P 5 Alumni Features
Stories of resilience, passion and purpose—celebrating 14 alumni pursuing their dreams in unique ways.
P 8 Baltej Dhillon
As a senator, Baltej shares his story about community safety, combating organized crime, and strengthening diversity and inclusion in Canada’s institutions.
PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE
Zena Mitchell 4
ANDREW CODE Movin’ On Up 6
BALTEJ DHILLON Shaping Canada’s History 8
BRIAN WILLOUGHBY For the Children’s Sake 11
COLLEEN SPIER The Promise of an Eagle Feather 13
CONTRIBUTORS
Publisher: Zena Mitchell
Editor: Ted Murphy
Production Team: Nancy Armitage, Production Manager; Helen Hughes and Jasmine Bassi, Production coordinator(s)
Writers: Stephen Smysnuik, Nancy Armitage, Zena Mitchell, KPU Advancement Staff, Simran Mann, Matt Hoekstra
Design by KPU Marketing: Cindy Quach
Photography: Lisa King, Tacettin Altinel, Bobby Quillard
Have comments or ideas about KPU Alumni Magazine or want to communicate with your Alumni Affairs office? Contact alumni@kpu.ca
Meet the many faces of KPU and learn about what these alumni have been up to since graduating from their programs.
Genome BC invests $1M to advance agri-tech innovations at KPU
Scotiabank renews support for Strive Dual Credit Program with $240,750 donation
MEET THE KPU ALUMNI AFFAIRS TEAM
- 2026
THE KPU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
HONOURING NANCY’S LEGACY
FROM THE KPU ALUMNI
It’s a headline many of you hoped to see during your own time at KPU—and it’s now becoming a reality. KPU is building its first-ever student housing at our Surrey campus, with construction set to begin in 2027.
This is a true milestone for the university. Beyond the bricks and mortar of the new residence and dining hall themselves, student housing will bring new energy to campus—strengthening the sense of community and connection that comes from students living, learning, and gathering together year-round.
The eight-storey residence at KPU’s Surrey campus will reflect the modern, inclusive KPU we know today. It will include 358 student beds, and a 160-seat dining hall, offering a mix of single and double occupancy rooms and apartment-style units. The design reflects KPU’s commitment to accessibility, inclusiveness, affordability, and sustainability.
Students living in residence will have access to welcoming
shared spaces and essential supports, helping make campus life comfortable, connected, and vibrant. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with a total project cost of nearly $144 million, funded primarily through provincial investment, with $25 million coming from KPU.
Most importantly, this new residence will provide a safe, secure, affordable home away from home—one where students can build relationships, foster community, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
For many alumni, student housing was something you imagined but never experienced at KPU. Its arrival reflects how the university has grown and evolved, while remaining rooted in the same commitment to students and community that you helped shape. I hope our paths cross soon.
Zena Mitchell Vice President, Students
In this issue, 14 diverse alumni share their stories of self-discovery, overcoming hardship and carving out their own paths. Read about the unique roads they’ve travelled — navigating times of uncertainty and finding a home at KPU that set them on the path to careers in pursuit of true purpose.
Join us as we celebrate their achievements and highlight the inspiring ways they’re making their imprint on the world today.
ANDREW CODE
BBA ACCOUNTING 2014
At Kwantlen, I could walk into a professor’s office for help. That one-on-one support kept me engaged.
As a high schooler in Langley, Andrew says he was unengaged, unenthusiastic and coasted by with C-minuses across the board.
“I don’t think I even got an A in gym class,” he says with a laugh.
But something jogged loose for him once he went to KPU – he found the spark that fueled his trajectory, where today, based in London, he’s advising global corporations and private equity firms at one of the world’s elite boutique investment banks.
It’s a dramatic arc for sure – but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. First, he had to get into KPU. He spent the entire summer before his first semester in a high school gymnasium, making up for a failed Math 12 course.
“I couldn’t really get into KPU,” he says. “In hindsight, it’s quite embarrassing.”
He got in thankfully, though he had no real idea of what he wanted to achieve while he was there. None of the subjects interested him that much, though the small class sizes, practical coursework and supportive faculty helped him find traction for the first time in his academic life.
The turning point came in a finance class taught by professor Robert Ironside, who challenged Andrew to think as big as possible. “He was the one guy that introduced the idea that if you work hard, you can live anywhere and do anything in finance,” Andrew says. “It was the kick in the butt I needed. Without Robert, I don’t know if I would’ve pushed myself to see what was out there.”
There was also economics instructor Don Reddick, a family friend who reinforced the
practical and hands-on approach that distinguished KPU. The school’s co-op program was another catalyst, allowing Andrew to gain experience while paying his tuition.
“I owe Kwantlen a hell of a lot,” he says. “They let me in the door, and they opened my eyes to what was possible.”
These days, when Andrew compares his educational background to colleagues from Oxford, Cambridge or the Ivy League, he notes how KPU’s small class sizes offered a more personalized learning environment than what his peers experienced. While they gained advantages from networking and prestige, KPU offered an education that allowed his skills and curiosity to flourish.
“At a bigger school, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of students,” he says. “At Kwantlen, I could walk into a professor’s office for help. That one-on-one support kept me engaged. In a smaller pond, you have more opportunity to stand out.”
That small-pond effect prepared him for the leap into global waters.
“If you have the hustle, you can get to the same places as the Ivy League kids,” he says. “In some ways, it forces you to work harder, and that can separate you from the pack.”
But there was a problem: Kwantlen didn’t have the same direct recruiting pipelines into major investment banks that the Ivy League or British schools offer. Andrew’s ambitions required something extra –persistence, hustle and very thick skin.
He graduated from KPU’s accounting program in 2014 and landed a job at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and from there, CIBC’s mid-market leveraged finance team, where he learned “a foundational knowledge of credit.”
For many graduates, this would be mission accomplished. For Andrew, it was merely a stepping stone. His goal was to end up in London or New York, and he had his sights set on finance.
Each morning, he’d wake up and call investment firms in those cities, trying to convince someone, anyone, to take a meeting.
“I was literally just cold-calling people before work,” he recalls. “Most of the time, no one wanted to talk. But eventually, I found someone who picked up.”
That someone was at Houlihan Lokey, a global investment bank with a strong financial restructuring
group. Andrew was invited to interview at its Los Angeles office. Instead, he took a gamble and chased the dream, paying his own way to London in hopes he could interview there.
“I figured I’d just take a punt,” he says. “So, I flew overnight, walked into their London office on a Monday morning, and spent the day interviewing. That’s how I got in.”
Houlihan Lokey became Andrew’s first real foothold in international finance. From there, he was recruited to PJT Partners, a highly respected boutique advisory firm headquartered in New York, with its secondlargest office in London.
At PJT, Andrew first worked in restructuring and now sits in the capital markets strategic advisory group. His team advises major private equity firms and large corporations on managing capital structures and executing complex financing transactions.
While PWC was a stepping stone to more global ambitions, he sees his career in finance as a stepping stone to the kind of life he wants to lead – full of adventure and compelling characters making headlines across the globe.
“Finance is an avenue to do really cool things in really cool places. It’s the kind of work that makes front-page news. Being around such motivated, international people rubs off on you and opens you up to new experiences inside and outside of work,” he says.
“Yes, it’s about making sure your day-to-day at work is interesting, but it also gives you access to new social interactions, cultural experiences and personal growth.”
He says that few other professions offer the same combination of upward mobility, international flexibility and intellectual challenge as finance. But he also says all of that is essentially worthless unless he’s enjoying the ride along the way.
“I try to tell people, ‘Make sure you enjoy the achievements as they happen.’ It’s easy to be so busy that you don’t recognize how substantial they are,” he says.
“There was never really a moment where I checked a box and said, ‘I’m there,’” he says. “It was more something that grew on me over time. Then you look back and think, wow, that’s been a bit of a journey.” Angle-double-right
BALTEJ DHILLON
DIPLOMA IN CRIMINOLOGY
1988
I’m grateful for the challenges, for the support, for the opportunity to serve. Canada isn’t perfect, but we keep striving.
When the call came in, Baltej Dhillon couldn’t quite believe it.
He’d been expecting it – and had been preparing himself for that very moment – but it’s a surreal feeling when the prime minister of Canada calls on your personal phone.
Such as it was for Baltej when Justin Trudeau called in February 2025, asking him if he’d be willing to serve as a senator. For Baltej, who had already lived through a historic national debate over identity, belonging and the meaning of Canadian values, the moment felt both humbling and surreal.
He obviously said yes.
“I pinch myself every morning,” Baltej says. “To walk into the Senate, to work alongside people who’ve accomplished so much for this country – it’s an incredible honour. But it’s also clear to
“Public safety, diversity, inclusion. These are things I’ve spent my life on, and I’ll continue to do so here.”
– BALTEJ DHILLON
me that my work is not done. Public safety, diversity, inclusion – these are things I’ve spent my life on, and I’ll continue to do so here.”
That sense of duty to his community and to his country has defined Baltej’s life, as a teenage immigrant arriving from Malaysia to becoming the first RCMP officer permitted to wear a turban in uniform. Each chapter has been built on the last, layering resilience, principle and an unshakable belief that Canada can live up to its ideals.
When Baltej arrived in B.C. at 16, he hadn’t the faintest clue he’d be stepping onto land whose history he’d help shape. All he knew is he’d be stepping on to a farm field.
“I picked berries, did whatever jobs we could to keep afloat,” he says.
His family lived modestly in Surrey, doing what it could to make ends meet. Post-secondary choices were less about prestige for the Dhillons and more about proximity and affordability.
“Kwantlen was down the street from us,” Baltej says. “I could walk there. We didn’t have much money, so it mattered that I didn’t need extra transportation. It was accessible, it was affordable and it was welcoming.”
Back then, KPU was still an upstart college, not yet the multi-campus polytechnic it is today.
“We called ourselves the rain brigade,” he says with a laugh. “The cafeteria and social spaces were trailers stitched together, and the roof would leak when it rained. We’d run for the buckets, set them out to catch the water, and then keep on studying, laughing, eating fries together. That was our community.”
Despite the leaky roofs, Baltej recalls Kwantlen fondly as a place of belonging.
“The professors knew you, cared for you, wanted to see you succeed. The friends I made there are still friends today. That kind of closeness shaped me.”
He says one professor in particular, Larry Banks, changed the trajectory of his life. He wanted to be a
lawyer originally, and Banks, who’d been involved in policing, encouraged him to volunteer with the Surrey RCMP to strengthen his CV for law school.
As a volunteer, Baltej helped launch the Block Watch program, and he was struck by the energy and purpose of the officers he met. They came to work every day with commitment, joy and professionalism.
“It wasn’t just one day on the job, it was years of dedication to community safety. That called to me.”
There was another layer, too. Surrey was growing and diversifying, and newcomers from India often struggled to communicate with police.
“When I was out with RCMP officers, members of the Punjabi or Sikh community would gravitate toward me. They’d speak in Punjabi or Hindi, sharing their concerns, because I was someone who understood their culture and language. To bridge that gap was incredibly satisfying.”
By the late 1980s, Baltej decided he’d go into policing rather than law – having no idea how fateful that choice would become.
In 1989, he passed all the tests to enter RCMP training. A recruiting officer, who’d become a friend during his time as a volunteer, sat across from him, congratulating him on his success. He offered Baltej a job, but it came with one condition – he would have to cut his hair, shave his beard and remove his turban.
Baltej said he couldn’t do that.
“It was a terribly awkward moment,” he recalls. “He thought it was a simple choice. He’d seen other Sikhs who had cut their hair to join. But for me, it was not negotiable. My turban, my uncut hair – this is my faith, my heritage, my identity. I wasn’t going to surrender that for a job, no matter how much I wanted it.”
That refusal ultimately sparked a national firestorm. Newspapers published editorials about the situation. Petitions circulated, and caricatures mocking Sikhs in turbans as “un-Canadian” spread through flea markets.
