Your NLCSA Family

What inspired you to join student government?

What originally inspired me to join student government was my mom. Seeing everything she has been able to do for students, and continues to do, inspired me to help students and ensure their voices are heard

In your own words, what does your role involve?

My role involves chairing the meetings, addressing issues brought forward, attending council meetings, hearing from students, presenting the President's speech at Convocation to congratulate students on making it there encouraging them to continue moving forward, and ensuring that things run smoothly as the team leader.

What are your top goals or priorities for the year?

My top priorities this year are to complete my University Studies and continue my education toward earning my Veterinary Technician Diploma, with the long-term goal of obtaining my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). In my student leadership role, I also want to ensure that students’ voices are heard and their concerns are recognized. Alongside my education and leadership commitments, I hope to continue developing and improving my artistic skills.

If you could make one big change for students, what would it be?

One big change I would make is ensuring that real issues in post-secondary are brought forward and address accordingly, not only within the post-secondary institution but also on a provincial level.

How do you plan to make that change happen?

How I'd plan to make this change happen is by reaching out to students, listening to the issues they bring forward, address them accordingly and advocate on behalf of students to the government in order to address these issues in post-secondary.

What’s your favourite thing about Northern Lakes College?

My favourite thing about Northern Lakes College is how accessible it is to anyone, anywhere. With online learning options and a variety of programs, it makes it easier for students to pursue their education and work toward their goals, no matter where they are

Who or what inspires you as a leader?

One of the people in my life inspired me as a leader and continues to inspire me has been my Mom, she has been my inspiration as a leader and why I want to continue to help students like her and make sure that the student's voice is never silenced.

How can people connect with you to share ideas or concerns?

The easiest way for people to get into contact with me about concerns or ideas would be via email, as I often check it and it's easier to address any concerns or discuss ideas.

What inspired you to join student government?

As a Métis woman and Social Work student, advocacy, inclusion, and community are important parts of who I am. Through my experiences working in social services, serving on a Pride board of directors, and connecting with fellow students, I've seen how meaningful it can be when people feel heard and supported. Joining student government felt like a natural opportunity to build on those experiences and help create positive change for students at Northern Lakes College.

In your own words, what does your role involve?

As Vice President, my role is to support the Student Association, advocate for student needs, and work alongside fellow council members to improve the student experience. I also serve on Academic Council, which gives me another opportunity to bring student perspectives into conversations about academic matters and decisions that affect our education. Ultimately, I see my role as being a voice for students while making sure they have opportunities to use their own.

What are your top goals or priorities for the year?

My main priorities are strengthening student advocacy, improving accessibility, and helping build a more inclusive and connected college community. I'm especially committed to supporting Indigenous students, 2SLGBTQIA+ students, and those studying remotely by making sure their experiences are recognized and their concerns are represented. I also want to help create opportunities for students to connect, participate, and succeed throughout the year.

If you could make one big change for students, what would it be?

I would like to see students feel more connected to the college and more confident that their voices matter. No student should feel excluded because of their identity, background, location, or circumstances. I want to help reduce barriers and ensure that students from historically marginalized communities have meaningful opportunities to shape the decisions and initiatives that affect their education.

How do you plan to make that change happen?

I plan to begin by engaging with students and learning more about their experiences, concerns, and ideas. Through Student Council and Academic Council, I would bring those perspectives forward and advocate for practical improvements. I also hope to collaborate with students, college staff, and existing support services to strengthen inclusive initiatives, improve communication, and help make student involvement more accessible.

What’s your favourite thing about Northern Lakes College?

My favourite thing about Northern Lakes College is the accessibility and flexibility it offers students. Being able to pursue my Social Work diploma online while balancing work and other responsibilities has been incredibly valuable. I've also really appreciated the connections I've made with classmates, even though many of us have never met in person. It shows that a sense of community can exist even when we're learning from different places.

Who or what inspires you as a leader?

I'm inspired by people who challenge barriers, advocate for equity, and create space for voices that have historically been overlooked. As a Métis woman and someone who has been involved in 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy, I understand the importance of representation and belonging. My experiences in social services have also taught me that leadership is about listening, building relationships, and empowering others. I want to be the kind of leader who helps people feel comfortable speaking up and confident that their voices matter.

How can people connect with you to share ideas or concerns?

