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DC grad launches inclusive bandage brand Heal in Colour

For Tianna McFarlane, a Durham College (DC) Supply Chain and Operations – Business (formerly Business Operations) alumna, starting her own company had always been a lifelong dream – but the opportunity to create something significant didn’t present itself until 2019, when she was inspired during a simple trip to the drugstore to buy bandages.

As she searched for one that could cover a cut on her own leg, the lack of products for people of colour was striking. While there were plenty of nude, pink and even purple colours, there was nothing that she felt would blend in with her skin tone.

“In that moment I knew I had an opportunity to bridge the gap and create my own brand of adhesive bandages for Black and brown skin,” recalls Tianna, who spent the next two years laying the groundwork for her company Heal in Colour.

Finding a trustworthy and reputable manufacturer was her first test as an entrepreneur. Creating bandages in these shades has rarely been done, and never in Canada – because of that, finding a manufacturer who could create the product was challenging. She also faced additional barriers in the shipping industry, which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Tianna worked to get her product to market, she leaned into grit and perseverance, as well as the knowledge gained during her time at DC, to make her dream a reality. Her project management training aided in the creation of timelines and action plans to keep the project on track, and she analyzed the seven Ps (product, price, promotion, place, packaging, positioning and people) to determine a strategic launch and marketing plan to reach her target audience.

The hard work paid off quickly, with Tianna receiving impressive news coverage soon after the product launch in April, and already more than $3,500 in sales. With Heal in Colour now available in the Canadian and U.S markets, consumers across the continent are already rallying around this innovative new product.

“We’re revolutionizing the way people shop for bandages, and it’s already had such a powerful impact,” explains Tianna. “I’ve had teachers reach out to express how happy they are to be able to give their students bandages that match their skin tone. It’s something so small, but will hopefully lead to something much larger.”

Tianna is continuing to dedicate herself to making Heal in Colour a household name – with a strong growth and expansion plan already in place to offer new products in the near future, such as athletic wraps and waterproof bandages. She also hopes to provide bandages to hospitals, long-term care facilities, universities and colleges, elementary schools, daycares and more.

“At the end of the day, I hope Heal in Colour will inspire others to be innovative and create products that promote inclusion,” says Tianna. “It’s our goal to encourage young Black women by showing them that they too can bring their own ideas to life through hard work and determination.”

Heal in Colour’s bandages are currently available for purchase at www.healincolour.ca.

EnactusDC sparks recognition and collects awards at National Competition

Days before the 2021 Enactus National Exposition, members of Durham College’s (DC) Enactus team received candy delivered to each of their homes. This is just one small example of how Heather Brown, president of EnactusDC, kept the team spirit alive and thriving before this major event – and throughout the year.

It’s an approach that paid off with EnactusDC achieving its most successful year ever.

The annual Enactus National Exposition is a showcase of student-led, community-based entrepreneurial projects developed and implemented by Enactus student leaders and teams across Canada. Teams are celebrated and awarded for their dedication to nurturing positive impact on recognized social, economic and environmental issues affecting communities.

Heather made DC proud with her unwavering leadership and resiliency as she supported EnactusDC to exceptional accomplishments at the competition this year. While many Enactus teams forfeited their participation due to the pandemic, Heather rallied her team to its best-ever rankings despite the challenges faced in a virtual world.

Out of more than 75 participating colleges/universities, the Enactus DC team made the semi-final round, placing in the top 20 teams in Canada for its projects: 3eeHive, True Grit, rCycle and ConnectUs 4 Community (CU4C). The team also received the Impact Through Innovation award for its dedicated efforts during the week-long competition.

“We demonstrated commitment to sustainable change,” Heather said. “Because of that, we were recognized with this award.”

To acknowledge her hard work, dedication and leadership, Heather received the prestigious Enactus Canada Gold Community Service Leadership Digital Badge for devoting more than 1,000 hours to Enactus DC projects.

