"The Power of Success"
guest speaker
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We will listen to the experiences of successful and inspiring women leaders who will give us more strength and inspiration to continue what we aspire to. They will share their experiences and stories with us, and we will get to know them closely.
Susan Corkum-Greek - Minister of Economic Development
Former journalist and long-time community development advocate, the Honourable Susan Corkum-Greek was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly as MLA for Lunenburg in 2021. She serves as Minister of Economic Development and also sits on the Treasury and Policy Board.
A graduate of the University of King’s College, Halifax, Corkum-Greek spent nearly two decades in community journalism. She credits those years for igniting her passion for community economic development, which she has pursued full time since 2002.
Corkum-Greek’s professional experience spans a number of industries from tourism and culture to small manufacturing, and includes both volunteer and paid work in the Chamber of Commerce movement. She was a founding member of the Lunenburg Waterfront Association, formed to protect and revitalize the seaport’s working waterfront. She also played a foundational role in the development of LAMP (Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance), an elite finishing school for performing artists that helped transform a longtime public school and National Historic Site into a vibrant community and cultural hub.
Corkum-Greek lives in Bayport with her husband Jody, a professional mariner, and two children.
Rafah DiCostanzo - MLA of Clayton Park West
Since 2017, Rafah DiCostanzo has served the people of Nova Scotia as MLA of Clayton Park West. She is currently Government Caucus Chair and Government Caucus Whip. A strategic thinker and team player, Rafah has an integral, strategic role in nine provincial government committees, including:
Chairperson: Health, Human Resources, Veterans Affairs, Private and Local Bills.
Vice Chairperson: Community Services, Natural Resources and Economic Development.
Member: Public Accounts, Internal Affairs, Law Amendments.
Born in Bagdad, Iraq, Rafah emigrated to Canada in 1984. She and her family have lived in Clayton Park West for nearly 40 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Modern Languages, from Mount Saint Vincent University. Part of her education in the sciences and medical field was also undertaken in England.
A previous small business owner and interpreter, Rafah speaks five languages. Rafah is highly entuned with the diverse populations within her community. She supports local businesses, churches, cultural groups, and community organizations. Rafah’s work ethic, integrity, and empathy help her connect with her constituents, whom she proudly serves.
Riding Achievements and Issues:-
Rafah listens to constituents’ concerns. Then she acts. Rafah has initiated and manages multiple constituency concerns, including: education and overcrowding, land protection and the environment, access to quality healthcare, supporting our seniors, and connecting with constituents.
Education and overcrowding
Clayton Park West is home to thousands of families. A mother of two, Rafah is working diligently with leaders in education and government, and alongside student and family representatives and local councillors, on the issue of overcrowding in schools.
In spring of 2021, Rafah was delighted to be at the announcement alongside the Minister of Education and Federal colleagues for the announcement of 12 modular classrooms for Park West School and 10 for Grosvenor-Wentworth Park Elementary. Modular classrooms are great infrastructure that have their own washrooms. They will help educators maintain on-going health and safety protocols. Modular classes are also a flexible, temporary solution to enrolment demands. They will replace the portables currently being used.
Rafah continues to push for a new school for Clayton Park West.
