Powerful leadership

With a science background, a passion for film and television, and a heart for community-centered work, Nathan LaCroix has made a mark since moving to Prince Edward Island in 2018. “I came here to study at UPEI, and I decided to stay when my degree was done.”

From island life in Nassau, Bahamas, to island life here, Nathan felt a sense of familiarity in pace, vibe, and island time, despite the cultural differences. “I didn’t know anyone when I arrived here, so I knew I had to put myself out there to make friends and build community.” Volunteering outside the classroom was how he did just that. During his time at UPEI, Nathan was actively involved in campus life as a residence advisor and as part of the student union, among many other things, all while managing the full schedule of classes and labs. 

“I knew I had to push myself outside my comfort zone when I came here. Back home, in my family, I was always known as ‘the quiet one.’” Over time, Nathan has come to realize that his quiet, laid-back approach is not always a bad thing. “My calmness and demeanor is a gift, and it is my power.”

After graduating UPEI with a biology degree, Nathan actively sought out ways to get involved outside of the campus. “I knew I wanted to connect with and continue building community.” His first foray into non-university volunteering was as a board member with the Black Cultural Society of PEI. He served on the board for a while and continues to be involved with the organization in non-board related ways.

In 2025, Nathan was part of a small team who founded the BlacQ Collective, “a community-led program created to uplift, support, and celebrate Black and racialized LGBTQIA+ communities across Prince Edward Island.” This program is supported by both the Black Cultural Society of PEI and the PEERS Alliance. 

“I have the knowledge, skills, and ability to do the things I do, and I do them with care. I feel a responsibility to my community to do so.” Nathan’s leadership within the communities of which is he a part has also led him to be the Co-Chair of the Pride PEI Board. “Being on boards can feel rewarding because we see that we are not alone. It also becomes evident just how much we can do for our communities when we work together.”

His leadership doesn’t stop with community-based organizations and initiatives. Nathan has an interest in and passion for film and television, actively participating in Film PEI programming to learn more and to hone his craft. “I had the opportunity to be part of Film Forward and I produced my first short film.” He has held many roles in film from being on the crew, producing, and being a First Assistant Director. 

“I am also interested in screening films on PEI by Canadian Black, queer, and other underrepresented filmmakers. Films that may not otherwise get to be seen here.” Knowing what he knows about learning and community-building, and with support from the Canadian Independent Screen Fund, Nathan built the screening series, Beyond the Frame, to include both the film and dialogue about the film afterward. They host bi-monthly screenings that are open for everyone to attend. “There are important stories being told through film and I want to be able to bring some of those stories to the screens on PEI.” Nathan curates the films for Beyond the Frame by immersing himself in documentaries and other independent films that don’t make it to the big screen. 

Along with all his volunteering and projects in the arts, Nathan works at the PEI Watershed Alliance as the Administrative and Marketing Coordinator. He brings many aspects of his skills and interests to the work. “Science is my first love; I like to know how things work.” Nathan’s love of learning and understanding the inner workings of things has transferred beyond the classroom and beyond science, into nearly all aspects of his life. 

Nathan is leading some fun programming for Pride Fest ’26 with both the BlacQ Collective and Beyond the Frame. He is also working on a TV series which is currently in pre-development. “We received a PEI Arts Grant to start and now we are working toward bigger grants to make the project come to life.”

Nathan’s strong work ethic and passionate perspectives came through clearly throughout our conversation. He has already built so much, and he is busy building more of the community, life, and chosen family that he wishes to have. “Every opportunity is a steppingstone to the next, and we never know the impact or influence we have in any given moment.”