Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Award
The Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented in collaboration with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre to recognize alumni who have achieved outstanding entrepreneurial success in sustainability, innovation, and community outreach. A maximum of three candidates per year will be granted the Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Selection
Candidates are considered annually by the Saint Mary's University Alumni Association's Awards & Nomination Committee. Winners will be announced and celebrated at the Alumni Awards.
Timeline
The nomination period for the 2024 Alumni Awards is now closed.
Nomination Form
2024 Recipients
Dave O’Connor BComm’92 
Dave O’Connor, a 1992 graduate of Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce, is the driving force behind Glow The Event Store, Atlantic Canada’s premier event rental company. Since starting the business in 1996, he has transformed Glow from a small sign company into a full-service event provider. Dave’s leadership fosters collaboration and innovation, inspiring his team of 150 employees during peak seasons to deliver exceptional experiences.
Community engagement is central to Dave’s mission. Inspired by his wife, Stephanie, BComm’92, he is committed to giving back, with Glow contributing over $100,000 annually to local organizations like the Dartmouth General Hospital and the Mental Health Foundation. Additionally, Dave is actively involved in volunteerism, having played significant roles with the Dartmouth General Hospital, Halifax Progress Club, and Halifax Hawks Minor Hockey Association, where he coached youth and developed leadership programs. Through these efforts, Dave exemplifies the values of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and community outreach—all rooted in the values and education from Saint Mary’s University.
Shubhra Singh MTEI'23
Shubhra graduated with a Master of Technology Entrepreneurship & Innovation from Saint Mary’s in 2023. Founder and CEO, Shubhra’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. With 17 years of experience, Shubhra has navigated the dynamic landscapes of consumer business, electronics, e-commerce, and SaaS, leaving her mark at industry giants like Samsung, Fareye, and Wiley.
Shubhra has developed 360 applications for Samsung smart TVs, including platforms like MTV Indies, Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube, benefiting millions of users. She has also created e-commerce solutions, such as buyer and seller apps and warehouse management systems and implemented logistics automation for clients in the United States, showcasing her extensive expertise.
Beyond her professional success, Shubhra is an inspiring woman who consistently breaks barriers. As a key member of founding teams, she excels in product development and delivery, utilizing agile methodologies and project management to lead large teams effectively. Her dedication to mentoring women and minorities culminated in the creation of EmployNXT, a platform aimed at making hiring a "One-click Solution." EmployNXT is designed to simplify the hiring process and empower individuals to find the right job opportunities.
Shubhra is driven by the belief in the power of giving back. Her journey combines professional excellence with a dedication to social impact, making her a true leader and an inspiration. She is currently mentoring with Halifax Partnership, Edunova, and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Center, supporting IT professionals and budding entrepreneurs to grow together.
Past Recipients
- 2023: Sehmat Suri BA'19 BComm'19 and Mohammed Issa BComm'16