Student Spotlight
Davis Wells
The Dalhousie Management Society is proud to shine a spotlight on someone whose presence has shaped our community in countless meaningful ways: our Vice President, Davis Wells.
From the moment Davis joined the Management program, she knew she wanted to be part of something bigger than herself. Drawn to Dalhousie for its smaller class sizes, close-knit culture, and hands-on learning environment, Davis quickly found her place in DMS. Beginning as the First-Year Representative, she stepped into leadership early. She connected with students, supporting faculty events, and helping build the foundation of the supportive environment she valued so deeply. Over the years, her commitment only grew. As Co-VP Marketing, she helped redesign the society's marketing direction, and now, as Vice President, she leads a team of more than 40 students with clarity, compassion, and purpose.
Throughout her four years, Davis has embodied leadership that is grounded in empathy and action. She consistently strives to make society a welcoming space for every student, whether they're entering their first term or stepping into upper-year opportunities. Her role as VP has been transformational, teaching her to support others, plan large-scale events, and foster community across the faculty. Davis's leadership style reflects what she values most: making people feel included, motivated, and confident in their abilities.
Beyond her impact on campus, Davis is about to begin a significant new chapter. This January, she will be stepping down from her role as VP of DMS to return home to Toronto for an eight-month internship with TD, a role she earned through resilience, involvement, and a willingness to embrace every opportunity for growth. Davis shared her excitement about immersing herself in a fast-paced professional environment, building long-term relationships, and taking on meaningful projects that will challenge and inspire her. Her experience in Management, from Professional Communications to case competitions, and especially her leadership in DMS, has prepared her to step into this new role with confidence and purpose.
“Davis has been such a light of positivity in our society! From her first participation with us in her first year, she’s always strived to make the society a welcoming and comfortable place. I have no doubt she’ll be a tremendous leader at TD. While we’re sad to see her go, we’re excited for her to join again next year with even more leadership and professional experience! Her presence in our society has made it so much stronger, and we are so proud of her.”
Here are a few words from our DMS team:
“Davis’s smiles and laughter will be missed in our weekly executive meetings. Her optimism and passion are contagious, and it will take her far; there’s no doubt. I hope Toronto treats you well, and we look forward to seeing you next.”
“I remember meeting Davis when she first joined the society—even as a first year, you should see the passion and light in her. I feel very fortunate to have worked with her as Co-VP Marketing last year, collaborating to build the DMS community. Through her leadership, DMS has been even more impactful in enriching students’ experiences beyond the classroom. Davis, you are going to kill it at TD!”
“Thank you so much for an incredible semester of DMS! You truly light up every room you walk into with your energy and joy, and it is so contagious! You have the kindest heart, and you are a true leader. You have taught me so much, and I am forever grateful! I will miss you so much, and I’ll always be cheering you on! Best of luck with your internship, you’ll do great!”
“Davis’s enthusiasm always brought extra energy to DMS meetings and events. Her passion for Management and leadership is so strong that I have no doubt she will be great in her role in Toronto. Looking forward to seeing you back at Dal next year!”
“Davis has the ability to uplift the attitude of every room she walks into. Her work ethic, kindness, and confidence have made a real impact in DMS, and I do not doubt that her presence will continue to inspire people anywhere she goes!”
“I want to personally extend my gratitude for Davis’s support this year in transforming DMS from just a society into a family dedicated to enhancing our student experience. Her presence has significantly impacted our success, and I hope she continues to carry this positive attitude moving forward. Davis’s ambition is inspiring, and I truly admire her commitment to our wonderful society. Best of luck with her internship in Toronto— I know you’re going to kill it!”
“Davis, thank you for everything you have poured into the Dalhousie Management Society. The energy, the leadership, the warmth, and the countless hours behind the scenes that have made our community what it is today. We are incredibly grateful for the impact you’ve made, and we cannot wait to see the incredible things you’ll accomplish at TD and beyond. ”
From the rest of DMS:
This week, we're excited to highlight two of our incredible first-yea representatives, Kennedy Smith and Ben Pelletier, whose enthusiasm and leadership have already made a tangible impact on the Management Society. Transitioning into university life is no small task. Still, Kennedy and Ben have embraced every opportunity, especially when they stepped up to lead the RBC Perfecting Your Pitch Panel, one of the Society's major early-year professional development events.
