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Monday's Keynote Speaker
Dr. Kari Grain
Bio
Dr. Kari Grain is the author of Critical Hope (2022) and teaches in UBC’s Department of Educational Studies, where she leads the Master of Education in Adult Learning and Global Change (ALGC) Program. In her ongoing community engaged scholarship, Kari is a special research associate in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with SFU’s Community Engaged Research Initiative (CERi). Her research in experiential learning, adult education, anti-racism, and global/local community engagement has been featured in peer reviewed journals, books, and podcasts.
At the nucleus of Grain’s body of work is the belief that education has the potential to be a vibrant pathway toward systemic change and decolonizing practices; vital to that process of transformation is an attunement to relational, emotional, and creative ways of being in the world with others. Grain is the co-editor of a forthcoming (2024) volume on Community Engaged Research with University of Toronto Press.
Keynote
Cultivating Critical Hope through Experiential Education
Experiential forms of education are widely known to be transformative for adult learners. Not only do students learn valuable skills that would be impossible to understand theoretically, but they also navigate risk and uncertainty, witness the real life impacts of their work, and cultivate relationships with people who possess lived expertise.
Most importantly, students who participate in these types of learning have a chance to grapple with the tremendous complexity of specific issues and how they map onto broader society. But the deeper reason educators and staff leaders are committed to experiential forms of education – can be elusive and changing. Often, it’s personal. To me, the underlying motivation for engaging in experiential pedagogies is to cultivate critical hope.
In this talk, I introduce the idea of “critical hope” (Freire, 1994; Grain, 2022) and present seven principles of critical hope as a nourishing framework for people who engage with experiential pedagogies. I illustrate examples of critical hope-in-action, drawing from various areas like neuroscience, Indigenous knowledges, poetry, anti-racism, and community activism.
Critical hope emphasizes accountability in relationships, an emphasis on equity, and active hospitality toward emotions like anger and grief. As a relational practice within the realm of education and training, critical hope is a dance – a messy, embodied entanglement between the difficult knowledge of the brokenness facing our existence, and the vibrant possibilities – including systemic change – that experiential pedagogies are ideally positioned to bring into being.
Tuesday's Keynote Speaker
Dr. Isabeau Iqbal
Bio
Dr. Isabeau Iqbal (she/her) is a certified coach dedicated to guiding individuals toward greater fulfillment and joy in their careers and lives. Her focus is on fostering clarity to facilitate meaningful progress both professionally and personally.
Isabeau has worked extensively in higher education, providing personalized support, and developing career programs for staff and faculty at all levels. Beyond academia, she coaches individuals working in healthcare, not-for-profits, and government, and facilitates CliftonStrengths workshops for organizations.
In her private practice, Isabeau finds fulfillment in helping individuals make impactful decisions, manage overwhelm, recognize strengths, and take meaningful action. Her coaching style is marked by a genuine sense of care.
Isabeau is a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach (CliftonStrengths Assessment), a Mentor Coach, and an ICF-trained PCC Assessor.
Based in Vancouver, Isabeau derives joy from mountain hikes, staying active, conquering singing nerves, and quality time with her family.
Keynote
Taking a coach approach. You’ve got everything you need!
You’ve likely heard the suggestion to incorporate a “coach approach” into your professional toolkit. The demand for coaching skills is widespread, and extends across diverse fields like education, healthcare, and business. Moreover, coaching skills are increasingly recognized as essential in various professional roles.
But, what do we mean by taking a coach approach? What mindsets and skills are involved to do this effectively? And how do we discern when to step into coach “mode” or not?
We can begin to address these complexities by recognizing that coaching is a partnership. At its core, coaching is grounded in the belief that our partners—be they students, employers, or colleagues—are resourceful, creative and whole. Embracing a coach approach involves guiding individuals through thoughtful questioning so they can draw independent conclusions. We assist our partners in uncovering innovative solutions, exploring novel approaches, and taking calculated risks. This approach nurtures a sense of autonomy and ownership and has the potential to boost confidence in those we coach.
