Trent University alumna Anita Erskine '99 is ranked one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Africa, one of the Top 100 Most Inspirational Women in Ghana, and one of the most inspirational Ghanaian public figures. She’s also a Trent University alumna. Wearing a host of hats, Ms. Erskine is a strategic communications specialist, broadcast journalist, television producer and host. This diversity has cemented her reputation as one of the most versatile communication professionals from West Africa. In 2020, Ms. Erskine joined the Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative as both host and advisor. She’s also lent her voice and personality to numerous social impact projects due to her unwavering belief in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ mantra of not leaving anyone behind. Ms. Erskine was born in Jerusalem and grew up in Ghana. She joined TRENT Magazine for a long distance Zoom interview from Ghana. This interview is part of our special extra online TRENT Magazine content. You can find a shortened version in the June 2021 edition.

Trent Voices

Anita Erskine: Broadcast Journalist, Television Producer/Host, and Communications Specialist

In a special preview of the alumni flagship publication, TRENT Magazine is presenting a feature audio interview with expert in disease modelling and mathematical edipemiology and immunology, and Trent alumna, Dr. Jane Heffernan. The conversation, which touches on such current hot-button issues as COVID variants and vaccination, proved so timely that the magazine worked with the Trent Voices podcast to release the interview in an online audio format. As one of Canada’s leading mathematicians and a director with the Centre for Disease Modelling at York University, Dr. Heffernan’s highly regarded research focuses on the spread and persistence of infectious diseases. As with many of her research colleagues across Canada and around the globe, her focus over the past year has been dedicated almost exclusively to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Heffernan is an associate professor in the York University Faculty of Science/Department of Mathematics & Statistics and York Research Chair (Tier II), Multi-Scale Methods for Evidence-based Health Policy. The June edition of TRENT Magazine will feature a bio and interview with Dr. Heffernan, as well as stories on the impact of the pandemic on the arts, and in-depth interview with Ghanian broadcaster, talk show host, actress and girls’ education advocate, Anita Erskine.

Dr. Jane Heffernan: Expert in Disease Modelling and Mathematical Edipemiology/Immunology

Jim Maxwell ‘92 is a digital matte painter/concept artist, currently working on the television show Vikings Valhala. His work on the Vikings series has earned him four Emmy nominations, including a win this year. He was also nominated for an Emmy for his work on The Borgias. Jim has won a total of six Canadian Screen Awards. His digital matte painting/concept artist filmography includes more than 30 feature movies and television shows. Jim has a B.A. (Hon) in Cultural Studies and English Literature. For the visual slides from Jim's event, please see: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7qpcodj3g0yarbm/AADU6VFdLeCcbMCCY_q0_uoda?dl=0 This live Zoom event happened earlier this year and was presented by The Trent English Student Society, Trent Alumni Engagement and Services and  Life After Trent.

Jim Maxwell: Emmy Award Winning Matte Painter and Digital Artist

As a sought-after public speaker and lecturer specializing in resiliency, Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe delves into navigating stress and change, leadership, and personal wellness. Described as transformational, engaging, and thought-provoking, her keynotes provide practical strategies grounded in global research and case studies that help foster resiliency within others and ourselves. Her new book, Calm Within the Storm: A Pathway to Everyday Resiliency, she builds on this sustainable model for everyday resiliency, identifying the emotional, psychological, and physical obstacles that derail us and keep us from moving on in our lives.

Trent Voices: Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe

To help celebrate Black History Month, guest host Trent University Chancellor Stephen Stohn interviewed Ghanaian-born Ontario Superior Court of Justice judge, and Trent alumnus, Kofi Barnes. Justice Barnes has built a career out of his passion for helping those with both addiction and mental health issues. He’s the founder of the Metro West Youth Community Restoration Court, the Durham Mental Health and Drug Treatment Court and is co-founder of Canada’s first Drug Treatment Court. Honoured with both Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Silver and Jubilee Medals for his work, Justice Barnes is the editor of People, Places and Things: Inspirational Voices from Canada's Drug Treatment Courts. He is also a previous recipient of the Trent University Distinguished Alumni Award. Chancellor Stephen Stohn is the host of the acclaimed Trent Talks video series. He's also the host of the yet-to-be-released Chance Encounters, a video series that will see Chancellor Stohn sitting down with notable Trent community members around the world in order to hear their unique stories. This is an audio sneak peek at Chance Encounters. We look forward to bringing you the video series in the near future.

