University of Windsor alumni are doing great things in their careers, communities and on the global stage. Learn more about their experience and impact here.
Noralyn (Lyn) Baluyot, BScN '94, BA '96
She began her career as a nurse working in various Detroit hospitals prior to going to Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine to receive her Masters Degree in Health Administration.
She joined Deloitte US in 1999 as a Senior Consultant specializing in Performance Improvement and left in 2014 as a Managing Director to join Deloitte Canada as a partner in 2014. Lyn’s work as a consultant spanned performance improvement, enterprise-wide transformation programs.
Lyn joined TransForm in 2018 and led the Clinical Systems and Transformation office at TransForm and was responsible for all clinical systems including Cerner throughout the Erie St. Clair region, as well as any ongoing transformation programs. She also serves as co-Chair of the Cerner Provincial Collaborative. She successfully led the most comprehensive clinical transformation program (e-VOLVE)-within the former Erie St. Clair region with her hospital partners resulting in the successful implementation of the Cerner Millennium hospital information system across four hospital organizations in big bang style during probably the most trying time of healthcare: the COVID-19 Pandemic. The e-VOLVE program has resulted in a longitudinal, contiguous patient record for all patients being served in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent that can be readily accessed by any provider at any of the four hospital organizations.
Lyn is a seasoned healthcare leader with over 25 years of experience as a nurse, administrator, and consultant. As a dynamic healthcare executive, Lyn has led global enterprise-wide complex clinical transformations attaining sustainable results. Her collaborative style enables her to work with multiple different stakeholders to achieve transformational change with sustainable results. Her deep operational experience enables her to work with other health system partners to shape and achieve the vision for future healthcare delivery while sustaining financial efficiency, improving quality and enhancing the patient and family experience.
In 2022 she was promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer of TransForm where she continues to work with not only the 5 hospitals in Erie St. Clair and the 3 Ontario Health Teams to deliver Information Technology and Supply Chain Services.
Lyn credits her UWindsor experience with providing her with a solid foundation to be successful in her career. Being a former clinician and an administrator—I was able to “walk the walk” when working with clients on transformational programs. The education at UWindsor prepared me for the rigors of my Masters Degree program which I completed successfully while also being a teaching assistant for the Healthcare Finance course for the executive Masters In Medical Management offered by Tulane.
Lyn is married to Trevor Bennet for 22 years. They have 3 children: Morgan (21), Jackson (18), Ryann (16). When she is not busy with work, she is chauffeur and cheerleader for her kids. She enjoys baking and reading.
Dr. Beverly Jacobs, CM, LLB '94
Dr. Beverly Jacobs CM, LLB ’94 is the Senior Advisor to the President on Indigenous Relations and Outreach at the University of Windsor and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law.
Dr. Jacobs will address issues of Indigenous genocide on September 28 at the River Bookshop in Amherstburg at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Jacobs will also be presenting on campus at UWindsor’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 Orange Shirt Day Drum Social Teach-In at the David Wilson Commons, following a community walk.
“Most Canadians are not aware of the treaty history of Indigenous Peoples or are not aware of the violations of this treaty relationship. Nor are they aware of the genocide against Indigenous Peoples to try to erase them as people.” said Dr. Jacobs.
Dr. Jacobs is a former President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (elected 2004 to 2009). She is nationally known for her work and commitment to Indigenous politics in Canada, is universally respected in this regard, and is understood to be a tireless and formidable advocate. She is a leading voice and an expert with respect to a multitude of issues facing Indigenous people in her community, in Ontario, across Canada and on an international scale.
She held Associate Dean (Academic) and Acting Dean appointments in the Faculty of Law. She practices law part-time at her home community of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Her research focuses on Indigenous Legal Orders, Indigenous Wholistic Health, Indigenous Research Methodologies, and Decolonization of Eurocentric Law. In addition to her University of Windsor law degrees, Beverly has earned a Master of Law Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2000 and a PhD from the University of Calgary in 2018. Beverly is also a consultant/researcher/writer/public speaker. Her work centres around ending gendered colonial violence against Indigenous people and restoring Indigenous laws, beliefs, values, and traditions. A prolific scholar, her published work has earned her numerous awards; her research combined with her advocacy has translated into national and international recognition.
