2023 Atlantic Leadership
Forum Speakers

Dr. Rick Ezekiel, PhD (he/him)
Vice-Provost, Student Affairs at Dalhousie University

KEYNOTE: Forging Authentic Leadership with Purpose

Rick Ezekiel is the Vice-Provost, Student Affairs at Dalhousie University. Rick holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology and Education from the University of Toronto (OISE), and an MSc in Neuroscience from Western University. Rick's research focuses on the impacts of marginalization and developmental adversity on postsecondary students’ learning and mental health. Before joining Dalhousie, Rick led service transformations that eliminated waitlists for mental health and accessible learning services, and enhanced service responsivity for international and underserved students at Centennial College. During his previous 12 years at Western University, Rick also co-led the development of Western University’s Indigenous Strategic Plan, Student Orientation Strategic Plan, Mental Health Strategic Plan, and implementation plans toward integrating health and wellness services.

Rick was born and raised in Cambridge, Ontario, which is in the traditional territory of the Six Nations of the Grand River, with family roots from Sydney, Nova Scotia (maternal), and Bell Island, Newfoundland (paternal). Rick is a Queer man, a long-distance runner, and outside of work, loves to cook, cycle, and surf recreationally. Rick has been heavily involved in building and participating in 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive athletic communities through involvement with Frontrunners Toronto and International, Toronto’s Pride Run, and the EuroGames.

Grow : Breakout Session, 11:00-12:00 pm

How do you grow as a young professional? Learn from experienced leaders in the community as they explore 3 exciting topics you can pick from:

Nathan Laird
Program Manager at Halifax Partnership

Nathan is the Program Manager for Halifax Partnership’s Connector Program, which helps recent grads and newcomers develop career skills and build professional networks. A graduate of Mt. Allison and UNB, Nathan has a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a master’s degree in Military History.

Nathan started his professional career in 2004 as an Agent with Convergys and spent the next 13 years working for Fortune 500 companies, including as the Branch Manager for Adecco, Business Development Manager for Kelly Services, and a Consultant for ADP. Nathan brings expertise from dozens of interviews in his personal career and managing a large recruiting company, as well as his current work in labour market development.

In his spare time, Nathan spends time with his 17-year-old son Jaegar, and is an avid kayaker and woodworker.

Ossama Nasrallah
Serial Entrepreneur, Owner Nova Glamping, Co Owner at Sea Halifax , Harbour Watercraft and Adventure

As a Small Business owner of the Harbour Watercraft, Sea Halifax and Nova Glamping Inc. Ossama Nasrallah brings passion for all things finance, community relations and management. Through his previous role with Scotiabank, Ossama was responsible for managing a portfolio of the Bank’s high end commercial clients to provide customized financing solutions and advise clients on credit related matters.

During his time at Saint Mary’s University Ossama was the President & CEO of Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA) for two terms, where he served on multiple boards while gaining experience in advocacy, governance, and government relationships.

As a newcomer to Nova Scotia, Ossama values community engagement and the importance of giving back. He currently serves on multiple boards in Halifax and recognizes the importance of having a diverse and inclusive community. He recently got recognized as one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in the Maritimes.

Dalene Courneya Allen

Executive Director at BNI Maritimes

Dalene Allen is the Executive Director for the Business Network International (BNI) Maritimes. Known for being a master networker, she has spent over 30 years developing countless contacts. She built a multi-million-dollar direct sales business as an independent sales rep with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Like any entrepreneur, she is always learning and growing as an individual and searching for ways to promote herself and others.

Dalene is passionate about connecting local business people and seeing the productive relationships that develop. From being a member, to now the Executive Director of BNI Maritimes, she believes in BNI’s philosophy, core values, and the notion that “Givers Gain”.

BNI has been recognized in Forbes magazine, ranking #1 in Forbes 14 Smart Ways for a Business Owner to Reach New Contacts. Dalene believes we all want to be connected to something bigger than ourselves and when we share our networks, we are doing service to our friends and business contacts.

Thrive: Breakout Session, 1:30-2:30 pm

How do you thrive as a young professional? Learn from experienced leaders in the community as they explore 3 exciting topics you can pick from:

Mahbubur Rahman
Project Manager at Government of Nova Scotia

Mahbubur Rahman is from Dhaka, Bangladesh and has been living in Halifax, Nova Scotia for the last ten years. He is a past Board Member of Fusion Halifax and held Fusion Board Chair role between 2019 and 2021. He is an active community leader, mentor and passionate volunteer in Halifax Community. Mahbubur Rahman is the current Vice President (Program) of Project Management Institute, Nova Scotia Chapter. He also volunteers with multiple community organizations in Halifax. Mahbubur’s leadership and community engagement was recognized through multiple awards including Top 25 Immigrant of the Maritimes 2018, Province of Nova Scotia Volunteer Award 2017, Halifax Regional Municipality Volunteer Awards 2017, Dalhousie Board of Governors Award 2015.

Mahbubur Rahman has a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and MASc of Civil Engineering degree from Dalhousie University. He was awarded the Guy Hansen Gold Medal along with his MPA degree. He also obtained his Project Management Professional (PMP) and has more than eighteen years of professional experience. He recently joined the Department of Community Services, Government of Nova Scotia as Project Manager. He is happy to call Halifax his new home where he lives with his wife and two children.

Rebeccah Slaunwhite
Assistant Branch Manager at RBC

Details coming soon.