The Enactus experience would not be possible without the faculty advisors that go above and beyond in support of both their students and teams. The impact of faculty advisors extends to all aspects of the team’s growth and development from the project concept to mentoring and coaching them on team presentations. Faculty advisors are the team cheerleaders and Enactus advocates within the institution.
With support from the John Dobson Foundation, we recognize faculty advisors for their outstanding contributions to Enactus teams. This year we are pleased to announce the recipients of the John Dobson Fellow of the Year, Rookie Faculty Advisor, and 14 faculty advisors who were inducted into the John Dobson Fellowship at the National Exposition in Montreal on May 8.
John Dobson Enactus Fellow of the Year
Susan Kates, Faculty Advisor at Enactus Humber Polytechnic, has been a driving force in advancing entrepreneurial action through her guidance on project development and competition readiness. Susan’s influence is reflected in a team of 59 active students. She has created an environment where students are empowered to lead, supported by coaching that builds accountability and strengthens team performance. Beyond the classroom, Susan has played an active role in advocating for Enactus within her institution, engaging senior leadership to build awareness, support and alignment with broader strategic priorities. This year, her leadership contributed to a record-breaking regional performance, with her team achieving top placements across multiple national challenges and social enterprises.
Rookie Faculty Advisor of the Year
Denise Martin, Faculty Advisor for one of Canada’s newest teams, the College of the North Atlantic – St. John’s, helped launch the program from the ground up. Despite having no prior Enactus experience, Denise excelled at guiding students through their inaugural year of project development and competition preparation.
Her unwavering commitment and hands-on mentorship were foundational to the team’s early success, significantly enriching entrepreneurial learning at her institution by mentoring students through real-world project development. Through her leadership, the team earned an impressive second runner-up finish at their very first Regional Exposition in February.
John Dobson Enactus Fellowship
This year, 14 inductees were welcomed into this esteemed fellowship, joining over 300 Faculty Advisors who have been honored since the Fellowship’s inception. The Fellowship recognizes exceptional mentorship, guidance, and coaching on project development and team presentations.
- Jennifer Cameron – Dalhousie University
- Dennis Fernandes—Northeastern University—Toronto
- Thomas Forget – St. Clair College
- Robin Furby – Capilano University
- Arthanaa Ganendran – Seneca Polytechnic
- Donald Geragthy – Nova Scotia Community College – Truro
- Julia Grav—Camosun College
- Matt Hetherington – Saskatchewan Polytechnic
- Saeid Kermani—Trent University
- Lisa Lawrence – St. Francis Xavier University
- Denise Martin – College of the North Atlantic – St. John’s
- Nancy McGrath – College of the North Atlantic – St. John’s
- Sarah Nelson – BCIT
- Giles Prefontaine – NAIT
Thank you to all the Faculty Advisors for everything you do throughout the year, and a huge congratulations to all those recognized this year!
