Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Santanna Coleman, an OHS advisor for Construction Safety Nova Scotia, exemplifies how authentic leadership and a people-centred mindset can shape a compelling and impactful career, even from the earliest stages.
“What’s made this career such a natural fit is that being a ‘safe person’ isn’t just something I do at work. It’s part of who I am,” she explains. “Whether it’s supporting others, creating space for open conversations, or being the person people turn to for guidance, I’ve always been drawn to helping others feel secure and supported.”
Coleman’s path into the safety industry was not meticulously planned – it was shaped by opportunities, guidance, and a deep-seated personal ethos.
“I found my way into OHS through a combination of chance and opportunities,” she says. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have people around me who saw my potential and encouraged me to pursue this path.”
These opportunities and encouragement have fueled her rise. A genuine passion of caring for people and an instinct to create secure environments enables Coleman to foster trust, whether in the field or the classroom.
And as a young woman in a male-dominated industry, Coleman has faced her share of challenges, particularly in establishing credibility. But she approaches these moments with a calm strength: grounded in expertise, driven by empathy, and focused on building relationships.
“I’ve had many participants, often men who’ve been in the industry for decades, come up to me after a session and say things like, ‘That was a great course’ or ‘You kept us engaged the whole time,” she says. “That kind of feedback means a lot.”
This reflects a mastery of learning principles and her ability to deliver engaging, relevant content that respects the knowledge of experienced professionals while introducing new insights.
Named as one of COS’s Young Achievers of 2025, over the past year Coleman has achieved significant professional milestones by becoming certified as a First Aid CPR/BLS and AED Instructor-Trainer, as well as a Government of Nova Scotia Traffic Control and Temporary Workplace Instructor. She also conducted 21 COR® audits for Construction Safety Nova Scotia members. These achievements reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen her skills and contribute meaningfully to the wider field.
Approachability is Coleman’s professional superpower. “I’m able to connect with a wide range of people,” she explains. This trust-building is the cornerstone of her effectiveness and the reputation she has built so early in her career.
Her learner-centered, adaptable approach ensures that safety initiatives are not just compliant, but genuinely impactful. Being honoured as a Young Achiever has prompted Coleman to reflect and even strengthened her commitment.
She adds, “It’s a reminder that progress often happens quietly and gradually, even when it feels slow or uncertain at the start. This recognition has deepened my commitment to keep learning and growing.”
With strong mentorship, institutional support from Construction Safety Nova Scotia, and a deep personal drive, Coleman stands as a powerful example of resilience and purpose.
“I believe that safety isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every worker deserves to feel safe, respected, and included.”
35 MacDonald Avenue, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1C6
1 800 971 3888
scoleman@constructionsafetyns.ca
linkedin.com/in/santanna-coleman-css-nhsa-58977658
constructionsafetyns.ca
Santanna Coleman
OHS Advisor Construction Safety Nova Scotia
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Bio
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Bio
Milestones
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2014–2016
2019–2020
2023
2024
2025
2014: Graduated from Academy Canada, Corner Brook Newfoundland – Diploma in Occupational Health, Safety and Environment
2016: Isle-Aux-Morts, Newfoundland – Moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia
2014–2016
2019: Construction Safety Nova Scotia – COR Administrator
2020: First Aid CPR/AED Instructor
2019–2020
Construction Safety Nova Scotia – Occupational Health and Safety Advisor
AuditSoft Power User Certification
2023
Government of Nova Scotia Traffic Control and Temporary Workplace Instructor
2024
First Aid with CPR/BLS and AED Instructor Trainer
National Construction Safety Officer Designation
2025
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.