For both of them, taking charge of the panel was a standout moment in their first semester. Kennedy described it as an enriching experience in which she was able to craft meaningful questions and connect with recruiters in ways she had never done before. Ben shared that the event was exciting, fun, and incredibly valuable, especially since it was his first time being involved in the facilitation of a Management Society event. Together, they spent hours preparing thoughtful questions, developing their public speaking skills, and building confidence as young leaders.
Their experience working with RBC helped both students realize that networking is far more about authentic relationships than it is about formalities. They learned that industry professionals genuinely want students to succeed and are willing to offer guidance when students show initiative. By helping first-years understand resumes, interviews, and career expectations, Kennedy and Ben strengthened the Society's sense of community. They helped their peers feel more prepared for future opportunities.
Beyond the event itself, their first-semester experiences have been shaped by DMS’s welcoming, tight-knit environment. Kennedy, who moved across the country from Vancouver, shared that getting involved with DMS early made Dalhousie feel like home much faster. Staying busy, meeting people, and joining a supportive group helped her adjust both socially and academically. Ben echoed the same sentiment, noting how valuable it has been to meet other first-year students who are navigating the same challenges, as well as upper-year students who have offered advice and mentorship.
Both students were drawn to the Society because they wanted to be involved, connected, and active within their program from day one. Their early involvement has helped them grow their confidence, expand their network, and find their place within the Management community. Looking forward, Kennedy is excited to continue contributing to upcoming projects, while Ben hopes to take on even larger roles in the future as he continues through his degree.
Kennedy and Ben have both demonstrated initiative, positivity, and a willingness to learn, qualities that strengthen our community. We are incredibly proud of the leadership they have shown already, and we cannot wait to see the impact they will continue to make throughout their time in the Management program.
Kennedy Smith & Ben Pelletier
Ethan Gottdank
Moving from Toronto to Halifax has been a significant life change, but one that has brought excitement and personal growth. Ethan’s trying new things every day, from swimming in the ocean to participating in campus events like the Tigers football homecoming game. For Ethan, Dalhousie offers both an active student life and a welcoming atmosphere. Based on his first few months here, Halifax already feels like a place he could see himself living long-term.
One of Ethans most enjoyable new experiences so far has been living on his own. He has always been independent and self-sufficient, so adapting to life away from home came naturally. He’s embraced the responsibility and freedom that come with it, by finding comfort in creating his own space and routines.
Ethan joined the Dalhousie Management Society with in his first month at school to help him get more involved in the Management program. He’s thankful he did as it has helped him meet great, like-minded people, have fun, and better understand his studies. Ethan says, DMS has enhanced his time at Dalhousie by providing a strong sense of community and connection. He encourages every first-year student, or any management student, of any age, to join the society, as it offers a valuable network of peers who can share advice and experiences that last throughout university and beyond.
The best part of the Dalhousie Management degree is that it’s fully customizable. Looking ahead, Ethan wants to customize his degree by studying abroad in Europe for a semester and continuing to search for opportunities that challenge and inspire him. For future students, his advice is straightforward: choose a school that aligns with your goals and sparks your enthusiasm. For Ethan, that sense of adventure is precisely what led him to Dalhousie, and it’s what continues to make his experience feel like home.
For many students, choosing the right university can feel like a daunting decision. However, for Ethan Gottdank, a first-year Management student, the choice to attend Dalhousie University stemmed from a sense of adventure and curiosity. After exploring various business programs across Ontario with his guidance counsellor, he began to consider schools outside the province. Dalhousie immediately stood out, offering not only strong academic programs but also the opportunity to experience something entirely new. The idea of moving to Halifax felt like an adventure and a chance to step outside his comfort zone.
Ethan’s academic journey didn’t always point toward a business career. In high school, he had initially been interested in mechanical engineering, but found that the workload didn’t align with his interests. Transitioning into management has allowed him to explore new possibilities while balancing his curiosity for problem-solving and creativity. Now settled into his first semester, Ethan has already found several pleasant surprises in his coursework. With accounting as his unexpected favourite, as he has been enjoying the structure and logic behind organizing information and appreciates that every concept has a clear real-world purpose. While exploring the various paths within management, Ethan is keeping an open mind as he discovers where his interests lie, while wanting to learn more about accounting and entrepreneurship pathways.