SRI Staff Spotlight: Natalie Hakim
Bio basics: Natalie Hakim is Sunnybrook Research Institute’s Trainee Coordinator. Natalie started this role in April 2022, but has been at Sunnybrook since 2010, previously working in various administrative roles in surgery, dialysis and most recently as a clinic coordinator in the Odette Cancer Program.
What’s involved in your role as Trainee Coordinator?
In this role, I’ll be working with SRI researchers and staff to support the registration and onboarding of trainees, as well as academic visitors. This will include responsibilities such as managing the SRI Summer Student Program including organizing the Summer Student Poster Competition, coordinating graduate stipends and award payments, and onboarding all unpaid visitors and personnel. I’ll also act as a liaison between SRI and the University of Toronto for graduate student orientation. My goal is to make these processes as easy and organized as possible for all involved.
What drew you to this role at SRI?
Throughout my 12 years at Sunnybrook, I’ve always worked with student volunteers in some regard, and I’ve found it to be one of the most rewarding parts of the job. When a trainee comes to Sunnybrook, they’re like a seedling, ready to learn and grow, and it’s really fulfilling to see them flourish into the flowers they are toward the end of their time here. I’m looking forward to supporting them in their journey at SRI.
What are you most excited about doing at SRI?
I’m most excited to see these new learners come into the building. For the past two years, so many of them haven’t had this in-person experience, so I’m excited to see that come back to life.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I have two kids — a son and a daughter who are 6 and 7 — so I love going on little adventures and road trips with them, whether it’s to the water park or the museum.
I am also involved in the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. Over the years I’ve been involved as a masquerader, a designer, and a judge. It is something I look forward to every year.
