Sarah McVanel and Chris Ventura have come full circle.

After completing their studies at Brock University, both have become active members in the alumni community and regularly involve themselves in various student initiatives.

The two will return to campus Saturday, Jan. 13 as keynote speakers at the Niagara Student Leadership Summit, a day-long event that helps students develop skills and encourages personal and professional growth.

As the owner of boutique firm Greatness Magnified, McVanel (BA ’99) focuses her career on helping others recognize their own greatness. She works with various not-for-profit organizations, coaching leaders one-on-one and engaging others in leadership development programs.

McVanel credits much of her success to her time in university.

“Brock has given me the best foundation of skills to build a successful career,” she said.

“The Psychology program gave me opportunities to TA in my third year, write the teaching assistant guide, form the Brock Psychology Society in 1997, and led me to more opportunities to work on special projects even after my time at the University.”

McVanel now has more than 17 years of senior-level leadership experience, an array of professional certifications and has written two books. She will be presenting about her experiences and encouraging participants to recognize each other’s greatness.

Similar to McVanel, Ventura (BA ’12; MEd ’17) has also used his time at Brock to initiate a successful career. As the Community Engagement Manager to Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington, he has used his background in history and political science and his passion for advocating for others to create meaningful relationships and programming for the Halton Region.

“Discovering my passion for both history and political science while at Brock, I was able sit on various committees, work closely with Brock University Students’ Union clubs, work with the business school as a student engagement assistant, and take my final master’s project on persons living with disabilities in positions of leadership and to apply it in other organizations,” said Ventura.

“I was able to be involved with student governance and be part of a group of senators and BUSU executives to lobby for a Fall Reading week, which later became part of the academic calendar.”

Through his advocacy and leadership, Ventura encourages others to find mentors to help them grow and champion their cause.

In keeping with this theme, he will present on the importance of a person’s five best friends, reflecting that individuals are who they are based on the people they surround themselves with.

In addition to the keynote speeches from Ventura and McVanel, the summit aims to provide hands-on learning and practical experience for students by engaging them in four talks and 14 workshops presented by Brock students. Visit ExperienceBU to learn more and to register.

What: Niagara Student Leadership Summit

Where: Sean O’Sullivan Theatre, Brock University

When: Saturday, Jan. 13, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cost: Free for Brock students. Visit ExperienceBU to register