If yes, apply to be a Maverick! —a student leader who earns $200 for hosting a workshop! The Makers and Movers Training Series at Saint Mary’s University is the first-ever student-run pilot program where YOU get to step into the spotlight, develop hands-on skills and empower your peers.
As a Maverick, you will run your own workshop on your specialized topic of expertise, share your passion, and gain real-world experience in creativity, entrepreneurship and leadership.
As a student supporter/attendee, you will get the opportunity to get insights from young leaders (our selected Mavericks) in the community and network with diverse individuals.
Ready to lead and get paid? Apply by September 10 to become a Maverick and make an impact through the Makers and Movers Training Series.
Note: All Maverick applications will be reviewed by our team and only the top 8 will be chosen to deliver sessions for the fall term 2025.
Makers & Movers is a student-led event that celebrates the journeys, experiences, and insights of student leaders within our community.
Each year, eight outstanding Mavericks are selected (4 per semester) —students who are actively building, leading and creating impact across different fields.
These Mavericks host fast paced engaging sessions where they share their personal stories, lessons learned and the realities behind their journeys.
The selected mavericks receive $250 as an honorarium for their participation and additional bonus payments for increasing engagement.
The Makers and Movers training series brings you engaging, student-led workshops designed to inspire and empower. Each session is hosted by a Maverick—a student leader passionate about sharing their knowledge in areas like entrepreneurship, arts, innovation, and so much more!
To be announced.
Liza Zahid is a 19-year-old student leader, entrepreneur and President and CEO of the Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA). Liza is also the Co-founder of the tech startup IngineA and founded Nova Scotia’s first university Formula 1 society. She is a firm believer in leaning into the uncomfortable; whether in the VC space or student politics; and views every “loss” as a necessary pivot toward a more intentional “win.”
Conrad Scotchburn is a recent Bachelor of Commerce graduate. He founded the SMU AI Society and the SMU Accounting Society and has held several academic roles on campus as a teaching assistant, research assistant, and tutor. He is also the founder of Blyyss, a grocery affordability platform, and has developed AI tools designed to support patient communication and scheduling in healthcare clinics.
Day is a third-year Commerce student at Saint Mary’s University, balancing academics with pouring her heart into Neurodivergence advocacy, awareness and education. She lights up when presented with an opportunity to partner with neurodivergent-led businesses, community-development champions and kindred spirits – and she’s always eager to spark new adventures that show joy.
Sunal Shah is a third-year Bachelor of Arts student, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Women and Gender Studies. Originally from Kenya, Sunal is actively involved in campus life as the Assistant Food Room Coordinator and a Food Room Volunteer, as well as a Pack Leader and volunteer with the Keep It Social program. Through these roles, Sunal is passionate about supporting student well-being, fostering community, and encouraging students to take initiative and create positive impact during their university experience.
CEO of College Life Academy
Born and raised in Jamaica, Tashauna moved to Canada in 2021 to pursue her dream of becoming a neuroscientist. After overcoming academic struggles—graduating high school with a 1.8 GPA and transforming into a 4.0 science student in university—she founded College Life
Academy in 2020. The faceless social media platform has amassed over 270,000 TikTok followers, offering students practical tools to improve study habits and academic success.
Tashauna’s innovative approach has led to collaborations with brands like Microsoft and Best Buy. She also teaches faceless social media marketing, empowering others to build impactful, anonymous digital brands.
Founder of Being There
Stuti Sandhu is a passionate advocate for mental health and community well-being, driven by a deep desire to create meaningful societal impact. With experience in mental health support, peer coaching and leadership roles at Saint Mary’s University, Stuti excels in fostering inclusivity and innovation.
Stuti aspires to attend medical school and ultimately build her non-profit organization to optimize health and well-being for vulnerable populations.
Photographer and Videographer
A Bachelor of Commerce student at Saint Mary’s University, majoring in Accounting and Marketing, with a strong passion for photography and videography.
Experienced in creating engaging content and managing marketing campaigns for organizations such as Enactus Saint Mary’s, Ambassatours, HFX e-Scooters, and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University.
Founder of Accessories for Access
Adrianna is a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce student at Saint Mary’s University. She is the founder and president of the Sobey School of Business Sustainability Society, where she leads initiatives promoting sustainable business practices.
As the founder of Accessories for Access, a non-profit social enterprise, Adrianna raises funds to help women in Sub-Saharan Africa access education and leadership training. She also served as the North American Regional Leader for PRME Global Students, an initiative supporting the United Nations Global Compact’s principles of responsible management education.
Adrianna has also worked as a research assistant on a project examining the financial performance of companies engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities and won IBESCC in Los Angeles, an international business case competition focused on ethics and sustainability.
