What students, staff, and faculty can expect when they return to campus. Note: Anyone returning to campus needs to show proof of vaccination. 2. How technology is transforming some of the classes into "HyFlex" learning, allowing students to attend classes in whatever way is best for them. 3. The latest TikTok trend. (Hint: It's a bones day!) About Today's Guest, President David Agnew With extensive experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors, David Agnew became the fifth president of Seneca in July 2009, and has held that position for 12 years. Under his leadership, Seneca has experienced record growth in enrollment and expanded its offerings in both undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the largest colleges in Canada, Seneca is growing its applied research, broadening international and corporate partnerships, investing in capital expansion and adopting an innovative academic direction to increase experiential, cross-disciplinary and flexible learning opportunities. Mr. Agnew was Secretary to the Cabinet and head of the public service in the Government of Ontario, Canada from 1992 to 1995 after serving as Principal Secretary to the Premier. In 1995, he led the Public-Private Partnerships Project and was seconded to Massey College at the University of Toronto where he was a Senior Resident. He was the President and CEO of UNICEF Canada, the first head of the organization recruited from outside the international development sector. As Principal for the consulting firm Digital 4Sight, he led the firm's global research initiative on Governance in the Digital Economy, an exploration of the impact of technology on government and democracy. In the co-operative sector, he was the Executive Vice-President and Corporate Secretary for the Credit Union Central of Ontario. Mr. Agnew was the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments, the national dispute resolution service for consumers and small businesses. Mr. Agnew's working life started in high school as a newspaper reporter in Toronto and he continued his journalism career in St. John's, Ottawa and Edmonton. He was the gold medallist when he graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a B.A. in political science. Following his studies, he was a Parliamentary Intern at the House of Commons of Canada. In 2012, Mr. Agnew received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community. Important Links and Contact Information To find Noodle (yes, THAT Noodle) on Instagram, click here To find Noodle on TikTok, click here For more on the Au Large Program, click here To read more about HyFlex Learning, click here All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Jean-Guy de Gabriac: Achieving That "WOW" Experience in a World-Class Spa (00:50:45)
Few would argue that the luxury spa industry requires among the highest standards of guest experience in the world, in which every detail is (or should be) designed not just to please you, or relax you, but to transform you into your better self. Our guest today, Jean-Guy de Gabriac, is one of the world's foremost authorities on luxury spas. In this episode we discuss: The role of "flow" in every spa How designing the "guest experience" can begin at the architecture level The secret of creating a lasting "wow" experience that keeps guests coming back Much more (including World Wellness Weekend) About our Guest, Jean-Guy de Gabriac Jean-Guy de Gabriac is an award-winning advisor & educator on the art of crafting the spa experience. Some of the most beautiful destination resort spas in the world have relied on Jean-Guy's renowned insights to create that "wow" spa experience that keeps clients coming back. Jean-Guy is also the founder of World Wellness Weekend, which falls on September 18th and 19th this year (this is its 5th year). This year, over 130 countries, over 900 cities, and nearly 1,400 venues so far, have committed to participate in World Wellness Weekend this year. In alignment with the UNITED NATIONS' 3rd Sustainable Development Goal, "Good Health & Wellbeing for All", WWW inspires people around the world to enjoy healthy lifestyles through safe, free and fun activities and exciting special offers. If you go to their website (which I'll link to in the show notes), wherever you happen to be in the world, World Wellness Weekend connects wellness enthusiasts to nearby professionals through its geo-locator on their website. If you're a wellness professional, go and sign up. It's absolutely free. Jean-Guy also serves as Conference producer of World Spa & Wellness Conventions (London & Dubai) ; he is the immediate past Chair of the "Supporting the UNs 17 SDGs" through the Global Wellness Institute. He is a Board Member of the International Massage Association, and Judge at the World Spa & Wellness Awards. Jean-Guy has contributed to over 300 articles in the media, and as of today, at least 1 podcast! Important Links and Contact Information To contact Jean-Guy Please visit his website: https://www.tiptouch.com/en/ To connect with Jean-Guy on Linkedin, click here To Reach World Wellness Weekend: https://www.world-wellness-weekend.org/ To reach The Leading Spas of Canada Website https://www.leadingspasofcanada.com/ To Connect with Pat Perdue Twitter: https://twitter.com/patperdue Website: https://www.patperdue.com
