Annual Report 2025 -2026 Strong communities are built through learning, partnership, and leadership. 2025 / 2026 ANNUAL REPORT
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STRONG COMMUNITIES START WITH PEOPLE This year, I was reminded once again that
and persistent inequality are reshaping
national conversation, communities need
meaningful change rarely begins with
how people live and work. Yet amid these
more than investment. They need people
institutions or predetermined answers. It
pressures, we also see courage, creativity, and
with knowledge, confidence, relationships,
begins with people: people who understand
an unwavering determination to build a more
and leadership skills to ensure that change
their communities, recognize the assets
just and hopeful future.
reflects local realities and creates opportunity
around them, know the risks that they are facing, and are prepared to turn knowledge into collective action.
Here in Canada, building a stronger country also begins with stronger communities and doesn’t happen through national or
for everyone. Canada’s strength will ultimately depend on the capacity of communities, rural and urban, Indigenous and newcomer, to adapt and contribute to a stronger future.
Across the world, communities are
provincial policy alone. At a time when
responding to profound and interconnected
international trade, affordability, housing,
That determination is at the heart of Coady
challenges. Economic uncertainty, conflict,
economic resilience, inclusion, reconciliation,
Institute.
climate pressures, technological change,
and climate readiness are shaping the
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COADY INSTITUTE
During 2025–26, we brought Walking with Community:
This is what makes Coady’s approach distinctive. We do not
Strategic Direction 2025–2030 to life. We began to apply a
enter communities assuming that we hold the answers. We
critical lens to our educational programs, deepened partnerships
begin with a different question: What knowledge, leadership,
and reviewed our ways of working, expanded opportunities
relationships, and assets are already here, and how can they
for people to learn closer to where they live and work, and
become the foundation for lasting change?
connected community leaders across regions and countries. Here are just three compelling examples from the past year: y
y
y
Global connections: Our team brought together more
Education creates space for people to question assumptions, exchange knowledge, and imagine new
Canada’s strength will ultimately
than 100 participants to share learning and reflections from our
possibilities. Leadership turns those
ENGAGE! Women’s Empowerment and Active Citizenship program
possibilities into action. Partnership
depend on the capacity of
that has run over six years, and we led the Community Carbon and
provides the trust, experience, and
Biodiversity Credit Markets Forum 2026 in Cali, Colombia. We go
collective strength needed to sustain
beyond project structures to share knowledge with wider groups of
that action. Together, these are
individuals who otherwise would never have connected.
powerful forces for change.
Giving to our own community: Here in Antigonish, we led
As we look ahead, Coady is thinking ambitiously. We will
the design and facilitated the 2026 Antigonish Housing Forum
continue to connect local action with global experience,
hosted by the Antigonish Town and County Community Health
community knowledge with university learning, and emerging
Board. The Forum increased awareness of the critical housing gaps
leaders with generations of alumni and partners. We will
that exist in Antigonish, and inspired community action to support
continue to evolve our educational approaches while remaining
people affected.
grounded in the values that have shaped Coady throughout its
Education: We shifted the Katherine Fleming Award
communities ... to adapt and contribute to a stronger future.
history.
endowment offered yearly to one African woman leader to a whole
I am deeply grateful to our participants, alumni, partners,
course based in Africa on women’s leadership, in partnership with
supporters, staff, faculty, and the wider St. Francis Xavier
strong African organizations and our own Coady leader graduates.
University community. Your leadership, generosity, and belief in
This increased the benefit from one individual to 25 each year.
the power of community continues to make this work possible.
Behind every number is a person with experience to share, questions to explore, and a commitment to action. Throughout the year, I witnessed participants and partners combining local knowledge with new ideas, learning across vast differences, and building relationships that will endure long after a program or
Eileen Alma Executive Director
project has ended.
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LEARNING Learning is at the heart of Coady’s approach to community-led change. We believe people bring valuable knowledge and experience to the learning process, and that everyone has something to teach and something to learn. Through adult education, reflection, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas and experiences, Coady creates spaces where people learn with and f rom one another and gain practical knowledge and skills they can apply in their organizations and communities.
