Meet Concordia’s global ambassadors

For National Volunteer Week, we’re sharing insights from some of alumni chapter volunteers on how they stay connected to their alma mater even after leaving Montreal

April 9, 2019

By Jasmin Legatos

Source: Advancement and Alumni Relations

Alumni at a recent chapter event held in Calgary on April 2, 2019. Pictured from left: back row - Alex Leith, Dan Rochon, Umer Wagar; front row - Maggie Pan, Rhoan Beckford-Blissett, Jessica Myatt and Justin Chen

“Our global ambassadors welcome newcomers and connect with old friends. They give alumni the opportunity to reach out and make connections. They’re integral in maintaining our Concordia community,” says Temi Akin-Aina, associate director of Alumni Relations at Concordia.

With 17 chapters of the Concordia University Alumni Association (CUAA) worldwide, from Toronto to Paris, New York to Beijing, each is run by volunteers driven by the desire to give back and create fulfilling relationships for fellow CUAA members.

And it’s not just older alumni nostalgic for their youth serving as global ambassadors. Volunteers span all generations, Akin-Aina says.

Meet six ambassadors who are leading the efforts to grow Concordia connections across the globe.

Kendra Kabasele

Los Angeles

Kendra Kabasele, BSc 00, Gr Dipl 02, is a journalist, photographer, television producer and president of the CUAA’s Los Angeles chapter. You might have caught her name in Variety, Extra! and Entertainment Tonight Canada.

Why did you get involved with the alumni chapter?

It was the perfect way to reconnect with the city and school that launched me into the working world.

How has being part of the chapter added to your university experience?

It feels good to be part of a group of people who have shared the same space, knowledge, teachers, experiences, and more. Once you are out in the world, it allows you to not feel so alone, no matter where you are.

What do you think being part of a Concordia alumni chapter can do for an alumnus?

It's a full-circle moment where you get to keep growing and enriching your outlook of the world, and also share experiences with others who have taken different paths in life after university.

Florence Le

Paris

Florence Le, BComm 15, didn’t know anyone when she moved to France to work as a marketing specialist for tech company Genetec. In Paris, she came upon a group called Canadian University Alumni, which had representatives from many schools but not Concordia. So Le decided to start one.

How did you find out about Concordia’s global network?

I had friends in Toronto who attended events there and told me it was a good way to meet new people. I missed my university years and thought it would be nice to connect with others from my school and home country.

Why did you decide to step and represent Concordia in Paris?

I realised that I wasn’t the only graduate looking for a network. Since starting the Paris group, I’ve attended many Canadians in Paris events where I’ve had the chance to meet fellow Concordia alumni.

How has being part of the alumni chapter been beneficial?

I’ve met people of all ages and backgrounds with whom I’ve been able to share my Concordia pride and life experiences. The fact that we all went to school in the same city gives us common ground, which is comforting. The group has allowed me to reach out and connect with people I wouldn’t normally meet, and it provides a support system for those who are far from home.

Winston Kan

China

Before Winston Kan, BAdmin 81, there were no Concordia alumni chapters in China. He co-founded the Beijing and Shanghai chapters and has been involved with the Hong Kong chapter since 2012. Today Kan is managing director at the Alberta Beijing Office and has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors.

Why did you get involved?

I found out there were a lot of alumni living in both Beijing and Shanghai, but there was no formal gathering platform, so I decided to set one up.

How has being part of the alumni chapter added to your university experience?

I feel closely affiliated to Concordia. I might have lost that link had I not co-founded and been involved with the alumni chapters.

What was the first event you helped organize?

It was a reception for former Concordia President Fred Lowy’s visit to Beijing in 2005. We had close to 80 alumni at the Canadian embassy on that occasion.

Ven Virah

Toronto

When he’s not delivering motivational speeches, Ven Virah, BComm 10, is a management consultant, operations manager and certified World Class Speaking Coach. Before moving to Toronto, the co-president of the Toronto chapter sat on the CUAA board of directors for six years.

What first sparked your interest in the alumni association?

I was taking a study break and saw a CUAA booth giving away free coffee and snacks. I had a great conversation with an alumni officer who shared lots of information about life after graduation and how Concordia continues to support its former students through exciting programs and events.

How much time is involved as a volunteer for the Toronto chapter?

It truly varies — from a few email responses, to meetings with Concordia’s Advancement and Alumni Relations and other CUAA chapters around the world. We get a lot of support from Concordia; it’s definitely a gratifying and rewarding commitment.

What’s a favourite event you helped to organize?

During the Toronto International Film Festival, we invited Concordia graduates working in the film industry to share their experiences and anecdotes with our Toronto alumni. The event was sold out and there were definitely connections built between alumni that day.

Calgary

Maggie Pan, MASc 13, began her career as a mechanical engineer before shifting to project management. The newly-minted president of the Calgary chapter works as a team lead, overseeing the work of a group of project and field construction managers.

Why did you get involved with the alumni chapter?

I had an amazing time while studying at Concordia and was deeply grateful for the help I received from the university. I’m extremely proud of my school and wanted to help build our brand in Calgary.

Why is it important to stay connected to your alma mater even though you live far away?

When I graduated in 2013 and moved to Calgary, I didn’t have access to the same resources and support graduates of local universities did. By pooling together our resources and creating a community here in Calgary, we can offer our graduates the support they need once they leave school.

How has being part of the alumni chapter added to your university experience?

My time at university helped shape who I am. By being part of the alumni chapter, I’m reinforcing my social identity.

Lyn Fong

Ottawa

When Lyn Fong, BA 02, arrived at Concordia as an international student, she had no knowledge of French. Fast-forward almost two decades and the president of the Ottawa alumni chapter is a bilingual policy analyst with the federal government.

How did you find out about your alumni chapter?

When I moved to the Ottawa-Gatineau region, I was looking for a way to stay connected to Concordia. In addition to my BA, I had completed degrees at other universities, but Concordia provided me with the best overall experience. I started attending events put on by the Ottawa chapter, which pushed me to get more involved as a volunteer.

What did you like about these events?

They were reflective of the enriching experience I had at Concordia: well planned and high quality, with relevant themes, carefully chosen speakers and excellent venues.

What can being part of the alumni chapter do for an alumnus?

Attending our events and becoming an engaged volunteer helps develop your soft skills, which are essential to professional success.

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