Mike Saulpaugh: The Customer Centric World of the New Jersey Wedding Event (00:35:27)
Super glad to be back with you! I took some time away from the podcast during this pandemic. And now that I'm back and this is going to be a GREAT show for you! Now that COVID is becoming part of our history, things are OPENING UP! We have the pandemic on the run! People are thinking about what it's all going to be like when we can start calling things "normal." One of those things is going to be weddings! Remember those? Lots of people, two of whom are pledging their life-long love and devotion for each other, and then there's drinking, and dancing, and all-around partying? Yeah! That was actually a thing! We did that! I know a few couples who have actually put off getting married because they wanted to have that "thing," and now people are really starting to think about making it happen. Our guest happens to be one of the larger wedding entertainment companies in the New York / New Jersey area. So, if you want to talk about big weddings, amazing entertainment (where the musicians are often Broadway performers), these are the folks who set that up. And this podcast is about all things Customer Experience, so what is one of the most intense customer experience situations around? Weddings! Our guest, Mike Saulpaugh, has a really interesting take on what it means to deliver a great customer experience. About our Guest, Michael Saulpaugh Michael Saulpaugh is Managing Partner at Elegant Music Group, based out of Montclair, NJ. In addition to his 18 years in the events and entertainment industry, Michael has a professional background in creative advertising. His work has been featured in Adweek and BuzzFeed has called him, "hilariously clever." Michael, as you'll hear, is all about leveraging the experience of the customer to drive business growth, and was selected to and is now a contributing member on the Forbes Business Council. Elegant Music Group Website: https://elegantmusicgroup.com/ To connect with Pat Perdue: Instagram: @pat_perdue_brand_strategist Twitter: @patpatperdue
Season 3, Episode 10: Season 3 Finale - Au Large, Making an Impact, and Standing Tall (00:33:23)
About Today's Show In this episode, like we've done in previous sessions, we're revisiting this season's conversations and taking a look at some common themes. While many themes emerged, such as returning to campus safely, the impact of the pandemic on how we live and work at Seneca, and of course the Au Large, one theme was present in every conversation. Each and every one of these conversations featured someone's commitment to make things better. And beyond asking the difficult question, "How can I make things better," following up with, "With the resources I have, what's the biggest difference I can make?" And then going out and getting it done. In the full-length interview with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair Mark Solomon, he mentioned that his work stands on the shoulders of people who have come before us. That image is a perfect way to describe the work of this season's guests: Not only do we honour the people who have done the work that we're building on and benefiting from, but that image also implies that when we have left the scene, others will come along to take up the challenge, and they'll be standing on our shoulders. So the question is: How can we give those who will follow us the biggest boost? How can we stand as tall as possible, to help them succeed. In these conversations, you will hear 10 people tackling big issues, very much in the act of standing tall, for the benefit of those who will follow. COVID-19 Updates All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 3, Episode 9: SSW Professors Jo Gomes (She/Her/Hers), and Maureen Bornbaum (She/Her), co-authors of, "Experiences of LGBTTGNCQ+ Homeless Youth in York Region." (00:54:32)
About Today's Show In today's episode, we speak with Jo Gomes, Professor in the Social Service Worker Program, and Maureen Bornbaum, former Seneca Student (now faculty), co-authors of the ground-breaking study, The Experiences of LGBTTGNCQ+ Homeless Youth in York Region. (click here for a link to the report) According to some research, upwards of 40% of homeless youth belong to the LGBTTGNCQ+ community, yet, in 2017, how well this community is served by supporting agencies in York Region had received little, if any, disciplined analysis. Professor Jo Gomes recognized this as an opportunity not only to study this question, but also to introduce her students to the real work of field analysis. The result was a groundbreaking study, Sponsored by Seneca College and published in 2018, that not only had a measurable impact on how LGBTTGNCQ+ homeless youth are served in York Region, but also created a lifelong learning experience for Jo's students (the study's research assistants), and for Jo as well, and is a definitive example of Seneca's role in not only providing great student experiences, but also benefiting the community at large. Also in this episode, we talk about: 1. The journey of the report, from inception to reality. 