24 learning opportunities were held for 513 participants. During the 2025-26 fiscal year
96.9%
of respondents gained useful and relevant knowledge and skills ** 2026 Coady Graduate Survey Report
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SELECT PARTNER LED EVENTS
COURSE LIST AND NUMBERS PARTICIPATING LOCATION COADY
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COLOMBIA
52
ETHIOPIA
22
KENYA
57
NEPAL
45
ONLINE
170
PERU
17
TANZANIA
16
COURSE Pathy Foundation Fellowship 2025-2026
6
Introduction to Community Peacebuilding
11
Transforming Conflict and Building Peace
12
Producer-Led Value Chain & Market Development
19
Gendered Decision-Making for Biodiversity and Conservation Workshop
33
Katherine Fleming Women's Leadership Course
22
Producer-Led Value Chain & Market Development
23
Gendered Decision-Making for Biodiversity and Conservation Workshop
34
Inclusive Citizen-Led Accountability
21
Feminist Leadership - Curriculum Development
24
Grassroots Peacebuilding
8
Curriculum Design Workshop
15
Facilitation Fundamentals Workshop
17
Participatory Project Planning and Management
29
Building Community Resilience in a Changing Climate
33
Asset-Based and Community-Led Development Principles
34
ACTivate - Activating Community Tourism
34
Producer-Led Value Chain & Market Development
17
Facilitation Fundamentals
16
GRAND TOTAL
5
PARTICIPANTS
COADY INSTITUTE
408
EVENT TITLE/PARTNER LED EVENT
LOCATION
NUMBER OF ATTENDEES
Innovations in Asset-Based and Community-Led Development (TGNP)
Tanzania
25
Introduction to Asset Based Community Development SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant Workshop
Canada
11
Community Carbon and Biodiversity Credit Markets Forum 2026 (B-REAL, CIAT)
Colombia
26
Gendered Decision-Making for Biodiversity and Conservation (B-REAL, CIAT)
Pucallpa, Peru
14
Sharing Results from Consultations Puno, on Gender Transformative Strategies Peru of Incentive Programs (B-REAL, CIAT)
29
TOTAL PARTNER LED EVENTS ATTENDEES
105
WHERE OUR 2025-2026 PARTICIPANTS CAME FROM
117 Canada
3 33
77
60
Colombia
1
United States
1
Sudan
2
South Sudan
Afghanistan
29
27
Haiti
2
Grenada
2
Ghana
1
Nigeria
3
Cameroon
3
Uganda
4
Zambia
1
Botswana
Nepal
Peru
1 3
4
2
Ethiopia
41
Kenya
63
Tanzania
Bangladesh
India
Malawi
Zimbabwe
30 Participants did not share their home country.
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LEARNING
Did You Know:
30.2%
Coady 2024-25 graduates took part in more than one course or program, with an average of
1.54
7
courses per respondent COADY INSTITUTE
** 2026 Coady Graduate Survey Report
WHERE OUR GRADUATES WORK 1.6%
1.6% 1.6% 1.6%
AREAS OF WORK 66.1%
Gender, equity and inclusion Asset-based community development
4.8%
59.3%
Community-led advocacy/ accountability
4.8%
50.9%
Sustainable communities
43.4%
Inclusive economic development
17.5% 61.9%
38.9% 33.9%
Climate resilience
28.8%
Transformative leadership
19%
Business
Social enterprise
Currently a student
Grassroots organization
National government
Educational institution
Provincial/state government
Non-governmental organizations
Municipal government
Dialogue and peacebuilding
17.0%
Indigenous community abundance
15.3%
Agroecology and biodiversity
10.2%
WHO OUR GRADUATES ARE BY AGE
20 to 29
11.1%
30 to 39
34.9%
40 to 49 ** 2026 Coady Graduate Survey Report: Respondents shared which major areas they work in, selecting f rom a list of ten areas that Coady focuses on drawn from the strategic plan. Multiple selections were permitted.
33.3%
50 to 59 60 to 69
14.3% 6.3%
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COADY INSTITUTE STORY OF CHANGE AHM IFTEKHAR UDDIN CHOWDHURY Country: Bangladesh Organization: Gonoshasthaya Kendra is one of the oldest non-profit organizations in Bangladesh focused on providing a variety of services in areas of healthcare, gender equality, disaster management, education, agriculture, and human rights. Course: Community-Led Solutions for Climate Change in partnership with CCDB through the ENGAGE Project Ahm Iftekhar shared about the impact of his learning experience with Coady in working with displaced communities on community-led climate solutions: “Through the Community-Led Solutions for Climate Change course at the Coady Institute, I gained valuable knowledge on locally led climate adaptation and resilience building. After completing the course, I began applying community-driven approaches in my humanitarian work with displaced communities in Cox’s Bazar. Using asset-based community development and participatory facilitation techniques learned from the program, I engaged women and youth groups to identify climate-related challenges such as flooding, extreme heat, and environmental degradation. Together, we explored locally appropriate solutions, including community awareness sessions on climate resilience and small collective actions to improve environmental practices. This approach strengthened community participation and confidence, especially among women and young people, enabling them to contribute to decision-making processes. The experience also influenced my organization’s approach by encouraging more inclusive and locally led planning for climate adaptation initiatives.”