“Thank God there was no social media back then,” Baltej says with a laugh. It was bad enough as it was.
“There were pins with a Sikh man’s face crossed out, calendars mocking us. It was painful and belittling. But it also forced Canada to look in the mirror and ask what kind of country we wanted to be.”
Baltej leaned into the debate, giving interviews on radio and television. He explained to a naive culture that Sikhs had fought and died in both World Wars wearing turbans. British colonial armies had respected the turban as part of military dress.
“This wasn’t about ability to serve. It was about ignorance, fear, and racism,” Baltej says.
Supporters rallied too. Veterans wrote letters reminding Canadians of Sikh sacrifices in battle. Neighbours expressed solidarity. The tide had turned. In 1990, the RCMP changed its uniform policy and Baltej entered training in Regina wearing his turban, becoming the first person in the force’s history to do so.
“I never set out to be a trailblazer,” he says. “I just wanted to serve. But that moment forced Canada to confront its principles. Are we really a place where everyone belongs, where diversity is respected? Or not? Thankfully, we chose the former.”
Many years later, Baltej met a young woman in Ottawa who wore a hijab, who told him that she struggled regularly with whether to remove it in order to fit in.
“But she saw my story,” he says, “and it gave her courage to be herself. That’s humbling beyond words. To think that something as simple as staying true to who I am could help someone else – that’s the real reward.”
Baltej went on to spend 29 years with the RCMP, followed by five-and-a-half with B.C.’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, targeting gangs and organized crime.
“I saw the worst of it,” he says. “Organized crime tearing at our communities, families destroyed by violence and addiction. That work shaped my passion for developing strategies to reduce the footprint of gangs in Canada.”
In the 2024 provincial election, Baltej ran as the NDP candidate in Surrey-Serpentine River, but lost to Conservative candidate, and former Surrey mayor, Linda Hepner. He realizes now what a blessing that was. Had he won, he never wouldn’t been appointed to the Senate.
Hence that call with Trudeau. After months of vetting, the prime minister called with the offer. They talked for about 30 minutes – “an amazing conversation,” Baltej says.
As a senator, Baltej is focused on the same issues that shaped his policing career, including community safety, combating organized crime, and strengthening diversity and inclusion in Canada’s institutions.
“I’m grateful,” he says, “grateful for the challenges, for the support, for the opportunity to serve. Canada isn’t perfect, but we keep striving. And if my journey has shown anything, it’s that we’re capable of becoming the country we aspire to be.”
And through it all, Baltej hasn’t forgotten his KPU roots.
“I don’t forget our humble beginnings,” he says. “That community gave me the courage to face everything that came later.” Angle-double-right
BRIAN WILLOUGHBY ASSOCIATE OF ARTS PSYCHOLOGY
2000
WhatI found most fulfilling was mentoring students and helping families get answers. Brian Willoughby knows just how unlikely his path has been.
From a small KPU classroom to the annals of Harvard, his story is less about prestige than about purpose. He’s built a career helping children and families find clarity, hope and a path forward, one careful assessment at a time.
Today, Brian runs Achieve New England, a paediatric neuropsychology practice outside of Boston, where he directs a team of eight psychologists and educational consultants, while also seeing patients himself.
In his line of work, families usually arrive in moments of uncertainty – perhaps a child is struggling with reading, or a teacher has raised concerns about behaviour or attention. These are crisis moments, and Brian devotes his time to helping provide answers, and solace, for these families.
“It’s an amazing job in that we get to give parents some really practical information that’s often very relieving,” he says.
The job is a long way from his humble beginnings in Surrey. Most of his family worked in education, and he felt drawn to it from an early age. It was during high school, though, when he worked as a day camp counsellor and peer mediator, that he immersed himself in activities that revolved around helping kids.
“I feel like I’ve always been interested in working with children,” he reflects.
“It was just kind of part of who I was.”
That interest grew into a calling, nurtured at KPU, where he initially enrolled in 1998 after receiving an entrance award that covered much of his tuition.
“It was a great place to get my start,” he says. “The professors actually knew my name. My classes were maybe 24 people, so it was small enough to connect in a meaningful way.”
KPU also provided Brian with a critical intellectual spark during a research methods class taught by Dr. Lana Trick. Prior to this, he viewed psychology primarily as therapy or counselling, so this introduction to research showed him that his chosen discipline has other dimensions.
That early exposure eventually shaped the focus of his graduate research, where he studied how family interaction patterns shape child mental health outcomes.
After graduating from KPU, Brian transferred to Concordia University in Montreal, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in the psychology honours program. From there, he moved to the University of Miami – “It was a fun place to go to graduate school,” he says with a laugh – where he enrolled in a five-year PhD program in child and family clinical psychology.
By the time he arrived in Miami Beach, he had zeroed in on child clinical psychology, driven by his natural inclination to work with kids and his growing fascination with the way their environments influenced development.
But clinical psychology requires an internship, which can be a highly competitive match process similar to medical residencies. Brian applied for a placement at Harvard Medical School, inside Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. There were over 150 intern applicants, and only two were selected that year.
Brian was one of them.
“That was pretty amazing for me,” he says. “I felt like I had pretty humble beginnings in my days in Surrey, so that accomplishment felt like, oh wow, I’ve landed here.”
After completing his internship, Brian pursued a postdoctoral fellowship in paediatric neuropsychology, specializing in assessing children with developmental syndromes that include autism spectrum disorders, ADHD and dyslexia. His work focused on the diagnoses,
along with charting practical ways to manage these challenges for the kids and their families.
Harvard kept him on through all of this. For nearly a decade, Brian served as a faculty member at the medical school, where he assessed children, mentored students and taught courses. He also co-authored a book for parents about children with slow processing speed, solidifying his reputation as both a clinician and educator.
“Going to a place like Harvard really opens the door to a lot of things,” he says, “but what I found most fulfilling was mentoring students and helping families get answers.”
This passion is what initially drew him to start his own paediatric neuropsychology practice on the side, which he explains is common for many clinicians wanting to sharpen their skills. Eventually, the demand became overwhelming.
“Our waitlist was almost a year-and-a-half,” he says. “We realized we needed to hire more people.”
Brian left Harvard and turned his full-time attention to Achieve New England, his independent neuropsychology practice. Instead of providing ongoing treatment, the clinic creates a roadmap for families that details the interventions, school accommodations and resources that can help their children thrive.
That clarity can be transformative for a child. A diagnosis of dyslexia, for instance, might lead to specialized reading interventions and school support plans that can change their entire life.
It’s rewarding work, and lately he’s been reflecting about how KPU led him there, after his niece asked him for advice about attending the school.
“I told her it’s an awesome place to get started,” he says. “It’s perfect for a place where maybe you’re just trying to develop your passions if you’re not totally sure, or a place to delve deeper if you are.”
For Brian, it’s a launch pad upon which anything is possible.
“I feel really lucky,” he says. “I’ve worked really hard, and it’s going in the right direction.” Angle-double-right
COLLEEN SPIER ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
PSYCHOLOGY
2002
For Colleen, leadership is not about authority, it’s about responsibility. When elders placed an eagle feather in Colleen Spier’s hands, they told her, “We saw a great leader in you.”
For Colleen, who is Métis-Cree, it was not just a moment of recognition – it was the highest honour she’s ever received.
“It was as though their words created a promise between us,” she recalls. “I had the responsibility to the elders of becoming what they saw in me.”
She’s carried that promise every day since, leading with empathy, integrity and a commitment to lifting others as she rose through her career. Her journey has been one of resilience, transformation and a relentless drive to change a justice system that has long failed Indigenous people. That journey has led her to two of the most consequential roles in British Columbia’s justice landscape. Today, she is a provincial court judge and previously served
as the first provincial assistant deputy minister of the Indigenous Justice Secretariat.
“I have worked very hard to be in positions in society that provide me the privilege of working with nations, individuals, and justice system professionals to strive for positive changes in the justice system,” Colleen says.
As a judge, Colleen sees people at some of the most difficult moments of their lives. For Indigenous people, she knows those stakes are compounded by centuries of systemic racism, intergenerational trauma and a justice system rooted in colonial frameworks. Her philosophy on the bench is grounded in understanding, cultural awareness and restorative approaches.
“I want to help clients of the court leave on a better path than the one that brought them in,” she says.
This entails being considerate of the root causes of a person’s behaviour and keeping in mind what options for support are available, along with the broader community impact. These are all principles deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions.
Her work at the Indigenous Justice Secretariat also focused on this mission. The secretariat, formed under the B.C. First Nations Justice Strategy, is tasked with developing and implementing Indigenous-led strategies to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal and child welfare systems.
This is about more than policy for Colleen – it’s about reclaiming Indigenous legal traditions and creating space for them alongside western systems.
“The outcomes for Indigenous people who cycle through the western justice system are generally not focussed on rehabilitation and healing for all impacted,” she says. “This work is extremely important because Indigenous people’s liberty is at-risk or impacted, and without healing, negative outcomes prevail.”
Colleen was born in Calgary to a Ukrainian father and a Métis mother who spoke rudimentary Cree. While her Ukrainian culture was openly celebrated, her Métis identity was neglected. Like many families at the time, fear of residential schools and discrimination kept her mother from fully acknowledging their Indigenous heritage.
Her childhood was marked by turbulence. Her parents separated when she was 11 in what was a protracted and litigious event in her life. She saw firsthand how damaging the family law system could be when children’s best interests were secondary – a lesson that
would later shape her legal career.
At 14, she left school and struck out on her own, working multiple minimum-wage jobs to survive. Her dreams of higher education – specifically, of becoming a lawyer – seemed out of reach.
Everything changed at 23, when she became a single mother.
“My daughter presented me with a new perspective,” Colleen says. “I wanted to provide for her in ways I felt my parents never had.”
That determination led her to KPU. Starting in the Adult Basic Education program, she earned her diploma in 1999 before enrolling in KPU’s associate of arts degree in psychology program. She thrived in the close-knit community, finding mentors, resources and encouragement that she’d never had before.
There was a pivotal moment when an admissions clerk explained student loans and financial aid, dismantling the financial barriers she believed stood between her and university.
“KPU, and the KPU community, were the reasons I was successful in pursuing higher education,” she says.
In 2002, she graduated with the President’s Outstanding Graduate Award. Colleen initially planned to pursue a bachelor of education, but a fellow student noticed her deep commitment to justice and fairness and urged her to consider law. The idea rekindled the dream she had as a child, inspiring her to write the LSAT and apply to the UBC’s law school.
Called to the bar in 2008, she opened her own firm, Spier & Company Law, in 2010. A year later, she became one of the first Indigenous child protection mediators in British Columbia, a role in which she could directly influence the lives of families navigating the child welfare system. Her excellence in mediation was recognized with the Susanna Jani Award in 2022.
Colleen started reclaiming her Métis identity while she was in her 20s, an awakening that ran in tandem with her academic journey – and eventually her professional life.
Her early legal work exposed her to the stark realities of Indigenous overrepresentation in both criminal justice and child welfare. She became deeply involved in volunteer advocacy, joining the inaugural board of the B.C. First Nations Justice Council in 2015.
In 2018, she entered public service as executive director of the Indigenous Justice Policy and
director of the Indigenous Justice Policy and Legislation Division housed within the Ministry of the Attorney General. Her mandate was to lead the creation of two culturally relevant Indigenous justice strategies – one for First Nations and one for the Métis Nation of British Columbia – through extensive community consultation. Both strategies, now in the implementation phase, aim to reduce Indigenous incarceration rates, keep Indigenous children out of care, and integrate Indigenous legal traditions into the broader justice system.
Colleen’s vision for justice reform blends the strengths of both Indigenous and western systems. She champions Indigenous perspectives on relationality, restorative justice, holistic healing and communitydriven decision-making – principles that she believes can transform Canada’s punitive, individual-focused approach into one that truly serves people.
“The system is transforming and improving, and although change can be slow, it provides me comfort to know that the efforts of us changemakers, and the many others before us, are, in fact, making a difference,” she says.