2. Maureen's experience as a student, and how the experience of the research impacted her academic and professional career. 3. Steps taken to ensure the research was not left to languish on a website, but transformed into genuine action. 4. And lots more! About Today's Guests, Professors Jo Gomes and Maureen Bornbaum Jo Gomes (Pronouns she / her / hers) Professor Jo Gomes is the Principal Faculty overseeing the research: The Experiences of LGBTTGNCQ+ Homeless Youth in York Region, and has been a faculty in the Seneca College Social Service Worker program since 2006. Professor Gomes also has a BSW degree from Ryerson University and a Masters in Social Work from York University. Jo has worked on the front lines assisting youth and adults, including those experiencing mental health issues, homelessness, addiction and intimate partner violence. Most of her work has been involved in social justice initiatives. Jo has worked on planning committee's for York Region's Take Back the Night, Pride York Region and International Women's Day Events, and was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Seneca College. Jo is also the recipient of the Premier Award, which honors the important social and economic contribution college graduates make in Ontario and throughout the world. Jo currently sits on Seneca's Academic Council and is part of the Equity Diversity Inclusion Curriculum Committee. Maureen Bornbaum (she / her) Maureen Bornbaum is also a faculty member of the Seneca College Social Service Worker program, having also graduated from the Program in 2017. Maureen is a Registered Social Service Worker, Certified Addictions Counsellor & Clinical Traumatologist who works in the field of substance abuse services. Maureen is also Director of Community at Cornerstone to Recovery, an intentional community providing support for those in recovery. Professor Bornbaum also has a Bachelor of Honours in Global Development and Gender Studies from Queen's University in addition to a Social Service Worker Diploma from Seneca College. She has since completed professional development in ASIST Clinical Trauma Counselling, and is certified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. Maureen is passionate about queer rights, social justice and community models of social services. In her free time, Maureen can be found with her two rescue dogs, Cadence and Ukee, who are both huskies from northern Ontario. Important Links and Contact Information Click here for LGBTTGNCQ+ acronyms and definitions. Click here to read the research report, Experiences of LGBTTGNCQ+ Homeless Youth in York Region. Click here for Cornerstone to Recovery. COVID-19 Updates All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
Season 3, Episode 8: Andrew Wickham, Professor, and Green Citizen Project Manager in FASET (Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology) (00:33:15)
About Today's Show In today's episode, we speak with the Andrew Wickham, Professor, and Green Citizen Project Manager in FASET (Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology). What does it mean to be environmentally sustainable? This is an important question, particularly in light of how we can live our lives as "Green Citizens." As well, as Seneca College plots a course for the future with the Au Large project, how does sustainability factor into that future? Also in this episode, we talk about: 1. How incorporating sustainability into our lives doesn't require radical lifestyle changes or major sacrifices. 2. What is the Green Citizen Symposium, and how can we all get involved (links below!) 3. What sustainability means for Seneca College 4. And lots more! About Today's Guest, Professor Andrew Wickham Professor Andrew Wickham is the Green Citizen Project Manager in the faculty of applied science and engineering technology (FACET), where he develops and grows the Green Citizen Programme, which is tasked with embedding the environmental imperative into every program at Seneca College. In addition to his duties with the Green Citizen Project, Andrew is professor in the project management environmental program, and he actually graduated from that program here at Seneca in 2013, and he is also a member of Seneca college's Sustainability Committee as part of the Au Large project. Important Links and Contact Information For information on The Green Citizen, and how you can get involved, email Andrew at andrew.wickham@senecacollege.ca The Green Citizen Website can be found here. COVID-19 Updates All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment. It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening! Pat Perdue