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COADY INSTITUTE STORY OF CHANGE MARGO AUGER Nation: Bigstone Cree Nation, Treaty No. 8 Territory Organization: Apiskwai Kihiw Consulting Ltd., founded by Margo, means “Golden Eagle” in Cree, symbolizing vision, wisdom, and strength. The consulting focuses on Nationhood, First Nation Governance, Grassroots and First Nation led Constitution and Law Development, Facilitation, and Treaty teachings. Courses: Indigenous Women in Leadership Program (IWCL) and Grassroots Peacebuilding Margo shared that she came away from the Grassroots Peacebuilding course with greater understanding of international conflicts, new teaching and peacebuilding techniques, as well as new friendships: “My classmates are my friends today. We stay connected and continue to empower one another.” Margo also shared about the significance of her project called Honouring My Spirit that she developed for IWCL: “It was about how my spirit was awoken, who I am, my identity and roots, my walk in life with my moccasins (using my western knowledge and my inherent way of being as a nehiyaw iskew); I spoke about how important it is to honour your spirit, honour who you are, to persevere and keep [at ‘er] - don’t give up. An Elder once said to me ‘don’t question where you are at today - there is a reason for it and although you may not know why that is right now, one day it will come to you. Until then, stay open minded’. I listened and I have been honouring my truths with open mind and open heart.” Margo emphasized the importance of the sponsorships that are provided for IWICL participants as “vital and very beneficial” for enabling many Indigenous people to participate who might not otherwise be able to afford the fees.
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COADY INSTITUTE STORY OF CHANGE JOYCE MATARA Country: Zimbabwe Organization: National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH) Course: Feminist Leadership for Capabilities, Ecology and Transformation Joyce Matara detailed the impact of her learning experiences with Coady in contributing to greater gender equality in the workplace at her organization: “I used to believe that feminist issues are only for women and looked to men as the oppressors. I would therefore not send a male employee to participate at events that pertain to women. However, after participating in the Feminist Leadership for Capabilities, Ecology and Transformation course, I changed my mind and started to view men as agents of change as feminism is about equality, equity, justice and empowerment among other attributes. Thus, as the Director of the organization I work for, I introduced a new policy which treats everybody on an equal basis whether male or female but at the same time understanding the challenges and social as well as cultural dynamics that women face. Our gender policy transitioned from being a matter of compliance to a living document which then became one of the most important policies within the organization. The policy is due for review in May and I still have the responsibility to continue raising awareness to all relevant stakeholders so that the review results in an improved and allencompassing policy.”
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COADY INSTITUTE STORY OF CHANGE MUKUNDENTE JOSEPHINE Country: Rwanda Organization: Anglican Church of Rwanda Course: Asset-Based and Community-Led Development Mukudente Josephine shared how her learning about ABCD through Coady has shifted how she supports women savings groups in Rwanda and the impact for small livestock keeping entrepreneurs: “After participating in the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) course at Coady Institute, I changed the way I work with community groups in Rwanda. Instead of focusing on the problems communities face, I learned to help people recognize and use the assets and opportunities that already exist in their communities. In my work, I support 40 savings groups that are working to improve their economic situation. Many of the members are women. Using the knowledge from the ABCD course, I facilitated asset mapping sessions where group members sat together to identify the skills, resources, and opportunities available around them. This helped them realize that they already had many strengths they could build on. One group called Ejoheza discovered that several members had experience in small livestock keeping and access to local markets. Through discussion and planning, they decided to start small businesses such as poultry raising and selling agricultural products. Over time, these activities helped members increase their income and confidence. This experience showed me that when communities recognize their own assets, they become more motivated and creative in solving their challenges. The training f rom Coady strengthened my facilitation skills and helped me support women and community groups to take initiative and build sustainable livelihoods using the resources they already have.”
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PARTNERSHIP Partnership is central to how Coady works. We build relationships with communities, organizations, graduates, funders, and other allies based on shared learning, trust, and a commitment to lasting change. By bringing together different experiences, knowledge, and resources, partnerships help us respond collectively to community priorities, strengthen local capacity, and extend the reach and impact of our work.
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ENGAGE! Women’s Empowerment & Active Citizenship
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ENGAGE! PARTNERS CELEBRATE ADVANCES IN WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP AS PROJECT COMES TO A CLOSE More than 100,000 women in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, and Tanzania engaged in project activities such as leadership training, income generating activities, and advocacy efforts, delivered by Engage partner organizations over the past six years. The Engage! Women’s Empowerment and Active Citizenship Project is a 6.5-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Coady Institute in partnership with Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB),
When I started with [Engage], that
the Organization for Women in Self Employment (WISE) in Ethiopia, the Centre
was the first time I began going
Haïtien du Leadership et de l’Excellence (CLE) in Haiti, the Self Employed Women’s
outside. Before that, I was the kind
Association (SEWA) in India, and the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) in Tanzania. The project - which aimed to advance gender equality by strengthening women’s leadership, active citizenship, and collective action – came to a formal close at the end of August 2026. To mark the project closing, more than one hundred women leaders gathered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania at the end of March to share stories of change, learning innovations, and to map the future of the Engage partnership. Attending the gathering was the f irst time that some women leaders had
of person who couldn’t even speak in front of four or five people in my own home. But now, by the grace of Allah, I can speak in front of even five hundred people without any hesitation. - Engage participant in Bangladesh
ever travelled outside their communities. Staff f rom partner organizations and participants bravely took the stage to share their stories of learning, leadership, advocacy, and local community change. Project impacts included asset-based community development (ABCD), climate change adaptation, youth leadership, network building, and improved livelihoods, agency, and resilience.
