Dalhousie Alumni Association Board

Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Alisha Brown-Fagan (JD’12), hailing from East Preston, Nova Scotia, proudly identifies as a seventh-generation African Nova Scotian. Her heritage can be traced back to the Jamaican Maroons who established themselves as early settlers in the Province of Nova Scotia in 1796.

She earned her undergraduate degree in Criminology and Psychology from St. Thomas University in 2009. Later, Alisha completed the Indigenous Blacks and Mi’kmaq Initiative at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, graduating in the Class of 2012. During her time at Dalhousie, she was an active member and, at one point, the Vice-President (Communications) of the Dalhousie Black Law Students’ Association.

In 2013, after being called to the Nova Scotia bar, Alisha dedicated 8 ½ years to practicing family and child protection law with Nova Scotia Legal Aid. Her legal career took an impactful turn when she assumed the role of Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives with the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives. During her two-year tenure, Alisha led the Land Titles Initiative, which aimed to help residents in five historic African Nova Scotian communities secure clear titles to land passed down by their ancestors. Additionally, she led various other initiatives aimed at dismantling systemic barriers and inequities within government policies, legislation, programs, and services. Recently, Alisha returned to Nova Scotia Legal Aid as a Legal Project Manager within the Executive Office.

Alisha’s commitment to advocacy extends beyond her legal career. She has served as the President of the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers. She is an active member of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, contributing her expertise to the Racial Equity Committee, Nominating Committee, and Ruck Report Implementation Task Force. Alisha also serves on Dalhousie’s Senate Honorary Degrees Committee.

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Rick Dunlop, BA’96 (LLB’00) obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of King’s College in 1996, and a law degree from the Schulich School of Law in 2000.

He is a partner in the Halifax office of Stewart McKelvey, where he practices exclusively as a management-side labour and employment lawyer. Rick works to solve a variety of complex problems, including high-risk terminations, harassment allegations, union-organizing campaigns, safety breaches and drug and alcohol testing. He has successfully appeared before arbitrators, provincial and federal labour and employment-related tribunals, various provincial supreme courts, appellate courts and the Supreme Court of Canada.

In addition to his busy legal practice, Rick is also involved in his community, serving as a board member of Laing House, an associate member of the Human Resources Association of Nova Scotia and a member of the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers.

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Norma MacIsaac (MPA’02) earned Master of Public Administration (Management) in 2002. She credits her Dal graduate degree, obtained mid-career, with opening doors to new opportunities, including the chance to serve as the Head of Planning with the Commonwealth Secretariat, a multilateral organization based in London, UK, for six years. A long-time civil servant, she is Executive Director for Canadian Intergovernmental Relations with the Province of Nova Scotia.

At Dal, Norma became involved in the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC), and went on to chair the Nova Scotia Regional Group and serve on the national board and committees. She currently sits on IPAC’s International and Domestic Committee. Norma is also one of the founding members of Dalhousie’s London UK Alumni Chapter.

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Dr. Bobby Matheson (DipAg’80) grew up on a dairy farm in Prince Edward Island. Since leaving the Island for university, he has lived in various regions of Canada including Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Most of that time related to academic studies at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (now the Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture), the University of Guelph, McGill University and finally the University of Saskatchewan, where he obtained a PhD in economics with a focus on agriculture. Bobby spent most of his career in Ottawa, working in various federal government departments including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada and Public Safety Canada. In 2018, he embarked on a new adventure as the vice president of Dairy Farmers of Canada. Bobby stepped down from that position in the spring of 2022 as part of a transition to full retirement, and currently works part time as a senior executive advisor.

Bobby is a seasoned senior executive with a broad range of expertise and knowledge, and many years of experience working in the areas of public policy, international trade, governance, public/private sector partnerships and initiatives, grants and contribution programs, finance, research, transformation and corporate management in government, and finally, not-for-profit. Strategy development and visioning, coaching and leadership development all continue to be key areas of interest for him.

Adept at establishing and maintaining networks and effective working relationships across federal departments and agencies, Indigenous peoples, non-profits, other governments and industry organizations, Bobby hopes to use these skills to assist the Dalhousie Alumni Association in expanding the knowledge and awareness of Dalhousie to prospective students and alumni right across Canada.

Location: Montreal, Quebec

Raphieal Newbold (BSc’18) was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, but eagerly agreed to trade in flip flops for snow boots in 2014 when he moved to Halifax to study at Dal.

