Alumni Profile
College of the North Atlantic
Rachel Winsor
Fry Family Foundation Leadership Achievement Award, 2021-22
College of the North Atlantic Young Alumni Award, 2023
Fry Family Foundation Leadership Achievement Award, 2021-22
College of the North Atlantic Young Alumni Award, 2023
I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share more about my journey and the experiences that have shaped who I am today. As a proud two-time graduate of the College of the North Atlantic (CNA), my commitment to continuous learning and personal growth has been a cornerstone of my career and community involvement.
My academic journey has been marked by both dedication and perseverance. I earned my diploma in Executive Office Management and a certificate in Welding, where I had the unique honour of becoming the first female in Canada to receive the Joseph G. Doria Exemplary Student Award from the CWB Welding Foundation. This recognition was a significant milestone, reflecting my passion for welding.
However, my path has not been without its challenges. At the age of 16, I faced the loss of my father, a moment that deeply affected me but also fueled my determination to overcome adversity. Later, while pursuing my Executive Office Management diploma, I experienced another significant loss when my grandmother passed away. These personal tragedies were testing times, but they strengthened my resolve to continue pursuing my goals and succeeding despite the difficulties.
Currently, I am on maternity leave from my role as a Client Care Coordinator at CareGivers NL, where I have dedicated myself to ensuring the well-being of our clients. This role allows me to impact the lives of those we support directly, and I am proud to contribute to their care and quality of life.
This period of maternity leave allows me to focus on nurturing my family while continuing to be actively involved in community service because my commitment to community service extends beyond my professional life. I am actively involved with Burin Peninsula Brighter Futures as a board member, where I work to promote the healthy development of young children and enhance the programs that support families in our region.
Leadership has been a central theme throughout my career. As President of the CNA Online Student Council, I represented and advocated for online students, working to improve their educational experience and create a supportive community. Another significant role I embraced was as co-chair of the Laurentian Days Planning Committee for St. Lawrence Day. This summer event, which celebrates St. Lawrence Day, involved engaging the townspeople in a week of festivities. Leading the planning for the 50th-anniversary celebration was a tremendous responsibility and honour. I worked closely with the committee to compile ideas, coordinate events, and ensure the festivities were memorable and meaningful for our community.
Throughout my journey, I have been honoured to receive several awards that highlight my dedication and hard work. These include the Fry Family Foundation Achievement Award, two CNA Faculty and Staff Achievement Awards, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Student Volunteer Award. In 2023, I was the recipient of the inaugural CNA Young Alumni Acclaim Award. Each of these awards represents a different facet of my commitment to making a positive impact through both my professional and volunteer work.
Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities and support I have received. My experiences, including my personal losses, have reinforced my belief in the power of resilience, leadership, and community service. They have shaped my dedication to giving back and inspired me to strive for excellence in everything I do.
I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my family for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Their encouragement and belief in me have been a constant source of strength and motivation. I am deeply grateful for their presence and support in everything I do.
I hope my story inspires others to pursue their passions and make a positive difference in their communities. By embracing challenges, leading with compassion, and engaging in meaningful service, we can all contribute to creating a better world for those around us.
Rachel
My academic journey has been marked by both dedication and perseverance. I earned my diploma in Executive Office Management and a certificate in Welding, where I had the unique honour of becoming the first female in Canada to receive the Joseph G. Doria Exemplary Student Award from the CWB Welding Foundation. This recognition was a significant milestone, reflecting my passion for welding.
However, my path has not been without its challenges. At the age of 16, I faced the loss of my father, a moment that deeply affected me but also fueled my determination to overcome adversity. Later, while pursuing my Executive Office Management diploma, I experienced another significant loss when my grandmother passed away. These personal tragedies were testing times, but they strengthened my resolve to continue pursuing my goals and succeeding despite the difficulties.
Currently, I am on maternity leave from my role as a Client Care Coordinator at CareGivers NL, where I have dedicated myself to ensuring the well-being of our clients. This role allows me to impact the lives of those we support directly, and I am proud to contribute to their care and quality of life.
This period of maternity leave allows me to focus on nurturing my family while continuing to be actively involved in community service because my commitment to community service extends beyond my professional life. I am actively involved with Burin Peninsula Brighter Futures as a board member, where I work to promote the healthy development of young children and enhance the programs that support families in our region.
Leadership has been a central theme throughout my career. As President of the CNA Online Student Council, I represented and advocated for online students, working to improve their educational experience and create a supportive community. Another significant role I embraced was as co-chair of the Laurentian Days Planning Committee for St. Lawrence Day. This summer event, which celebrates St. Lawrence Day, involved engaging the townspeople in a week of festivities. Leading the planning for the 50th-anniversary celebration was a tremendous responsibility and honour. I worked closely with the committee to compile ideas, coordinate events, and ensure the festivities were memorable and meaningful for our community.
Throughout my journey, I have been honoured to receive several awards that highlight my dedication and hard work. These include the Fry Family Foundation Achievement Award, two CNA Faculty and Staff Achievement Awards, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Student Volunteer Award. In 2023, I was the recipient of the inaugural CNA Young Alumni Acclaim Award. Each of these awards represents a different facet of my commitment to making a positive impact through both my professional and volunteer work.
Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities and support I have received. My experiences, including my personal losses, have reinforced my belief in the power of resilience, leadership, and community service. They have shaped my dedication to giving back and inspired me to strive for excellence in everything I do.
I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my family for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Their encouragement and belief in me have been a constant source of strength and motivation. I am deeply grateful for their presence and support in everything I do.
I hope my story inspires others to pursue their passions and make a positive difference in their communities. By embracing challenges, leading with compassion, and engaging in meaningful service, we can all contribute to creating a better world for those around us.
Rachel