The Enactus DC team also celebrated the RBC Future Launch Project Accelerator Best Project Award for project CU4C, an initiative that empowers high school students from Grades 9 to 12 to create clubs that solve community issues as they relate to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The project extends the mission “Connecting Us and Uniting Communities” into high schools to inspire and engage next generation leaders to foster positive impact in their own communities. This year, more than 300 students took part in the pilot project, and CU4C aims to grow to more than 30 new clubs in the upcoming academic year.

For an overview of the Enactus DC’s projects, check out its Annual Report and Website.

Enactus is an international non-profit organization dedicated to creating social change through entrepreneurship. DC’s chapter was introduced to the college in 2016 through FastStartDC, the college’s entrepreneurial centre, to create a club of student leaders looking to make a positive economic and social impact on society.

DC faculty Jay Fisher receives John Dobson Enactus Fellow of the Year award

Durham College (DC) is proud to share that Jay Fisher, a faculty member in the School of Business, IT & Management and lead faculty advisor for the EnactusDC team, has been recognized with a John Dobson Enactus Fellow of the Year award for his outstanding contribution in advancing entrepreneurial learning at the post-secondary level. The award was presented virtually at the 2021 Enactus Canada National Exposition.

Jay has played an instrumental role in weaving entrepreneurship into the fabric of the college, starting with introducing Enactus through FastStartDC. A business instructor at DC for nearly 12 years, in 2017 Jay led the EnactusDC team to the Regional competition and National Exposition in British Columbia. That same year, he was inducted as a John Dobson fellow and also received the Rookie Faculty Advisor of the Year award at Nationals.

Today, Jay continues to advise the EnactusDC team, coaching and mentoring hundreds of student entrepreneurs as they work to make their business ideas a reality. Recently, he coached the team in the 2021 Enactus Regionals Competition, where they placed first for Central Canada.

“The mentorship that the team and I have received from Jay has changed our lives,” says Heather Brown, president of EnactusDC. “The paths we walk now are stronger and more successfulbecause of his guidance and the positive impact it has had. Jay has instilled the confidence, awareness and drive it takes for students to become leaders. He fosters social consciousness and commitment to creating a better world, and always reminds us that what we do for the world is just as important as what we do for ourselves.”

Through his role with EnactusDC, Jay has also found new opportunities to introduce community partners to the college and Enactus organization, demonstrating an undeniable commitment to social innovation.

“The John Dobson Enactus Fellow of the Year award is well-deserved recognition of Jay Fisher’s outstanding contributions to the Enactus team and his persistent efforts in advancing entrepreneurship at Durham College,” says Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “As a John Dobson Enactus Fellow since 2017, Jay has led Durham College’s Enactus team with creativity, passion and commitment, and the students are fortunate to have a dedicated mentor and coach in Jay.”

Congratulations, Jay on the well-deserved recognition!

Enactus is an international non-profit dedicated to creating social change through entrepreneurship. DC’s chapter launched in 2016 through FastStart DC and is comprised of student leaders looking to make positive social impacts in the community.

For more information on how to get involved with EnactusDC, visit www.enactusdc.com.

DC to receive more than $1.5 million in virtual learning project funding from Ontario government

Durham College (DC) is thrilled to announce that the Ontario government is providing the college with more than $1.5 million in funding to support 12 innovative virtual learning projects. From entrepreneurship and sales to health care, cybersecurity and more, these projects will help students gain access to new, high-quality post-secondary learning and retraining opportunities.

“The last 14 months are proof that virtual learning is flexible, accessible, and can offer boundless educational opportunities for students,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “We are grateful for the Ontario government’s support and investment in these projects. This funding allows us to continue offering exceptional in-demand virtual learning experiences for students who wish to gain valuable skills that prepares them for workplace success.”

Of the 12 DC projects to be developed with the funding, four are micro-credentials that respond to specific industry gaps, including Corporate Training Specialization, Establishing a Construction Contracting Small Business in Ontario, Managing Responsive Behaviours in Older Adults and Sales for Small Businesses.

