Eva O'Hanley

Eva O'Hanley is an example for young women to look up to in the field of science and technology in P.E.I.  She grew up on the Island in a large family, where the children were encouraged to pursue their dreams. It took Eva a few years to decide what her dream was. After graduating from Bluefield High School and attending UPEI, she worked for a few years at the now closed Sacred Heart Home. She was a young mother when she made the decision to enroll in the Electro-mechanical Technology program at Holland College.  It was a bold move at a time when not many women were pursuing careers in science or technology.  In fact, Eva was the first woman to enter the program.  She graduated from Holland College in 1986 and worked for a year with Microtech, a computer and microfilm service company in Charlottetown. She also worked part time as an instructor assistant at Holland College.  In 1987, Eva was given the opportunity to work for CBC radio in P.E.I. The skills she acquired at Holland College meshed well with the CBC’s needs.

Eva was a female in a male dominated industry. The ability to problem-solve and work independently was a great asset. Many of her co-workers still watch with amazement as this small woman handles the massive equipment needed for remote broadcasts or recording musicians in studio. Her days are filled with not only the technical part of her job, but also booking guests, bringing in feeds for stories from across Canada, recording interviews, and in the studio, directing shows live to air.

Eva enjoys the interaction with the community that her job affords her, and the opportunity to meet amazing people, from prime ministers to musical legends, to ordinary islanders doing extraordinary things. Every day is different and requires different skills.  They say behind every great woman....there's a great man.  Eva could not have pursued her dream without the love, support and encouragement of her husband Dan.

 Eva has also kept busy in the community, coaching soccer and basketball for many years as her young family grew. She also volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society.

The CBC has changed greatly in the time Eva has worked there, and her job has changed as well. She now is part of a two-person team that puts together the afternoon show for Prince Edward Island. It’s hard work, but rewarding.

Eva O’Hanley’s success serves as an incentive to other alumni, her pride in her work and her success truly show that there is no job too big for a woman.

Eva received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2010.