I want students to feel comfortable reaching out! Whether you have an idea, a concern, or just want to connect, I’m always happy to listen. Students can reach me through the Student Association, the Student Association website, or by email. I welcome opportunities to hear different perspectives and experiences. You don’t need to have a solution or a perfectly worded concern to start a conversation. Your voice matters, and I want to make sure it’s heard!

Share one fun or unexpected fact about yourself.

I'm a proud dog mom to three dogs: Beyoncé, a Pitbull, Boston, a great Dane puppy, and Benji, a Pitbull mix! Between their very different personalities, they definitely keep life interesting when I'm not busy with school, work, or student council.

What inspired you to join student government?

Trina, aka Tree, inspired me to join the association and continues to inspire me to stay involved. Over the years, I’ve made many new friends and built meaningful connections, which have encouraged me to continue helping and supporting our students.

In your own words, what does your role involve?

I am the Financial & Administrative Representative. I help keep track of our finances and help with input or decisions our students need for financial help or needs.

What are your top goals or priorities for the year?

My top goal is to listen to our students and keep everything fair and give everyone a chance to be heard.

If you could make one big change for students, what would it be?

To get help with medical insurance as some students don't have it or are under health insurance who do not help with all needs. I would like to get that gap fixed. Nobody should be without medical care or scared to ask for help.

How do you plan to make that change happen?

To continue looking into medical insurance needs and affordable plans for students as well as our employees.

What’s your favourite thing about Northern Lakes College?

The Students' Association is my favorite thing at the college. We help and listen and care for our students and are here for them. I get to meet new people and hear new ideas as well as stay updated on what is happening and have a voice for the ones who think nobody's listening to. We are.

Who or what inspires you as a leader?

Trina Genowish has helped me in many ways and shows me how things need to be done. As busy as she is, she still gets everything in order and is there for us 100 percent of the way.

How can people connect with you to share ideas or concerns?

By email or in person if needed. I am here at the Slave Lake college.

Share one fun or unexpected fact about yourself.

I have a four-legged stalker who follows me everywhere I go and watches everything I do at home. If he were allowed to leave the house, I’d probably have no friends because he’s very protective of me! My stalker’s name is Jack, my Jack Russell Terrier. Pepsi is my friend, and I would never turn down a Pepsi as a gift. Thank you!

What inspired you to join student government?

I was inspired to join the student government by my grandmother’s past deeds. She was always there to stick up for the “little guy” and helped shape the Canadian labour laws in the late 1970s to offer more protections for women in the workplace. I have taken that same drive to mean that I should try to be a voice for the other people in our school, and help where I can.

In your own words, what does your role involve?

Listening to the needs of my fellow classmates and trying to be a liaison for concerns they may have. I am involved for the chance to help others thrive in their education, at our really awesome campus!

What are your top goals or priorities for the year?

To help where I can, and to listen to those who need me.

If you could make one big change for students, what would it be?

I would like to see if I can become more involved in my community and create more bridges between the college and the smaller surrounding communities, like Manning, where I live.

How do you plan to make that change happen?

At the moment, I am not actually sure!

What’s your favourite thing about Northern Lakes College?

I love that the college is built for people who may not know exactly what they want to be when they “grow up” even though I am 45, I am still trying to figure that out. There is always someone who can help you figure things out, whether it is a math related question or a paperwork question, and that is pretty great!

Who or what inspires you as a leader?

As I stated before, my grandma was a great influence on my need to stand up for the “little guy” and be the person who is willing to call out things that I see that are unfair.

How can people connect with you to share ideas or concerns?

I can be reached via student email at 201588@northernlakescollege.ca, and am happy to offer help where I can.

Share one fun or unexpected fact about yourself.

I have at least 50 individual tattoos and will likely get more before I am 50! Like pets or potato chips, you can’t just have one!

What inspired you to join student government?

I learned a lot last year and decided to join again this year to learn more about the student government.

In your own words, what does your role involve?

It involves going over policy changes, upcoming events (like the Fairview college opening) and finances.

What are your top goals or priorities for the year?

To learn more about the relationship between the college and student government.

If you could make one big change for students, what would it be?

Having the option to have in-person learning while still have remote learning be available at the same time, would be good. I think it would increase the amount of people going to the small campus and using the resources at those campuses.

How do you plan to make that change happen?

Maybe by doing a survey to see how many students would be interested in doing in-person learning.