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Engage! Women’s Empowerment and Active Citizenship
Women in rural Bangladesh reflected on their
Young women leaders from India described
Women business owners from Ethiopia highlighted
leadership journeys as they have become leaders
advancing grassroots, health supports including a
the ways in which increased access to lending and
of local women’s groups, are actively working with
door-to-door nutrition and health education initiative
new skills in digital technologies have supported
local governments to improve access to essential
and monitoring of chronic conditions (such as routine
their ability to adapt under constantly changing
services and have begun earning livelihoods through
testing of blood sugar levels), as well as community-
conditions.
vermicomposting and selling crops at local markets.
led climate initiatives which have not only improved
Participants from Tanzania used visual storytelling to highlight project-related impacts of positively
resilience for farmers managing increasing heat and droughts, but also increased incomes through new
While the project has concluded, the impacts will continue to ripple out as participants solidify their
eco-technologies.
roles as community leaders with ongoing support
domestic violence and maternal, infant and child
Social entrepreneurs from Haiti shared their journeys
have created with other women.
healthcare, as well as improvements in roadway
of becoming business owners and mentoring other
development and other community facility repairs
women.
changing social and cultural norms relating to
resulting from women’s collective advocacy.
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from project partners and within networks that they
FemDev Consulting completed an external evaluation of Engage in collaboration with project participants, staff, and local consultants from each of the five partner countries as well as counterparts in Canada. The evaluation assessed the project’s relevance, effectiveness, coherence, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. Read the executive summary here.
I faced many challenges in my community while living alone without a husband, and I often felt ashamed of my situation. However, thanks to Engage and WISE, I now take pride in my independence and ability to
347
Number of Engage partner staff trained directly by Coady
+25,000
Views and downloads of learning resources
2,166
Number who partner staff trained to go on and train community members
13,331
Number of community members trained
198
Meetings with local policymakers and/ or public presentations
102,667
Number of people reached through women-led advocacy and awareness activities to promote gender equitable local governance, inclusive economies, and community resilience
support myself. I have learned to embrace my self-sufficiency, and I recognize the importance of asserting my rights. - Engage Participant in Ethiopia
Click here to read more about Engage!
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PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION: BUILDING EQUAL VOICE The first year of the Samaan Aawaaj (Equal Voice) project established a strong foundation for advancing inclusive leadership and democratic participation in Nepal and Bangladesh.
A milestone of the year was the development of the Feminist
Working with long-standing partners DidiBahini, The Story Kitchen,
Throughout the year, community members joined leadership
and the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh
workshops, developed peer networks to provide sustainable
(CCDB), Coady supported women from Indigenous, Dalit, religious
mentorship opportunities, built connections with local government
minority, and other marginalized communities to strengthen their
representatives, and challenged themselves and each other to
leadership and influence local decision-making.
rethink what leadership can look like. These activities created new
Leadership Commitment Charter, created collaboratively by partners to define a shared vision of leadership rooted in accountability, inclusion, shared power, and collective action. The Charter now guides the project's leadership education and community engagement.
opportunities for collaboration and civic participation.
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Early results are encouraging. Nearly 1,000 people participated in project activities, with women representing more than 70 per cent of participants. Women reported greater confidence in their leadership, stronger engagement with local governance, and increased collective action around community priorities demonstrating that meaningful democratic change begins by investing in local leadership and partnerships.
I leave this course not only with new skills and ideas, but also with renewed motivation and a stronger commitment to advancing gender equality and equal voice in the communities I serve. - Bipin Aryal, DidiBahini, Nepal
959
95%
People reached directly
Women trained reported increased leadership capacity
695+ Additional people reached through peer learning
75%
73%
Women surveyed after 6 months had engaged in governance in new ways
Women participants
LEADERSHIP Women gained confidence and leadership skills. COLLECTIVE ACTION New community groups mobilized around local issues. VOICE & INCLUSION Marginalized women entered decisionmaking spaces. GOVERNANCE More women engaged with local government.
Click here to read more about Samaan Aawaaj
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ACTivate – Activating Community Tourism is a partnership between Coady Institute and the Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism (GMIST). Grounded in Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), the program helps participants discover and build on the strengths, relationships, and assets already present in their communities. Using tourism as an entry point, ACTivate supports community leaders to create places that are stronger for the people who live there - and, in turn, better places to visit. The 2025–26 ACTivate graphic captures the program’s journey of learning, discovery, connection, and action. It shows how participants explore the strengths and assets within communities, learn f rom one another and from communities in the Gros Morne region, and develop practical ways to apply those lessons at home. The winding path reflects an important part of the ACTivate approach: community-led development is not always linear. It involves listening, building relationships, reflecting, experimenting, and adapting along the way. Ultimately, the graphic brings ACTivate back to a simple question: What can we discover in our own communities, and how can we build on those strengths to create positive change?
