Alumni Advisory Committee

The NorQuest Alumni Advisory Committee represents the voice of alumni, advising on strategies and co-developing initiatives with the College to support current students, the college, and alumni.

Launched in January 2022, the NorQuest Alumni Advisory Committee brings together graduates from diverse programs and graduation years. Members volunteer their time and ideas to support alumni relations, act as ambassadors, and assist with events like the annual Alumni Awards to support the growth of NorQuest College’s presence, brand, and reputation in the community.

Meet the Committee

Gurneet Kaur, Business Administration, 2022

Gurneet works as an Administrative Assistant, and is proud to contribute to a supportive workplace. 

I wanted to give back to NorQuest by contributing to initiatives that benefit current students and alumni. Joining the advisory committee felt like a meaningful way to stay connected with the college and its community. I hope to help create the opportunities for alumni to engage with the college and with each other in meaningful ways.

Jenna Talma-Kelly, Transition to Employment, 2022

Jenna currently works in retail and volunteers weekly at the Meadow Ridge Equestrian Center, where she works with rescue horses. Jenna loves animals and volunteering both at NorQuest and in her community,

I joined the committee as I always have loved helping at different college events at NorQuest.

Joelle Kacou, LINC and ESL, 2018

Joelle is a Bilingual Core Payment Services Officer with the Government of Canada. She is also the proud founder of Jean Wenceslas Jewels, her jewelry brand, and Jollity and Merriment, a consultancy company. Joelle is deeply passionate about mental well-being and advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within her community and professional spaces.

My journey in Canada began at NorQuest ten years ago, where I built strong foundations for both my personal and professional growth. Joining the Alumni Board is my way of giving back to the community that helped shape who I am today.

Khayla Villes, Business Administration HR, 2025

Khayla Villes is a Human Resources professional working in the non-profit sector. She is passionate about supporting people, building inclusive workplaces, and contributing to organizations that create meaningful community impact.  

I began at NorQuest as a student who relied on the supports that helped me grow. Now, with real world experience and new skills, I want to give back. Joining the Alumni Committee lets me share what I’ve learned and support the next generation of NorQuest learners.

Lucienne Soriano, Therapeutic Recreation, 2015

Lucienne is a Simulation Educator at the Olson Centre for Health Simulation at NorQuest College where she coordinates and facilitates simulations for many programs across the college.

I joined the Alumni Advisory Committee because it aligns with what I value in my role. I’ve had a unique career journey and want to share insights from both a learner and educator perspective. I thrive on building community and know that NorQuest has incredible potential to strengthen the connections learners make here.

Manny Singh Brar, Energy Management, 2024

Manny is a Sustainability Coordinator in the construction industry, focused on low-carbon buildings, waste diversion, and practical, data-driven solutions. A proud NorQuest College alumnus with a diploma in Energy Management, he credits the college with shaping his early career path.

I joined the Alumni Advisory Committee to give back, share an early-career industry perspective, and help ensure programs stay aligned with real workforce needs. I am especially passionate about applied learning, sustainability, and strengthening pathways from education to meaningful careers.

Patrick Paul, Social Work, 2025

Patrick currently works as a Family Engagement Worker for the Terra Centre for Teen Parents. With his extensivebackgroundworking with youth, Patrickhelpsyoung parents navigateresources andhelpsto encourage healthy family dynamics.Patrick is a proud 2025 graduate of NorQuest College’s Social Work Diploma Program and credits his successes in life to the support of NorQuest. Patrick is passionate about working with youth within the City of Edmonton and surrounding areas.

I joined the NorQuest College Alumni Advisory Committee because I needed a way to give back to NorQuest College after everything NorQuest has given me. NorQuest was there for me in 2012 when I began academic upgrading, and again in 2022 when I began my Social Work journey. NorQuest College gave me a second chance at life, and for that I will be forever grateful.

Prashant Virdi, Business Administration, 2022

Prashant Virdi is the Campus SafeWalk Administrator at The Students' Association of NorQuest College, where he manages policies, recruitment, training, communications, budgeting, and outreach. 

I chose to join the advisory committee to stay connected with both the students and NorQuest College. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the student community by making processes and experiences more accessible and seamless, particularly those that I found challenging during my own journey.

Ronald Rivera, Early Childhood Education and Teaching, 2023

Ronald currently works as the Center Supervisor at the Intercultural Child and Family Center, which is the childcare center located within NorQuest College. Ronald loves working with children and being a people leader.  

I joined the Alumni Committee because of my continued commitment to NorQuest College. I always say that being an alumnus is not the end of our relationship with NorQuest, it marks a new beginning. Through this platform, I hope to inspire and support others, especially international students who are new to Canada and navigating their journey. Becoming part of this committee is also a meaningful way for me to give back to the community, as volunteerism has always been close to my heart.

Saleha Isret, Practical Nurse, 2016

Saleha Isret is a Licensed Practical Nurse, working in home Care settings, and she trained in Pediatric Nursing.

I had been volunteering as a Student Ambassador at NorQuest College and as an Active Member of the President’s Advisory Council (PAC) of NorQuest College. From those volunteering I had found volunteering to be both personally and professionally rewarding. NorQuest is like my family, joining the Alumni Advisory Committee feels like stay connected with family, and always me to contribute to building community.

Samantha Thembie Nkala, Social Work, 2022

Samantha is a recent Bachelor of Social Work graduate, with her sights firmly set on a master’s degree. She currently works as a Resource Facilitator, providing resources and supports to clients who are new in town.

I joined the Alumni Advisory Committee to give back to the college that played a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth. I hope to contribute my insights and experiences to support current and future students on their journeys.

Shubhnoor Dhaliwal, Business Administration, 2022

Shubhnoor is a student advisor, here at NorQuest College, where she advises prospective students on the different pathways to meet the admission requirements, and helps them enroll for their courses. 

I have always wanted to do some volunteer work for the college. As a member of the Advisory committee, I want our alumni to feel included with NorQuest, even after their graduation. My main focus would be to think of ideas on how to do that.

Vince Galido, Practical Nurse, 2025

Vince began his professional journey in engineering, spending 12 years in the field before the COVID-19 pandemic inspired him to pursue a long-held dream of working in healthcare. While studying at NorQuest College, a pediatric preceptorship ignited a deep passion for caring for children. He now works full time as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, where he brings purpose, compassion, and dedication to his work every day.

I joined the NorQuest Alumni Committee to give back to the community that helped shape my career, stay connected with fellow alumni, and confirm that graduation isn’t the end—it’s just a level-up.

Former members

Cherie Potskin, Aboriginal Community Support Worker graduate, 2013
Kassey Koumarelas, Medical Officer Assistant graduate, 2021
Sandeep Singh, Environmental Technician graduate, 2022
Tiffany Thompson, Practical Nursing graduate, 2018
Bazibuhe Muhabwa, Settlement Studies, 2022
Binita Khadka, Disability Studies, 2021
Chad Reeh, Practical Nurse, 2018
Janill Burton-Perry, Practical Nurse, 2020
Rosemarie Meyer, Transition to Employment, 2018
Rossanna Ong, Early Learning Child Care, 2022
Vaishnavi Bhawsar, Business Administration, 2021

Get involved. Make an impact.

Serving on the Alumni Advisory Committee is a meaningful way to give back, grow your network, and help shape a vibrant NorQuest alumni community. Members serve two-year terms (with an optional third year) and contribute in a welcoming space where all voices are heard.

Want to learn more about the committee and how you can be involved? Email alumni@norquest.ca