The remainder of the projects are a diverse selection of digital learning resources, programs and courses that will supplement learning taking place at DC and its collaborative partner institutions, including:

  • Case Management Workflow simulator
  • Cybersecurity courses – APSA upskilling course and Cloud Computing Fundamentals course
  • Fluid Power Trainer simulator
  • Five-course French language program
  • Health Technology Management Practice course
  • Indigenous Histories and Reconciliation: Moving Towards Reconciliation through Capacity Building course
  • Metrology Trainer simulator
  • Write it Again – Open Educational Resource

These projects are part of the province’s Virtual Learning Strategy that was announced last December and support key priority areas including creating or adapting digital content, equipping faculty and students with skills and resources to teach and learn online and identifying educational technologies to support online courses and programs.

HOM Drafting & Design offers rewarding opportunities for DC architecture students

Durham College (DC) architecture students experienced a unique opportunity to apply their skills as a result of the college’s new partnership with HOM Drafting and Design (HOM). Through their recent Architecture Placement Initiative competition, HOM challenged students from DC’s Architectural Technology program to design an accessory apartment (a secondary unit), within an existing basement structure, and produce a set of architectural drawings. DC’s Sara Sargent, Hayden Lam and Gregory Stewart – all third-year students of the program – were selected as competition winners, earning a monetary prize and the opportunity to complete a placement at HOM.

“As a distinguished member of the design community, HOM’s partnership provides DC students with vital hands-on experience in the industry. This placement initiative is a great pathway to connect our students with industry experts and recognize future employment opportunities available upon graduating,” said Michelle Hutt, executive dean, School of Science & Engineering Technology (SET).

This marks the first year DC has partnered with HOM, adding to the college’s diverse roster of valued community affiliations. Locally owned and operated for 13 years, HOM’s community ties and service offerings, from concept to design to construction, provide students exposure to a variety of areas within architectural design. HOM’s team was so impressed with the work of DC students, they decided to extend additional placement opportunities, one of which resulted in a full-time employment, demonstrating the calibre of the program’s graduates.

“This initiative challenges students to apply the architectural methods learned in the classroom in a real-life scenario. The competitive element and field placement opportunity act as the perfect incentives to fuel creativity and participation,” said Ali Taileb, professor, SET. “As an instructor, it is incredibly rewarding to see our students thrive in the field, and I am very proud of the contributions they have made at HOM.”

Focused on sustainable design, DC’s architecture programs provide the practical and design knowledge required to succeed in this exciting field. Partnering with HOM allows the college to continue exploring opportunities for students to gain relevant experience in the industry.

DC’s PREP 1000 course receives $25,000 Bell Let’s Talk Kickoff Grant for mental health module

Durham College (DC) is pleased to announce it has received $25,000 from the Bell Let’s Talk Post-Secondary Fund. As part of Bell’s commitment to the mental health of post-secondary students, the Bell Let’s Talk Fund Kickoff Grant is awarded each spring to select colleges and universities to cover start-up costs for specific mental health initiatives.

DC will utilize this funding to infuse mental health resources into DC’s first-year experience course PREP 1000 – a self-guided, non-academic course consisting of seven modules designed to prepare students for their first day of classes.

The development of a mental health module within PREP 1000 is currently under way, and is expected to be completed for the upcoming fall semester. In addition to a dedicated module, wellness resources and mental health awareness will also be embedded throughout the entire course.

“Durham College is incredibly grateful to receive this funding from Bell Canada,” says Tara Koski, dean, Students. “Aligned with the college’s goal of building digital fluidity, the mental health module of PREP 1000 will provide students with their own toolbox, equipped with helpful information, coping strategies and support networks should they find themselves in need of help.”

DC is committed to ensuring mental health resources are accessible across campus to help prepare students for success. Through the updated PREP 1000 modules, students will learn about the various supports and services that exist within DC’s community as well as external resources, such as the Good2Talk 24/7 Post-secondary Student Helpline.

“PREP 1000 is a conduit which allows us to spread mental health awareness to the largest volume of students possible, during a critical point of transition,” says Tara. “Its systematic and comprehensive approach will support our goal to create mental health equity within the Durham College community.”

