Inspiring Futures: Alexander Academy’s Monthly Speaker Series
Written by Alexander Academy in News and updates on March 11, 2026
At Alexander Academy, learning extends far beyond the classroom. One of the most inspiring traditions in our school community is our Monthly Speaker Series, created five years ago by our Head of School, Mr. Austen, to connect students with professionals from a wide range of industries and life paths.
The goal of the Speaker Series is simple but powerful: to expose students to real-world careers, meaningful life experiences, and the diverse opportunities that await them beyond graduation. “As educators, we want students to see the possibilities that exist beyond textbooks,” says Mr. Austen. “When students hear directly from people who have built careers in different industries, it helps them imagine their own futures in new and exciting ways.”
Each month during our school assemblies, students hear from accomplished guest speakers who share their career journeys, discuss the challenges they have faced, and answer thoughtful questions from our students. These sessions give students the chance to learn directly from professionals who are making an impact in their communities and industries.
“As educators, we want students to see the possibilities that exist beyond textbooks.”
— Mr. Austen, Head of School
This Year’s Inspiring Speakers
This year’s Speaker Series has already welcomed an impressive lineup of professionals from healthcare, law enforcement, international journalism, technology, and student wellness.
September
Sophia Knowles – Public Health Nurse, Vancouver Coastal Health
Sophia spoke about community health resources available to students and highlighted the importance of understanding and accessing local health support systems.
October
Constable Trevor Letourneau – Vancouver Police Department
Constable Letourneau discussed community safety and drug awareness, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge to help students make safe and informed decisions.
November
George Somerwill – United Nations Peacekeeper, BBC and CBC Journalist
In recognition of Remembrance Day, George shared his remarkable experiences as a UN peacekeeper and international journalist, offering students a global perspective on conflict, peacekeeping, and international affairs.
January
Jenny Chen – Health & Wellness Counsellor
Jenny spoke about student mental health, self-care, and the importance of accessing support systems during the academic journey.
February
Amelie Wang – Amazon Programming Engineer and University of Toronto Graduate (Alexander Academy Alumni)
One of the most exciting moments this year was welcoming back Alexander Academy alumna Amelie Wang. Amelie shared her journey from Alexander Academy to the University of Toronto and now to a career as a programming engineer at Amazon, inspiring students with a real example of the pathways available after graduation.
Upcoming Speaker
We are excited to welcome Angie Tsai, a real estate professional and Alexander Academy parent, who will share insights about the real estate industry and entrepreneurship.
Featured Speaker Highlight
A Meaningful Homecoming
Welcoming back Alexander Academy alumna Amelie Wang made this year’s series especially memorable. Her story—from student to University of Toronto graduate to Amazon programming engineer—gave current students a powerful and relatable example of what their own futures could become.
“Having alumni return to speak with current students is especially meaningful. It shows our students what is possible and reminds them that the journey they’re on at Alexander Academy can lead to incredible opportunities.”
— Mr. Austen
A Tradition of Remarkable Voices
Over the past five years, the Speaker Series has hosted an extraordinary variety of speakers, showing students that there is no single path to success—only many exciting possibilities.
- Community leaders from the Vancouver Food Bank
- Health and wellness counsellors
- Public health nurses from Vancouver Coastal Health
- Non-profit executives and NGO leaders
- Lawyers and motivational speakers
- Engineering leaders from Amazon Vancouver
- Entrepreneurs and business founders
- Surgeons and medical professionals
- Experts in sustainable fashion and zero-waste industries
- Leaders from global organizations such as the UN World Food Programme
- Biotechnology executives from STEMCELL Technologies
- Health informatics engineers supporting BC’s medical systems
- Public speaking and leadership coaches
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The Alexander Academy Speaker Series reflects our commitment to holistic education—helping students explore careers, develop curiosity, and connect their academic studies to real-world possibilities.
Through these conversations, students gain exposure to fields ranging from healthcare and engineering to international relations, entrepreneurship, and community service.
More importantly, they are reminded that their future is filled with possibilities.
“We hope every student leaves these talks thinking a little bigger about what their future could look like.”
Mr. Austen
Looking to start the application process? Apply to Alexander Academy here
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