NSCC Alumni

“I’m from Chile and moved to Canada four years ago for the Disability Supports and Services program at NSCC Kingstec. When I later moved to Truro, I reached out to help expand the Halifax Diaper Bank. The founder said she couldn’t grow further but would support me if I opened one here — so I did.

I’m bridging the gap between families in need and people willing to help. All the diapers are from the community, and I'm just the person that you call – the person who is delivering things from other people.

Truro Diaper Bank provides free diapers, wipes and diaper cream. It runs on the honour system. If you feel you need it, that’s enough. People message me on Facebook with their requests. I don’t check income or ask for explanations.

NSCC taught me to look past my own perspective and understand the realities others face with disability, circumstance and the hidden challenges of life. It opened my eyes to why some families struggle.

I’m not registered as a nonprofit, so it's just me running things from my apartment and open packages are welcome as every diaper counts. Requests are confidential, and pickups happen only at my place.

The family resource centre here faced government budget cuts, and the diaper program was one of the cut supports. The food bank has asked to send people my way. They’re only open four days a week and have a limited number of diapers, mostly sizes one and two.

Donations come to my home, another person’s home and two businesses. People also give through e‑transfer or our Amazon wish list.

People tell me they feel embarrassed to ask. I always say there’s no shame in wanting the best for your kids, even when you need help to get it.”
-Raquel Perez (Disability Supports and Services ’24)

Over the next 2 weeks, we’ll celebrate over 4,000 grads across 14 campuses! You’ve all put in the work – now it’s time to cheer you on as you enter this next chapter. Congratulations, Class of 2026! 👏💙

Convocation schedule: https://www.nscc.ca/convocation/schedule/index.aspx

Celebrate your grad in a meaningful way with a tribute card🎓💙

NSCC Foundation is piloting a new initiative at Cumberland, Truro, Kingstec, Lunenburg, Ivany, Institute of Technology and Akerley convocations. With a suggested minimum donation of $10, you can get an exclusive tribute card to mark their big day and represent a gift made in their honour.

All proceeds go to NSCC Rapid Response, helping the next wave of learners reach this important milestone. Not attending one of these convocations? You can still make a gift in honour of your grad at support.nscc.ca/rapidresponse 💌

“I’m the Achieve Program Coordinator at NSCC Akerley Campus. My passions are disability justice and raising my daughter, Ginger. While working at NSCC, I received my Autism diagnosis, which connected dots in both my personal and professional life.

My education included starting and stopping various university programs before finding my place in NSCC’s Office Administration and Business Administration programs. I later completed a Master of Education in Lifelong Learning, completing my practicum with Achieve at IT Campus and the rest is history!

I was drawn to the Achieve program after seeing the realities faced by adults with disabilities who grew up during institutionalization. I wanted to help this generation learn to advocate for themselves, understand their rights and know their voices matter.

The Achieve Program is for young adults, ages 17-21, who completed high school and had an Individual Program Plan in Grade 12. The program focuses on independent living, employment, wellness, advocacy and more.

This year, I received a SPRINT Faculty Microgrant, allowing my students to become the first Achieve class to be participatory researchers in an NSCC Applied Research project. The project, Unseen Barriers, used photovoice to highlight inaccessibility.

In 2014, I started the DiscoverAbilities Events Society which plans conferences and events for adults with intellectual disabilities. I wanted to fill gaps without competing for funding needed for essential programs and supports. All events are fundraised.

My advice for creating inclusive spaces is to let go of rigid social norms, for example around communication and behaviour. People can be quick to label something as inappropriate when often it’s simply different.”
-Meagan Solely (Office Admin '12, Business Admin '14)

Pride Month is here – a time to honour the courage, joy and resilience of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It’s also a reminder that allyship is a choice we make every day. At NSCC, we come together for justice, equity and belonging for all. This month and always, we show up for each other. 🏳️‍🌈