While there, he was widely involved in student life – from being a senior residence assistant to serving on the executive of the biology and science societies. He was humbled to receive the Aramark Leadership Award from Dal as well as departmental awards from the Department of Biology for his extracurricular pursuits during his time as a student.

After completing his BSc in biology with a minor in spanish at Dal in 2018, he moved to Montréal where he completed his MSc in experimental medicine at McGill. He now considers Montréal home, where he works as a medical writer, preparing clinical study reports and scholarly, academic material.

Volunteerism is one of his greatest passions. Raphieal loved his Dal experience so much that he wanted to remain connected to the university as an alum, which led to him joining the Dal Insight Circle and now, the DAA. He also serves as the Vice President of Public Policy for the Uplift Canada Foundation, a non-profit organization that upcycles donated clothing and relocates them to local shelters, and has previously volunteered as a tutor, supporting grade school students and adult learners in underserved communities.

Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Aaron Prosper (BSc’19) is a proud L’nu artist and healthcare professional from the Eskasoni First Nation, now residing in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

In 2018-2019, Aaron served as President of the Dalhousie Students’ Union, becoming the first Indigenous person to serve in this role. A graduate of Dalhousie University’s Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience) program, Aaron currently works as the Indigenous Health Consultant for Nova Scotia Health, is a graduate student at the University of Prince Edward Island, and most recently has served as a sessional instructor at Dalhousie University. Aaron’s work and research span a variety of disciplines including Indigenous Health and Sciences, Indigenous Ethics and Research Methodologies, and contemporary & traditional Mi’kmaw song, dance, and history.

Outside of his academic work, Aaron is a member of two professional Indigenous music groups: the Eastern Eagle Singers, a contemporary Mi’kmaw drum group based out of Sipe’kne’katik First Nation, and the multimedia band Alan Syliboy and the Thundermakers. Aaron’s artistic collaborations have included Symphony Nova Scotia, the Fountain School of Performing Arts, Canadian Chamber Choir, Animalingo produced by the Mermaid Theatre, Open Borders, Upstream Music Ensemble, Fluid Forms presented by Mocean Dance, and the recent full length dance production Samqwan.

In all of his work, Aaron takes most pride in contributing to the promotion of Mi’kmaw rights & self-determination and the preservation and revitalizing of Mi’kmaw culture, language, and traditions.

Location: Canning, Nova Scotia

Susan Sipos (BAg’13) graduated in 2013 with a dual degree in International Food Business from Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture with a Bachelor of Agriculture and CAH Vilentum in the Netherlands with a Bachelor of Business Administration. This dual degree program offered

extensive international agriculture opportunities with a year studying abroad as well as two international internships, the first at a juice company in Den Haag, the Netherlands and the second in Ethiopia on a joint Post-Harvest Management project through Dalhousie University, McGill University and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Her career in agriculture started in the heart of Canadian greenhouse production in Leamington, Ontario. Upon returning to Nova Scotia she worked in the growing wine and viticulture industry in the Annapolis Valley until joining the Sales and Marketing team at Nova Agri, one of the largest fruit and vegetable farms in Atlantic Canada. Her work experience has been focused on the sales and marketing of fresh produce to major retailers, developing an understanding of the supply chain from field to fork and the agricultural challenges farmers face to meet retail needs on the shelf. Driven for growth, she has taken part in educational programs through the Canadian Produce Marketing Association to cultivate relationships and understand agriculture initiatives and innovation across the country.

Location: Santa Clara, California

Upon graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Jason Strandberg (BComm’15) began work in public practice with Big Four firms where he earned his CPA designation. Currently, Jason works at Arm in the revenue accounting department pursuing his passion for technology in Silicon Valley. Beyond his work, Jason is a big fan of activities that challenge him both mentally and physically. During his rare downtime, Jason likes to relax with his Xbox by gaming or visiting the local gym to work up a sweat or practice some MMA.

Location: Toronto, Ont.

Dr. Cathy J. Campbell (BPE’75, MSc’77) is a native of Halifax, N.S., who currently works at Cleveland Clinic Canada in Toronto, practicing both sport and family medicine. She completed a physical education degree and a Master of Science specializing in exercise physiology at Dalhousie University while competing in and coaching track and field for many years, specializing in sprints, hurdles, and relays. After working in Ottawa for 3 years with the Coaching Association of Canada, she went back to university, completing a medical degree in 1983 at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont. She subsequently completed a residency in family medicine at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

Dr. Campbell worked internationally from 1988 to 2002, practicing in Connecticut and Texas before returning to Canada and settling in Toronto. She is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Campbell served as the team physician for the Canadian Women’s National Soccer teams from 2000 to 2012, travelling extensively and culminating in their winning the bronze medal in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Since 2008, she has served FIFA as a medical officer and a doping control officer. In these roles for Canada and for FIFA, she has attended 17 FIFA World Cups.