In 2021, just two years after joining government, she was a finalist for a Premier’s Award in Leadership and a Premier’s Award team recipient for Innovation and Organizational Excellence. By 2023, she was appointed assistant deputy minister of the newly formed Indigenous Justice Secretariat, where she built a team rooted in the values of empathy, accountability and collaboration.
Colleen was recognized for exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession in 2023 when she received a King’s Counsel designation. Subsequently in 2025, her unwavering dedication to service was recognized by receiving a King Charles III Coronation Medal.
For Colleen, leadership is not about authority, it’s about responsibility. She measures her success not just in policy outcomes, but in the growth and confidence of the people she mentors. When she left her government role to take her seat on the bench, her team’s heartfelt tributes reassured her she had lived up to the promise of the eagle feather.
Her alma mater has also taken note. Last year, KPU honoured her with the Distinguished Alumni Award during convocation ceremonies.
“It demonstrates how once you are part of the KPU community, you are always part of the KPU community,” she says. “Being a KPU alum is an extremely meaningful title.”
But in many ways, these awards and career successes are secondary to the honour of being gifted that eagle feather. That feather remains a guiding force and a reminder of her obligation to lead with integrity and to create pathways for others.
To be, in other words, a great leader. Angle-double-right
JOSLYN YOUNG CERTIFICATE IN JOURNALISM
1998
For Joslyn, success has never been about following a straight line.
Joslyn Young had enough of the journalism game.
After graduating from KPU’s journalism program in 1998, and following a stint at the Vancouver Sun, Joslyn landed an internship at BCTV (now Global BC ). It was exciting, but there was a pivotal moment where she had to get cameras into a situation that she felt uneasy about, and that gave her serious pause.
“That’s when I had to kind of have a moment of reflection to say, OK, you’ve done this education, now what do you want to do with it?”
That question set her down a remarkable path, and in no way a straight line, that led her to where she is today, recently named CEO of the Surrey and White Rock Chamber of Commerce. Here, she heads up what she calls “a concierge of connections” between businesses, showing them necessary resources, and providing the support that’s essential for each one of the organizations to flourish.
“Every day that I come to the office, I’m supporting every other business in this community,” she says. “I am listening and learning from them and acting as a voice.”
And it all started, really, with that education in journalism from KPU. Joslyn had always been a strong writer and communicator, but she didn’t want to commit to a four-year degree. The twoyear program at KPU appealed to her efficiency-minded nature.
“It felt very specific, intentional and purposeful,” she says. “I didn’t want filler courses. I just wanted to do something that made sense to me.”
There, she learned the skills that became fundamental to her career – in research, communication, in asking questions, and thinking creatively.
“The thing about journalism school is you learn a whole slate of skills that are transferable to just about anywhere else,” Joslyn says. “You get a broad education in how to communicate for general consumption.”
That foundation gave her the flexibility to move across industries, always carrying the same toolkit. She remembers the program’s small class sizes, the mix of practical and philosophical courses, and the sense of community.
“That has really served me. That’s why I’ve been able to transfer into different industries quite easily, which has made my resume really strong,” she says.
Born in Abbotsford, Joslyn spent her teen years in Washington state before returning to Canada for university. Her cross-border upbringing gave her an intimate understanding of each culture and taught her to value collaboration between the two countries, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
That perspective is still part of her work today, helping Surrey and White Rock businesses figure out how best to diversify their trade portfolios so they’re not “beholden to just one other economy.”
Straight out of school, Joslyn landed a maternity-leave replacement at The Vancouver Sun’s hard news desk, where she got a front-row view of the newsroom. It was exciting and instructive.
Once that ended, she tried working at a small-town B.C. paper, but soon realized newspaper journalism wasn’t her calling. The stint at BCTV made her realize it was time to move on from journalism completely.
After a stint in administration, Joslyn joined the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), the lobbying body for all local governments in the province. Though she’d never been interested in politics before, she thrived in the non-partisan environment.
“It’s there that I learned the language of politics,” she says. “I learned how people representing different parts of the province think, what’s important to them, and I developed all that serves me to this day. UBCM was my learning ground.”
She held nearly every role during her 13-year tenure at
the UBCM and drafted the policy resolution in 2010 that extended municipal council terms from three to four years, which is still in place today.
“I’ve always understood the power of policy,” she says, “but I never wanted to be focused on just one policy area. That’s what I’m interested in – making positive change for society. That’s kind of my driver. I’m not happy in a job unless I’m doing something that matters.”
Joslyn eventually moved to CN Rail as the public affairs lead for B.C. There, she sharpened her crisis communications skills and used her journalism training to bridge divides between the railway and the public, and to help the company better understand the mindset of the public on any given issue. It was formative training in business leadership.
She later joined the Port of Vancouver, managing relationships with chambers of commerce across Canada and internationally.
“That’s how I became passionate about the chamber network and what it can do,” she says. “If you don’t have a healthy economic society and foundation, you can’t have all of the social parts of life that matter to us.”
In March 2025, she landed her role as CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade and White Rock Chamber of Commerce. In a lot of ways, it’s the end result, and perfect distillation, of all the skills and experience she has accumulated over the past 25 years. She says her focus is as much on the small, independent businesses as it is on the multinational corporations.
“If you are a small business of five people, I care about you just as much as I care about the large corporation, because you are making an impact on somebody’s life,” she says. “It means something that I’m helping to keep jobs here and growing jobs in our community.”
Her journalism education has served as the thread that has stitched her whole career together. Those lessons have shaped how she approaches every challenge.
“What you learn will work in any scenario because you ask the right questions, you understand context, and that informs your decision making,” she says. “I have done well because of those foundational parts of the training.”
For Joslyn, success has never been about following a straight line. Instead, it’s about carrying the same core skills into each new challenge — and keeping her focus on making a meaningful impact.
“I can’t go to work without that,” she says. “I refuse to.” Angle-double-right
KABEER PANESAR
MARKETING
Itwas probably one of the biggest achievements of our dance life.
There were 50,000 fans packed into BC Place in early 2024 to see Diljit Dosanjh, arguably the biggest global icon in Punjabi music. Part of the production dizzying the audience that night was a phalanx of colourfully dressed, extravagantly coordinated background dancers, moving with joyful energy to the beat of the dhol.
Among them was Kabeer Panesar, whose Surrey-based team, VanCity Bhangra, had been personally requested by Dosanjh to back up his performance.
“It was probably one of the biggest achievements of our dance life,” Kabeer says. “We had to bring in 60 competitive dancers – some had already retired. But we made it work. It was a huge moment for our club.”
That club is a thriving business. VanCity Dance is a cultural hub in Surrey that has taught thousands of students, from toddlers to adults, not only the moves of traditional Punjabi folk dance, but also the deeper value of community, identity and celebration.
At the centre of it all is Kabeer, a 32-year-old entrepreneur, performer and educator who traces his roots, as well as his ambition, back to KPU. Born and raised in Surrey, Kabeer grew up surrounded by Indian culture. He attended Princess Margaret Secondary – just steps away from KPU’s Surrey campus – where he fell in love with bhangra.
“In high school, I started a team with friends, and we performed at all the school events,” he says. “It just kind of stuck. It kept evolving as my life went on.”
His initial plan after graduation wasn’t to become a dancer or an entrepreneur. He started out taking general studies, trying out psychology, criminology and English. Nothing stuck, until he took a marketing course, taught by Amanda Bickle.
“That course lit something up in me,” he says. That spark led Kabeer to switch into KPU’s Business Management program, where his passion for creative leadership began to merge with the traditions he had been immersed in since childhood. He had been teaching dance for the City of Surrey at the time, developing a passion for it over time.
Then, in his third year at KPU, he took a class in entrepreneurial leadership.
“That’s when it clicked,” he says. “Maybe I could take this dance thing and turn it into something bigger.”
Kabeer co-founded VanCity Dance in 2016 with a few close friends. What started as a community initiative quickly blossomed into a functioning academy with competitive teams, youth programs and cultural workshops.
“We realized we were really successful because we were competing and winning a lot,” he says. “People who had seen us on stage were coming up saying, ‘Hey, we watched you live. We want to join.’ That’s how the school really grew.”
Today, VanCity Bhangra is recognized as one of North America’s top bhangra teams, with three competitive groups and a near-constant tour schedule that includes performances across Canada and the U.S. He says they’ve placed in the top three in 90 per cent of competitions they’ve entered.
And the vision extends beyond trophies.
“This is about keeping culture alive,” Kabeer says. “People immigrate here and want to modernize. They leave the old traditions behind. But bhangra, that’s our celebration dance.”
While his dance background shaped his identity, it was his time at KPU that equipped Kabeer to turn that passion into a functioning business. He cites the institution’s hands-on, personalized education as pivotal.
“KPU is different,” he says. “I felt supported there. My professors actually knew my name. They let me shape assignments around my business. I’d be asking reallife questions like, ‘How do I promote this class?’ and getting real-time feedback.”
That support extended into his co-op placement in KPU’s own marketing department, where he learned everything from digital ad strategy to database management and community outreach.
“It was huge,” Kabeer says. “That co-op gave me practical skills – graphic design, customer relations, analytics –that I use every single day.”
As a young founder, Kabeer believes that being a recent graduate gave him a competitive business edge “Other academies are often run by people in different generations,” he says. “We were 25 and we approached it differently. We built the school around social-emotional learning and giving our students an experience. Not just technical dance, but fun, connection, growth.”
That inclusive, community-forward approach has broadened VanCity Dance’s appeal far beyond the South Asian community. Kabeer was interviewed by CBC during a 2025 Asian Heritage Month segment, sharing how people from all backgrounds are now embracing bhangra.
“The dance is just infectious,” he says. “When we do community workshops, people who’ve never even heard of bhangra will start dancing. And the smiles on their faces? Man, you’ve never seen anything like it.”
It’s no coincidence that this openness coincides with the rise of Punjabi music worldwide, especially homegrown Canadian artists. Last year, VanCity Bhangra performed at the JUNOs with Jazzy B, Inderpal Moga and Chani Nattan, three Surrey-born, internationally-renowned artists. It was the first time Punjabi artists had performed at the event. Clearly, the demand for cultural connection has been surging.
Despite the glamour of international stages and JUNO Awards, Kabeer remains deeply rooted in his community. VanCity Dance still performs at local events. Kabeer personally oversees day-to-day operations of the studio, where teaching dance isn’t just about counting beats or choreographing moves – it’s a mission to preserve something deeply personal.
“It gives us a chance to kind of give back to our community and let them learn about our culture,” he says.
“It’s really important for our people to know our roots and know our values. Bhangra is like a dance of celebration, so we just wanted to keep that going.” Angle-double-right
Kyleand Kelly are living examples of how an education can shape not only careers, but entire lives.
Kelly Finlay and Kyle Sanker didn’t meet at KPU, but their first date revealed a close connection.
Over dinner, Kyle described a cutthroat entrepreneurial leadership course he’d once taken, where debate was so fierce, an entire team of students once dropped out after being rigorously challenged by their peers.
Kelly laughed and said, “That was my class. That was me.”
The coincidence wasn’t lost on either of them. Both had taken different paths through KPU, but the experiences they carried with them were strikingly similar: a practical, hands-on education that demanded collaboration and resilience, and that ultimately gave them the tools to strike out on their own.
Today, they’re entrepreneurs, parents of two young children, and proud KPU alumni who carve out time in their very busy lives to give back to the university that shaped them.
“They can’t get rid of us,” Kelly jokes.
“We’re very proud alumni. We want more students to feel proud too. I think there’s a stigma
“KPU students come more prepared for the real world.”
– KYLE SANKER
about the school that shouldn’t exist, because what we’ve been able to do with that education certainly didn’t slow us down. The education that people get is worth its weight in gold.”
Kyle runs Oi Marketing, an agency that helps grow service-based businesses, including plumbers, roofers, chiropractors and accountants. For him, the payoff comes when he sees a client’s success in real time.