In this keynote, we will focus on the practical aspects of coaching and use the Core Coaching Competencies, of the International Coaching Federation, to investigate how coaching aligns with your professional responsibilities. Whether your main interactions involve supporting employers in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), aiding students participating in WIL, or advocating for WIL in different capacities, the session aims to offer insight into the application of coaching in your specific work context.
Throughout the keynote, you will engage in thoughtful reflection to consider how you can incorporate coaching competencies into your daily activities. One of the main points I wish to make in this session is that you already have the skills you need to take a coaching approach.
Presenters
Alejandra Huerta Guerra
She/Her/Hers
A dedicated advisor and educator helping learners develop their strategies and support the launch or redirection of their professional journeys in today’s nonlinear careers. With over 10 years in career guidance, Alejandra brings her passion on relationship and community building to nurture transformational academic and career journeys.
Session: Strategic Collaboration to Maximize Career Development Across Your Institution (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #4 — 3:05 – 3:55 p.m.)
Alexandra Taylor
She/Her/Hers
Alexandra graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from KPU. She passionately endorses open education and accessibility in academia and is a member of KPU’s Accessibility Committee. She is also the recipient of the Faculty of Arts EDI award, recognizing her research in EDI and dedication to increasing accessibility on campus.
Session: Untold Stories: conversations with marginalized students and educators about experiencing racism, microaggressions, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace and classroom (Monday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 1:25 – 2:15 p.m.)
Allison Benner
She/Her/Hers
Allison Benner is the Associate Director of Career Services at UVic. Her career has spanned teaching, curriculum development, policy and program development, and coordination of various forms of work-integrated learning. She brings a passion for learning and ideas and a commitment to student and employee success to all her work.
Sessions:
Reimagining Career Services at UVic: A Career Course as Hub and Spoke (Monday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:20 – 12:10 p.m.)
From WIL Practitioner to Leader: Strategies for Career Progression Success (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Alon Eisenstein
He/Him/His
Dr. Eisenstein is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in Technology Entrepreneurship, and holds the Marshall Bauder Chair in Experiential Learning and Leadership at UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering. He teaches entrepreneurship, leadership, and technical communication, and has been developing, studying and advancing Entrepreneurial Work-Integrated Learning pedagogy for nearly a decade.
Sessions:
The future of WIL research in ACE-WIL (Monday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 10:20 – 11:10 a.m.)
(Re)visioning service: Establishing meaningful volunteer engagement within ACE-WIL BC/Yukon (Monday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 1:25 – 2:15 p.m.)
From Reflective to Reflexive – Critical Pedagogy and WIL Pedagogy (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 9:40 — 10:20 a.m.)
Anita Budisa-Bonneau
She/Her/Hers
Today I am grateful to live and play on the lands of the Ko’moux First Nation. I work at North Island College where I am responsible for career services and work-integrated learning in the Faculty of Arts, Science and Management. I am passionate about coaching, experiential education and study abroad.
Session: Embracing a solutions-focused coaching mindset (Monday, Breakout Sessions #4 — 3:25 – 4:15 p.m.)
Carolyn Veldstra
She/Her/Hers
Carolyn Veldstra, PhD manages work-integrated learning programs for graduate students in the Faculty of Arts at UBC. She runs the PhD Co-op program and Arts Amplifier initiative, which both create opportunities for graduate students in the Arts to participate in paid work experiences that leverage their skills and expertise.
Session: Entrepreneurship for Arts graduate and undergraduate students (Monday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:20 – 12:10 a.m.)
Chelsey Evans
She/Her/Hers
Chelsey Evans serves as the Director, Operations and Strategy, with Co-operative Education and Career Services at the University of Victoria and Treasurer for ACE WIL BC/Yukon. Chelsey holds a Master’s Degree in Adult Education (UAlberta) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (UBC).