What’s your favourite thing about Northern Lakes College?

That it is affordable.

Who or what inspires you as a leader?

I'm not sure, I just know I have a lot of experience involving leadership. I was a Department Manager for 3.5 years and a Supervisor for 5 years. I was also in Army and Air Cadets for 6 years in total.

How can people connect with you to share ideas or concerns?

I can be reached at my school email, 200014@northernlakescollege.ca.

Share one fun or unexpected fact about yourself.

That I look young but already have an 18 year old who graduated at the same time as I did for my Business Administration certificate program. I also worked on the Billie's Cones ice cream truck, and the Dutch Wharf fish and chips truck this summer, and I learned a lot about food trucks from working on them. It was fun!

What inspired you to join student government?

I joined student government to make a positive impact on the student body within my area of expertise. I have a passion for helping others with their mental health and wellness and have goals to turn this passion into a profession.

In your own words, what does your role involve?

My role involves participating in Academic Council, as well as other meetings held by the NLCSA, to advocate for and improve the overall wellbeing of the student body. I also will oversee any new or existing wellness programs available to NLC students.

What are your top goals or priorities for the year?

My top goals for this year are to take a close look at all the existing wellness programs available, see if any changes need to be made, and to see if any new programs could be beneficial to the students. My number one priority as the Student Wellness Representative is to listen to what the students want/need and to bring their voices to the correct channels.

If you could make one big change for students, what would it be?

I would love to see access to onsite or online therapy sessions available to students who otherwise wouldn't have access to such things.

How do you plan to make that change happen?

I plan to bring this idea forward to my President and Executive Director and see what is necessary to bring this idea to fruition.

What’s your favourite thing about Northern Lakes College?

I love how welcoming and inclusive everyone is at NLC. The support I've seen every step of the way has been astronomical and I am thoroughly impressed. I also love how easy it is to navigate my classes and how organized everything is. It makes learning easier for me!

Who or what inspires you as a leader?

Jennifer Sharron's story of her experience with the NLCSA inspires me as a leader. I heard she wasn't always confident, collected, and well-spoken as she is now. Beginning with the NLCSA she was more on the shy side and after her tenure as President of the Students' Association, you'd never guess she used to be the girl trying to be unnoticed in a room. Hearing how she has made lifelong connections within the NLCSA community has inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and join the NLCSA

How can people connect with you to share ideas or concerns?

My email is 198219@northernlakescollege.ca. Please feel free to reach out at any time and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Share one fun or unexpected fact about yourself.

Fun fact about me, I enjoy reading on a nice rainy day with a hot cup of coffee and a cozy blanket.

What inspired you to join student government?

The idea of being part of a group that wants to see change.

In your own words, what does your role involve?

Being the voice for student concerns and issues by presenting their problems to the rest of the council and collectively finding a proper solution that works for everyone included.

What are your top goals or priorities for the year?

My goal is to make everyone's individual experience as successful as possible by listening to their concerns and resolving any problems they may have during the school year. I want to ensure everyone knows they have a voice that matters and that I will help them use that voice.

If you could make one big change for students, what would it be?

Having more in-person connections for our online students that allow them to build stronger relationships with their peers.

How do you plan to make that change happen?

By discussing optional online student events at the end of the year on campuses that allow students to connect with the classmates they have only met through a screen.

What’s your favourite thing about Northern Lakes College?

My favourite thing about NLC is the flexible hours.

Who or what inspires you as a leader?

My grandma inspires me.

How can people connect with you to share ideas or concerns?

Through my email 208171@northernlakescollege.ca

Share one fun or unexpected fact about yourself.

I have been an activist for MMIW2SG alongside my grandmother since I was two. After my cousin Shaelynn McAllister went missing in 2019 her and I started planning our own vigils in Fairview to spread awareness.

What inspired you to join student government?

In your own words, what does your role involve?

What are your top goals or priorities for the year?

If you could make one big change for students, what would it be?

How do you plan to make that change happen?

What’s your favourite thing about Northern Lakes College?

Who or what inspires you as a leader?

How can people connect with you to share ideas or concerns?

Share one fun or unexpected fact about yourself.

What inspired you to join student government?

I was approached by the Executive Director to join after she saw how much I was jumping in and helping others in the NLC connect app! I was unsure of myself and didn’t know if I could do something like that, but I have loved every minute of it and have zero regrets!

