The RBC Talent Hub team is dedicated to supporting student success, including Entrepreneurs-In-Residence, Alumni-In-Residence, Professionals-In-Residence and Faculty-In-Residence, giving Saint Mary’s University students access to some of Canada’s top talent. Our experts share their experience, giving students real-life knowledge through one-on-one mentoring, workshops and other events. They help coach both our students and businesses that hire co-operative placements, helping connect them to resources.
Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Keisha Turner BA’12 is an athlete, entrepreneur, innovator, and philanthropist with a unique lived experience that emboldens her to disrupt status-quo thinking by asking thoughtful and challenging questions, delivering meaningful solutions, and inspiring others to redefine the way they perceive the world.
A first-generation graduate of Saint Mary’s University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (2012), Keisha is the co-founder of Starberry Drink Co and is the co-founder of Akwekon Enterprises Inc., an innovation-focused consulting firm that builds equitable pathways for organizations, businesses, and their leadership.
Keisha brings a differentiated set of strengths and two-eyed perspectives to problem-solving including strategic planning, equity and action, program development and innovation, corporate wellness coaching, assessment, and fostering collaborative and diverse energy between communities.
Keisha’s passion for sport, fitness, health, and mindfulness continues to lead her down a path toward overall good living at every stage of her life. She is thrilled to be able to bring her lived and professional experience and contribute to the ongoing work of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.
Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Dr. Darren Burke is a former university professor who turned his research into a new category of sports nutrition products. He grew the company from inception to Canadian and US market leader in five years, followed by a successful exit.
In 2017 he and a co-founder developed a sustainable technology to reduce food waste and save valuable nutrients in fruit and vegetables destined for landfill. They built the company from idea to a $30 million value with multiple manufacturing facilities in just three years.
Dr. Darren Burke is currently researching innovation for health and wellness consumer products, sustainable technology and developing science-based products.
Alumni-in-Residence
Adam was born and raised in Kampala, Uganda. He graduated from Saint Mary’s with a degree in Computing and Information Systems in 2021. He gained his experience from working closely with young entrepreneurs, startups and medium-sized businesses to accomplishing their business-driven goals using technology. He currently works at Digital Nova Scotia as a Project Specialist, guiding projects based on the tourism sector for the province. His goal is to continue to build his experience in the digital space, using creativity and entrepreneurial tenets and ensuring he connects personally with every client he works with. As a spoken word poet and digital creator, he strives to grow as an entrepreneur and support others in their endeavours.
Alumni-in-Residence
Morgan Tucker BComm’22 is currently an Analyst at Davis Pier Consulting and brings a diverse skill set and extensive experience spanning various social sector organizations. Morgan excels in community consultations, applying a person-centred design approach to conduct meaningful, first-voice engagements. With a keen focus on trauma-informed approaches, she has demonstrated her expertise in a range of projects.
Morgan has been dedicated to developing strategies and roles that facilitate the transition of Disability Support Program participants from large facilities into the community. A pivotal aspect of her work involves crafting communication and change management plans that are not only person-centred but also effective in reducing participant harm and fostering safer, trauma-informed environments.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Morgan has devoted considerable time over the last six years to volunteer work with local shelters and prominent community organizations such as Feed Nova Scotia and Adsum House for Women and Children. This commitment is rooted in her personal history, as the community played a pivotal role in supporting her and her family during her youth. Morgan recognizes the significance of community-based programs and services, as they played a crucial role in her own life, fueling her passion to contribute to initiatives that help others unlock their potential.
Morgan holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Magna Cum Laude in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University, where she was honoured with the Frank H. Sobey Award and SMUSA Senior of the Year Award. Morgan was a member of the 2021-2022 SMU Venture Grade student investment fund, which entered a team in the VCIC New England Regionals and placed second among many top-tier American schools. Morgan was also the co-president of the Sobey School of Business Commerce Society in her final year of university.
Currently, she is pursuing a Certificate in Agile Workplace Development from Saint Mary’s University.