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RESEARCH RECOGNIZES PRIOR LEARNING Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) helps people gain formal recognition for skills and knowledge developed through work and life experience, supporting access to education, career mobility, and workforce development.
The overarching objective of the project was to determine what the
In 2025-26, Coady conducted research and helped host a conference
recognize existing skills, strengthen workforce mobility, and respond to
focusing on RPL.
Nova Scotia’s labour market needs.
Coady and the NS Career Development Association (supported through
From May 26-28, 2025, Coady welcomed members of the Canadian
the Government of Nova Scotia’s RPL Funding Program) conducted
Association of Prior Learning Assessment for their conference: RPL
research on the scope, outcomes, and impact of RPL programs and
in Rural Spaces. CAPLA’s first in-person event since 2019 included
projects within the province of Nova Scotia over the last 10 years,
presentations, workshops, and networking on RPL policy and practice
specifically in the career development, immigrant resettlement, and
focusing on sustainable employment in rural areas. Three conference
post-secondary sectors. The research examined 42 RPL initiatives f rom
streams reflected on career development/employment services,
2014 to 2024 and included interviews with 23 practitioners and leaders
immigration and resettlement services and post-secondary contexts.
true indicators of success are for these types of programs, and to then develop an impact evaluation f ramework that can be adapted to practitioners’ own RPL programs. Drawing on this research, the Impact Evaluation Framework provides practical tools for evaluating RPL initiatives and identifying promising practices. It is designed to support stronger programs and policies that improve access to education,
from 17 organizations.
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LEADERSHIP At Coady, leadership begins with the strengths, knowledge, and experience already present in communities. We see leadership as a shared practice - one that brings people together to learn, listen, build relationships, and take action on the issues that matter to them. Through education and co-learning, Coady supports leaders to strengthen their skills and confidence, work toward greater equity and justice, and create lasting change in their organizations and communities.
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FROM LEARNING TO LOCAL IMPACT DiscoverBox is the Coady Institute's entrepreneurship and social innovation program at StFX University. Through it, the Coady Institute works with students and youth to address a persistent local challenge: young people with real ideas and genuine ambition, but without the network, resources, or sustained support to turn those ideas into action. We start with that economic reality and build the learning around it. This means providing seed capital, mentorship, and community connections so that these changemakers can take their first real steps.
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XAVERIAN INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURS MICRO-GRANTS We provide four students with $1,250 each to start a real business. The money comes first. Not as a reward for completing a course, but as the mechanism that makes learning real. Students work through problem definition, ideation, business development and market entry, with mentors beside them the whole way. By the end of the program, each student has moved f rom idea to active venture, with hands-on experience, a mentor relationship, and a foothold in the Nova Scotia entrepreneurial ecosystem.
STFX PITCH EVENTS This competition series is open to students throughout the year, giving them the opportunity to pitch a business they have been building or an idea they have been considering. It meets students where they are - whether they are just starting to think through a concept or already working toward launch. A veteran student entrepreneur participates in each event, sharing their experience and answering questions. The series closes with a finale pitch event, judged by a panel, with $5,000 in prizes.
STFX DISCOVERBOX INNOVATION CHALLENGE
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE
Each fall, students select a topic of concern in their community.
the Province of Nova Scotia and administered through the Coady Institute,
That choice drives a 24-hour Innovation Challenge held in the winter semester, where youth come together under real pressure and real time constraints to develop potential solutions. Because students choose the topic, the challenge reflects what they see and experience, not what institutions decide matters.
The Youth Employment Initiative is a wage subsidy program, funded by that addresses employment barriers for historically underrepresented groups, including Indigenous and African Nova Scotian youth. Through this initiative, the program supports 25 youth, placing them in a range of roles that build both economic stability and practical skills. You cannot build entrepreneurial capacity without first addressing economic stability.
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My project for the Wallace internship is the Antigonish Black Youth Mentorship Program. It is a community driven initiative that takes university students and pairs them with black high school students in order to have culturally relevant and academic and career support … We know that typically there are some disadvantaged youth in these communities, but we want to pour in love and support to the entire community so that they know that there are options for them. StFX has a lot of initiatives for young entrepreneurs such as Impact X, and then we also have many different social entrepreneurship programs as well. But having this opportunity to fully develop your idea over a 12-week period means a lot to
THE WALLACE FAMILY INTERNSHIP Through the generous support of the Wallace Family
StFX students who are very grounded in entrepreneurship … I love that the Wallace internship gives you that opportunity to be around people that you know, and to get support from them, to be able to succeed with your project.
Entrepreneurship Fund, students who have an
- Dana Morrison, Nassau, Bahamas
enterprise idea and who are interested in starting a
StFX Class 2025, Business Administration with Accounting Major
new venture, developing a new prototype, or applying innovative approaches to a particular product or service are encouraged to apply for a 12-week paid summer internship, administered by the Coady Institute through DiscoverBox. The donor's vision was simple: give students a real simulation of entrepreneurship in a lowrisk environment, before the consequences of failure are too high. Students receive mentorship, financial support, and hands-on experience moving f rom ideas to market.
