News

We have many women working in Dalhousie’s Department of Athletics & Recreation and we’re very proud of the work they do and the role they play in providing more gender-inclusive environments and opportunities in the field of athletics and recreation.

Meet these four amazing women.  

Christine Darrah, Graphic Designer

What do you enjoy most about working in your department? Any memorable moments with your team?
I enjoy the youthful spirit brought about by the presence of young people. I love feeling the energy. Also, the camaraderie and openness – being able to have a good report with my team even though we are all very different. We have always had yearly summer social/team bonding get together and some of them have been pretty amazing. We golfed one year, and I learned I have a decent short game. We did a harbour cruise one summer and saw a small whale breaching in the Northwest Arm. At year-end we celebrate our student-athletes which always brings a tear, even though I don’t know most of them – their journeys as student-athletes is inspiring!

How do you contribute to a positive work environment?
The team I work with are incredibly open with each other. We have fun, there is a lighthearted, silly atmosphere in the office which makes it easy to be positive. We hold each other up and support each other so even on a difficult day we know we have back-up.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?
I got my drivers license last year. The anxiety and stress I felt while learning to drive was very unexpected. Having to learn the rules of the road (shoulder check, shoulder check) for a specific 20-minute road test where I would be judged and graded had me in a state of nervous tension. Once I passed the test my anxiety disappeared and now, I drive like I have been doing it for years. I stuck with it. I somehow got through it, and I am so relieved that the anxiety was situational and does not affect my driving now.  At work, there have been a number of large-scale projects that made me a little nervous. The time and money put in means that an impactful result is extra important. I am proud of the large fieldhouse decal I designed and coordinated. It speaks to the culture of excellence and passion we try to foster every day.

Outside of the workplace, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
My partner and I are in the midst of a renovation. Something else unexpected is my capacity for DIY. I have been spending a lot of time and effort designing, organizing and decorating. Purchasing furniture items or décor items from the Restore or Value Village and hacking them into something new has been challenging but also inspiring. Anything goes – and turning a house into a home has been quite an adventure!

How do you inspire inclusion, in and out of the workplace?
I speak my mind. I try to listen which is the first step to learning and understanding what the people around me need. I have inspired discussions with friends and family to help me learn and grow, and to inspire others to do the same. I try to embrace constructive criticism and not allow it to shut me down. I actively practice compassion.

Nora Featherstone, Campus Recreation Assistant

What do you enjoy most about working in your department?
Any memorable moments with your team? The thing I most enjoy about my department is my colleagues. Playing softball intramurals as a team in the summer is a highlight of the year.

How do you contribute to a positive work environment?
I contribute to a positive work environment by being a team player and collaborating with others throughout our workplace.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?
An accomplishment I am proud of is learning to snowboard this winter.

Outside of the workplace, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
Outside of work, I love to be active and outdoors, whether I'm camping and hiking, cross country skiing, or running.

How do you inspire inclusion, in and out of the workplace?
Inside of the workplace, I inspire inclusion through the planning and organization of programs rooted in universal design principles. Outside of my workplace, I inspire inclusion through multiple volunteer efforts, as a way to advocate for those who require additional supports in any areas of their life.

Mikaela Henderson, Fitness Coordinator

What do you enjoy most about working in your department? Any memorable moments with your team?
I love getting to meet students and community members here at the Dalplex and help bring fun fitness programming to life. Being able to collaborate with others on my team and in the department on programs has been a great experience! We have started some wonderful programs, like on our Tigers Train to 5km program, Afro Beats, and Powwow Fitness classes, just to name a few! (shout out to the other Dal women bringing the mentioned programs to life, including the full 5km Crew, Kelachi, and Kailey)!

How do you contribute to a positive work environment?
I always arrive with a smile and focus on empowering and celebrating those around me. 

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?
Running my first marathon last spring. 

Outside of the workplace, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
Running, weight training, curling, golfing, and cooking!

How do you inspire inclusion, in and out of the workplace?
Collaboration! I always ensure to collaborate with others to get fresh perspectives and ensure everyone is part of the conversation.

Madison Tait, Marketing and Communications Assistant (co-op student)

What do you enjoy most about working in your department? Any memorable moments with your team?
I love how helpful and encouraging my department is. As a co-op student I am constantly asking questions, which I am sure can become slightly annoying. Yet everyone here is always open to listening, and ready to help me in any way they can! 

How do you contribute to a positive work environment?
I try my best to come in with a smile every morning and leave with one at the end of the day! I also love showing my appreciation to my colleagues. Whether it is just saying thank you for the help or pointing out what a great idea they had, I hope that it brightens their day!

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?
I am very proud of how far I have come in my position so far. Having the task of posting to social media and the website can be very scary. I was constantly worried about accidentally posting an error or putting something in the wrong place. Yet, I have been working towards being confident in my abilities and even understanding that mistakes will happen, even to the best of us. 

Outside of the workplace, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
I am on the Dalhousie Cheer team, which has been a passion of mine for almost 10 years! I also love hanging out with friends, listening to music and going to the gym!

How do you inspire inclusion, in and out of the workplace?
In and out of the workplace, I make sure that I am empowering everyone to do their best. If I can push someone to do something out of their comfort zone, it will help them remove barriers and create greater opportunities for themselves.