Project Management Students Pitch Projects in Cornwall

Submitted by Saima Naqvi, Professor, Project Management

St. Lawrence College Cornwall's Innovation Hub was the scene of an inspiring "Ideas in Bloom” Project Pitch Presentations event on Wednesday, October 9. This evening of innovation highlighted the exceptional work of six teams from our Project Management program.

Each team addressed pressing community issues and aligned their projects with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These collaborations with local organizations and college entities are a testament to the students’ dedication to creating lasting, positive change within their community and beyond.

Distinguished panelists enriched the event with their insights, including Jennifer Haley, Dean of the Cornwall campus, and Teresa Pires, Associate Dean of the School of Business, Carla Kingston-Floyd, Professor and Coordinator for the School of Business, Jason Setnyk, Professor of Communications at SLC, and Ann Small, Librarian at SLC. Their diverse experiences provided invaluable feedback to our budding project managers, preparing them to take their ideas to the next level. Judith Mabou from Olymel Cornwall also joined us as a representative of Canada’s largest meat producer, marking a significant step in forging industry connections following last year's facility visit. All panel members shared their valuable insights and advices from their experiences with the students & online viewers. 

Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges in Ontario, addressed the attendees virtually from Toronto. He commended our students and emphasized the importance of leveraging community relationships to achieve career success. 

The presentations demonstrated the power of collaboration and creativity. Our students have shown they are not just future professionals, but current change-makers ready to contribute meaningfully to society, and we were delighted by the recognition our students received for their hard work and are forward to these initiatives making meaningful impacts.

Project Highlights:

Building Capacity in Healthcare through Education
"New World" partners with the Great River Ontario Health Team (GROHT) to conduct a comprehensive survey identifying training needs for healthcare staff. This initiative aims to improve professional competence, patient satisfaction, and collaborative efforts within the healthcare sector, establishing a scalable training model that enhances regional healthcare delivery.

Networking/Accounting Event for SLC
"Team Phoenix" acknowledges the talents of accounting students by orchestrating a networking event. This initiative offers students exposure to industry experience, fostering connections with professionals that enrich the academic journey and strengthen the college-community relationship.

Service Accessibility Survey Evaluation & Recommendation
The "D'Executives" examine service accessibility across five regions, focusing on pillars like health and wellness. Their project seeks to identify improvement areas, promoting inclusive services to reduce inequality and enhance community well-being.

AI Integration in Education
"Team Smart Discoverers" explore AI's potential to transform education by personalizing learning experiences and streamlining administrative tasks. This project positions the college at the forefront of educational innovation, preparing students for future careers and assisting educators with advanced teaching tools.

What to do when you get pulled over?
"Bright Futures Consulting" provides practical guidance for new drivers with interactive video and pamphlet resources, ensuring they handle law enforcement encounters effectively and safely.

Bringing Indian Cinema to Cornwall
"Film Fusion" plans the first-ever private Indian movie screening in Cornwall, celebrating the Indian community's cultural heritage and creating a shared experience that enriches local cultural diversity.