All CBSN Members are invited to join us for the next CBSN Career Chat November 12, 2025

4pm ET

Topic: Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Black STEM Experts

with

Alexandra McCann

Executive Director of ONSIDE (Organization for Nova Scotia Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship)

This Career Chat will include an exploration of Alexandra McCann’s career path followed by moderated discussion about inclusive innovation and how black STEM experts can think about entrepreneurship.

Bio:

Alexandra “Alex” McCann is the Executive Director of ONSIDE, the Organization for Nova Scotia Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship, a community accelerator empowering rural and underrepresented groups through inclusive innovation-driven entrepreneurship (i+IDE) and collective impact. ONSIDE amplifies disruptive ideas and mobilizes collaboration to turn ideas into impact for a more prosperous and entrepreneurial future. ONSIDE is the sponsor of the Start Now Incubator a launchpad for diverse and rural women’s entrepreneurship across Canada, and the MIT REAP Focus – Nova Scotia program.

Alex holds an MA in Pacific Asian Studies from the University of London, School of Oriental African Studies (SOAS) and a double BA from the University of Virginia in Asian Studies and Anthropology. She is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) and a former member of the Board of Governors at the University of Kings College. She sat on the advisory board for SEATAC, an applied research and innovation centre for the ocean technology sector, and is currently on the expert panel on the state of Science, Technology & Innovation for the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA). Alex is obsessed with saving handwriting, enjoys travel, politics, and sampling all of Nova Scotia’s culinary delights!