Keisha Turner Email & Phone Number

Halifax Regional Municipality, Ns, Ca

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Bridging academic theory with real-world business practices, I'm committed to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and enriching the Saint Mary's University's community.My Role and Contributions:Supporting Start-ups: I use lean start-up methods to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs, transforming their ideas into viable businesses. My experience offers practical insights for navigating the early stages of business development.University Community Engagement: Beyond start-ups, I collaborate with faculty and students to instill an entrepreneurial mindset. Through workshops, lectures, and direct mentorship, I promote, and encourage innovation and critical thinking.Skills I Bring:Lean Start-Up Expertise: I teach efficient building, measuring, and learning tactics to minimize risks and maximize success.Strategic Networking: My wide industry network opens doors for budding entrepreneurs, aiding in resources and market access.Leadership & Mentorship: Empathetic and adaptable, I inspire diverse groups towards their entrepreneurial goals.Innovative Problem-Solving: I convert complex challenges into growth opportunities.Impact: My hands-on, result-focused approach ensures start-ups not only begin but also thrive. My aim is to create a lasting legacy of entrepreneurial excellence at Saint Mary's University.

Kjipuktuk, Mi'Kma'Ki

As Co-Founder of Starberry Drink Co., my journey in the startup world has been both challenging and rewarding. Starberry Drink Co. marks my third venture into founding a startup, where I have leveraged my accumulated expertise, along with the lessons learned from past failures and successes, to drive this venture towards success.Starberry Drink Co. is a testament to innovation in the beverage industry, offering a refreshing, all-natural drink made from whole strawberries, maple syrup, and water. Our focus is on culture, simplicity, health, and flavour, ensuring our customers enjoy a memorable and delicious experience with every sip.My Role and Contributions:Vision and Strategy Development: I played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the vision for Starberry Drink Co., aligning our business model with emerging market trends in natural and health-focused beverages.Product Development: Leveraging my past experiences, my co-founders and I spearheaded the development of our flagship product, ensuring that it not only tastes great but also aligns with our commitment to natural ingredients and sustainability.Brand Building and Marketing: My Co-Founders and I have led the efforts in building a strong, relatable brand and devised marketing strategies that resonate with our target audience, emphasizing the uniqueness and health benefits of our product.Operational Oversight: With a keen eye on efficiency and growth, I have been instrumental in streamlining operations, from supply chain management to sales strategies, ensuring optimal performance and scalability.Team Leadership and Culture: Fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, I guide our team towards shared goals, encouraging creativity and a shared passion for our mission.As we continue to grow, I am excited to explore new opportunities with Starberry Drink Co., constantly seeking ways to enhance our offerings and make a positive impact in the beverage industry.

Kjipuktuk, Mi'Kma'Ki

At Akwekon, we're reshaping organizational leadership and governance with innovative, culturally-centered approaches. We focus on enhancing dialogues in innovation, design, and communication, grounded in the power of storytelling, collective wisdom, and honest conversation.My Role and Contributions: Keynote Speaking & Anti-Racist Training:As a keynote speaker and trainer, I share insights and experiences from a Black woman's perspective, enriching senior leaders' understanding of diversity and inclusion. My talks and workshops challenge conventional views, fostering a deeper appreciation of varied cultural dynamics.Storytelling & Perspective Sharing:Storytelling is at the heart of Akwekon's methodology, serving as a key vehicle for truth-sharing and learning. Drawing from my personal experiences and deep knowledge of Black and Indigenous cultures, I use narratives to convey complex ideas and stimulate engaging discussions.Collaborative Program Delivery:Our programming is a collaborative effort, involving a wide range of experts and practitioners. This approach ensures our clients receive a comprehensive learning experience, including truth and the blending of diverse viewpoints and expertise.Impactful Leadership & Governance Training:We equip leaders with the tools and insights to effectively navigate cultural complexities, advocating for inclusive, empathetic leadership models responsive to diverse community needs.Akwekon is committed to fostering environments where diverse voices are amplified and leadership is redefined through inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

In my role as Program Manager of the IB&M Initiative, I dedicated myself to continuing to foster an inclusive and supportive educational environment for Black and Indigenous student populations. My key responsibilities included:Anti-Racist Leadership: Spearheaded the management and coaching of a team focused on enhancing the educational experience for students from varied backgrounds. I have implemented strategies to ensure equitable access to resources, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect within the post-secondary educational setting.Program Design and Execution: Conceptualized and executed culturally relevant student success programs, tailoring these initiatives to meet the unique needs of our student body. My focus on culturally sensitive program design resulted in a more engaging and supportive learning environment for all students.Communication and Advocacy: Regularly engaged in public speaking, presenting on critical issues such as anti-Black racism to key stakeholders including the senate, faculty, and student bodies. My efforts were central to raising awareness and fostering dialogue on important social issues within the academic community.Strategic Outreach and Engagement: Developed and implemented comprehensive outreach strategies, significantly enhancing student engagement in our programs. My approach has not only increased participation but also strengthened the sense of community and belonging among students.Leadership in Student Success: Oversaw the development and management of student success programs, catering to the needs of new, returning, and prospective students. My leadership was instrumental in ensuring these programs not only meet but exceed their goals. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of students and am continually seeking ways to improve and innovate in the field of educational management and student affairs.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

