How Concordia University built a virtual alumni programme that creates broad and deep constituent engagement

Author's Biography

Temi Akin-Aina has over 15 years of experience building robust alumni engagement programmes in Canadian higher education. She believes deeply in the power of education to make significant change in people's lives and the importance of opportunity. In her role at Concordia University, she is a member of the leadership team responsible for building affinity, pride and community among the global network of 220,000 plus Concordia alumni. Her specialities include data-informed alumni programme strategy, change management, virtual programming and alumni engagement metrics.  An active volunteer with the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE),  Akin-Aina has served in various roles, most recently as faculty for the 2022 Special Events in Advancement conference. She is also the subcommittee lead for Fundraising and Community Engagement on the President's Task Force for Anti-Black Racism at Concordia University.

Olivia Piccirelli has a background in the non-profit sector and higher education, and is an alumni engagement strategist who works to build mass engagement and inspire philanthropy among a global alumni network. She believes that building a community that represents the diversity and scale of the global student and alumni body is fundamental to fostering meaningful and sustainable relationships. She is passionate about supporting graduates at all career stages through professional development services and experiential learning. Olivia has previously served as Fundraising Call Centre Manager in Annual Giving at McGill University. She is a member of the Alumni Career Services Network (ACSN) and sits on Concordia University Advancement's EDI Working Group. Olivia graduated from Queen's University and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Concordia's John Molson School of Business.