The Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games have been the training ground for many Niagara College students and alumni to jumpstart their careers.
That was certainly the case for Event Management alumna Stephanie Felice (2020) and Sport Administration alumnus Red Nguyen (2021).
While the two didn’t work together directly, Felice and Red brought their respective NC training and experience to their roles supporting one of Canada’s largest multi-sport events.
Felice from Thorold and Red from Vietnam studied at NC for the better part of the COVID-19 pandemic, weathering lockdowns, restrictions, a pivot to online classes, and limited experiential learning opportunities.
As their respective industries came to a grinding halt, so too did many practicum and internship opportunities. Both Felice and Red joined the Canada Summer Games organizing team to apply their skills to the real-world and break into their respective fields.
Meet event planning pro Stephanie Felice
“I was in the Event Management program during a really altering time,” explains Felice. “When I started the program in September 2019 I had no idea what was to come. Little did I know that two weeks before our final project, we would have to cancel our event that we had been working on for six months. With that, the event industry would take a hard hit from COVID. It was the biggest learning curve I have ever experienced.”
Felice, who returned home to Niagara after completing her undergraduate degree in Toronto, got involved with the Canada Games as part of her NC program.
“I wanted to get into large production events. Jenn Dey, who was the Internship Coordinator at the time, encouraged me to apply for the Event & Community Relations internship position with Canada Games. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her guidance.”
“During my internship with the Games, I was planning milestone events and learned very quickly that I found my passion. What I really enjoyed about my internship is that I was applying the practical skills I learned in my classes into real life scenarios with the Games,” said Felice.
Despite pandemic setbacks, Felice looks back fondly on her time at NC. “I would describe my NC experience as hands-on, creative and student centered.”
Felice had the unique experience of being taught by NC’s Shelley Merlo – professor in the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport – but also working alongside her at the Canada Games where Merlo has been seconded as Special Events Liaison.
“One thing I took from her [Shelley] being my teacher (and colleague) is the passion and drive she has for event planning. She puts 110% in everything she does,” said Felice.
After investing more than two years into Games preparation, Felice landed a position in Toronto’s event management scene. She is now an event coordinator with theScore, a mobile sports media, sports betting and esports company.
“My time at the Canada Games was a huge stepping-stone in my event planning career. I was able to get a variety of experience from community events, grand openings, partnership announcements, and planning large scale events like the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.”
While Felice is busy taking her career to new levels, she is back in Niagara as a volunteer with the Games and looks forward to seeing the project through. She was proud to work behind-the-scenes at Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the 13 for 13 festivals around the region, and Pride Day at Niagara Place.
“I can tell you firsthand that everyone involved with the games have been working night and day to make it the best yet. I’m so excited to see everyone’s hard work come to fruition.”
Meet Event Services Lead for Cycling, Red Nguyen
Sport Administration alumnus Red Nguyen was first introduced to the Canada Games by NC professor and CSG’s Special Events Liaison Shelley Merlo. Merlo tasked Red and his class with developing a sponsorship package for the Games, an exercise with real-world application.
“There were a lot of valuable insights that interested as well as prepared me for my volunteer position,” said Red, referring to his role as Event Services Lead for Cycling with the Canada Games. “Despite the pandemic, being part of the Games during and after my program is a great opportunity and really highlights the applied learning motto of the College.”
Originally from Vietnam, Red resides in St. Catharines. In addition to his role with the N22 Games, he works part-time at the Meridian Centre. He began his role with the Games in August 2021, meeting with his team (at first virtually) twice per month to practice scenarios they might encounter. In July, Nguyen spent time training volunteers.
“This is my first opportunity to work on an event of this magnitude and lead a team of volunteers,” said Red. “As Event Services Volunteers, we will do our best to enable everyone, from athletes to spectators, to have a great experience with the Games and experience the hospitality that is of the Niagara region. I am looking forward to a job well done by my team and embracing any potential challenges.”
Red’s events kicked off in week one of the Games. “Cycling has been awesome. We got some rain on Monday throughout the women’s race but everyone pushed through and the energy is top notch.”
Red brings his ambition and a positive attitude to his work to help make the Canada Games a success. Following the Games, he aspires to work on the events side of the sports industry, the energy of which he describes as “infectious.”
“I am happy knowing that I can turn to our faculty staff, especially the professors like Stephen Carroll, for career advice as well as referrals if you’ve proved your ability.”
“No matter what I do, I am always surrounded by wonderful people, and for that, I am very grateful.”