“A water restoration company emailed me recently,” he recalls. “They said they were up 30 per cent year over year, and the only thing they’d changed was working with us. That’s the kind of thing that’s fulfilling – seeing their success grow and knowing I was a part of it.”
Kelly, meanwhile, founded her own accounting firm, Areti. Her vision was to create a company that combines the fast-paced, diverse work of public practice with the lifestyle balance of industry positions.
“I wanted to build a firm where we work to live, not live to work,” she explains – an ethos that shapes not only how she serves her clients, but also how she leads her team and balances her role as a mother.
Both Kyle and Kelly credit KPU with giving them the confidence and skills to launch their businesses.
Kyle’s path began in computer science, pushed partly by his father, a professor at UBC. He grew up building computers in the basement, destined (or so it seemed) for a career in tech. But then came an elective in marketing, taught by professor Keith Wallace.
“He completely converted me to the life of a marketer,” Kyle says. “I had never taken a single business class in high school. He opened a door I didn’t even know was there.”
Years later, when Kyle returned to KPU to complete his BBA in marketing management, he did so with a new perspective. This time, professors like Brad Anderson helped him see the direct connection between theory and practice.
“As a mature student, I could finally see how everything applied to the real world. That was where KPU really shined,” he says.
Kelly’s road was equally shaped by practicality. After her
parents’ divorce, she had no college fund to fall back on. Originally from Ontario, she began her post-secondary education on Vancouver Island, but life shifted quickly when she became pregnant with her daughter. She moved to the Lower Mainland, working full-time while finishing her accounting degree at KPU.
“Kwantlen made it possible,” she says. “The tuition was affordable, and the accounting program offered classes at night. I could work full-time during the day, then study full-time in the evenings. It fit my life.”
Kelly says she was encouraged that her classrooms were filled with students of all ages and backgrounds. There were people restarting their careers and enhancing existing ones. Some were finding new paths altogether.
“I wasn’t the black sheep because my journey looked different,” she says. “Everyone’s journey looked different. That diversity made the classroom feel more real, and it carried into how I run my firm today. Collaboration is at the core.”
For Kyle and Kelly, KPU isn’t just where they studied, it’s where their professional values were shaped. That’s why giving back has become so central to their lives. Kelly chairs the KPU Foundation, which raises and distributes scholarship and bursary money for students. For her, the role is deeply personal.
As a former student who balanced parenting, full-time work and classes, she knows exactly how much a scholarship can mean. Through the foundation each year, Areti gives out the $1,000 Amelia Lynn Achievement Award to a single parent pursuing an accounting education, named after Kelly’s first-born daughter.
“I’ve lived through that financial strain, so when I sit down with donors, I can have honest, meaningful conversations about what their support actually translates to.”
Kyle, meanwhile, works directly with students through the Melville School of Business internship program. He regularly takes on two interns from KPU, mentoring them as they prepare to launch their own careers.
“KPU students come more prepared for the real world,” he says. “They’re plug-and-play. They can hit the
ground running.”
It’s also about paying forward what his professors once gave him. “KPU gave me the knowledge to succeed. Keith Wallace and Brad Anderson were incredibly impactful for me. So why not give back to what got me here?”
Together, Kyle and Kelly embody what that success can look like for a KPU grad: resilient, entrepreneurial, community-minded and…somehow able to balance everything life throws at a young married couple raising children. The couple has found harmony thanks to their complementary careers.
“Busy season for an accountant is the opposite of busy season for a marketer,” Kelly explains. “So, when one of us is under pressure, the other usually has some breathing room. It’s given us this natural rhythm, where we can each focus on our careers, then come together for family.”
They also credit the flexibility of remote work. With laptops and Wi-Fi, they can be present for school pick-
ups, dance recitals and family dinners, all while running their businesses.
Having alumni like this isn’t simply a point of pride for KPU – Kyle and Kelly are living examples of how an education can shape not only careers, but entire lives.
Ifthey could have their own businesses, then Manvir could too.
It all started with an argument.
Manvir Deol’s marketing instructor at KPU had given the class an assignment to develop a marketing plan. Manvir based his work on a then-recent NIKE campaign that had gone viral on social media.
If it’s good enough for NIKE, surely it’s good enough for a KPU class, right?
Well, no, which is exactly what Manvir’s instructor said: “It’s wrong.”
“I felt like marketing is so broad that any idea can work,” Manvir recalls. “It takes one viral moment for something to take off, right? So that was always my belief with this learning.”
The instructor disagreed, telling him that, since she owns a marketing agency, she knows what constitutes a solid marketing plan. The plan Manvir had put together wasn’t going to cut it.
“And I was like, OK, if that’s your basis, I’m going to start a marketing agency tomorrow. Then
Why not walk through life-size architectural designs so clients can experience their future home — or hospital, school or restaurant — before construction begins?
– MANVIR DEOL
I can just say, ‘Oh yeah, I own a marketing agency as well.’”
That was 2016. Within months, he co-founded CLIQ Media to help small businesses in Surrey with branding, social media management and web development. This eventually led, years later, to his current project, Plan Your Space, which earned him a coveted spot on BC Business’s 30 Under 30 list, as well as KPU’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
It was with CLIQ that he cut his teeth in entrepreneurship. Manvir, who was born and raised in Surrey (just blocks away from KPU’s campus), had noticed that the Indian business community put next to no thought into marketing.
“I don’t think Indians know how important marketing is,” he says. “Not a lot of people do that — including my parents. They’ve had their business for 15 years and they didn’t care. It was very different. And when we started CLIQ, we were young and we were like, ‘Hey, let’s bring this new wave down to Surrey.’”
CLIQ quickly evolved, shifting from one-off branding projects to long-term marketing partnerships, specializing in construction companies and dental clinics on a more long-term basis. The work sharpened his skills in brand positioning, customer experience design and understanding the client journey. Manvir credits much of his customer service skills to working at his parents’ insurance brokerage.
“Every single client that came in went through me,” he says. “Somebody comes in, they have a problem, and it’s my job to make sure they’re relaxed, they’re calm. How do I give them bad news in a positive way? How do I give them good news?”
Those skills in client communication naturally translated to sales, and then to marketing. But the
entrepreneurial mindset came into focus at KPU. Initially, Manvir planned to spend one year at KPU before transferring to SFU, but he found himself enjoying the smaller classes, direct access to professors and real-world teaching approach.
“I love the way the professor knew my name,” he says. “I love after hours that I could just stay for 10 or 15 more minutes and actually talk to the prof. If I’m going to go to a class with 350 people and no one-on-one time, I might as well learn off YouTube.”
Many of his professors ran their own businesses, teaching from personal experience rather than just textbooks, which gave him the first indication that if they could have their own businesses, then he could too. He says that KPU excels in having that kind of practical, engaged learning environment.
“If you really care and you want to interact with your profs, go do one year there. If you enjoy it, stay the entire way,” he says.
Even the fated argument with his marketing instructor served him well, beyond sparking the idea that led to the development of CLIQ.
“The way I teach people, even here at work, is like, there technically is no wrong answer. The only way to find out if it’s wrong is if you do it and it fails.”
So, yes, everything was going great. And then, in 2019, he started building his first home.
Manvir thought he had everything covered, working with an experienced architect and a trusted builder, who’d spent months perfecting the floor plans. Then, when the framing went up, reality didn’t match the expectation.
“Halfway through construction is when you start seeing the actual space,” Manvir says. “And I was like, why did
the architect do this? Why is my laundry like this? Or my bathroom orientation like this? But I couldn’t blame them, I’d signed off on it.”
Suddenly he had a $30,000 problem on his hands that he could’ve avoided had he been able to view his home’s layout in a different way, prior to breaking ground.
That’s when he had an idea: Why not walk through life-size architectural designs so clients can experience their future home — or hospital, school or restaurant — before construction begins?
Plan Your Space was born. Manvir now serves as the managing partner, helping developers, builders and retailers visualize their planned projects before development begins.
Plan Your Space officially launched in 2022, and since then, Manvir says they’ve conducted more than 400 walkthroughs, working with clients that include A&W and Vancouver Coastal Health to families building their dream homes – and potentially saving them significant time and money.
“It should be a standard practice,” Manvir says. “The amount of money we waste on not planning is insane. Imagine how much a hospital could save by bringing
doctors, nurses and the construction team in to approve their layouts in advance?”
It’s an impressive career for a guy whose entire entrepreneurial drive was kicked into gear by an argument with a KPU instructor, one he’s glad happened.
“We should revisit that conversation,” he says. “I would love to have the conversation with her now, to be honest.” Angle-double-right
Beingin a creative environment all the time, it opens up so many different perspectives for me.
You may have seen Mayuresh Ambekar’s work. Perhaps it was splashed across a wall in Mount Pleasant, where the Vancouver Whitecaps recently unveiled his latest mural, an abstract homage to the city’s soccer culture.
Or maybe it was inside KPU’s Richmond campus, where a vibrant floor-to-ceiling piece greets students and staff. Or maybe you’ve walked right past the Vancouver Mural Festival’s former head office, also in Mount Pleasant, where another of his designs anchors the space.
Wherever you’ve encountered it, Mayuresh’s art is unmistakable: layered with colour, movement, and a balance of control and improvisation that speaks to his years of experimentation. What makes his story remarkable, though, is that this recognition is something he once thought might never come.
Mayuresh grew up in Pune, India, where his artistic career began at age 17 when he started painting motorcycles – custom designs and airbrushed finishes that combined mechanical precision with a flair for storytelling.
“I was very curious back then,” he says. “I would paint bikes and then make little vlogs, showing
my process. Slowly, my canvas just became bigger.”
In his 20s, he transitioned to painting on buildings. He was educated as a mechanical engineer, working in that field while also painting his way across India, taking on commissions and community projects in various parts of the subcontinent.
He also studied airbrushing in Russia for a short summer program, honing his technique, but he never went through traditional art school.
“I think I was lacking a lot of those foundation skills, like filming, cinematography, editing, or all the creative aspects in general,” he says. “I felt like I should go for a higher education.”
That desire brought him to KPU in 2022. Rather than pursue fine arts, Mayuresh chose the advanced visual effects diploma program, offered in partnership with the Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA), which he felt could open doors for him in Canada. He knew that Vancouver is a global hub for VFX and animation, and the program had the potential for immersion in the creative industries here, while also allowing him to level up on his skills.
And he loved it.
“KPU feels like home,” he says. “I tell everyone it’s the best place to be if you want to work in digital arts. The friends that you will make, the instructors that you’ll meet, the job opportunities that will open up from this college – it’s huge.”
He says that his instructors provided him not only technical lessons but also professional wisdom. He credits his mentor, Giuseppe Improta, for helping him build a foundation in cinematography and photography that he still uses to this day.
“Being in a creative environment all the time, it opens up so many different perspectives for me,” he says.
“My art style changed, my approach changed. Our instructors had so much industry experience, and they had all these tips and tricks. This is how your routine should be. This is what you should do in a creative pipeline. This is how you polish your work. So much information coming from every side helped me push my work.”
Outside of the classroom, KPU also offered opportunities to showcase his art. Mayuresh painted a large mural inside the Richmond campus in 2022, one of his first solo projects in Canada.
And even before graduating in December 2023,
Mayuresh was hired part-time to film events, interview visiting industry professionals, and create digital content featuring students and alumni. Within a year, the role expanded into a full-time position, and he now works as marketing manager for the CEA.
That interplay of art and media traces back to his early days painting bikes and making vlogs.
Still, Mayuresh says his side hustle as a muralist remains central to who he is. That passion reached a new milestone in summer 2025, when Mayuresh was selected to create a massive mural for the Vancouver Whitecaps, commissioned through the Astro Arts Festival. The opportunity came via Drew Young, a respected local artist and co-founder of Astro Arts Festival.
“He actually picked me for this project,” Mayuresh says. “Then I had several meetings with the Whitecaps marketing team, discussing how we can do public art that doesn’t feel like marketing or like a billboard, but is still football art. That was the brief.”
