Pictured: Michele O’Keefe, Director of Athletics and Student Engagement at Niagara College. Photo Supplied
Welland native, Michele O’Keefe, Director of Athletics and Student Engagement at Niagara College, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) 2024 Women in Business Awards.
Presented to women who have excelled in their business and community over the course of their career, the GNCC Lifetime Achievement Award is the most recent accolade awarded to O’Keefe throughout her impressive career.
“Michele O’Keefe is a trailblazer whose contributions have profoundly shaped both Canadian sport and Niagara College,” said Mishka Balsom, CEO, GNCC and former Chair of NC’s Board of Governors.
“From her transformative leadership as CEO of Canada Basketball to her impactful role at Niagara College, Michele has championed sport as a formidable tool for empowerment, especially for women. Her achievements – including the Leadership in Sport Award at the Canadian Sport Awards, the CICan Award of Excellence, and her influential roles on the FIBA Americas and FIBA Central Boards – highlight her dedication to excellence and advocacy in international sport.
We are thrilled to honour Michele with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Women in Business Awards.”
O’Keefe, who landed back in the Rose City from Canada Basketball in 2018, was quick to praise her co-workers at Niagara College.
“I’m honoured to receive the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award,” said O’Keefe. “To be clear, I don’t work alone. Everything I do involves colleagues – internal and external to NC and I feel very fortunate to work with so many amazing partners to create programs and initiatives that support our students and members of our community.”
Upon arriving at Niagara College, O’Keefe quickly established herself as a respected leader and mentor to both NC student athletes and staff. In her role at the College, she has been a constant source of encouragement for students, athletes, coaches and employees who are motivated by her thoughtful and sincere leadership style.
“We are extremely proud of Michele and her accomplishments,” said Niagara College President, Sean Kennedy. “She brings her passion for sport, inclusivity, and student-focused leadership to Niagara College every day and to her community service work with a variety of partners, inspiring development and growth for women and girls.”
With a career that spans three decades, O’Keefe has built lasting and impactful relationships in both the national sport and local community. She has received numerous accolades and awards for her visionary leadership, including the City of Welland’s esteemed H.L. Cudney Memorial Award for her contributions to basketball, and an Executive Award of Merit in 2020 for her role formalizing a structure for the development of basketball officials.
Some of O’Keefe’s most recent accomplishments include the launch of the City of Welland’s first-ever Girls Sport Day in 2022. Created in partnership with the City of Welland, the event provides girls between the ages of six and 12 the opportunity to try a variety of sports to build confidence and instill a sense of belonging in sport. She also held a spot on the board of directors and served as Chair of the Legacy Committee for the Niagara 2022 Summer Games and was awarded the silver Leadership Excellence Award from CICan in May 2024.
When asked what advice she would share with young women in business, O’Keefe had this to say:
“Be smart, strategic, relentless and curious. You might know at an early age what path you want to pursue, or like me, you might be late to the game and discover your ‘why’ later – both ways are right.
“It took me a few years of various jobs before I found my path, and even then, I took a few turns. I’m always trying to understand why things are done the way they are, and it was through this sense of curiosity that I discovered sport administration which led me to Niagara College.”
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college.
For more on Niagara College visit niagaracollege.ca, and for more information on Niagara College Athletics visit goknights.ca
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
