WTJ? Live Career Stories Unplugged

Ben Dashteshtani ՚12 BSc(CivE), ՚13 MEng

Toronto native Ben Dashteshtani, a proud Maple Leafs fan, is a Civil Engineer with both a BSc (2012, Distinction) and MEng (2013) from the University of Alberta. With career spanning roles at CH2M, Jacobs, and Worley, Ben brings expertise and dedication to every project. In 2023, he joined ASSET as an alumni volunteer and chaired Worley’s Canada West United Way Campaign, earning a nomination for United Way’s Employee Campaign Chair of the Year. Currently, Ben serves as a United Way Sponsored Campaign Representative in Edmonton. Off-duty, he’s a sports enthusiast, non-fiction reader, and action movie fan—especially Marvel’s Deadpool!

Shenin Mehnaj ՚21 BSc(Nutr/Food)

Shenin, a native of Bangladesh, graduated from the U of A with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science, accompanied by certificates in International Learning, Sustainability, and Global Citizenship. She is currently working towards her Masters in Science (Food Safety and Quality Specialization). Inspired by her resilient mother and grandmother, who independently raised her and her brother, Shenin believes in volunteering as a personal way to support causes close to her heart. In her leisure, she enjoys reading, recording dance videos, and taking walks along the River Valley.

Melinda McNie ՚74 BPE, ՚03 MEd

Melinda has been a dedicated volunteer with ASSET since 2020, finding the experience deeply rewarding. Until 2022, she worked with Edmonton Public Schools as the Coordinator for Community Helpers, a provincial program focused on mental health and suicide awareness. Alongside this role, she served as an educator and facilitator for 2SLGBTQIA+ students through the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services (now FYREFLY) at the University of Alberta. Previously, Melinda taught and counseled within Edmonton Public Schools. She is a certified Emotional Fitness Coach, Go-to Educator, and Circle Way practitioner.

An adventurer at heart, Melinda loves traveling, camping, hiking, kayaking, motorcycling, snowshoeing, and practicing yoga.

Marcello Troncoso ‘20 BA

Marcello is a current Intern Mental Health Therapist here in Edmonton. Having previously studied International Relations at the University of Alberta and working in Private Wealth Management & Investment Banking, Marcello knows all about transitions and finding purpose in a meaningful career. Aiming to become fully licensed as a Mental Health Therapist is Marcello's current goal and when he is not studying, working on accreditations, or researching you can find him reading, cooking and trying new recipes.