Our Leader Spotlight | John Da Silva
Associate Dean, School of Technology, Niagara College
This series is dedicated to introducing and celebrating the participants of the ACL+ 2021/22 program. Each week, we will focus on one of our leaders, sharing a little bit about them and what motivates them to explore community leadership in Niagara.
John joined Niagara College in June 2021 as Associate Dean of the School of Technology. Previous to joining Niagara College, John was at the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers where he was responsible for the strategic vision of the Ontario Engineering Academy (OEA).
John brings over 15 years of experience in leading, coordinating, and supporting teams and business units across multiple industry sectors including advanced manufacturing, construction, and energy while working at Siemens Canada, Bombardier, Oneira Corporation and Suncor Energy. At Siemens Canada, he co-developed and managed the Siemens Canada Engineering & Technology Academy (SCETA). Through the launch of the Dual Education program and
Siemens Mechatronics System Certification Program (SMSCP) he forged partnerships with colleges, universities and organizations across Canada.
John has also been an adjunct professor in the Electro-Mechanical Technology Program at Humber College since 2002. John holds an Advanced Diploma in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology from Humber College, a Bachelor of Engineering from School of Mechanical Engineering at Ryerson University, and dual MBA degrees from Cornell University and Queen’s University. John is a licensed Engineer in the Province of Ontario – The Professional Engineering Ontario (PEO); and Alberta – Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).
Why are you personally motivated to explore civic leadership?
My motivation in civic leadership is derived from the continuous pursuit of excellence with the Niagara region. Excellence is comprised of a collaborative ecosystem leveraging each other’s strengths to unite and innovate.
What, in your view, is the most significant issue/opportunity facing our community? Why?
The most significant issue within the Niagara Region and at the same time opportunity is the understanding and adaption of technology to provide solutions of megatrends – climate change, population growth, demographic changes, energy demand, and consumer demand for 100% quality. An example; Niagara Region must plan for a minimum population of 674,000 people and 272,000 jobs to 2051. What are our community plans for this growth aligned with the above trends? Job skills? , etc.
What individual attributes do you hope to develop or expand upon?
Individual attributes that I hope to expand through this program are insight and community acumen. An increased understanding of Niagara’s communities, people, sectors, and a deeper network of community leaders and influencers.
What Is ACL+?
Accelerate Civic Leadership+ is our answer to adapting our flagship Accelerate Civic Leadership (ACL) program for virtual learning.
Designed as a tool to expand the number of individuals who accept leadership roles in business, government, and social organizations to meet future challenges in the region, ACL+ strengthens the bonds within the region. It serves as a retention and engagement tool for our Niagara businesses and non-profits.