Session: From WIL Practitioner to Leader: Strategies for Career Progression Success (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Corinna Bartucci
She/Her/Hers
Corinna has been working within Thompson Rivers University in various roles for over two years. Her educational background is in business and psychology, and she is currently pursuing further studies in higher education. Corinna is currently a Business Co-op Coordinator, working within the Career and Experiential Learning Department. She has been a Career Ambassador, Mock Interviewer, Research Assistant, and a Co-op student, completing four work terms in accounting and post-secondary education.
Session: A Multi-Discipline Collaboration in Co-operative Education Course Development (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Cristina Eftenaru
She/Her/Hers
Dr. Eftenaru is a Co-op Coordinator at SFU and an Instructor at Langara College. Cristina’s career bridges teaching, leadership, and experiential education. Her scholarship focuses on how theory and research on leadership and student experience inform practice. Cristina is ACE-WIL Board Member, UN SDG Faculty Fellow, and CSELP Affiliate Scholar.
Sessions:
(Re)visioning service: Establishing meaningful volunteer engagement within ACE-WIL BC/Yukon (Monday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 1:25 – 2:15 p.m.)
Creating Meaningful Learning by Using Renewable Assignments in the Classroom (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #4 — 3:05 – 3:55 p.m.)
Danna Buick
She/Her/Hers
For 9 years, Danna has contributed to the CMTN community, specializing in Work Integrated Learning. Her focus is on improving student experiences and fostering reciprocal relationships between the College and communities it serves. Danna holds a Red Seal in Hairstyling, a Provincial Instructor Diploma, and a Master’s Degree in Education.
Session: Let’s get WILD! Get Adventurous with your Teaching and Learning Centre (Monday, Breakout Sessions #4 — 3:25 – 4:15 p.m.)
Dave Murray
He/Him/His
Dave Murray is an Outreach Coordinator for the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC). Based in Calgary, he is building relationships for ICTC from British Columbia to Saskatchewan. WIL has been part of his career since starting as an engineering coop student from the University of Waterloo, to being a senior leader for a large corporation. And only 2 years ago he was an intern once again, but you can ask about that later.
Session: Subsidized WIL with a Focus on the BC Creative Tech Space (Monday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 10:20 – 11:10 a.m.)
David Warkentin
He/Him/His
David Warkentin is a Co-op Coordinator at the University of the Fraser Valley. David’s work and research involves incorporating critical place-based and Indigenous land-based education. David has explored these directions in Co-op programming by implementing practices of critical reflection and place-based engagement in UFV’s Co-op curriculum.
Session: Practices of inclusion: stories of EDI and Indigenization in the University of the Fraser Valley’s (UFV’s) WIL programs (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Earl Anderson
He/Him/His
Earl Anderson is a co-op coordinator at the Centre for Workplace Education at BCIT and has twenty years’ experience in the work integrated learning field. He is a member of the research committee of ACEWIL BC and the accreditation committee with CEWIL. He holds an M.Ed in from the University of Calgary.
Sessions:
The future of WIL research in ACE-WIL (Monday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 10:20 – 11:10 a.m.)
Building capacity through a WIL Faculty Toolkit (Monday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 1:25 – 2:15 p.m.)
Harshita Dhiman
She/Her/Hers
Harshita has been a Business Co-op Coordinator with Career and Experiential Learning since 2021. She received a Master of Education from TRU in 2019 and a Master of Industrial Psychology from Panjab University, India, in 2017. She has two years of experience working with diverse populations and has developed instructional, counselling, and career coaching skills with Open Door Group and the Academy of Learning Career College.
Session: A Multi-Discipline Collaboration in Co-operative Education Course Development (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Heather Croft
She/Her/Hers
Heather is currently the acting Associate Director in the Optional Professional Programs at the University of Victoria. Heather has a science background and recent experience in web and communications. Heather believes that every student has a right to experience the transformational power of work integrated learning. She loves to spend her free time on and in the ocean and exploring the island by mountain bike and camping.
Session: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Rethinking GPA Requirements to Increase Access to Co-op at UVic (Monday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 10:20 – 11:10 a.m.)
