Alumni Advisory Council

Graduating from General Business in 2016, Kyle Datzkiw is a proud Mohawk College Alumni from the McKeil School of Business. While there is so much to appreciate about the education he received during his time at Mohawk, Kyle is most proud of his time spent outside of the classroom with the Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA).

Kyle served two terms on the Board of Directors for the MSA, including a term as president in 2016-2017. Having always had a passion for customer service and assisting others, Kyle now works as a Financial Services Manager for Performance Mercedes-Benz in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Outside of work, Kyle takes great pride in remaining involved in the community. As a member of the coaching staff for the basketball program at Westmount Secondary School, he looks to be able to mentor and support the potential future Mohawk students of tomorrow.

Amanda White is Ojibwe with family from Wiikwemkoong Manitoulin Island, and was born and raised in Hamilton. Amanda has worked at Mohawk College within Indigenous Student Services (ISS) for well over a decade supporting Indigenous learners on their educational journey. As Manager of Indigenous Student Services, Amanda had overseen and supported the ISS team with a new team model that reduces barriers, and supports Indigenous learner access, transition, retention, and engagement towards their graduation and employment success. During that time, Amanda was also the lead on developing and running the highly acclaimed Pathfinder: Indigenous Youth Program since its inception in 2011, and in 2022 was able to bring the Pathfinder team and students to the World Indigenous People’s Conference on Education in Australia. 

In May 2023, Amanda was appointed as Acting Director for the Centre of Indigenous Relations, Knowledge, and Learning (CIRKL), supporting Indigenous education and initiatives at Mohawk College including Indigenous Knowledge Learning Outcomes, policy development, and partnerships. Amanda’s contributions have spanned across the college as PT faculty in Liberal Studies for Indigenous courses, facilitator for professional development internally and externally, and serving on the Board of Governors. 

Amanda is a three-time alumna of Mohawk College from Graphic Design -Creative, Comic Design & Scripting, and Event management. She also holds a BA in English language and literature from Queen’s University. 

Owner, Hamilton Mountain Franchise, Hickory Dickory Decks and part time teacher at the Marshall School of Trades

Brad Arnold has built a successful career in construction and hopes to inspire others to pursue a path in skilled trades. He is a licenced designer, red seal certified carpenter and president of the head office of Hickory Dickory Decks, the largest deck company in Canada.

Brad completed his apprenticeship in carpentry in 2002, after six years of sales experience at Hickory Dickory Decks. Progressing within the company, he has moved from sales to building and designing decks, training other carpenters, vice president, to president and part-owner of the parent company. Brad has received all eight company awards during his tenure and is a respected expert in his field.

With a fulfilling career, it is important to Brad that he mentors young people considering the trades. He often shares his story and insights with students, sponsors apprentices and hires and trains graduates from Mohawk College.