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IMPACT X: A SUMMIT ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL CHANGE A partnership between DiscoverBox, the Schwartz School of Business, the StFX Education Department, and the StFX Advancement Office, Impact X is Atlantic Canada's first student pitch conference uniting social impact and entrepreneurship, offering $12,000 in prizes. Each year, one hundred university, college, and high school students from the Maritimes gather for a full day of workshops, a keynote speaker, and a panel discussion to learn from leading entrepreneurs, community organizations, and peer institutions. Impact X includes a pitching event with three categories - high school, early seed, and late seed - because students at every stage of the entrepreneurial cycle need a place to belong and grow, not just the ones who are furthest along. Ensuring that students, mentors, facilitators, speakers, and panelists reflect traditionally underrepresented groups is central to how Coady approaches this work, and to what makes Impact X distinct.
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JOHN T. SEARS INTERNSHIPS The unique partnership between StFX University’s Gerald Schwartz School of Business and Coady Institute entered its fifth year in 2025. The partnership creates valuable learning opportunities through summer internships that introduce Schwartz students to Coady’s development approaches and community partners. Students apply their knowledge and skills in finance, enterprise systems, and marketing to real-world challenges.
Building on this experience, two students, Eve Carreau and Nathan Jesseau, travelled to India in 2025 to work with Coady’s long-time partner, the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). They supported SEWA’s team in implementing the Livelihood Recovery and Resilience Fund (LRRF), an innovative blended-finance initiative supported by Coady that helps women in the informal economy respond to climate and economic disruptions and strengthen their livelihoods. The students documented the initiative’s impact on women members and contributed to financial and digital literacy activities, gaining first-hand experience of how community-led approaches can advance women’s economic empowerment and resilience.
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Last year, I had the privilege of being a part of the long-time bond that has been created between the Coady Institute and the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India. I can’t say I had ever truly been exposed to the meaning behind an international partnership, like this one. This specific link between two separate organizations was built beautifully around purpose, work, and real-time education. It was such a pleasure to be hired as a research student by Prof. Brad Long and Yogesh Ghore through the Sears Internship and to have the opportunity to work alongside them. I felt immensely grateful to be having the hands-on experiences that myself and my partner, Nathan Jesseau, were having. Facing the realities of selfemployed women in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and the surrounding rural areas was enlightening to say the least. The findings we synthesized by the end of the summer felt like constructive contributions to these sisters and organization. I hope to stay in touch with the heart of this work throughout my career journey and life. - Eve Carreau, 2025 Sears Intern
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KATHERINE FLEMING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD For 25 years, the Katherine Fleming International Development Award has carried forward the legacy of St. Francis Xavier graduate Katherine Fleming by supporting women leaders across Africa to strengthen their skills, networks, and impact.
“My mother had a profound love for Af rica,
“It’s a big part of what this award is supposed
its vibrancy, its history, and above all the
to do,” Kevin says. “Helping women leaders
resilience of its people,” Katherine’s daughter,
who have potential, who have ideas, who are
Madeline Zutt, shared during StFX 2025
entrepreneurs, give them tools so they can
Homecoming celebrations marking the
successfully build economic independence for
award’s 25th anniversary. “It was a love that
themselves and their communities.”
Katherine Fleming (StFX ’85) dedicated her career to addressing child poverty in Africa. Following her death in Tanzania in 1999 while working with UNICEF, her family, f riends, and classmates established an award at Coady
was grounded, not in charity or romanticism, but in deep respect and solidarity.”
That impact extends well beyond individual participants. Graduates mentor other women,
Longtime Coady partner Women in Self
strengthen organizations, create economic
Employment (WISE) Ethiopia, founded by
opportunities, and build networks that help
2024 Katherine Fleming Award recipient
accelerate community-led change across
Tsigie Haile, hosted the 2025 course. The
Africa.
gathering created opportunities for women leaders to exchange knowledge, strengthen relationships, and build networks that extend
Kevin spoke of the financial need to further expand a legacy that began with Katherine’s classmates, family, and friends and continues
Institute in her memory.
well beyond the classroom.
Since then, 45 Af rican women leaders have
For Katherine Fleming Award committee
leaders. He noted hosting a course in Africa
member Kevin McGilly (StFX ’86), this
and supporting 20 to 25 women for the
multiplier effect is central to the award’s
Katherine Fleming Women’s Leadership
impact. He points to graduates such as
Course means the endowment would need to
2018 recipient Grace Arach of Uganda, who
grow from $635,000 to $1 million to cover more
established the Foundation for Women
of the annual cost of the program.
directly benefited f rom the award, taking their Coady learning back to organizations and communities across the continent. In 2025, that legacy entered a new chapter with the first Katherine Fleming Women’s Leadership Course, bringing 21 women f rom nine Af rican countries together in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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COADY INSTITUTE
Affected by Conflicts and has helped women affected by violence and war develop skills and livelihoods.
in growing a network of African women
The endowment will surpass the $1 million mark this year.