Heather McDonald
She/Her/Hers
Heather McDonald, based in Victoria BC, is a Career Learning and Development Advisor at Royal Roads University. With expertise in both Human Resources and Career Development, Heather excels in recruitment, coaching, learning and development, facilitation and event planning. With over a decade of experience in the post-secondary sector, Heather has supported students in various work integrated learning programs across diploma, bachelor, and master’s levels. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Human Resources from Camosun College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Victoria. Heather values continuous learning, and is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and in her support to students at Royal Roads.
Session: Strategic Collaboration to Maximize Career Development Across Your Institution (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #4 — 3:05 – 3:55 p.m.)
Hilary Krygsman
She/Her/Hers
Hilary Krygsman brings 8+ years of experience in WIL, career development, leadership, and teaching from public and private post-secondaries in Alberta and Ontario. She holds an M.Ed., B.Ed., B.A., and Career Development certificate. She was published in the Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy for research on WIL policy.
Session: WIL it Work? Lessons Learned from Collaborations in Calgary (Monday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 1:25 – 2:15 p.m.)
Jamie Noakes
She/Her/Hers
Jamie is a tenure-track faculty member in Career and Experiential Learning at TRU with 13 years post secondary experience. Currently, Jamie is the Business Co-op Instructor for the Bob Gagliardi School of Business and Economics.
Session: A Multi-Discipline Collaboration in Co-operative Education Course Development (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Jennifer Phillips
She/Her/Hers
Jennifer built her career at Camosun from being a Business co-op student, to a Co-op and Internship Coordinator. Her educational successes include completing a Diploma in Business Administration (with Co-op), a Bachelor of Science, and a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction. Playing a major part in the redevelopment of the Co-op preparation course at Camosun College, in particular by utilizing elearning platforms. Jennifer has worked and supported every school at Camosun either through Student Employment Services, as the lead Employment Facilitator to currently working as the School of Business Co-op and Internship Coordinator supporting the Accounting, Finance, General Management, Marketing, Office Administration and Public Administration programs that offer certificates, post degree diplomas and Bachelor degrees, all with optional work integrated learning. With her rich experience in both co-op and career development, she currently provides support to every Business student at Camosun who pursues a co-op or internship designation as part of their credential.
Session: Co-Op Curriculum That Aligns With Academic Best Practices While Strengthening Mutual Understanding, Commitment, Relationships, and Impact (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 2:05 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.)
Jennifer Weintraub
She/Her/Hers
Jennifer Weintraub has been a Co-op Coordinator at BCIT for 6 years working with a range of trades and technology programs. Prior to joining the Centre for Workplace Education at BCIT Jennifer worked in career advising and campus recruiting roles.
Session: Building capacity through a WIL Faculty Toolkit (Monday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 1:25 – 2:15 p.m.)
Jeremy Pearce
He/Him/His
Jeremy Pearce has been supporting students’ career development for over 11 years at the University of Victoria (UVic). For the past year and half he’s been a Co-op Coordinator in Sciences, prior to that he was a Career Educator with UVic Career Services. He recently completed a Master’s of Educational Psychology (MEd) at UVic.
Session: Review of Research Findings on Best Practices in Work-Integrated Learning (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #4 — 3:05 – 3:55 p.m.)
Joan Pascual
She/Her/Hers
Joan Pascual supports initiatives related to WIL at BCIT. She has over a decade of experience as a Co-op Coordinator working with students and industries ranging from science, tech, business, and trades. Joan holds an M.Ed. in Educational Technology and Learning Design and has developed online courses related to career development.
Session: Building capacity through a WIL Faculty Toolkit (Monday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 1:25 – 2:15 p.m.)
Julie Walchli
She/Her/Hers
Julie is a Work Integrated Learning Innovator and Educator with 30 years’ experience in Canadian higher education. She leads workplace learning and career programs for 16,000+ students in UBC’s Faculty of Arts, is Co-Director of the Canada Japan Co-op Program and a certified Designing Your Life Coach.
Sessions:
Entrepreneurship for Arts graduate and undergraduate students (Monday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:20 – 12:10 a.m.)
Design Thinking for Career and Life Design: the story of UBC Arts’ Career Design Studios (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 2:00 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.)
