Finding Purpose and Building a Career: Nickona Boyd’s Supply Chain Journey at PACE
Nickona Boyd moved to Winnipeg from Jamaica with the goal of building a new future in Canada. While the transition to a new country came with uncertainty, enrolling in the Supply Chain Management program at The University of Winnipeg PACE became a turning point in her journey.
At PACE, Nickona discovered a supportive community that helped her grow both personally and professionally. From the program manager to student services advisors, she received consistent guidance that made her feel welcomed and supported from the very beginning. She describes PACE as more than a learning environment—it was a place where she found purpose and direction.
A key part of Nickona’s experience was learning from industry professionals. Her instructors brought real-world knowledge into the classroom, helping her understand how supply chain concepts are applied in practice. Beyond academics, she also had the opportunity to participate in volunteer initiatives, which allowed her to give back, build confidence, and stay engaged within the PACE community.
Nickona also benefited from a diverse classroom environment, where she collaborated with peers from over a dozen countries. These interactions expanded her perspective and strengthened her ability to work in multicultural teams—an essential skill in today’s global workforce.
Today, Nickona works as a Customs Release Agent at Frontier Supply Chain Solutions, a role she secured through the job search strategies, networking skills, and practical knowledge she gained during her time at PACE. She credits her instructors and peers for shaping her growth and preparing her for the Canadian job market.
Her advice to future students is to stay engaged, ask questions, and actively build connections. For Nickona, success came from making the most of every opportunity—whether in the classroom, through volunteering, or by connecting with others.
From Engineering to Insight: Chioma Onyekpere’s Predictive Analytics Journey at PACE
Chioma Onyekpere came to The University of Winnipeg PACE with a strong background in software engineering and a clear goal—to deepen her expertise in data science and learn how to turn data into meaningful insights. Enrolling in the Predictive Analytics program marked a significant step in her professional evolution.
At PACE, Chioma found a learning environment that emphasized hands-on, practical experience. Through projects, assignments, and presentations, she developed the ability to transform data, build predictive models, and communicate insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. She credits this applied approach for helping her move beyond theory and truly understand how data can drive decision-making in real-world scenarios.
One of the most valuable aspects of Chioma’s experience was the opportunity to engage with the broader tech community through PACE’s connection with Tech Manitoba. By attending weekly networking events and professional development sessions, she gained exposure to current industry trends, strengthened her professional presence, and built meaningful connections. These experiences encouraged her to think more critically about her role in the evolving field of artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Chioma’s growth at PACE extended beyond technical skills. The program helped her build confidence in presenting ideas, collaborating with others, and approaching challenges with a data-driven mindset. Her journey even led her to the TEDx Winnipeg stage, where she speaks about how biased AI is shaping the future—demonstrating her ability to apply both her technical knowledge and her voice as a thought leader.
Today, Chioma reflects on her time at PACE as a transformative experience that expanded her capabilities and perspective. Her advice to future students is to fully engage with every aspect of the program, treat each assignment as an opportunity to learn deeply, and take advantage of networking opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
From Engineering to Insight: Chioma Onyekpere’s Predictive Analytics Journey at PACE
Chioma Onyekpere came to The University of Winnipeg PACE with a strong background in software engineering and a clear goal—to deepen her expertise in data science and learn how to turn data into meaningful insights. Enrolling in the Predictive Analytics program marked a significant step in her professional evolution.
At PACE, Chioma found a learning environment that emphasized hands-on, practical experience. Through projects, assignments, and presentations, she developed the ability to transform data, build predictive models, and communicate insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. She credits this applied approach for helping her move beyond theory and truly understand how data can drive decision-making in real-world scenarios.
One of the most valuable aspects of Chioma’s experience was the opportunity to engage with the broader tech community through PACE’s connection with Tech Manitoba. By attending weekly networking events and professional development sessions, she gained exposure to current industry trends, strengthened her professional presence, and built meaningful connections. These experiences encouraged her to think more critically about her role in the evolving field of artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Chioma’s growth at PACE extended beyond technical skills. The program helped her build confidence in presenting ideas, collaborating with others, and approaching challenges with a data-driven mindset. Her journey even led her to the TEDx Winnipeg stage, where she speaks about how biased AI is shaping the future—demonstrating her ability to apply both her technical knowledge and her voice as a thought leader.
Today, Chioma reflects on her time at PACE as a transformative experience that expanded her capabilities and perspective. Her advice to future students is to fully engage with every aspect of the program, treat each assignment as an opportunity to learn deeply, and take advantage of networking opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
Finding Purpose and Building a Career: Nickona Boyd’s Supply Chain Journey at PACE
Nickona Boyd moved to Winnipeg from Jamaica with the goal of building a new future in Canada. While the transition to a new country came with uncertainty, enrolling in the Supply Chain Management program at The University of Winnipeg PACE became a turning point in her journey.