Click here to read more about the Katherine Fleming International Development Award.
Katie believed that empowering women to achieve economic independence and nurturing their entrepreneurial ambitions are keys to uplifting their communities.
Watch this video to hear f rom
the women who participated in the 2025 Katherine Fleming Leadership Course held in Ethiopia.
“Katie was young but already making a meaningful difference in the lives of women and children in developing countries when she died suddenly while working in Tanzania,” Kevin says. “Katie believed that empowering women to achieve economic independence and nurturing their entrepreneurial ambitions are keys to uplifting their communities.” “The Katherine Fleming Award carries on her legacy by recognizing and supporting women leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa region.
Madeline Zutt, Katherine Fleming’s daughter (l) and Tsigie Haile, 2024 recipient of the Katherine Fleming Women’s Leadership Award and founder of WISE, Women in Self Employment. WISE hosted the inaugral Katherine Fleming Women’s Leadership Course in 2025.
After more than 25 years, a dynamic network of almost 100 women supporting each other across the region are the living embodiment of her ideas and work. This work is only possible thanks to the generosity of you, our donors. Please know you are having a real impact.”
2025 / 2026 ANNUAL REPORT
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DONORS AND SUPPORTERS
Thank y ou!
At Coady Institute, our work is made possible through the vision and
generosity of our donors. Each gift - whether from an individual, family, organization, or foundation - strengthens our programs and extends our impact with communities locally and globally. Every day, our team is inspired by the commitment of those who believe in the values of
education, leadership, and social change. We are honoured to recognize the generosity of all who supported Coady this year, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for standing with us in building a more just, compassionate, and sustainable world.
Congregation of Notre Dame Visitation Province
Aldona Gerrior
Ronald and Laureen Cooper
Dr. Hugh Gillis
Lola Corkum
Joan Gillis
Dr. Susan Crocker
Global Affairs Canada
Gord Cunningham and Marilyn Malis
Hope Graham
Christ - King Council CWL Anne Daniel
Drs. Dorothy Lander and John Graham-Pole
Katrina Davenport
Stephen Grannan
Douglas Davis
Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism
Dr. David and Sandra Gibeault
Aboriginal Shelters of Ontario
Dr. William and Nancy Booth
Peter and Anne Dawson
A.H. Roy and Associates Ltd.
Richard Borden
Jeff Dee and Amy MacDonald-Dee
Bill and Jeanine Gunn
Alberni Valley CWL
Jacques and Laurie Boucher
Vernon and Marilyn Dee
Ruth Gunn
Shawn Allan
Michael Boyd and Lisa Dorsey-Boyd
Coady and Rita Delaney
Dr. Matthew J and Mariette Hamilton
Eileen Alma and Guangul Tessema
Peter and Joanne Boyd
Makara Delorey
In Memory of John W. Chisholm
Olivia Ortiz Alvarez
Karen Brebner
Donald Doiron
Lucille Harper and Dwight How
Drs. Minoli Amit and John Hamilton
Dr. Terry and Ann Brennan
Donata Real Estate Developments Ltd.
High-Crest Enterprises Limited
Udeni Amit and Andrew Roger
Tom and Bridget Brennan
Donner Canadian Foundation
Jola Hubisz
Anonymous
Ray MacIsaac and Cubby Cameron
Brian Doyle
Rachel Hurst
Aida Arnold
Dan and Barbara Cameron
East Coast Credit Union Limited
Catherine Irving
Dr. Donald Francis Arseneau
Leith and Joan Campbell
William and Linda Ellsworth
Robb and Elizabeth Kell
Alliance Bioversity International - CIAT
Canadian Martyrs Parish CWL
Estate of David Bernatchez
Keltic Motors Ltd.
Atlantic Central Credit Union
Catholic Women’s League of Canada
Estate of Donald Barry
Michael Kontak
Atlantic Salmon Federation
CC Beauty Inc.
Estate of Susana Perreault
Chi Yan Lam
Dr. Anne Barry
Emilie Chiasson
Dr. Catharina A Felderhof
Brenda Lehmann
John Baxter
Peter Chisholm
John Forbes
Loretta Bennett
CIBC
MaryAnn Forbes
Les Religieuses de Notre-Dame du SacreCoeur-Generalat
Patricia Bilski
Comart Foundation
Dr. Nancy Forestell
Robert Blee
Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha
Marian V Fortune-Stone
Valerie Bobyk
Congregation des Soeurs de SainteAnne
DeCoste Interiors Ltd.
