Building community and enabling success

Madison Kelsey (Human Resources, Management and Marketing ’24) began her journey at SAIT 10 years ago, and in that time, she was driven by a constant desire for continuous learning and community building. When she started her academic career, she was determined to do it independently, but circumstances left her needing support.

“I needed financial and emotional support,” she shares. “At the beginning, I thought I could do this on my own, but once I became a single mom, I realized I needed help. And it really does take a big community for student success.”

Thanks to donor support, Kelsey was able to secure the financial aid she needed.

“I felt validated that someone else believed in me and that I wasn’t alone on my journey. It was an incredible feeling,” she recalls. “Knowing that somebody I may never meet cared enough about me to support me on my journey was incredible.”

As an Indigenous student, Kelsey was able to get the emotional support she also needed through Natoysopoyiis, SAIT’s Indigenous student support centre.

“I was looking for belonging and community and identity, it helped me reconnect with my roots and culture and bring that home to family,” she says.  “It gave me a space I felt safe in and belonged. This place is my home.”

Now, in her position as Indigenous Student Advisor, Kelsey offers a unique perspective to Indigenous students.

“As somebody who learned what supports could do for me, and now being someone who helps students get those supports, it’s extremely fulfilling. Seeing how donors impact their success overall and not just academically, but personal growth, it really contributes in all different aspects.”

When she reflects on the philanthropic community behind her and the students she works with, Kelsey shares how vital donors are to her work.

“Donor support is absolutely everything for what I do in a day. Without donor support, I wouldn’t be able to help students find housing. I would not be able to provide students with technology. I would not be able to offer them bursaries, food, or clothing. It’s not just about academics, it’s about so much more.”

Thank you to each member of our donor community. Your generosity enables the success of students and staff and ensures SAIT is a place where all can learn and achieve their goals.

Read more about YOUR impact at SAIT. 

TOMORROW’S TALENT, TODAY

The Real Futures campaign will enable SAIT to deliver on the promise to transform who, how and what we teach in response to the changes unfolding across our communities, technologies and economies. With a fundraising target of $150 million, the campaign will assure SAIT’s continued ability to provide the training and skills that industry needs to stay relevant and that students need to thrive, whatever vision of tomorrow they’re working toward.

Real Futures