Mayuresh’s solution was to lean on abstraction – dynamic forms, sweeping lines, and vibrant colours that suggest motion and energy without relying on logos or literal imagery. He says the project was intimidating: a 20-by-16foot canvas on a Mount Pleasant building, backed by one of the city’s biggest sports franchises.
“It was stressful at first,” he admits. “I’ve painted 35 murals, but I was never the lead, I was never the centre of attention. But this time, I got the biggest sponsor and the biggest spotlight, so that was quite intimidating for me in the beginning, and I kept asking myself, ‘Can I do this?
Will I do a good job?’”
Mayuresh poured himself into the mural. Each brushstroke carried the weight of his decade-long journey painting his way across India and eventually in Vancouver. He had something to prove. By the end, his doubts had faded – everyone was happy with the piece.
The mural stands as a breakthrough, an affirmation that his art belongs not just in supporting roles but in the city’s cultural spotlight. Angle-double-right
KPU alumni are making waves — innovating, inspiring and elevating communities. Since 2007, the KPU Alumni Association and KPU have proudly honoured these trailblazers through three Distinguished Alumni awards.
Know someone who’s making a difference? Whether they’ve boosted KPU’s reputation or excelled in their career, community service, athletics, arts or academics, we want to hear about them! Nominate a standout alum and help us shine a spotlight on their achievements.
Learn more and submit your nomination at alumni.kpu.ca/Awards.
MELODY PAN B. SC. NURSING 2008
Melody credits KPU with helping her find her leadership voice.
Hong Yan Melody Pan graduated from KPU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in 2008. As an immigrant from China, she faced significant challenges, including adapting to a new language, culture and professional landscape.
“Our entire KPU cohort were full-time nurses balancing parenting, careers and education,” recalls Melody. “KPU supported our needs and created a space for us to succeed. I’ve since worked with outstanding KPU alumni I deeply admire.”
Melody’s education led to a thriving career spanning over two decades in nursing and military service. Currently pursuing a doctor of education (EdD) in organizational leadership in health administration, she continues to work at the intersection of health equity, inclusive leadership and public service.
Melody credits KPU with helping her find her leadership voice.
Melody is actively engaged in her community through local neighborhood volunteering and navy outreach initiatives. In recognition of her longstanding commitment to community service, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.
As a navy reservist, Melody supports women and visible minority sailors from diverse multicultural backgrounds, contributing to greater inclusivity and morale within the Canadian Armed Forces. She also advocates for internationally educated nurses and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion — principles that played a key role in her success as a student at KPU.
“As a recent recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, KPU is so very pleased to recognize Melody with the 2025 Alumni Excellence Award,” says Nancy Armitage, executive director of the KPU Alumni Association. “With her recent accomplishments and dedicated service to both her community and her country, Melody serves as a wonderful example to students and alumni, and we are immensely proud of her.” Angle-double-right
Melody’s full story was featured in Issue 8 of the Alumni Magazine, which can be read here: alumni.kpu.ca/magazineiss8
MICHAEL HILBORN
B. SC. PHYSICS
Thatsense of purpose, more than the technical challenge, is what keeps him motivated. Michael Hilborn had finally done it. After years of work, the newest cyclotron at TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator centre, was officially operational – all thanks to Michael.
“I finally got it finished yesterday,” he says. “Eighteen days straight, and now it’s running. That’s my accomplishment.”
It’s something of a triumph (pun intended), but also just another day on the job. At Advanced Cyclotron Systems, Michael helps design, test and commission particle accelerators – complex machines that generate isotopes used in nuclear medicine, particularly in cancer imaging and, increasingly, cancer treatment.
He’s positioned at the intersection of physics, engineering and human health. While he deflects on the true importance of the work – “I’m just making sure the beam works” – there’s no denying the impact of what he does.
Advanced Cyclotron’s machines are shipped to hospitals and research facilities around the world, and the cyclotrons they build produce isotopes used in PET scans, one of the most widely used imaging tools in oncology.
“It’s pretty much the only way to image cancer at that level,” Michael explains. “We’re moving into isotopes that can actually treat cancer, like targeted alpha therapy. That’s the exciting part – our machines aren’t just helping to see cancer, they’re starting to help fight it.”
Michael graduated from the physics for modern technology (PMT) program, and he says he bumps into other graduates at TRIUMF from time to time, living proof the program works and is filling a vital gap in the physics field.
“I tell people KPU is underrated,” he says. “Physics for modern technology is like a secret weapon. You get professors who’ve worked in industry, not just academia, so they know what employers are looking for.”
His decision to enrol in the program wasn’t an easy one. He’d initially entered KPU’s engineering transfer program, but two faculty members, James Hoyland and Fergal Callaghan, spotted his potential and convinced him to take a gamble on PMT, a brand-new program at the time.
“It was definitely a risk,” he says. “The program was just starting out, so I didn’t know if it would carry weight, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I ever made. I think I’m a lot happier with the education I got there than if I’d done a conventional mechanical or electrical engineering degree.”
He says the instructors taught him how to think like a scientist, while also providing space for experimentation. Housed in the top floor of the Richmond campus, PMT students had access to their own dedicated lab – less a classroom and more of a workshop.
“We could go in basically whenever we wanted. All the equipment was there, all the time. It felt like our own little lab, and I spent countless hours there just tinkering,” he says.
Then weirdness struck. Michael’s final semester began right before the COVID-19 lockdowns in March 2020. Classes were disrupted and projects were put on hold. He officially graduated in September 2020, in the thick of the pandemic’s uncertainty, and he wasn’t sure if he had any career prospects at all.
“It was a weird time,” he says. “No one was hiring. I wasn’t sure what to do.”
He considered pivoting into another field altogether,
but he persisted, applying for jobs in science and engineering. A few offers came through, and while none of them were quite in the field he’d studied, he was getting desperate.
Salvation arrived in the form of an email. Advanced Cyclotron Systems wanted to talk.
“I thought, this is a way better fit than warehousing at a cannabis farm, which was another offer I had at the time,” he laughs. “It just lined up perfectly with what I’d studied. The control theory I learned at KPU? That’s like 30 per cent of my job now. The rest is physics and chemistry. It’s almost eerie how precise the fit has been.”
Most of Michael’s work involves making the cyclotrons more efficient, manufacturable and cost effective, so more hospitals can afford the equipment.
“This isn’t just about being competitive as a company, it’s about making this technology more accessible. The more hospitals can afford it, the more people can get diagnosed earlier, and the more lives get saved.”
That sense of purpose, more than the technical challenge, is what keeps him motivated. When he’s standing in front of a cyclotron he’s helped bring to life, or watching a PET scan tracer do its work, he sees not just the outcome of his choices, but the importance of having chosen them.
“When you’re working on these projects day to day, you get into the weeds. You’re just trying to make sure the beam works or the gas target holds. But then you step back and realize that this machine is going to be used to detect cancer in someone who needs it. That’s when it really hits you,” he says.
“If I’d stuck with engineering, or if I’d taken the safer route, I probably wouldn’t be here. And I really like where I am.” Angle-double-right
Overtime, her clientele expanded: first individual designers, then larger brands, retailers and nonprofits.
Natasha Campbell couldn’t believe how far she’d come.
She was producing her first fashion show in New York City at Milk Studios, a staple of the fashion industry. Natasha had spent years carving out a niche in Vancouver’s relatively tiny fashion market, but now she was managing models, dealing with celebrities, negotiating with agents, and coordinating a production that would earn her a write-up in Harper’s Bazaar.
“It was so far beyond what I imagined my career would be at that point,” Natasha says. “Being brought to New York to do this and not even being a New Yorker – that was pretty awesome.”
That moment was the culmination of her work in the fashion industry, but also the beginning of a new era of her career, one that would eventually lead Natasha back to the place where her professional journey started – KPU.
“Our graduates are getting jobs before they even finish their programs. They know how to work in professional environments, how to collaborate, how to be in office environments.”
– NATASHA CAMPBELL
Today, she is the program chair for the foundations in design program at KPU’s Wilson School of Design, as well as a faculty member in the School of Business, helping the next generation of creative students find their own paths in the industry.
Natasha grew up in Richmond, and in high school, she developed a fondness for fashion, specifically sewing. Her skills landed her in a feeder program that prepared students for KPU’s early fashion offerings.
She enrolled at KPU in the late 1990s, completing a certificate in fashion marketing in 2001, with a focus on the creative side of the industry. She hustled hard in the years afterward, first freelancing as a show producer, coordinating everything from hiring models to managing logistics for runway productions.
“There are so many opportunities to choose where you want to go,” she says. “You can get a certificate and you can build that into a diploma, or into a degree. You can do those things at a pace that works for you and your career trajectory.”
Over time, her clientele expanded: first individual designers, then larger brands, retailers and nonprofits. She eventually incorporated her own company, Tasha E Productions, where she worked for the City of Vancouver and the Hudson’s Bay Company, along with charitable organizations and international market weeks.
Early on, she produced one such showcase in Shenzhen, China, which broadened her understanding of the global fashion industry.
“China really opened up my eyes,” she says.
At the same time, Natasha was nurturing a budding passion for education. By her early 20s, she was already teaching at Blanche Macdonald, producing graduation
shows, consulting for clients and styling campaigns, quickly developing a reputation for bridging fashion practice with business concepts. That led to further teaching roles at other institutions.
In a short amount of time, she had achieved a lot, but it wasn’t enough.
“I’d been doing a director’s role, and I wasn’t paid as a director,” Natasha says. “And I said, I don’t want to be in this position where I am doing more work than I’m being paid for and having to do someone else’s role all the time.”
So, she went back to KPU, enrolling in the newly launched bachelor of business administration in entrepreneurial leadership, taking classes while simultaneously teaching and continuing her work in the fashion industry.
Her second time at KPU was transformational. Natasha joined international case competitions, where she and her three teammates went head-to-head with students from much larger schools. At one competition in Singapore, they went up against international academic powerhouses like Copenhagen Business School and Carnegie Mellon University. It was a classic tale of David and Goliath – the team from a small B.C. institution that beat the giants. Natasha was named Best Guest Speaker at the competition.
“People were looking at us like, ‘Who the hell is KPU?” she says with a laugh.
“We really had more hands-on learning. We were doing case studies. We were very immersed in that, where other schools were still focused on theory, and just didn’t have that advantage.”
Natasha and her teammates returned to Singapore the following year, but the other teams complained and
they were disqualified, essentially, for being too strong of a team. They were so good, they had to change the rules.
“They created what, at that time, was called the KPU clause, where you can’t have the same teammates compete in the competition the following year,” she says.
For Natasha, the competitions unlocked a new perspective that led her to complete her masters in strategic design and management at Parsons.
“It really opened up my eyes to seeing that there was more than just creative production that I was doing,” she says. “I was really a strategist, and I had the ability to go more into business development and hone that in. That was quite pivotal.”
After years in fashion and private education, Natasha returned to KPU, this time as faculty. Her experience in both industry and teaching made her an ideal fit for the Wilson School of Design and eventually stepped into leadership as program chair of the foundations in design program.
The program, she explains, is designed to be an opportunity for students to explore design and learn what design means for themselves.
“It’s about giving creatives an avenue,” she says. “For many families, design isn’t understood the way more traditional careers are. But design is a huge industry – we all wear clothes, we all live in designed spaces. My role is to open that world up for students.”
Under her leadership, the program has grown in scope and visibility. Graduates have gone on to win international awards, validating the program’s reputation as a launchpad for design careers. The Wilson School of Design has become one of Western Canada’s top-ranked applied design schools, bolstered by a $36-million building that reflects its growing influence.
“Our graduates are getting jobs before they even finish their programs. They know how to work in professional environments, how to collaborate, how to be in office environments. They’re prepared for the real industry, not just concepts on paper.”
For Natasha, the most rewarding part is seeing her students thrive. As an instructor and program chair, she is ensuring that KPU students have the same opportunities to explore that she had, to test
themselves and grow.