In my role as Student Success Advisor at Dalhousie University, I was dedicated to guiding and supporting students in achieving their post-secondary educational aspirations. My focus was on delivering personalized advice, coaching, and advocacy to ensure students successfully navigated their academic journey.Key Responsibilities and Contributions: Student Guidance: I provided tailored support to students, helping them set and meet their educational goals. My approach involved understanding each student’s unique needs and crafting strategies to address them effectively.Program Development and Management: I played a pivotal role in designing and managing student success programs that are inclusive and culturally relevant, particularly serving the Afro-Nova Scotian and Black student population. This involved outreach strategies to ensure these programs were accessible and beneficial to all students.Anti-Racism Advocacy: I was actively involved in presenting on anti-Black racism to various university groups, including the senate, faculty, and student bodies. These presentations were a part of my commitment to raising awareness and fostering a more inclusive university environment.Facilitating Success Programs: I facilitated programs aimed at supporting new, returning, and prospective students, ensuring they had the resources and support needed for academic success.Trusted Leadership: My consistent delivery of valuable advice and support earned me a reputation as a trusted leader among students and colleagues. I am committed to continuing this legacy of trust and excellence in student advising.At Dalhousie University, my aim is to create a supportive and empowering environment where every student can thrive academically and personally.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

At Dalhousie University, I held the dual roles of Instructor and Curriculum Developer for the Refining Academic Learning Skills program. My primary focus was on designing and delivering a curriculum that enhances students' academic skills, preparing them for success in their university studies and beyond.Key Responsibilities and Contributions:Curriculum Development: I was a key member of the team who spearhead the development of a comprehensive curriculum tailored to address the diverse learning needs of students. My approach involved integrating innovative teaching methodologies and the latest educational research to create engaging and effective learning experiences.Instructional Excellence: As an instructor, I delivered high-quality education, focusing on fostering critical thinking, effective communication, and advanced research skills among students. My teaching style is student-centered, adapting to different learning styles and providing personalized support.Program Enhancement: I consistently assessed and refined the program to ensure it aligns with the evolving academic landscape and meets the changing needs of students. My role involved collaborating with academic departments and faculty to integrate the program effectively within the university’s broader educational framework.Student Mentorship: Beyond classroom instruction, I mentor students, guiding them in academic development and offering support in overcoming educational challenges. My aim is to empower students with the skills and confidence needed to excel academically.Collaborative Engagement: Working closely with university stakeholders, I contributed to broader educational initiatives and participate in committees and forums aimed at enhancing academic learning across the university.Through my role at Dalhousie University, I was dedicated to enriching the academic journey of students, equipping them with essential skills for both academic and professional success.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

As Assistant Coach for SMU's Women's Varsity Volleyball Team, I blend my coaching credentials - Level 1 NCCP, Strength and Conditioning, and Athletic Movement (mobility, isometrics and injury prevention) - to elevate our team's performance. My focus on defensive tactics and athletic training sharpens our players' agility and strategic play.In practice and game planning, I emphasized physical preparedness and mental resilience, ensuring our team was well-equipped for competition. I also impart crucial sport-specific theoretical skills, including match psychology, to prepare our athletes for high-pressure situations.My role extends beyond the court, offering mentorship in mental health and academics, and developing comprehensive physical training programs. These efforts are aimed at nurturing the holistic well-being of our student-athletes.Additionally, I managed operational aspects like team travel and practice schedules, ensuring smooth functioning. In talent recruitment, I specialize in scouting and evaluating National and Provincial level athletes, contributing to the team's dynamic talent pool.In marketing and brand representation, I've successfully promoted the university and Huskies athletic program, notably through the Junior Huskies program, which has cultivated top provincial athletes.My commitment to SMU's Volleyball Team reflects my passion for the sport and dedication to fostering the growth of our athletes, both on and off the court.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

In my role as the Black Student Advisor at Saint Mary’s University, I dedicated myself to enhancing the university experience for Black students, focusing on creating a more inclusive, supportive and Afrocentric educational environment.Key Contributions and Achievements:Opportunity Creation: I was instrumental in creating social, financial, and educational opportunities specifically tailored for Black students on campus. This involved identifying gaps in existing programs and initiating new strategies to fill these gaps, thereby ensuring our Black student community has access to all necessary resources for their success.Navigational Support: Understanding the unique challenges faced by underrepresented students, I worked to assist them in navigating the complexities of the educational system. My role involved providing personalized guidance and support, helping students overcome barriers and achieve their academic goals.Cultural Competency Enhancement: A significant part of my role was to build greater Afro-Nova Scotian cultural competency among non-Black academic populations. Through educational initiatives and collaborative efforts, I have promoted a deeper understanding and appreciation of Afro-Nova Scotian culture within the university community.Event Curation for Prospective Students: Recognizing the importance of outreach, I curated events aimed at prospective Afro-Nova Scotian high school students. These events were designed to engage, inform, and inspire these students, providing them with a glimpse of the university life and opportunities at Saint Mary’s University.My commitment to the role of Black Student Advisor at Saint Mary’s University reflects my dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic settings. Through my efforts, I strived to ensure that every student felt valued, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.