In your own words, what does your role involve?

Many of our members are only here for a short time while they complete their schooling, so as a Public Member & Community Advisor/Alumni, I bring some assurance, insight, experience and know-how to the group as members come and go.

What are your top goals or priorities for the year?

Finding more ways to engage students.

If you could make one big change for students, what would it be?

I would love to see even more supports reaching the students who need it.

How do you plan to make that change happen?

Improve awareness of what NLCSA is/does, so that more students are aware of the supports and events that are available to them!

What’s your favourite thing about Northern Lakes College?

I love how accessible it is! I was able to do my schooling and continue to do my work with the NLCSA completely remote.

Who or what inspires you as a leader?

My Mother-In-Law has been a huge inspiration to me, she taught me that it is never too late to pursue your goals, and to just go for it! She is the reason I decided to register for Academic Upgrading with NLC.

How can people connect with you to share ideas or concerns?

The best place to reach me is via email, I would love to hear from you!

Share one fun or unexpected fact about yourself.

I didn’t get my drivers license until I was 25!

In your own words, what does your role involve?

My role involves a little bit of everything! As the Communications and Administrative Officer, I do everything from sending emails and connecting with students and staff to creating promotional materials, planning events, and visiting campuses to surprise students with goodies.

What are your main goals or priorities when it comes to supporting students?

My biggest priority is finding ways to get students involved with the NLCSA. Whether it’s student leadership or the fun events we plan and host throughout the year, I want students to know what opportunities are available to them and feel encouraged to participate.

If you could make one big change for students, what would it be?

If I could wave a magic wand and take away the stress and anxiety that students experience, I absolutely would! While that may not be possible, I would love to see mental health supports become more accessible, more visible, and more widely used so students feel comfortable reaching out when they need help.

How do you plan to make that change happen?

By working closely with our Student Wellness Representative and the rest of Council to come up with ideas and figure out what steps we can take to make mental health support more accessible for students.

What is your favourite thing about working with the Students' Association?

Definitely the people I’ve met and had the pleasure of working with. Everyone is so welcoming and supportive, and no matter where I am, I know I have a group of people I can count on. It really is a great community.

What motivates or inspires you in your work?

My family would have to be my biggest motivation. I grew up with amazing role models who always encouraged me to be the best version of myself, and I carry that with me every day.

How can people connect with you to share ideas or concerns?

Students can reach me by email at Kristen.nlcsa@outlook.com or reach out to anyone on Council, who can help connect us. I’m always happy to hear new ideas, suggestions, or feedback!

Share one fun or unexpected fact about yourself.

I recently moved to St. Albert, so I’m still exploring my new surroundings! If there are any NLC students in the area, let’s meet up sometime. I’d love to put some faces to names and get to know you!

In your own words, what does your role involve?

As the Financial, Compliance and Governance Advisor, I help ensure the Students’ Association operates responsibly and transparently so we can continue supporting students, advocating for their needs, and making a meaningful difference in their college experience.

What are your main goals or priorities when it comes to supporting students?

My priority is making sure students feel heard, valued, and represented. I want to help identify barriers students face, advocate for their needs, and ensure their voices help shape the decisions that affect them.

If you could make one big change for students, what would it be?

I would want every student, regardless of where or how they attend Northern Lakes College, to feel connected, supported, and confident that they have someone advocating for them.

How do you plan to make that change happen?

By listening to students, supporting our student leaders, and helping ensure our decisions, resources, and advocacy efforts reflect what students truly need. Meaningful change starts with listening and following through.

What is your favourite thing about working with the Students' Association?

Knowing that the work we do can make a real difference in students’ lives. Having served as Secretary and President, I have seen the importance of student advocacy, and I love being able to continue that work in a new capacity.

What motivates or inspires you in your work?

I am motivated by the opportunity to stand up for students, help remove barriers, and make sure their concerns are not overlooked. Every student deserves to feel that their voice matters and that someone is in their corner.

How can people connect with you to share ideas or concerns?

Students are always welcome to reach out to me at 193495@northernlakescollege.ca to share ideas, questions, or concerns. I believe advocacy starts with listening, and I want students to know their voices matter and deserve to be heard.

Share one fun or unexpected fact about yourself.

I spent several years serving in student leadership; what started as a way to get involved became a passion for advocacy and helping make the college experience better for all students!