OC alumna honoured as Top 40 Under 40
Danielle Walker graduated with distinction from Okanagan College with a Business Administration Diploma in Accounting. She is currently working toward her Business Administration Degree and adjusting to life as a student during a pandemic.
Walker was recently announced as an honouree on the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce’s BDO Top 40 Under 40 list. We caught up with her to see what she’s been up to.
Q: What was your best memory during your time at OC?
A: I am the project manager for Enactus Okanagan College’s CANsave program. CANsave is a national financial literacy program for children in Kindergarten to Grade 4. In 2019, I contributed to this initiative by developing a new learning module - CANsave for Unique Learners – an adapted financial literacy program for children with diverse learning needs. As a mom of a child on the Autism spectrum, I knew firsthand that not all children learn best in the same way, and I wanted to use my skills to make a difference. Being an OC business student and member of Enactus enabled me to do something that was really important to me and that will impact the lives of many children.
Q: Do you do any volunteer/charity work?
A: Absolutely! I am the Co-Founder of Kelowna Community Helpers, an online platform established to coordinate community efforts to help those most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group empowers people to help people. Individuals requiring help, post their needs and community members respond offering support.
Q: You made the list of BDO’s Top 40 under 40 – how did that feel?
A: At first it was a little surreal. I am so honoured and thankful to all the friends, family, mentors and faculty advisors who have helped me along the way. I am actively involved in the community and I am grateful to be able to use my knowledge and experience to make an impact!
Q: What advice would you pass on to current/future students?
A: Get involved with student associations, clubs and competitions. The experience you will gain will really help you take your education to the next level! Also, remember that your professors are there to support you; OC definitely has some of the best so don’t be afraid to ask questions, use office hours and ask for help when you need it.
Q: If you could go back and tell yourself one thing, would you and what would you say?
A: Don’t be afraid to go for it! When you have an idea or a goal, make a plan and make it happen.
The Okanagan College Alumni Association (OCAA) is a non-profit organization that celebrates alumni by creating connections and opportunities.
The OCAA was founded in 1988. Since then, the goal of the Association has been to connect alumni with each other and with the College, while supporting the College's mission statement of transforming lives and communities.
The OCAA offers benefits and networking opportunities to OC graduates and celebrates them by sharing their stories and recognizing their achievements through awards such as the Distinguished & Young Alumni Awards.
Know an alumni doing great things? We want to hear about them. Contact us, alumni@okanagan.bc.ca.