At PACE, Nickona discovered a supportive community that helped her grow both personally and professionally. From the program manager to student services advisors, she received consistent guidance that made her feel welcomed and supported from the very beginning. She describes PACE as more than a learning environment—it was a place where she found purpose and direction.
A key part of Nickona’s experience was learning from industry professionals. Her instructors brought real-world knowledge into the classroom, helping her understand how supply chain concepts are applied in practice. Beyond academics, she also had the opportunity to participate in volunteer initiatives, which allowed her to give back, build confidence, and stay engaged within the PACE community.
Nickona also benefited from a diverse classroom environment, where she collaborated with peers from over a dozen countries. These interactions expanded her perspective and strengthened her ability to work in multicultural teams—an essential skill in today’s global workforce.
Today, Nickona works as a Customs Release Agent at Frontier Supply Chain Solutions, a role she secured through the job search strategies, networking skills, and practical knowledge she gained during her time at PACE. She credits her instructors and peers for shaping her growth and preparing her for the Canadian job market.
Her advice to future students is to stay engaged, ask questions, and actively build connections. For Nickona, success came from making the most of every opportunity—whether in the classroom, through volunteering, or by connecting with others.
Building Future-Ready Skills: Yenchi Wang’s AI Journey at PACE
Yenchi (Louis) Wang came to Canada from Taiwan with a clear goal to gain hands-on experience in the field of Artificial Intelligence and build a future-ready career. Choosing the PACE AI program at The University of Winnipeg was a strategic step toward that goal.
At PACE, Yenchi experienced a learning environment that emphasized practical, industry-relevant skills. He learned directly from instructors who are active professionals in the field, gaining exposure to key areas such as data analysis, Python programming, cloud computing, and machine learning. Through this hands-on approach, he developed the confidence to apply these skills across different industries, not just within AI.
One of the most valuable aspects of Yenchi’s experience was the opportunity to practice and refine his skills in real-world scenarios. Working closely with instructors and peers helped him become comfortable solving complex problems and adapting to industry expectations. This practical foundation prepared him to transition smoothly into the workforce.
After graduating, Yenchi began his career as a Digital Solutions Lead at Freedom Concepts, a company that designs customized bicycles for individuals with unique needs. In his role, he applies the skills he developed at PACE working on data analysis, building workflows, and improving enterprise systems—demonstrating how versatile and transferable AI skills can be.
Yenchi reflects on his time at PACE as a strong starting point for building a career in Canada’s technology sector. His advice to future students is to stay open to learning, actively engage with hands-on opportunities, and use the program as a foundation to explore diverse career paths. For him, PACE was more than an academic experience—it was the beginning of a meaningful professional journey.
From Experience to Opportunity: Bible’s Project Management Journey at PACE
Preechayan (Bible) Prapinwong came to Canada from Thailand with over 14 years of experience in architecture, looking to expand his skills and transition into project management. Choosing the Project Management program at The University of Winnipeg PACE became a key step in that journey.
At PACE, Bible found a learning environment that went beyond theory. He learned directly from industry professionals who brought real-world insights into the classroom. One of the most impactful experiences for him was participating in a field trip to a manufacturing facility, where he observed quality management processes in action. This hands-on exposure helped him connect classroom concepts with real industry practices and deepened his understanding of how projects operate in real settings.
Beyond academics, Bible found strong support through PACE’s academic and career services. As someone new to Canada, these services helped him understand the local job market, make informed career decisions, and plan his next steps with clarity. He also built meaningful connections with instructors, staff, and classmates from around the world, gaining perspectives that strengthened both his professional and personal growth.
Bible actively participated in industry events, including those hosted by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which further prepared him for a future career in project management. He credits these networking opportunities and collaborative experiences for helping him build confidence and expand his professional outlook.
Today, Bible reflects on his time at PACE as a transformative experience that equipped him with both the technical knowledge and practical skills needed for the next stage of his career. His advice to future students is to stay engaged, build strong connections, and make the most of every opportunity. For him, PACE was not just a place to learn, it was a place to grow.
From Experience to Opportunity: Bible’s Project Management Journey at PACE
Preechayan (Bible) Prapinwong came to Canada from Thailand with over 14 years of experience in architecture, looking to expand his skills and transition into project management. Choosing the Project Management program at The University of Winnipeg PACE became a key step in that journey.
At PACE, Bible found a learning environment that went beyond theory. He learned directly from industry professionals who brought real-world insights into the classroom. One of the most impactful experiences for him was participating in a field trip to a manufacturing facility, where he observed quality management processes in action. This hands-on exposure helped him connect classroom concepts with real industry practices and deepened his understanding of how projects operate in real settings.
