At Academy of Learning, we take immense pride in the achievements of our dedicated staff members. Recently, our Administration team had the honor of being featured on the renowned podcast, ED UP Canada, hosted by Michael Sangster. This platform provided an opportunity for our staff to share their experiences, insights, and the journey of turning their skills into success. Let’s delve into the captivating discussions and remarkable stories shared by our esteemed team members:
1. Chamara Perera: Chief Operating Officer
Chamara Perera, our esteemed Chief Operating Officer, shared his wealth of experience in overseeing the operational aspects of our institution. His strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in driving Academy of Learning towards excellence. During the podcast, Chamara highlighted the reach of Opulence Education Group across Canada and the 75+ programs offered by the network of colleges. He shares his approach on how students are not just a number/goal and how they should be seen on more human and empathetic manner.
“I’ve seen the hardships people go through, but we’re very empathetic to those individuals. We want to change their lives, and give them the best hands-on experience. That is what myself and my entire team is passionate about.“
– Chamara Perera
2. Annie Amenshewa: Regional Director
Annie Amenshewa, our esteemed Regional Director, brought her wealth of experience and expertise to the forefront during the podcast. With a passion for education and a commitment to empowering students, Annie shared her journey from the role of Campus Director to now being the Regional Director. She shares how she plays her part in the organization by overseeing the operations and making sure our Company, students and our staff have exactly what they need in order to thrive in their roles. She also talks about the financial aid options available to our students in Ontario as well as how Academy of Learning meets regulatory requirements for students to qualify for student aid.
“For me, adaptability is the key aspect that our students leave with. So when they come in, they come in with competing priorities and they have to learn to be adaptable and learn how to prioritize their education for now so that they can prioritize everything else in their life.”
– Annie Amenshewa
3. Inoka De Silva: Director, Career Services
Inoka De Silva, our Director of Career Services, offered valuable insights into the pivotal role career services play in guiding students towards fulfilling and successful career paths. Her dedication to facilitating meaningful connections between students and employers was evident throughout the podcast. Inoka’s passion for supporting students in achieving their professional goals shines through her words and actions. She speaks about how the Career Services department had to cooperate and come up with creative solutions such as in the case of paralegal program.
“In the private career college sector, I think one, important factor that the students come out with is teamwork, be it the class setting or in a practicum setting, [where] they are able to get along with one another, understand the diverse personalities and have great attitude when they go into the workforce.“
– Inoka De Silva
4. Russell Jude: VP Admissions, Eastern Canada
Russell Jude, our Vice President of Admissions for Eastern Canada, brought his extensive knowledge of admissions processes and student recruitment strategies to the forefront. He speaks about his approach to get to know the students on a deeper level such as their dreams, goals and challenges in order to help them choose the right career program. He also touches on the importance of communicating and cooperating with the other departments that play a role in students’ journey.
“We understand the basic needs of an individual. So, we understand where they’re coming from, where they want to go and help them throughout journey to success. Sometimes they come in wanting to take one particular program, but when you sit down and talk to them, they realize that probably the Program that would get them to their desired career goal, is another program.”
– Russell Jude
5. Bushra Khalid: Director of Student Services
Bushra Khalid, our Director of Student Services, shared her passion for student success and well-being during the podcast. Her dedication to providing comprehensive support services that address the diverse needs of our student body was evident throughout the discussion. She discusses how it is important to have communication within the departments of the organization regarding the student needs. She shares how at Academy of Learning, the students are encouraged and are assured that they will be looked after by every department of the organization and the challenges that arise in trying to achieve it.
“So, what we do here, especially with all of our campuses in Ontario, is that we are working seven days a week and we have extended working hours. We work from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM to be able to provide all the support that the students need. Because, they are either working full-time or they’re managing at home or they have other commitments and we do our best to provide them the kind of good quality support at the time when it is convenient for them.”
– Bushra Khalid
As a leading career college in Toronto, we are incredibly proud of our Administration team’s achievements and contributions to the field of education. Their participation in the ED UP Canada podcast is a testament to their expertise, dedication, and commitment to excellence. We invite you to listen to their insightful discussions and gain valuable insights into the world of career education.
Read the full article posted at nacc.ca here.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and features from Academy of Learning!