“They’re getting skills that are for the real world of the real industry, of what’s happening today, which will set them up for the future.” Angle-double-right
SHANNON SAVAGE BACHELOR OF APPLIED DESIGN IN FASHION AND TECHNOLOGY
2012
was really designing with women in mind.
Fashion dreams often come true in Paris. It happened there for Shannon Savage – except it wasn’t on a runway.
It was a hot August afternoon and the Canadian women’s beach volleyball team strode onto the Olympic court wearing new team swimsuits designed by Left on Friday, a small but ambitious swimwear company co-founded by Shannon.
Watching her designs appear on the world’s biggest sporting stage was more than a career milestone for Shannon, it was the ultimate validation of everything she’d been working toward up until that point.
“It was the best experience,” she says. “As a designer, as a business owner, these things don’t come around very often. It’s every four years, and it’s the best athletes in the world, competing at the highest level. To see them wearing something we created – it was incredible, the ultimate achievement.”
Paris is a long way away, geographically and psychologically, from Ashcroft, B.C., the small town near Kamloops where Shannon grew up. There, her entire world view revolved around sports, playing on every team that she could. Early on she realized that none of the activewear was designed for people like her – small, athletic, and, you know, a girl.
“You’d buy unisex shorts or track pants, or the women’s gear was just the men’s stuff made smaller and dyed pink,” she says. “Nobody was really designing with women in mind.”
Shannon was also a creative kid. She often watched her mother make clothes at home and fashion intrigued her, though she never imagined it could be a career path.
That changed when her mother stumbled across the fashion design and technology program at KPU, just as Shannon was trying to decide where to go for her postsecondary education.
“It was a revelation. I didn’t even realize you could get a degree in fashion design, let alone one that prepared you with practical skills for the industry,” she says.
She left home and moved to Vancouver, commuting to the KPU campus by bus every day. The program was rigorous and difficult, challenging her in ways she never knew were possible.
“It was gruelling, in a good way,” she says. “The program pressure-tests you for the reality of the industry. If you weren’t passionate about it, you wouldn’t stick it out.”
What stood out most were the instructors, many of whom came directly from the fashion world and taught with that experience rather than from abstract theory. Students leaned on each other as much as their teachers, building the tight-knit relationships that make up the backbone of a notoriously small and interconnected industry.
“It was like summer camp, but four years long,” Shannon says. “You come out with deep bonds. My best friend to this day is someone I met there.”
Shannon’s academic path wasn’t entirely straightforward. She transferred credits, delayed a course, and technically took four years longer than expected to complete her degree. Not that it mattered, though. She landed her first real job as a designer at a snowboard apparel company straight after she finished the program.
But the defining move came in 2005, when she joined lululemon, just as the brand was on the cusp of explosive growth.
“When I started, they were a $30-million company. When I left 11 years later, they were at $2.5 billion,” she says. “It was like Woodstock for designers. The whole industry of athleisure didn’t exist yet. We were inventing it.”
As one of lululemon’s early designers, Shannon helped establish the foundational products and drive innovation that made the brand a global phenomenon. E-commerce was still new, the U.S. market was just opening and every day felt like uncharted territory.
“It was the perfect storm,” she says. “We were constantly creating from scratch, redefining what women’s activewear could be. I don’t think you get
opportunities like that more than once in a lifetime.”
By 2016, lululemon was a massive global corporation. Shannon, now a mother, took stock of her role during maternity leave and realized the parts of the job that once energized her – the ground-floor creativity, the innovation – had given way to corporate scale.
“I wasn’t doing the work I was most capable of or lit up by,” she explains. “And in a company that size, those roles just don’t exist anymore.”
So, she struck out on her own. Shannon teamed up with her former lululemon colleague Laura Low Ah Kee to launch Left on Friday in 2017. The idea was simple but radical – create a swimsuit that did it all.
“Most swimwear is either purely for lifestyle or it’s purely on the performance side,” she says. “So, you’re either wearing a Speedo or you’re wearing a string bikini. There’s nothing in between, for women of any age, who are living an active life. We identified that and went after it.”
Shannon developed the products, focusing on research, development and athlete testing. The company had little money in the beginning, but plenty of grit. It built relationships with elite athletes, offering sponsorship through product and photoshoots when cash wasn’t available.
That grassroots strategy paid off. Canadian beach volleyball players began wearing Left on Friday suits, which eventually caught the attention of the national team. When lululemon stepped away from sponsoring the team at the Olympic level, Left on Friday was already on the athletes’ radar. So, they stepped up to the net. Eight years after launching, Left on Friday made its Olympic debut.
For Shannon, her experience at lululemon was the perfect training ground for Left on a Friday’s current growth phase – like a PhD in business expansion.
“It’s identical in a lot of ways,” she says. “What I learned during that crazy growth phase at lululemon is exactly what we’re applying now – building something from the ground up, scaling it, creating a category. It feels familiar, and it’s wildly exciting.”
KPU, too, continues to shape her perspective. When aspiring entrepreneurs reach out for advice on breaking into the industry, she tells them bluntly: get an education.
“Most of the time, people have no training. I tell them I can’t help until they do,” she says. “Fashion is a
specialty like finance or engineering, and there are hard skills you have to learn. That’s what KPU gave me, and I wouldn’t be here without it.”
Today, Left on Friday employs around 50 people, with its Canadian base in Victoria and a U.S. presence in Los Angeles. Shannon oversees product, while her partner manages the brand side. Together, they’re plotting the next chapter, including sponsorships in multiple sports and a presence at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
But it was that first Olympic moment where the dream became the reality. It was the proof of concept of what she was trying to achieve, both for her business and her belief in the power of design.
“You can’t recreate that feeling,” she says. “Seeing those athletes, at the very top of their sport, in something we created – it was everything. And it makes me excited, because I know we’re only just getting started.” Angle-double-right
Growing up in an immigrant South Asian family, Mehreen witnessed firsthand the stigma surrounding mental health —and made it her mission to rewrite that narrative for future generations.
Driven by purpose, Mehreen pursued a bachelor of arts in psychology with a minor in counselling at KPU, where she’s excelled academically with a
stellar 4.2 GPA. But her impact goes far beyond the classroom. As a student ambassador for KPU’s Student Affairs, she’s been a welcoming force on campus, helping organize events like the Student Mental Health Fair and supporting fellow students with compassion and care. Her advocacy extends into groundbreaking research. Mehreen has contributed to the Matsuba Applied Developmental (MAD) Lab and co-founded the Building Essential Skills in Therapy Lab — both focused on expanding access to mental health support. She also serves as a call taker for the Community Helpline for Incarcerated People, offering trauma-informed, non-stigmatizing support to those often overlooked.
Last fall, Mehreen begins her master’s in counselling, continuing her journey toward becoming a clinical psychologist. Her vision? To create inclusive, stigma-breaking mental health interventions that empower individuals to speak openly, seek help and heal.
Congratulations, Mehreen, your courage and commitment are lighting the way for a more compassionate future.
The KPU Alumni Association was pleased to continue expanding our alumni benefits and privileges program on the Alumni Perks app and microsite. Our perks partners, including many alumni owned and operated businesses, provide services and products to KPU alumni at discounted rates:
• AG Dominion Blue Reprographics
• All Purpose Realty
• Altitude Media Co.
• Arafat Kalam Notary Public
• Best Coast Bonsai Inc.
• Black Bird Holistic
• Broadway Across Canada
• Cirque du Soleil
• Coach Hector Wong
• Conscious Works
• Credit Counselling Society
• EJ Cellphone Repair
• Eyetician
• Fresh Prep
• H.R MacMillan Space Centre
• Hannah T Photography
• Hum Apparel
• Ingrid Brito Life coaching
• Luma Vita Counselling
• Luxia Counselling
• Magic IT Solutions
• Miller & Co.
• Niecey Glam Studio
• Partopia Digital
• RC Railing Experts
• S&A Accounting
• Second Life Apparel
• Thunderbolt Sign
• Tourifique
• Vancouver Boat Parties
• Vancouver Canadians
• VanGo Vapes
• Z&R Automotive
We continue to collaborate with our affinity partners, who provide discounted services to alumni while also generating revenue for the Alumni Association. Our Affinity partners include:
• Artona Group
• Bell Mobility
• Convocation Flowers
• Canucks Sport and Entertainment
• KPU Bookstore •
Borna Toroghi’s journey began when the bachelor of administration in entrepreneurial leadership program sparked her interest and broadened her career outlook. Drawn to KPU’s student-focused approach, accessible campuses and strong community ties, she found the support she needed to thrive academically and personally even through the challenges of the pandemic. Her most memorable experiences included participating in the co-operative education program, where she gained practical skills through placements with KPU’s marketing services and a local non-profit. The Melville School of Business played a pivotal role in nurturing her entrepreneurial mindset, with small class sizes fostering meaningful connections with faculty and peers. In 2023, Borna returned to KPU in a professional capacity, first as a department assistant in the Faculty of Arts, and later transitioning to the Faculty of Health in 2024 as a communications and events coordinator. In this role, she applied her expertise to enhance engagement across student, faculty and staff communities. BBA, Entrepreneurial Leadership, ’21
Jay Sharan was drawn to KPU by a unique opportunity: it was the only institution in Canada offering the technical management credential he sought. Recognized as a top student, Jay earned a phenomenal GPA, secured a place on the Dean’s Honour Roll, and received a merit scholarship, achievements that bolstered his confidence and self-belief. He credits his instructors for imparting valuable knowledge and wisdom, and he cherishes the many meaningful experiences and peer recognition he received throughout his studies. While at KPU, Jay gained hands-on experience working with Purdys in its digital operations team, which helped shape his professional trajectory. After graduation, he transitioned into banking operations and currently works at CIBC, applying the skills and insights developed during his academic journey. Jay’s story reflects the transformative impact of KPU’s specialized programs and supportive learning environment. Post-Bacc Dip, Technical Management & Services 24’
Manav chose KPU for its strong reputation, inclusive environment and the computer information systems program that aligned perfectly with his goals. He quickly found a second home on campus. Engaging in co-op opportunities and attending lively events and workshops, Manav embraced every moment, creating cherished memories with friends and enjoying the vibrant student life, free snacks included. His role as an international peer mentor was especially meaningful, allowing him to support fellow students while developing leadership and interpersonal skills. Through these experiences, Manav gained confidence, built lasting relationships, and discovered the power of turning ideas into action. He credits KPU’s welcoming community and inspiring professors for shaping his perspective and preparing him to tackle future challenges with optimism and purpose. As he looks ahead, Manav is eager to apply his knowledge to make a positive impact and contribute to a more connected and innovative society. Computer Information Systems, ’25
Kapil Sharma’s path at KPU began with a strong foundation in mathematics and a clear goal: to study global business management as a stepping stone toward becoming an actuary. His passion for problem-solving and analysis deepened as he learned to connect mathematical concepts with real-world business challenges. Inspired by professors like Wayne Tebb, Kapil embraced a hands-on, ethical approach to international business, tackling complex scenarios that emphasized sustainability and global responsibility. This experience reshaped his perspective, helping him think critically and ethically about business decisions. KPU became more than an academic institution, it was a transformative environment that empowered him to dream bigger and pursue his goals with confidence. Today, Kapil works as an administrative assistant at the Surrey Board of Trade, where he drafts policy, organizes events, and fosters collaboration between businesses, government officials and international delegations. His role supports innovation, workforce development and economic growth, allowing him to contribute meaningfully to his community while continuing his journey toward a fulfilling career. Graduate Diploma in Global Business Management, ’22
Zafreen Jaffer’s academic career took a pivotal turn when her original program was discontinued at another institution, leading her to seek new opportunities. At KPU, she found not only a place to continue her education but also a supportive environment that helped her discover her true calling. One of her most impactful experiences was collaborating with classmates to develop a policy plan for the R6 bus route, which initially excluded KPU. Their proposal was adopted by the university, the City of Surrey and TransLink, resulting in a revised route that better served the community, an achievement that underscored the real-world impact of student-led initiatives. KPU played a crucial role in guiding Zafreen through personal and academic challenges, ultimately helping her clarify her goals and build confidence. Now pursuing graduate studies at Thompson Rivers University, Zafreen is working on a master’s thesis focused on human rights and social justice. BA, Policy Studies, ’23