Beyond academics, Bible found strong support through PACE’s academic and career services. As someone new to Canada, these services helped him understand the local job market, make informed career decisions, and plan his next steps with clarity. He also built meaningful connections with instructors, staff, and classmates from around the world, gaining perspectives that strengthened both his professional and personal growth.
Bible actively participated in industry events, including those hosted by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which further prepared him for a future career in project management. He credits these networking opportunities and collaborative experiences for helping him build confidence and expand his professional outlook.
Today, Bible reflects on his time at PACE as a transformative experience that equipped him with both the technical knowledge and practical skills needed for the next stage of his career. His advice to future students is to stay engaged, build strong connections, and make the most of every opportunity. For him, PACE was not just a place to learn, it was a place to grow.
From Student to Specialist: How PACE Helped Suchini Fernando Launch Her IT Career in Canada
When Suchini Fernando arrived at PACE, she brought with her a solid background in IT but knew that transitioning to Canada’s job market would require more than technical knowledge.
That’s why she enrolled in the Project Management Diploma at PACE, and it changed everything.
“PACE offered more than just academics. It gave me the space to collaborate, learn about Canadian workplace culture, and grow beyond the classroom.”
Suchini highlights the role of her instructors whom she refers to as coaches as being instrumental in her growth. From resume-building sessions to pitch workshops and presentation coaching, every component prepared her to position her experience for Canadian employers.
“They told us from day one to build our network and that became my top priority. It worked. I landed a job from my first interview before I even finished the program.”
She now works as a Senior Software Quality Assurance Specialist at Pollard Banknote, and credits PACE for helping her make a smooth transition into the workforce.
Her advice to future students?
“Think ahead. Set realistic goals. Build your network. And always follow up. That’s how even the impossible becomes possible.”
Building Future-Ready Skills: Yenchi Wang’s AI Journey at PACE
Yenchi (Louis) Wang came to Canada from Taiwan with a clear goal to gain hands-on experience in the field of Artificial Intelligence and build a future-ready career. Choosing the PACE AI program at The University of Winnipeg was a strategic step toward that goal.
At PACE, Yenchi experienced a learning environment that emphasized practical, industry-relevant skills. He learned directly from instructors who are active professionals in the field, gaining exposure to key areas such as data analysis, Python programming, cloud computing, and machine learning. Through this hands-on approach, he developed the confidence to apply these skills across different industries, not just within AI.
One of the most valuable aspects of Yenchi’s experience was the opportunity to practice and refine his skills in real-world scenarios. Working closely with instructors and peers helped him become comfortable solving complex problems and adapting to industry expectations. This practical foundation prepared him to transition smoothly into the workforce.
After graduating, Yenchi began his career as a Digital Solutions Lead at Freedom Concepts, a company that designs customized bicycles for individuals with unique needs. In his role, he applies the skills he developed at PACE working on data analysis, building workflows, and improving enterprise systems—demonstrating how versatile and transferable AI skills can be.
Yenchi reflects on his time at PACE as a strong starting point for building a career in Canada’s technology sector. His advice to future students is to stay open to learning, actively engage with hands-on opportunities, and use the program as a foundation to explore diverse career paths. For him, PACE was more than an academic experience—it was the beginning of a meaningful professional journey.
Building Confidence and Career Readiness: Paola Romero’s Project Management Journey at PACE
Paola Romero joined The University of Winnipeg PACE to pursue the Project Management program with a goal of strengthening her professional skills and advancing her career. What she found at PACE was more than an academic experience—it was a journey that built her confidence and prepared her for success in the Canadian workplace.
One of the most impactful aspects of Paola’s experience was learning from industry professionals. Her instructors brought real-world knowledge into every class, helping her understand how to apply theoretical concepts in practical work environments. This approach made learning engaging, relevant, and directly aligned with the expectations of today’s workforce.
Beyond the classroom, Paola benefited from the strong support systems at PACE. Writing tutors helped her refine her communication skills, while career services provided guidance on building a professional resume, crafting an effective elevator pitch, and improving presentation abilities. These resources played a key role in helping her align her experience with Canadian market standards and present herself with confidence.
Paola also valued the diverse and collaborative learning environment at PACE. Working alongside classmates from different countries allowed her to gain new perspectives, strengthen her teamwork skills, and better understand cross-cultural communication—an essential skill in project management. She further expanded her professional network by participating in industry events and engaging with the Project Management Institute, which supported her goal of becoming a certified professional.
Today, Paola works as a Safety & Health Officer with the Government of Manitoba, applying the skills and knowledge she developed at PACE in a meaningful and impactful role. She credits her success to the practical learning, supportive community, and strong professional connections she built during her time at PACE.
Her advice to future students is to take full advantage of every resource available, stay proactive, and build meaningful connections. For Paola, PACE was not just about gaining knowledge—it was about discovering her potential and building a path forward.
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