Karima Ramji
She/Her/Hers
Karima Ramji serves as Associate Director, International, Indigenous and Accessibility at University of Victoria’s Co-operative Education Program and Career Services and is a certified advanced Cultural Intelligence (CQ) trainer. Karima is a champion for diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion, and espouses values of pluralism and servant leadership in all she does.
Session: Cultural Intelligence and accessibility connecting the dots (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 9:40 — 10:20 a.m.)
Krista Pawley
She/Her/Hers
Krista Pawley, co-founder of Wavemakers, reimagines work-integrated learning using emerging technologies. With 25+ years of leadership experience across public, private, and social sectors, she drives inclusive learning and work, co-chairs the Excite Summit, serves on the Equitas board, and is a BMW Foundation Responsible Leader.
Session: Breaking Barriers: Empowering Students Through Inclusive VR Learning Experiences (Monday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:20 – 12:10 a.m.)
Larissa Horne
She/Her/Hers
Larissa Horne is the Experiential Education Coordinator at the University of the Fraser Valley. Larissa leads several curriculum-based WIL programs, develops C2U partnerships, conducts research on high-impact practices in Experiential Learning, and assists faculty with designing innovative projects inside and outside of the traditional classroom.
Session: Practices of inclusion: stories of EDI and Indigenization in the University of the Fraser Valley’s (UFV’s) WIL programs (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Leanne Mihalicz
She/Her/Hers
Leanne has been an educator for over 18 years and is passionate about connecting students and community through experiential learning opportunities. Her aim is to build positive relationships and facilitate learning through strength-based approaches.
Sessions:
Empowering Diverse Voices through Employer Networking and Dialogue on Imposter Syndrome: A TRU Research Coach Project in Cooperative Education (Monday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:20 – 12:10 a.m.)
A Multi-Discipline Collaboration in Co-operative Education Course Development (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Lina Guo
She/Her/Hers
With over a decade in post-secondary education and six years specializing in work-integrated learning, Lina has worked with students at UVic, VIU, Camosun and RRU. Currently working as a Co-op Coordinator at UVic and the Regional Director at the ACE-WIL board, Lina is dedicated to fostering students’ career development and personal growth in an inclusive environment.
Session: Beyond Student Surveys: Implementing Design Thinking in receiving Student Feedback for Program Evaluation (Monday, Breakout Sessions #4 — 3:25 – 4:15 p.m.)
Linda Gully
She/Her/Hers
Linda has been working in post-secondary co-op and career services for over 25 years. As Associate Director of the UBC Arts Co-op Program, Linda oversees daily operations of the program and staff. She is passionate about the value of experiential education and the transformative impact it has on students’ lives.
Session: Entrepreneurship for Arts graduate and undergraduate students (Monday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:20 – 12:10 a.m.)
Lindsay Wood
She/Her/Hers
Lindsay has over 18 years of experience in career education, work-integrated learning, and teaching in post-secondary. As a champion for DEI, emotional intelligence, and SDG literacy, Lindsay is also a Business Instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and was the recipient of KPU’s 2020 JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) award.
Session: Untold Stories: conversations with marginalized students and educators about experiencing racism, microaggressions, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace and classroom (Monday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 1:25 – 2:15 p.m.)
Lucas Maliniak
He/Him/His
Community & Practice Development Specialist, Calgary WIL Secretariate at Calgary Economic Development on a contract to enhance work-integrated learning across 7 post-secondary’s in Calgary. Also a Master of Education (MEd) Graduate who loves seeing students succeed in the workplace as they transfer knowledge between academics and work experience.
Session: WIL it Work? Lessons Learned from Collaborations in Calgary (Monday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 1:25 – 2:15 p.m.)
Masaki Miyoshi
He/Him/His
In his role as Lead, Campus Talent Acquisition, Masaki Miyoshi is responsible for Teck’s global campus talent attraction strategy. Masaki earned his MASc in Mining Engineering from UBC with his research focused on university and industry collaboration to attract, develop, and retain talent in mining.