Ontario Superior Court of Justice Kofi Barnes, Interviewed by Trent Chancellor Stephen Stohn

Julia Caron '03 and Jonathan Pinto '06 are drive time hosts on CBC Radio.   We talk about life in the hosting chair and the delicate art of broadcasting during the pandemic. Julia is the host of Quebec AM. She's an award-winning journalist who is constantly seeking out and sharing captivating stories across the furthest reaches of the province. Early on in her career with CBC, Julia firmly established herself as a natural storyteller and tenacious sleuth. She is perhaps best known for her obsession with history, and what we can learn about the present from our past. That is reflected in everything from her extensive knowledge of early photography and film all the way down to her vintage wardrobe. A voracious reader and art lover, you're likely to cross paths with Julia in libraries, art galleries and museums across Quebec. She frequently participates in local literary events and festivals in both official languages, and proudly calls herself a franglophone (yes, it's a thing).  Jonathan Pinto is the host of CBC Thunder Bay and CBC Subury's afternoon radio show on CBC Radio One, Up North.Born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, Jonathan fell in love with CBC Radio at the age of 14 while listening to CBC Toronto’s Here and Now. He appreciated how the accents and stories reflected his own parents, who are from India. Over the last ten years with CBC, Jonathan has maintained an unwavering commitment to truth, accuracy and accountability. He has designed extensive online candidate guides to keep voters informed during municipal elections, and even climbed aboard a fishing boat to report on Canada’s largest freshwater fishery. He started his career as a producer at CBC Toronto, and most recently was a reporter and guest host at CBC Windsor and CBC London’s Afternoon Drive.  When Jonathan isn’t caring for his infant daughter, you can find him browsing local markets, sampling beloved eateries or cooking at home. He’s a self-professed food lover and is open to all must-try suggestions!  

Trent Voices CBC Radio Hosts Julia Caron and Jonathan Pinto

Trent Voices, the Trent Alumni Association podcast show, sat down with Trent University president and vice-chancellor Dr. Leo Groarke for a special conversation about the impact of COVID-19 on Trent, universities across Canada, and post-secondary education. During the interview, Prof. Groarke talked about Trent's response to the pandemic -- from the provincial shutdown in March through to the reopening of campus for the 2020 academic year. He also discusses how COVID-19 has and will continue to affect Canadian universities and university education. It's a unique glimpse into what goes into leading a university through a global emergency, with all of the complications that a busy campus community represent, including budgets, housing, live lab experiments, international students, the need to continue the academic year in progress, and a launch of new, safe academic year.The interview took place as part of Trent University's 2020 virtual Homecoming celebrations and originally aired during a special Trent Radio Alumni Homecoming Broadcast.

Trent Voices: Trent President and Vice-Chancellor Leo Groarke

 In the second episode of our #TrentUCares podcast miniseries, we talk to Trent School of Education graduates Rich McPherson and Mitch Champagne, as well as Dr. Cathy Bruce, Dean of the School of Education, about teaching during the pandemic, balancing working, parenting, and educating kids, as well as ideas on how parents can help make the educational process more rewarding.Video with closed captioning available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xCgc0T5ueD8 

Trent Voices: School of Education Alumni During the COVID-19 Crisis

In the first episode of our #TrentUCares podcast miniseries, we talk to Nursing graduates Natalie Beavis and Scott Wight about their experiences over the past two months. We're also joined by Dr. Kirsten Woodend, Dean of the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, who has a special National Nurse's Week message for nurses around the world. For a closed caption video of the recording, please visit: https://youtu.be/SCRYWrbaDR4