Jasleen Kaur found the ability to work and study on campus especially rewarding during her time at KPU. These experiences allowed her to grow both professionally and personally. Jasleen appreciated the vibrant campus life and the supportive environment that encouraged development beyond the classroom. Her KPU journey was filled with valuable learning moments that prepared her for real-world challenges. She now works as a retail sales supervisor at Best Buy, where she leads a team of approximately 20 employees. Dip, Business Management, ’23
Jeeah Lee came to KPU with a desire to build everyday skills and prepare for future employment. Her favourite experience was gaining valuable work experience at Winners and HomeSense in Metrotown, guided by an instructor she describes as the world’s best. KPU had a profound impact on Jeeah’s life, helping her make new friends, socialize with classmates and embrace her love of learning. She found joy in discovering new things and was always eager to grow both personally and professionally. Now, Jeeah is enjoying Zumba fitness classes and volunteering weekly at a Thrift & Fund store in her community. Cit, Employment & Community Studies, ’24
Vanessa Maria Ferreira Leal was drawn to KPU by its hands-on approach and practical connection to the job market. With a background in management, she sought more than theory; she wanted real-world experience and growth. KPU delivered, offering a space where she could turn passion into action and develop both personally and professionally. Throughout her journey, Vanessa was inspired by the university’s supportive services, especially the guidance from student success coaches, which helped her and others transform goals into reality. After graduating, she continued her journey within the KPU community, evolving from a student assistant to a student success coach. This role allows her to mentor students, guide their academic and career paths, and give back to the institution that shaped her. Looking ahead, Vanessa is focused on expanding her impact through new workshops, enhanced internship programs and stronger mentorship initiatives. She’s also developing resources to support job seekers, driven by a commitment to keep learning, mentoring and making a meaningful difference. Graduate Dip, Global Business Management, ’24
Pavneet Sandhu chose KPU for its welcoming atmosphere and sense of familiarity, describing it as a place that always felt like home. From her first orientation, she felt safe and supported, with small class sizes that fostered close connections with peers and professors. One of her most cherished memories was meeting a lifelong friend during a psychology group project, an experience that highlighted the meaningful relationships KPU helped her build. The university’s nurturing environment and dedicated faculty, especially professor Neil Soggie, inspired Pavneet to pursue a career in counselling, leading her to add a counselling minor to her psychology major. KPU taught her resilience and the importance of community, shaping both her personal and professional path. Today, Pavneet is a registered clinical counsellor with the BCACC and founder of Luxia Counselling. She’s preparing to begin her doctorate and Pilates instructor training, aiming to integrate mental and physical wellness in her practice. BA, Psychology, ’19
Khushmandeep Kaur’s academic journey began when she arrived in Surrey as an international student. Drawn by KPU’s convenient location and its balanced approach to hands-on experience and theoretical learning, she pursued a diploma in science and found countless opportunities to grow. Her time at KPU was enriched by extracurricular activities, especially founding the KPU Dance Club, where she organized performances and workshops that brought joy and connection to campus life. Another highlight was her role as a peer mentor, supporting fellow international students as they adjusted to university life, a deeply fulfilling experience that strengthened her leadership and communication skills. Through these activities, Khushmandeep gained confidence, built lasting friendships and developed a strong foundation for her future. Now, as a graduate, she credits KPU for preparing her with the skills, knowledge and mindset needed to take the next steps in her career. Dip, Science, ’25
After earning her education assistant certificate, Zahraa Dean started working with Surrey Schools as an inclusive education support worker. Motivated by a deep passion for education and history, she continued her studies at KPU and completed a bachelor of arts in history in September 2024. KPU’s flexible learning environment, small class sizes and supportive faculty created an ideal space for Zahraa to thrive. Her favourite experiences included engaging classroom discussions, collaborative projects and meaningful mentorship that fostered a strong sense of community. These experiences sharpened her critical thinking and prepared her for a career in teaching and social justice education. After graduating from KPU, Zahraa was accepted into Simon Fraser University’s professional development program and is excited to continue growing and preparing for her future as a social studies teacher. BA, History, ’24
Tanvi Arora chose KPU for its strong reputation in delivering high-quality, practical programs, particularly in criminology. She was drawn to KPU’s hands-on learning approach, supportive environment, and valuable services like academic advising and career support, which helped her thrive during and after her studies. Tanvi’s favourite experiences at KPU included engaging and interactive classes led by dynamic professors, lively campus events and real-world projects that reinforced classroom learning. These elements made her time at KPU both enjoyable and impactful. The university played a significant role in shaping her academic and personal growth, helping Tanvi build essential skills and lasting connections with peers who share similar interests. Now, having completed her studies, she is actively pursuing career opportunities through internships and part-time roles. In addition to professional development, Tanvi is preparing to publish her second book, balancing career ambitions with creative pursuits, and looking forward to the next chapter of her journey. Dip, Criminology, ’24
Maribel Cama Mamani wanted to deepen her understanding of global finance and challenge herself beyond her extensive experience as an accountant in Peru. With a background working for multinational firms, she saw KPU as a gateway to international perspectives and a stepping stone toward her CPA designation and future career with leading global companies. Maribel’s favourite aspect of KPU has been its diverse student body, which enriched her learning through exposure to varied cultures and viewpoints. A standout experience was a group project where her team creatively presented financial strategies through a mini play, blending humour with cross-cultural insights. This approach highlighted how engaging and meaningful learning can be. KPU has transformed Maribel’s life, expanding her accounting knowledge, boosting her confidence and sharpening her critical thinking. Now working alongside a CFO, she’s gaining valuable hands-on experience while actively pursuing her CPA. Post-Bacc Dip, Accounting, ’25
Mansha Kumar chose KPU for its hands-on learning, small class sizes and strong co-op program. As an international student, she valued the close-knit community and career-focused approach. Her first co-op role as a social media and events assistant was a transformative experience, helping her gain confidence and discover her capabilities in a professional setting. That opportunity opened doors to further roles and solidified her passion for student engagement and career development. Through mentorship, leadership experiences and real-world learning, KPU helped Mansha find her path and grow both personally and professionally. Currently, she works at KPU as a co-op education officer, guiding students through the same journey she once took, while also completing her BBA online and pursuing creative projects. Dip, Marketing Management, ’23
Ekamjit Ghuman came to KPU for its small class sizes and flexible scheduling, which allowed for a more personalized and accessible learning experience. Living in Surrey, the convenience of attending classes at the Surrey campus was a key factor in her decision. Initially enrolling at KPU after finishing high school, Ekamjit returned in May 2015 to pursue a post baccalaureate diploma in human resources management. As a student with a disability, she found KPU’s supportive environment instrumental in her academic journey. Since graduating, Ekamjit has published her debut fiction novel, Train to Mumbai, now available on Amazon. Post-Bacc Dip, Human Resource Management, ’17
Harpreet Kang’s time at KPU began with an interest in psychology but took an unexpected turn toward creative writing. Encouraged by the supportive environment, she discovered a deep passion for poetry and flourished as a writer. Engaging with diverse writing styles and genres, she found inspiration in every class, workshop and peer interaction, which helped her develop a unique poetic voice. A pivotal moment was receiving her first creative writing scholarship, which validated her efforts and boosted her confidence, motivating her to push creative boundaries and strive for excellence. The vibrant writing community at KPU played a profound role in her growth, offering friendships, support and shared inspiration among fellow creatives. These connections enriched her experience and shaped her identity as both a writer and individual. Currently, Harpreet works as a community engagement worker and anti-racism toolkit developer at Richmond Multicultural Community Services, where she fosters inclusivity and cultural dialogue, continuing to make a meaningful impact beyond the classroom.
BA, Creative Writing, ’22
Chatherin Mambilly, an experienced electrical engineer, often found herself challenged during business discussions and sought to bridge the gap between technical expertise and business acumen. KPU’s practical and theoretical approach made it the ideal place for her to gain the vocabulary and confidence needed to contribute meaningfully in cross-functional settings. Her favourite experience was during her first semester, where a collaborative and supportive project group helped her transition smoothly into the program. The university played a pivotal role in expanding her perspective, making her a more well-rounded professional. Chatherin now works as a switchgear test engineer at IEM, where she applies both her engineering background and the business skills acquired at KPU. Her education has empowered her to engage more effectively with diverse teams and understand the broader impact of her work. Post-Bacc Dip, Technical Management & Services, ’24
Deianeira Rematore chose KPU for its diverse and engaging criminology program, which offered specialized courses in areas like social work, policing, restorative justice and law. She was particularly drawn to unique topics, such as organized crime, white-collar crime and criminal law. Her most memorable experience at KPU was a fourth-year practicum at a law firm, where she shadowed a criminal defense lawyer, attended court proceedings, worked on case files and observed a jury trial. This hands-on experience not only deepened her understanding of the legal system but also inspired her to take the LSAT and pursue law school. KPU played a pivotal role in shaping her career, providing a strong network of supportive peers and faculty who helped her secure new opportunities. Deianeira has been working as an articling student at a downtown Vancouver law firm, having passed both the barrister and solicitor exams. She aims to complete her articling by the end of 2025 and will then be called to the B.C. Bar. BA, Criminology, ’20
Riya Jain was drawn to KPU by her passion for marketing and the university’s emphasis on hands-on learning, small class sizes and industry-focused curriculum. Her program offered the practical experience and supportive environment she sought to grow both academically and professionally. One of her most memorable experiences was serving as a student assistant for the Melville Business Strategy Internship (MBSI) Program, where she promoted the initiative, developed marketing strategies and supported fellow students. Conducting interviews and crafting success stories helped her build confidence and foster a strong connection to the student community. KPU played a transformative role in her journey, equipping her with skills in marketing, communication and leadership through real-world projects and mentorship. Currently, Riya works as the associate dean’s assistant at the Melville School of Business, managing administrative tasks and contributing to student engagement initiatives. Her role allows her to apply her education, stay connected to KPU and continue growing in a dynamic, professional setting. BBA, Marketing Management, ’24
Ritu Gill came to KPU to complete her bachelor of arts in criminology, drawn by its academic strength and personalized learning environment. The university’s small class sizes and one-on-one interaction with instructors provided the structure and support she needed to stay focused and motivated. Through her time at KPU, Ritu developed greater discipline, expanded her knowledge and built strong self-confidence. The nurturing atmosphere helped her grow both academically and personally, preparing her for future success. Ritu went on to co-found Forensic OSINT, a software tool designed to help online investigators capture and preserve digital content. Recognizing that online information can quickly change or disappear, the tool ensures forensic-grade reliability and verifiability, making it suitable for legal and professional use. BA, Criminology, ’07
Manpreet Kaur’s decision to attend KPU was inspired by her early experience helping international students navigate their educational paths. Seeking personal and professional growth, she chose KPU for its practical programs, small class sizes and strong support for international students. Her favourite experience was working on group projects with classmates from diverse backgrounds, which taught her the value of collaboration, broadened her perspective and helped her build lasting friendships. These experiences strengthened her confidence and shaped how she now works in professional settings. Adjusting to a new country and education system was challenging, but KPU’s supportive environment helped her develop critical thinking, leadership and communication skills. Most importantly, her time at KPU ignited a passion for helping others, leading to her current role as an international recruitment and admissions coordinator. In this position, she guides prospective students through the admissions process, applying empathy and insight from her own journey. For Manpreet, it’s a full-circle moment — giving back to the community that helped her thrive. Post-Bacc Dip, Technical Management & Services, ’23
Amarjot Sangha came to KPU in January 2020, drawn by the university’s strong reputation for high-quality accounting courses. She was able to transfer most of her previous academic credits, allowing her to complete her degree efficiently and graduate in February 2023. One of her most memorable experiences at KPU was participating in accounting case competition practice sessions, which helped her strengthen her public speaking and communication skills. The supportive environment and courses like financial accounting also prepared her for CPA case writing. KPU played a pivotal role in her personal and professional development, helping her build a solid foundation in accounting and boosting her confidence. While still a student, Amarjot secured her first accounting job. After graduating, she went on to complete the CPA program and has since been promoted to manager at Achieve CPAs LLP, a mid-size accounting firm in Burnaby. BBA, Accounting, ’23