Session: Growing WIL Through Collaboration and Positive Student Experiences (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Meg Thompson
She/Her/Hers
An educator at heart, Meg’s work evolves around collaborating with others who share her passion for experiential education that expands student opportunities for career development. Meg’s former and current work is situated within experiential education, including supervision of field placements, curriculum development, teaching, applied research, project management, and events coordination.
Session: Reimagining Career Services at UVic: A Career Course as Hub and Spoke (Monday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:20 – 12:10 p.m.)
Melanie Chernoff
She/Her/Hers
Melanie Chernoff has been working at Justice Institute of British Columbia for over ten years. With her experience in Youth Justice Melanie is committed to helping students pursue a career in Law Enforcement. In her role as Lead Instructor in the Bachelor and Diploma in Law Enforcement Studies Melanie teaches students throughout their academic journey.
Session: Building Connections: Community Engagement Opportunities for Law Enforcement Students. (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #4 — 3:05 – 3:55 p.m.)
Natasha Dilay
She/Her/Hers
Natasha’s work in career education has spanned the post-secondary sector. At RRU, she is responsible for the oversight, quality assurance and expansion of career education, team coaching and experiential learning. Natasha is also an associate faculty in the School of Humanitarian Studies, teaching career development learning in experiential learning.
Session: Leading with a Unified Vision: Creating a Centralized Services Framework (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 9:40 — 10:20 a.m.)
Natasha Jamal
She/Her/Hers
Natasha Jamal serves as a Co-op Coordinator for the Social Science program at the University of Victoria, she is interested in finding ways to make learning more meaningful and relevant to all students, especially those who have been under-served or historically marginalized from the university institution. Her research interests includes centering the student experience in order to inform program and service improvements. She is looking to connect with those who have strategies, resources and practitioner tools to empower students in their learning to better operationalize equity, diversity, inclusion and access in work integrated learning programs.
Sessions:
How to co-create an experiential learning career navigation resource tool with students as consultants (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 2:00 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.)
Beyond Student Surveys: Implementing Design Thinking in receiving Student Feedback for Program Evaluation (Monday, Breakout Sessions #4 — 3:25 – 4:15 p.m.)
Niels Melis-De Lamper
He/Him/His
Niels Melis-De Lamper, with a Bachelor’s in Applied Social Studies from Belgium, is the Accessibility & Inclusion Co-op and Career Educator at UVic. Passionate about strength-based career coaching and EDI opportunities for students, staff, and employers. Leveraging CQ, Niels spearheads Universal Design, as a tool for access for all learners.
Session: Cultural Intelligence and accessibility connecting the dots (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 10:00 — 10:50 a.m.)
Nika Marefat
She/Her/Hers
Nika Marefat is entering her second year at UVic as a Psychology student in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Her academic and professional interests include medicine, neuroscience, biotechnology, and behavioural economics. Her ultimate goal is to aid in reducing the inequities and lack of availability she has witnessed in healthcare. Beyond academia, she finds joy in reading, writing, and pilates.
Session: How to co-create an experiential learning career navigation resource tool with students as consultants (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 2:00 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.)
Nina Bennett
She/Her/Hers
Nina Bennett has been working at Justice Institute of British Columbia for four years. In her role as Work Integrated Learning Program Manger Nina works with the program areas to build opportunities for students. With her experience in Community Engaged Learning, she is committed to creating meaningful partnerships with community partners.
Session: Building Connections: Community Engagement Opportunities for Law Enforcement Students. (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #4 — 3:05 – 3:55 p.m.)
Rebecca Dirnfeld
She/Her/Hers
Rebecca Dirnfeld (BA, MA) holds a Career and Work Counselling Diploma from George Brown College. She has worked in career education at TMU, SFU, and UBC. She also has experience in student recruitment with CPABC. Rebecca finds purpose in advising students and is pursuing an MA in educational studies.
Session: Bridging the Gap: How Post-Secondary Institutions Can Collaborate with Professional Associations to Create WIL Initiatives that Attract and Prepare Students for Post-Graduate Careers (Monday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 10:20 – 11:10 a.m.)
