Our Team

It’s a great fit: She has an extensive background in office administration, and held a number of positions at Mount Saint Vincent University prior to joining the Centre team.

Ask anyone: Michele is someone who knows how to find the answers, create solutions and get things done.

As a prior business owner herself, Natalie has awards from the Halifax Chamber of Commerce for New Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year. She was also recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by the Black Business Initiative, and Invisible Champion by United Way  Halifax and The Bhayana Family Foundation for her work building and leading SPICE.

Natalie, who was recently recognized as one of the “Top 25 Immigrants in the Maritimes”, holds certificates in Business Development and in Leadership and Innovation from Dalhousie’s Rowe School of Business, Faculty of Management. She has extensive training and experience in business automation, customer service management, food businesses, and helping small business owners use technology to boost productivity.

Ashley began her career in the start-up world, where she gained hands-on experience across multiple business functions and built strong connections within the local entrepreneurial community. She later spent over five years in the tech sector, specializing in data storage and IT, where she developed expertise in marketing, technical writing, webinars, and event management.

Passionate about women’s empowerment and community impact, Ashley is excited to support and connect with women entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. Outside of work, she enjoys Cape Breton’s music and arts scene, spending time outdoors with friends and her collie, Luna.

Nora conducts research and evaluations for workshops that are focused on goals and tailored to the needs of our community: the young, the newly established, the business veterans. She gets that time is a got commodity so you won’t come out of a workshop wondering why; you will always leaving knowing how. Nora also leads the Blueprint for Success (TM) program both online and in the classroom.

Nora herself has been an entrepreneur off and on for over 30 years. She understands the kinds of things that small business owners need to be aware of: knowledge that can make or break your success.

Nora holds a certificate in Human Resources from Saint Mary’s University, a Certificate in Adult Education from Dalhousie University and a Master of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University. Nora is a part-time instructor in the MSVU Business Department and when she has spare time, she is an avid modern quilter.

Tanya brings global and corporate connections into the mix, driving our community forward with big-picture strategies. The picture may be big, but her focus is on small business, a perspective she knows well as co-owner of a hospitality and real estate business. This, along with two decades in economic development and leadership have given her insight into what it takes to succeed in business.

In 2015, Diversity Canada Magazine has named Tanya to its Top 10 list of Canadian women who have taken the lead in advancing the status of women, Aboriginal and first nations communities, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community.

Judith holds BA, BEd and MA degrees from Saint Mary’s University, Computer Network Engineering from Dalhousie University, and Executive Development from Dartmouth College (TUCK School of Business).

Judith assists clients in implementing programs that transform organizations and work groups into dynamic, productive, and innovative teams. Adding master certifications in entrepreneurship, executive coaching, and facilitation to her experience, as well as certifications in mediation and Human Rights Diversity Training, Judith works with clients to assess their requirements and the business context within which they must be successful. She worked as a consultant to corporations, communities, governmental agencies, businesses, educational and health institutions, financial institutions, health sector, and non-profits at an international, National, Provincial, and Municipal level.

Judith loves to have fun with ideas and fresh perspectives and energy, assisting leaders, workgroups and organizations to discover inner resources, resolve nagging issues, and renew a sense of inspired collaboration. Judith is passionate about growing the capacity of small business in Atlantic Canada. Judith enjoys long walks with Jake the golden retriever, playing with her grandkids and family, and serving as pet therapy team in hospitals and senior’s centers, and workplace wellness.