In recognition of her contributions to sport, in 2014 Dr. Campbell was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame as a builder. And in recognition of her contributions as a physician leader, in 2014 she was the recipient of the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine (CASEM) Community Sport Medicine Physician of the Year. In 2021, Dr. Campbell was elected president of CASEM.

Dr. Campbell is thrilled to join the Dalhousie Alumni Association and to have the opportunity to contribute to the splendid institution that gave her such an excellent beginning to her career.

Location: Brooklyn, N.Y.

Armaan Ahluwalia (BMgmt’13) was born and raised in Winnipeg, but has spent time across the continent with stops in Halifax, San Diego, Kansas City and now, Brooklyn.  

He is currently at the BSE Global (parent company of the Brooklyn Nets & New York Liberty) as the director of global partnerships business operations and insights where he oversees special projects, insights, and data for the global partnerships team. Prior to BSE Global, he worked with the Kansas City Chiefs for six seasons. During his time in Kansas City, he was part of the team that sold naming rights to the historic Arrowhead Stadium, now GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Armaan graduated from Dalhousie University with a degree in business management after majoring in entrepreneurship and innovation. He went on to complete his MBA with a focus in sports business at San Diego State University.

He lives with his wife and dog in Brooklyn, N.Y. He enjoys trying out new restaurants, travelling and visiting dog parks.

Location: St. John’s, N.L.

Dr. Angela Ridi (MD’03) was born and raised in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and after graduating from McGill, completed the Diplome international at Universite de Lyon- Lumiere as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar before returning to Nova Scotia to attend Dalhousie Medical School. During residency, Angela studied at Universite d’Ottawa and obtained the Diplome de competances en langue seconde (francais), and maintains her bilingualism through ongoing course work and travel.

As an academic anesthesiologist in St. John’s, N.L., Angela is a clinical professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University and has been teaching at Memorial Medical School since 2009. She has a particular interest in advanced airway management, and enjoys incorporating some pediatric work into her practice. In addition, teaching is part of her daily work in the operating room, and includes medical students, medical residents, respiratory therapy students and advanced care paramedic students. Community work close to home includes volunteering for local Multicultural Day, Girl Guides of Canada, and the Canadian Federation of Medical Women, as well as serving on the Board of Directors of a local school.

Nationally, Angela is a long-standing Director on the Board of the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society, an Executive Board member for the Atlantic Division of the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society and Trustee of the Canadian Anesthesia Research Foundation.

Location: Toronto, Ont.

David Leonard (BA’22) is an arts and social purpose executive who is currently the Executive Director of the Writers’ Trust of Canada, an organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting writers at every stage of their careers. He has over two decades of experience at the heart of purpose-driven organizations, helping Canadian arts organizations and non-profits achieve success in strategy, public outreach, program development, and organizational growth. He has been a central part of significant initiatives globally, as well in every Canadian province and territory.

Prior to his current role, David worked as a consultant with clients including nation-building non-profits, leading universities, national policy organizations, boutique communications firms, and community-level charities. He also previously held a leadership role at the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, where he ran their flagship international inclusion initiative, 6 Degrees, executive producing numerous events in Canada, Germany, and Mexico, and overseeing the development of a content program featuring leading contributions from around the world. He was also head of events at The Walrus Foundation for nearly a decade, building a nationally respected program of events and fundraising—including The Walrus Talks—that featured established and emerging Canadian leaders on the most pressing issues facing the world. In these roles, David’s commitment to reflecting the full spectrum of Canadian ideas meant platforming credible voices from underrepresented communities alongside household names and ensuring that Canadians were both educated and entertained. He also did communications and campaign work for a number of national environmental charities, including as book campaign lead at Canopy, and before that spent almost a decade in charge of publicity campaigns for some of the most well-known authors and publishers in Canada and around the world.

David has devoted volunteer time to social causes for his entire adult life and is currently the President of the Board of Directors of Word on the Street Toronto. David was raised in Dartmouth and lives in Toronto.