Heidi Northwood is the Senior Executive Officer of Laurier University's Brantford campus. She works to create opportunities and strategies that advance Laurier’s academic mission, build relationships with campus partners and stakeholders, and support academic and administrative leaders. Before this, she was Dean of Liberal Arts for five years. Prior to joining Laurier in 2014, Northwood was the director of Integrative Programs and the Core Curriculum at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY and a professor in the philosophy department. In addition to teaching and working in the area of Ancient Greek philosophy and science, she led the development of a new core curriculum, experiential learning opportunities and assessment structures. Northwood received her bachelors and masters degrees in philosophy from Western University and her PhD in philosophy from the University of Alberta.

Our discussion on this instalment of Vitality on Earth focused on Heidi's role as Senior Executive Officer for Wilfrid Laurier's Brantford Campus, looking at its transitions, expectations, and challenges. In addition, our chat explored the city of Brantford's transition over the last decade, and her visions in continuing to grow the Brantford Campus throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Through determination and sheer will, Heidi acknowledges the importance of reducing the gender gap and offering insight for young women around the world in fulfilling their dreams, and not letting anything getting in the way with regards to becoming the greatest versions of themselves. Having fun along the way is something important to Heidi, and it's meaningful in acknowledging the journey more than the destination.

It was a privilege chatting with Heidi and I'm excited to share with you all our discussion on Vitality on Earth.