Our Story

Susan (Susie) M. Brigham, Ph.D is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU). She is of African descent from an immigrant family.  As a mother of two daughters, a  former school teacher, past Chair of the Alexa McDonough Institute and past chair of Girls Conferences held at MSVU for over a decade as well as an organizer and education consultant for other programs for girls, she has a drive to contribute to the learning experiences of girls.

Cassandra McDonald, M.A.Ed., is a PT Professor in the Faculty of Aging and Family Science at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) and the Co-Parenting Facilitator at New Start. From 2013-2020 she volunteered and worked for the Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender and Social Justice as the event coordinator for the Girls Conference, the International Day of the Girl Child, and many other events. Cassandra is dedicated to creating change around gender equality by providing opportunities for girls of all ages to empower themselves and become future leaders.  

Hannah McDonald is a Bachelor of Business Administration graduate currently working at Verb Interactive, a digital marketing and technology company specializing in travel and hospitality. The women in Hannah’s life have played an important role in shaping who she is, from her family and friendships to the many inspiring women she has crossed paths with along the way. She deeply values learning from other women and building positive relationships and a strong sense of community. Hannah believes in lifting up and celebrating each other’s strengths, recognizing that every woman has something meaningful to offer. This belief is a big part of why NSGIRL’s mission means so much to her.

Lily Brigham-Gale is an epidemiology & applied health research master’s student with a background in biology and neuroscience. As a strong feminist, she was inspired to pursue graduate level research around maternal and women’s health, a traditionally understudied field which has led to centuries of health care inequity. In her spare time Lily loves to be creative, whether she is baking, taking pictures, or painting. She strives to be an advocate for women’s healthcare equity and health research equality, as well as a supporter of women and girls in STEM. 

Kwe’ my name is Holly Meuse from L’sitkuk First Nation (Bear River). I am a single mom of three awesome boys, and I enjoy spending time with family. I am a Mi’kmaq artist in my spare time. I completed a Certificate of Fine Arts at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and a degree in Sociology and Social Work. I am a registered Social Worker and completed a Master of Arts in Education in Lifelong Learning. I am currently a doctoral student in Educational Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University.  

Dáminí Awóyígà is a poet and former Youth Poet Laureate for the Halifax Regional Municipality (2023–2024). She is also a freelance journalist with CBC Mainstreet and a member of the HRM Youth Advisory Council and the current chair. Damini has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Community Hero Award and the 2025 Lieutenant Governor’s Award. In August 2025, she delivered her first TEDx Talk at TEDx Argyle on the power of creativity, becoming the youngest TEDx Argyle speaker at age 18. She is currently pursuing a degree in journalism at the University of King’s College. Damini was also part of the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black in Canada 2025 cohort in partnership with Netflix, a program dedicated to amplifying the voices of emerging Black filmmakers. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Damini is passionate about dance, film, writing, singing, and performing poetry.

Hania Ali is a youth leader and community advocate passionate about empowering young people and creating inclusive spaces. She serves on the HRM Youth Advisory Committee and has been involved in organizations including UNICEF, NSICC, YWCA, YMCA, and SuperNOVA, with a focus on youth engagement, community service, and girls’ empowerment. Hania is also an award-winning public speaker, having placed first at the inter-provincial level of the Lions Club Speak-Out competition, and a provincial badminton champion. She hopes to pursue a career in law and continue using her voice to advocate for meaningful change in her community.

Natalie Freeman is a law student at the University of New Brunswick. Born and raised in Sackville, Nova Scotia, Natalie spent seven years working with children and youth in recreational environments, which sparked her interest in children’s rights. Most recently, Natalie has worked as a summer law student at Patterson Law, Truro, and as a Research Assistant with the Canadian Observatory on the Rights of the Child. Natalie looks forward to returning to Nova Scotia to practice law and contribute to the NSGIRL team!