Dr. Jacobs received the Laura Legge Award from the Law Society of Ontario in 2021 and she was inducted as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2018. She received two awards from Mohawk College in 2018: Alumni of Distinction Award and Distinguished Fellow – Adjunct Professor. In her first year of teaching at the Faculty of Law, University of Windsor in 2017, she received an Office of Human Rights, Equity & Accessibility, Human Rights and Social Justice Award. In 2016, she received a Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law from the Governments of France and Germany for her human rights fight for the issues relating to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. In 2008, she also received a Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Person’s Case, an Esquao Award from the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women and a Canadian Voice of Women of Peace Award from the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative and Civilian Peace Service Canada.
Lisa Lortie BASc '96, MBA '00
Lisa Lortie is the Director of Propulsion Systems Testing and Analysis at the Stellantis facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan. As Director, she oversees a professional team of engineers, technicians and mechanics throughout North America and has global lead on Electrification testing for Stellantis.
Named one of the Top 100 Leading Women in Automotive in North America by Automotive News in 2020 and featured in a Chapter of SAE’s book, “The Road Forward,” where she was recognized as a leader in the North American auto industry and distinguished for her advice on navigating the automotive sector through the COVID crisis. Member of the Society of Women Engineers, Professional Engineers Ontario, Network of Women in Engineering, See It Be It STEM It and Engineers of Tomorrow. Board Member of the Women of Stellantis and volunteer on their Community Committee, partnering with charitable community partners and setting up events and communications to foster relationships amongst women.
In the past two decades of her career, Lisa has been dedicated to ensuring the safety of millions of vehicles before they hit the road. As global director of propulsion systems testing and analysis, she oversees a professional team of nearly 1,400 scattered across the globe. While working remotely during the pandemic, she says it was critical for her to maintain and develop new mentoring relationships.
Lisa says it’s critical for her team to be innovative to keep pace with the evolving technological landscape and determine optimal testing methods.
“Everything is moving towards electrification,” she says. “We need to stay on top of advances in technology because we are the ones responsible for the validation of the components.”
Her curiosity in applied science was sparked at a young age by her parents, who were both teachers. She could often be found in the garage alongside her dad, immersed in woodworking projects, while her mom helped foster her interest in science and math.
She credits her UWindsor education for setting a foundation for her success. “Between the classes, labs, and co-op experience, the education that I received at the University of Windsor gave me a good, all-around experience to prepare me for the working world.”
Ken Alexander BPA '87, LLB '92
Growing up in Windsor Ken BPA (Hon) ’87, LLB ’92 was always motivated to participate and be involved in extracurricular activities. Ken's parents were immigrants from the Caribbean and were always actively involved in the community. This set an example to him and his siblings. “I believe the lessons I learned through extracurricular activities and community involvement are equally as important as those learned in the classroom. These experiences gave me the opportunity to work with a variety of individuals and gave me to confidence to take on a leadership role with the Alumni Association.”
Ken is the current president of the UWindsor Alumni Association Board after many years of engagement with the Association in a variety of capacities including a member of the Toronto Chapter, Strategic Plan Committee, Finance Committee as well as other committees. His involvement with the University of Windsor began as a student. At Law School he was vice president of the Student Law Society. He was voted by his peers to receive the John Whiteside award for contribution to the Faculty of Law. In undergrad he held the position of president of the University of Windsor Student Alliance (UWSA), (or SAC as it was then), for two years after having been a member of Social Science Society. After Graduation Ken worked in Toronto and became involved in the Toronto Chapter of the Alumni Association and was involved in planning numerous events including the Humphrey Ianni Memorial Golf Tournament which raised money for student scholarships.
In 2005 Ken was recognized with a Clark Award in recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to the University. “I promote the University of Windsor at every opportunity. I encourage alumni to become involved in the Association, whether it’s volunteering, participating on a committee or becoming a member of the Board of Directors. Nominating alumni for one of the recognition awards, Odyssey, Ambassador, Award of Merit, is a great way to start.”
Ken is an employment lawyer and principal of the Davenport Law Group in Toronto. He was a volunteer coach and manager of his sons' hockey teams the Toronto Marlboros and Toronto Red Wings. Among other things Ken's practice includes Wrongful Dismissal Law and Human Rights Law. He is counsel to a number of not-for-profit organizations. He has contributed his legal services to a number of these organizations on a pro bono basis. “We recently purchased a cottage in Lakeshore. I’m looking forward to spending more time in the Windsor area. This will also give me the opportunity to continue to participate in UWindsor initiatives.” Ken enjoys golf, cycling squash, hockey (although he says he’s not particularly talented at any of them).
Alumni Spotlight Archive
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