A Celebration of Mentorship, Resilience, and Inclusion

NorQuest College hosted a gathering of participants in the Mentorship and Resilience Project (MRP) on Friday September 20, 2024. This event celebrated a critical milestone in the initiative and included keynote speakers, a student panel discussion, a review of project milestones to date, and an in-person workshop focused on professional networking skills. 

The MRP, which began in April 2024, connects professionals and students within the Black community with the goal of giving students the guidance, support, and networking opportunities they need to succeed academically and professionally. Conceived by Dr. Viola Manokore of NorQuest and Dr. Cecilia Bukutu of Concordia University, this partnership between the two schools, as well as with The Boys and Girls Club of Edmonton and the Concordia Black Students Association (with backing from the Government of Canada) connects students with mentors with similar cultural backgrounds from a wide range of industries.  

Mentors offer students the opportunity to connect with experts who share their cultural background. This initiative dovetails with NorQuest’s longstanding commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.  

Speakers marking the occasion included Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, Edmonton Centre MP Randy Boissonault (who appeared by video), MLA David Shepherd, NorQuest VP Academic, Norma Schneider, and Jennifer Mah, the college’s Dean of Health Studies, with speakers reflecting on the importance of mentorship spaces and representation for newcomers and BIPOC students. Indigenous cultural advisor Lance Scout opened the event with a prayer, grounding the occasion in the spirit of community and inclusion. 

Following the prayer and introductory speakers, a panel of six mentees shared their experiences with their mentors, highlighting the importance of mentorship in their academic and professional journeys. Two mentors also provided reflections on the relationships they have built with their mentees. 

“This mentorship program is about more than just career advice,” said Jennifer Mah in her remarks. “It’s about building confidence, opening doors, and creating space for voices that have often been overlooked. We are immensely proud of the progress we’ve seen in both our students and mentors.” 

MRP events, including upcoming workshops, are open to the public, offering further opportunities for community engagement and learning. Inclusive environments, like the one created by the Mentorship and Resilience Project, help ensure that all students can thrive, both academically and professionally, with the support of mentors who understand their unique challenges and aspirations. For more information on the MRP, to sign up for future workshops, or to participate, visit NorQuest’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion web page.