Led by the Student Development office, the design of the PREP 1000 mental health module features collaborations across a number of DC departments and services, such as the Access and Support Centre, International Office, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Campus Health and Wellness Centre, and includes valuable input from DC’s mental health professionals.

Learn more about DC’s mental health resources online or contact the Campus Health and Wellness Centre at chwc@durhamcollege.ca.

Durham College students win six medals at 2021 Skills Ontario Competition

Durham College (DC) is proud to share that six students reached the podium in multiple categories at the Skills Ontario Competition on May 12. Virtual this year, the competition and Career Exploration Showcase welcomed thousands of attendees to discover new skilled trade and technology careers, while students competed against one another in categories from numerous fields.

Three DC students took home a gold medal, including Cameron Billingham for Photography, Glesy Panaga for Baking and Mark Steele for IT Network Systems Administration. Receiving silver was Lucas Mawdsley for Coding, and bronze was awarded to Jared Toomey for IT Network Systems Administration and Logan Scott for Photography.

“We are incredibly impressed and proud of the level of talent and dedication our students have demonstrated during the Skills Ontario Competition this year,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “This competition has allowed them to draw on the technical expertise, creativity and innovation that DC students are known for, while putting into practice everything they’ve learned in the classroom. If what they’ve showed us here is any indication of their future success, we know that they will go far.”

Good luck to gold-medal winners, Billingham, Panaga and Mawdsley, who will represent DC and Ontario in the 26th Skills Canada National Competition to be held virtually on Tuesday, June 15.

Skills Ontario is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the skilled trades and technologies as viable, first-choice career options to Ontario youth through programs and initiatives such as provincial skills competitions.

DC journalism students and alumni see success at Better Newspaper Competition Awards

Durham College (DC) students and alumni from the Journalism – Mass Media program won big this year at the Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s (OCNA) Better Newspaper Competition (BNC), an annual competition that recognizes the outstanding work produced by the OCNA’s member newspapers.

Taking first place once again in the General Excellence – College/University category, DC’s student-produced campus newspaper The Chronicle was praised for its professionalism, photography and layout, as well as its “solid stories and editorial”.  Durham also finished third in Best College/University Newspaper Website category.

Four DC alumni were also honoured for their stories, three of whom placed first, including Sam Odrowski (Fort Frances Times) in the Best Business and Finance Story category, Sarah Hyatt (Northumberland News) in the Best Rural Story (circulation over 10,000) category, and Reka Szekely (Oshawa This Week) in the Best Feature News Series (circulation over 10,000) category. Additionally, alumnus Chad Ingram (Minden Times) placed third in the Best News Story (circulation under 9,999) category.

DC’s journalism program was introduced more than 40 years ago and since then, our students and graduates have won dozens of OCNA awards, including the student-produced news publication The Chronicle, which finished first last year in the General Excellence Newspaper – College/University category and second in the Best College/University Newspaper Website category.

The OCNA is a non-profit industry association focused on helping community newspapers prosper by promoting and enhancing the image of the industry among readers.

Congratulations to DC’s Journalism – Mass Media students and alumni on this recognition of their hard work and dedication to their craft.

YPAC launches DC Chapter for Young Pipeliners

Durham College (DC) is excited to announce that the Young Pipeliners Association of Canada (YPAC) has launched a new chapter for DC’s Mechanical Engineering Technician – Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) students and alumni. As one of only two schools in Ontario to offer the NDE program, the launch of YPAC’s DC chapter will expand opportunities for students to gain relevant work experience and training in the field.

The DC chapter joins YPAC’s community of 2,500 members across Canada who benefit from access to peer networking, scholarships and industry opportunities and events, such as the 2021 YPAC Conference. YPAC also has a number of technical committees for young pipeliners to collaborate on issues of design, production and distribution.

Compared to its fellow chapters across Canada, typically comprised of mechanical, civil, chemical and environmental engineering professionals, DC’s chapter will have a unique focus dedicated to protecting the integrity of the pipeline. This chapter will leverage its expertise in the latest methods and developments to promote ways in which NDE technologies can be used during pipeline construction and maintenance. Virtual chapter events will offer a platform for discussion and are open to all YPAC members.