Sean Weller arrived at KPU uncertain about his future, and chose business classes to explore his interests. It was through KPU’s marketing courses, and the inspiring instructors who brought real-world energy into the classroom, that he discovered a passion for marketing and advertising. After earning his marketing diploma, Sean secured an internship at a Vancouver ad agency, which launched a dynamic career. He later completed his degree, earned an MBA from Queen’s University, and joined the world’s largest marketing services company. That role took him across major U.S. cities, where he led marketing initiatives for global brands like Nike, T-Mobile, Starbucks and lululemon. Sean credits KPU for sparking the passion that continues to fuel his career. He is currently based in Seattle, leading product marketing at Amazon, where he focuses on Alexa AI and other devices, blending technology and customer experience in exciting new ways. Dip, Marketing Management, ’02
Jasmine Kaur joined KPU in 2018 as an international student, drawn to the inclusive environment, diverse programs and strong support system. She appreciated the approachable faculty, dedicated advisors and modern facilities across KPU’s four campuses, especially the peaceful library spaces that helped her stay focused. Her favourite experiences included student gatherings that fostered lasting friendships and horticulture field tours that deepened her appreciation for sustainability. KPU’s multicultural atmosphere and emphasis on community engagement helped Jasmine grow both personally and professionally, instilling values like inclusivity, respect and cultural awareness. After earning her general studies diploma and transferring credits, Jasmine is now completing her social work degree remotely through the University of Victoria while working at BC Women’s Hospital. Set to graduate in summer 2026, she aims to become a hospital social worker, supporting individuals and families during vulnerable moments and making a meaningful impact. Dip, General Studies, ’20
Rajmale Mokha began her KPU journey with hopes of building a future in a new country. Seeking more than just education, she wanted belonging, growth and opportunity. KPU quickly became more than a school; it became a home where she evolved into a confident leader. Her favourite experiences involved giving back to the community through roles such as student senator and BCGEU young worker representative, which allowed her to contribute meaningfully and build lasting relationships. Through co-op placements, peer tutoring and volunteer work, she developed resilience, leadership and a passion for using technology to empower others. Today, Rajmale serves as a senior learning technology analyst at KPU’s Teaching and Learning Commons, where she blends her love for tech and education to drive positive change. She also volunteers with the provincial government and continues her academic journey in computer information systems and political science. Her ultimate goal is to lead an educational institution that champions innovation, inclusivity and excellence. Dip, Computer Information Systems, ’24
Kashish, an international student, chose KPU for its strong academic reputation and inclusive, multicultural environment. Drawn to small class sizes and diverse perspectives, she found KPU to be a place where she could grow both academically and personally. Initially uncertain about her career path, Kashish discovered her passion for criminology through the university’s supportive faculty and engaging classroom experiences. Inspired by professors who brought energy and dedication to their teaching, she was motivated to excel in her studies. Beyond academics, she built lasting friendships through sports and campus life, and found balance and discipline in the quiet study spaces of the library. A transformative moment came when she joined KPU’s student-operated community helpline, offering traumainformed support to incarcerated individuals and those on parole. This handson experience, along with her volunteer work with the Canadian Red Cross, deepened her empathy and commitment to social justice. Today, Kashish is preparing for law school, carrying forward the purpose and confidence KPU helped her cultivate. AA, Criminology, ’25
Rolf Holmsen graduated in 1986 from KPU’s inaugural robotics and computer automation class, held at the Newton campus. He recalls the program as small, fun and highly practical, an ideal environment for applying computer skills to real-world challenges. The hands-on nature of the program laid a strong foundation for his future career in technology and engineering. Today, Rolf serves as the operational technology architect for Orion, New Zealand’s South Island equivalent to BC Hydro. In this role, which he has held for over 15 years, he specializes in using GE software for advanced distribution management systems. Dip, Technology, Auto/Robotics Engineering, ’86
A significant donation from Genome BC will provide more opportunies for students and faculty to gain handson training and lab experience at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
For 25 years, Genome BC has helped British Columbia build critical scientific capacity and scale solutions that address challenges and power economic growth, says Tony Brooks, Genome BC’s chief financial officer and vice president, entrepreneurship & commercialization.
“This support of KPU’s Applied Genomics Centre continues that commitment and strengthens a longstanding partnership with KPU, a collaboration built on our shared mission to advance genomics research in B.C.,” Brooks says.
Having worked together since 2019, the AGC and Genome BC’s partnership is now even better positioned to advance sustainable and resilient food production and make cutting-edge technologies available to B.C.’s agriculture industry.
“It’s a huge honour to receive this support,” says AGC director Dr. Paul Adams. “Genome BC is a provincial leader in genomics and this is a very significant partnership that helps us increase our impact in B.C. This additional support allows us to work with more industry partners, ensuring they get access to genomics to improve their products and processes through innovation.”
The AGC was recently designated as a Technology Access Centre (TAC) by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). It is the first and only TAC in Canada focused on applied genomics and is nationally unique in its focus on serving the agriculture sector through direct, hands-on research support.
Genome BC’s support was pivotal to securing this TAC designation, which strengthens B.C.’s position as a national leader in agri-tech innovation.
With Canada’s food security facing increasing pressure due to global challenges, including climate
change and trade disruptions, the AGC ensures B.C.’s agriculture industry is equipped with the genomic and metabolomic tools to thrive.
“We are so grateful to Genome BC for this investment in hands-on, applied research,” says Dr. Brett Favaro, KPU Dean Faculty of Science. “They have long been a catalyst for innovative solutions, and this funding will allow both of us to take our work to the next level.”
The additional applied research projects enabled by this funding will provide more opportunities for KPU faculty to engage in research through the AGC. Students will continue to gain hands-on training and lab experience while having a direct impact on their community.
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A significant donation from Scotiabank helps students strengthen their self-confidence, resilience and aspirations for the future.
A program that enables underrepresented high school students to get a head start on courses and training at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is getting a strong financial boost from Scotiabank.
Through its community investment initiative
ScotiaRISE, Scotiabank is renewing its support for KPU with a $240,750 donation to fund the KPU Scotiabank Strive Dual Credit Program for two years.
Dual credit allows students in grades 11 and 12 to take post-secondary courses and receive credit toward high school graduation and post-secondary credentials at the same time. The KPU Scotiabank Strive Dual Credit Program specifically provides support for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) youth and students from low-income families and those facing academic and social challenges.
“We’re proud to see the KPU Scotiabank Strive Dual Credit Program providing more opportunities for students in our community to graduate high school and increase their participation in post-secondary education,” says Jenifer Lee, district vice president, Greater Vancouver South, Scotiabank. “I am proud that this program has meaningfully impacted over 200 students and that our continued support through ScotiaRISE will see the program expand to additional school districts in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.”
Administered by the Future Students’ Office at KPU, Strive will support up to 315 students in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, in partnership with Lower Mainland school districts that open doors for learners to the program.
“Thanks to Scotiabank’s generous support, Surrey Schools students are experiencing the life-changing benefits of the Strive program. In partnership with KPU, this initiative expands access to post-secondary
education while helping students strengthen their selfconfidence, resilience and aspirations for the future,” says Paul Bruce, career development facilitator at Surrey Schools.
Students in the KPU Scotiabank Strive Dual Credit Program have access to dedicated academic supports, including tutoring options, literacy help, student mentors and assistance from the KPU Learning Centres. These supports are designed to create a safe, comfortable learning environment, encouraging students to be more involved, more willing to share and more inclined to seek help when needed.
“KPU is committed to helping all students find their place in higher education — and find success. The KPU Scotiabank Strive Dual Credit Program is particularly important because it breaks down barriers for learners who otherwise might not see themselves attending university,” says Zena Mitchell, vice-president of students at KPU.
ScotiaRISE’s renewed commitment follows an initial gift of $200,000 that launched a pilot program in 2022. Since then, more than 200 learners have been supported by the Strive program.
The KPU Office of Alumni Affairs is thrilled to continue offering KPU alumni more opportunities to engage with KPU.
Established as a registered society in 2008, the KPU Alumni Association (KPUAA) was built by passionate KPU graduates who envisioned a thriving, connected alumni community. Today, our volunteer board — comprised entirely of KPU alumni—continues that legacy by championing meaningful engagement and supporting the university’s growth. Guided by a strong governance model, the board provides strategic leadership to fulfill our mission: to connect and empower a dynamic network of more than 77,000 alumni. Together, we’re shaping the future of KPU—one connection at a time.
Stay Connected. Spark New Connections. Shape the Future. KPU Alumni Chapters are your gateway to rekindling old friendships, forging new ones and making a lasting impact within the KPU community. Whether you’re passionate about hosting events, sharing professional insights or celebrating your unique alumni group, chapters are your platform to shine. With seed funding from the KPU Alumni Association and handson support from the Alumni Affairs office, launching a chapter is easier — and more rewarding —than ever. Ready to lead the way?
For more information and to get your copy of the Chapter Handbook, email us at alumni@kpu.ca, or call 604.599.3137 to get started.
This February, KPU bids a fond farewell to Nancy Armitage as she retires after nearly a decade of dedicated service as director, alumni affairs and executive director of the KPU Alumni Association. During her tenure, Nancy helped shape not only the programs and services that support our graduates, but the very heart and spirit of the KPU alumni community.
Through her vision for alumni affairs and her steady, values-driven leadership, Nancy transformed the reach, engagement, and impact of alumni relations at KPU. She inspired pride and connection among graduates near and far, championing countless initiatives that created meaningful opportunities for mentorship, networking, and lifelong engagement. Because of her work, KPU alumni continue to feel seen, supported, and connected long after they cross the stage at convocation. As she concludes a longstanding career in higher education, Nancy also leaves a lasting mark on the alumni profession and the postsecondary sector more broadly, where her commitment, insight, and collaborative spirit have been widely respected.
We extend our deepest thanks to Nancy for her many contributions and wish her every happiness in a well-deserved retirement.
Welcome to the ninth edition of the KPU Alumni Magazine. We’re thrilled to bring you another inspiring issue filled with stories that celebrate the incredible impact KPU alumni are having in our communities and beyond. This edition shines a spotlight on the people and passions that make our alumni network so vibrant.
One of the highlights of our year is the Distinguished Alumni Awards, where we honour outstanding alumni who are making a difference. This year, we’re proud to feature Colleen Spier, Melody Pan and Manvir Deol — three remarkable individuals whose stories you’ll find in these pages. If you know of someone equally inspiring, I encourage you to nominate them for one of our three alumni awards. Details can be found at alumni.kpu.ca/awards.
The KPU Alumni Association is also so proud to share that it’s taken bold strides in deepening its commitment to KPU students. This year, it increased its endowment by an impressive $50,000, alongside a pledge to contribute up to $10,000 annually for the next five years. With this new infusion, we’re on track to exceed $110,000 by year’s end — funding three annual awards that will provide direct financial support to students who need it most. This is more than a financial milestone, it’s a promise to uplift future alumni, empower their journeys and ensure that no student is held back by financial barriers. We’re also expanding our Alumni Perks program, making it easier than ever to access exclusive benefits through our mobile app and microsite. From discounts to special offers, the perks just keep growing. Check out page 44-45 for all the details.
Have questions about your alumni benefits? Want to share your story in the next issue? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us anytime at alumni@kpu.ca.
Henry Flowers, BBA Accounting ‘19 Chair, KPU Alumni Association
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40723093 ISSUE 9 2026