Christa King Bolivar and Neil Bolivar
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COADY INSTITUTE
Pamela Georges
Agnes Leung Pak Choy Lip Catherine MacDonald John MacDonald
Linda and Ronald MacDonald
Stephen and Suzanne O’Regan
St. Francis Xavier CWL
UHAI EASHRI
Alexander MacEachern
Lou and Mary Palmer
St. Ignatius CWL
Adele Upton
Greg MacEachern
Nikita Patel
St. Joseph CWL
Dr. Mark Wallace
Mary Noella MacInnis
Pathy Family Foundation
St. Mary CWL Westlock
Lori Ward
Keith MacIntyre
St. Mary’s CWL
Walter Watkins
Angus MacIsaac
John and Adrienne Peacock of the Peacock Family Foundation
St. Patrick’s Parish CWL
Dr. Lisa Watson
William and Lucienne Mackasey
Probst & Partner Investments Ltd.
St. Peter the Apostle CWL
Lynda and Norm Willey
Carol MacKenzie-Gruber
Kathleen Provost and Richard Burelle
St. Peters CWL
Ian and Patricia Wilson
John MacLatchy
Scott and Donna Rappard
St. Peter’s Parish CWL
Chong Man Wong
Douglas MacLellan
Lisa Reynolds
St. Boniface CWL
Nick and Trudy Zutt
David MacLeod
Dr. Carolyn Rideout
St. Joseph’s CWL
Sara Malcolm
Diane Roberts
St. Paul the Apostle CWL
Michael McAloon
Barry and Mary Roderick
St. Peter’s Parish CWL
McInnes Cooper
Ron MacGillivray Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd.
St. Rita’s CWL
It’s not always easy when you
Steelmac Limited
make a charitable donation
Micro Boutique Living Inc. Montreal City Council CWL Kevin Morris Jeff Munroe Patricia Murphy Dr. Jock and Janet Murray Valerie Mushinski Helen Neufeld Hon. Graydon and Beth Nicholas Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration NSGEU Dr. Michael and Sue O’Brien Lynn O’Donnell Kevin O’Keefe Michael O’Keefe and Crystal Pelly Mary O’Regan
Rosalia Ruggiero Sacred Heart CWL Yvonne Salter Shelagh Savage Sisters of Charity - Halifax Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland Sisters of Providence of Western Canada Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada Cyril and Doreen Smith Maurice and Jane Smith Dr. Steve and Kathy Smith of the Stephen F. Smith Charitable Foundation
Anne Stewart Sarah Rebecca Strapps
put to good use. I don’t think
Jack and Valerie Sullivan
there’s anything that I have
Teasdale Apothecary The Catholic Women’s League of Canada
am more confident is being
Anne and Peter Vegso of the Vegso Family Foundation Inc.
magnified out in the field.
The Young Fund at Hamilton Community Foundation
- Kevin McGilly (StFX 1986)
Robyn Tingley Town of Antigonish
Soroptimist International of Hamilton Burlington
Sheila Tucker
St. Clements CWL
ever contributed to that I
Posh Peppermint Home & Gifts
Sodexo
Southfield Investments Limited
to know whether it’s being
Nancy Stewart
Julia Amit Tufts Peter D Tufts
2025 / 2026 ANNUAL REPORT
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COADY INSTITUTE
FINANCIAL STATEMENT St. Francis Xavier University established Coady Institute as part of its commitment to community leadership development. The Executive Director of Coady Institute reports to the University’s Academic Vice-
Coady’s program had a lasting impact
President and Provost who reports to the President of the University who in turn is responsible to the Board of Governors, the senior governing
on both my personal growth and
body of the University.
professional work. Beyond the technical
See below for segmented financial information of Coady Institute, which
knowledge gained, the experience strengthened my confidence as a leader. It inspired me to see myself
is included in the University’s audited financial statements at https:// www.stfx.ca/financial-services/stfx-financial-statements.
REVENUE
2026
2025
4,624,840
6,877,627
16,981
116,169
Endowments and donations
1,449,054
1,347,404
communities. The networks, ideas, and
TOTAL
6,090,875
8,341,200
values gained from Coady continue to
EXPENDITURES
influence how I approach leadership,
Salaries
3,027,061
3,393,083
collaboration, and advocacy in my work.
Fringe benefits
540,941
588,907
Outside services
394,422
572,112
Operational supplies
364,624
449,386
Project disbursements
1,147,230
2,549,240
Travel
491,926
551,907
Room and board
23,375
294,417
Facilities and services
92,018
96,273
6,081,597
8,495,325
9,278
(154,125)
not only as a practitioner but also as a change agent who can contribute to building more inclusive and equitable
- Phiona Nicole Nantaba Albinism Umbrella in Uganda
Projects and programs Tuition
TOTAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT)
The University is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA Registration/BN: 10808 3270 RR0001) registered under the legal name: Governors of St. Francis Xavier University.
2025 / 2026 ANNUAL REPORT
38
Every day, communities around the world demonstrate that lasting change begins with local leadership. Coady is proud to learn, lead, and partner alongside them.
4780 Tompkins Lane PO Box 5000 Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 Canada
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coady.stfx.ca COADY INSTITUTE