Trent Voices: Nursing Alumni During the COVID-19 Crisis

Trent alumnus Dr. Tim Cook '90 is a Great War historian at the Canadian War Museum, as well as an adjunct professor at Carleton University. He has authored numerous books on both the First and the Second World Wars, including No Place to Run: The Canadian Corps and Gas Warfare in the First World War, Shock Troops, Vimy: The Battle and the Legend, and his latest, The Secret History of Soldiers: How Canadians Survived the Great War. In 2008 he won the J.W. Dafoe Prize for At the Sharp End and again in 2018 for Vimy; Shock Troops won the 2009 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction. In 2013, Cook received the Pierre Berton Award for popularizing Canadian history. In 2019, The Secret History of Soldiers won the Ottawa Book Award. Dr. Cook is a member of the Order of Canada. Trent Voices talked to Dr. Cook on how our perspective of historic events change, the balancing act between storytelling/entertainment and historical narrative when writing, and how he chooses the front-line stories that make it into his work.

Trent Voices: War Historian and Bestselling Author Tim Cook

Trent University Business alumnus Jason Parsons is best known as the DJ and Hype Man for the band Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker (USS), where he performs under the name Human Kebab. But while he and bandmate Ashley Buchholz have garnered millions of Spotify streams, tens of thousands of likes on Facebook and toured all around the world over the past decade, the key to Mr. Parsons success has been as much about entrepreneurial spirit, career creativity, and keen business sense as it has music. We previously talked to Jason a couple of years ago, when he took on the role of Trent Alumni Day of Service Ambassador. "Trent Voices caught up with The Human Kebab via Skype for a conversation that ranged from the serious to the silly: from the origins of his unique stage name to jamming with Maestro Fresh Wes to touring the world making music to the impact of his Trent experience. But what we kept returning to was the importance of community – in this case, both the USS and the Trent University ones." You can find that interview here.

Trent Voices: Jason "Human Kebab" Parsons of Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker

Women Leaders in Peterborough Politics, Part 3 of 3. Newly re-elected MP Maryam Monsef. Peterborough has a long history of being represented by Trent University alumni politicians. Currently, alumnus Dave Smith is the MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. Alumnus Jeff Leal held that seat for the previous four terms (and sat on Peterborough City Council before that). There are also several alumni represented on area councils. Never before, though, have women taken on so many major political roles here. Right now, alumna Diane Therrien is Mayor of Peterborough, alumna Emily Whetung MacInnes is Chief of Curve Lake First Nation, and alumna Maryam Monsef is about to start her second term as MP for Peterborough-Kawartha – she was formerly Canada’s Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality. All three of these women are in their 30s – relatively young for politics – and all three are breaking new ground. TRENT Magazine was honoured to bring this trio together to talk about the state of local and Canadian politics today – in particular, about gender inclusivity and empowerment.

Trent Voices: Newly Elected MP for Peterborough-Kawartha Maryam Monsef '03

TRENT Magazine sat down with alumnus, environmental educator and director of Camp Kawartha and the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre for a conversation about education, leadership, and the relationship between kids and their natural environment.

Trent Voices: Jacob Rodenburg, Executive Directer of Camp Kawartha

Women Leaders in Peterborough Politics, Part 2 of 3. Emily Whetung MacInnes. Peterborough has a long history of being represented by Trent University alumni politicians. Currently, alumnus Dave Smith is the MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. Alumnus Jeff Leal held that seat for the previous four terms (and sat on Peterborough City Council before that). There are also several alumni represented on area municipal councils. Never before, though, have women taken on so many major political roles here. Right now, alumna Diane Therrien is Mayor of Peterborough, alumna Emily Whetung MacInnes is Chief of Curve Lake First Nation, and alumna Maryam Monsef is MP for Peterborough-Kawartha, as well as Canada’s Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality. All three of these women are in their 30s – relatively young for politics – and all three are breaking new ground. TRENT Magazine was honoured to bring this trio together to talk about the state of local and Canadian politics today – in particular, about gender inclusivity and empowerment. This episode features Emily Whetung MacInnes. Look for the other episodes soon.

Trent Voices: Emily Whetung MacInnes, Chief of Curve Lake First Nation

The Trent University Alumni Association podcast. A long-form interview show, Trent Voices shines the spotlight on our many talented alumni. From household names to people working behind the scenes – all of our guests are helping to shape the world in their own unique ways.