“The Durham College chapter of the Young Pipeliners Association of Canada will create an exciting network for students and alumni to establish meaningful relationships and access to resources that will ease their transition into the industry,” said Michelle Hutt, executive dean, School of Science & Engineering Technology (SET). “The college’s unique focus on non-destructive evaluation technologies will add value to the membership while also raising awareness for important advancements in the field.”

The two-year program, which also has an available one-year fast-track option, requires students to complete in-depth training and gain relevant work experience before obtaining their license and entering the workplace. By connecting current students and recent graduates through YPAC, the DC chapter will work to create a network for early-career individuals in the pipeline industry.

“I am confident that this initiative will bring new networking opportunities for our students and position Durham College as a leader in Non-Destructive Evaluation nationally,” says Katy Zaidman, professor, SET and chapter mentor-advisor.

DC has elected the following Executive Committee, comprised of faculty and students to lead the chapter:

  • Lovlesh Kamudu, co-chair, fast-track NDE student
  • Jamaal Betts, co-chair, second-year NDE student
  • Maya Wijeratne, vice president secretary-treasurer, fast-track NDE student
  • Jim Cree, vice president events, second-year NDE student
  • Almigdad Ibrahim, chapter founding member, second-year NDE student
  • Simon Susac, DC graduate and industry liaison, senior lead NDE technician/pipeline specialist, NDT Group
  • Katy Zaidman, professor, program co-ordinator, SET

“Since announcing the DC chapter, we have had a positive response from students and alumni inquiring about the Young Pipeliners membership,” explains co-chair Lovlesh Kamudu. “On behalf of the executive committee, we look forward to building a membership base of like-minded individuals and engaging in meaningful discussions about how to successfully navigate the pipeline industry as young professionals.”

To learn more about YPAC’s Durham College chapter, please visit https://ypacanada.com.

DC faculty member receives silver CICan award

Durham College (DC) is proud to share that Shane Jones, faculty member in the School of Hospitality & Horticultural Science and program co-ordinator for the Food and Farming and Horticulture Technician programs, has been honoured with a Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Silver Leadership Excellence Award for Faculty at the association’s virtual annual conference on April 26.

Shane is a mainstay at DC’s W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (Weston Centre). Whether teaching and mentoring students in class, during labs or out in the centre’s urban farm, he has played a vital role in shaping the college’s horticulture and food and farming programs, as well as developing its living landscape where lessons come to life.

He has been the driving force behind the complete integration of the farm and horticulture production with curriculum, resulting in an immersive learning experience for students and thousands of pounds of food from the fields per year. Shane takes great pride in his work and is always willing to lead where needed to ensure the success of his students and colleagues.

Passionate about teaching and constantly looking to support and enhance the student experience, Shane incorporates hands-on learning in everything he does. Whether mentoring participants or volunteering as a judge in Skills Ontario competitions or guiding teams through installations at trade shows, he generously gives his time and energy.

Winners of the Leadership Excellence Award for Faculty are selected based on the following criteria:

  • Commitment – The nominee or team has shown a consistent commitment to student success and to developing methodologies, materials, and processes which have contributed to student success.
  • Leadership in teaching – The nominee or team has provided a leadership role model for teaching colleagues and students.
  • Impact – The nominee’s or team’s work has had a recognized and substantial impact on students (employment, success rate), colleagues (through professional development and example) and the institution (reputation in the subject area).
  • Sustainability – The nominee’s or team’s commitment has been broadly evident over their career to date.
  • Adaptability – One of the nominee’s or team’s strengths is the ability to adapt teaching styles, methodologies, or materials to fit student needs and available resources.

Shane, congratulations on your Silver Leadership Excellence Award. The CICan Awards of Excellence recognize best practices from more than 135 colleges and institutes across the country, as well as individual leadership and achievements, for more information on this year’s awards, please visit the CICan website.