Rhianna Nagel
She/Her/Hers
Through her academic studies, her work with the former Institute for Studies and Innovation in Community-University Engagement, her current role and her work in the non-profit sector, Rhianna has created and supported hundreds of community-engaged research and learning projects focusing on diverse areas of interest.
Session: Needs session title (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 9:40 — 10:20 a.m.)
Rosa McBee
She/Her/Hers
Through her academic studies and work in the not-for-profit sector, Rosa became a community-based researcher interested in arts-based engagement methods with a focus on social connectedness. She now works as the Project Coordinator of the Community-Engaged Learning Office at the University of Victoria, supporting engaged student scholarship.
Session: Needs session title (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 9:40 — 10:20 a.m.)
Sandun Dissan
A Talent Acquisition professional with a background and passion for the Animation, VFX and Gaming spaces in and outside of work. As DigiBC’s Work Placement Officer, I hope to continue to make a bigger footprint in the Creative Tech economy, working alongside the industry, academia, and students to grow and foster BC’s exceptional talent!
Session: Subsidized WIL with a Focus on the BC Creative Tech Space (Monday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 10:20 – 11:10 a.m.)
Sarah Gibson
She/Her/Hers
Sarah has over 20 years of professional experience in public, private, and non-profit sectors. She has worked in BC post-secondary education since 2005 and is currently the Co-op Coordinator for Sciences, Arts, and Tourism at Thompson Rivers University.
Sessions:
Empowering Diverse Voices through Employer Networking and Dialogue on Imposter Syndrome: A TRU Research Coach Project in Cooperative Education (Monday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:20 – 12:10 a.m.)
A Multi-Discipline Collaboration in Co-operative Education Course Development (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #2 — 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Sarah McQuillan
She/Her/Hers
Sarah has 16 years of experience working in Co-operative Education. In her current role as the International Co-op Coordinator at the University of Victoria, Sarah works with students from all UVic Co-op programs who are interested in participating in international work-integrated learning experiences. Sarah also collaborates with international employer partners.
Session: The future of WIL research in ACE-WIL (Monday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 10:20 – 11:10 a.m.)
Sarah-Joy Kallos
She/Her/Hers
Sarah-Joy Kallos hails from Yellowknife, NT, and has Honour degrees in Psychology and Fine Arts; she completed her Master of Education with SFU in Instruction and Curriculum Design in the height of the pandemic. Her passion is in career development and education which was first sparked in 2005 when she began work for a non-profit where she supported newcomers in finding meaningful careers. At Camosun College, she teaches Hospitality Management and Applied Learning, Co-op Education and Career Services and is the Co-op Internship Coordinator for both Hospitality & Tourism Management and Arts & Science Programs/Disciplines.
Sessions:
Using Theatre to Cultivate Emotional Intelligence and Problem-Solving in Workplace Situations (Monday, Breakout Sessions #4 — 3:25 – 4:15 p.m.)
Co-Op Curriculum That Aligns With Academic Best Practices While Strengthening Mutual Understanding, Commitment, Relationships, and Impact (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #3 — 2:05 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.)
Sheila Cheung
She/Her/Hers
Sheila Cheung (BA, RISIA) plays a key role in recruitment and advising working professionals, newcomers and post secondary students on how to pursue the CPA program and confer the Canadian professional accounting designation-CPA in BC, Canada. Sheila is passionate about helping individuals attain their career goals.
Session: Bridging the Gap: How Post-Secondary Institutions Can Collaborate with Professional Associations to Create WIL Initiatives that Attract and Prepare Students for Post-Graduate Careers (Monday, Breakout Sessions #1 — 10:20 – 11:10 a.m.)
Sue Brown
She/Her/Hers
A career educator and coach with 25+ years of experience in work integrated learning at post secondary and international education. Sue is a dedicated facilitator who is passionate about coaching students to successfully navigate career changes and transitions. Having spent much of her career working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, Sue shares a desire to learn, grow and develop her understanding and knowledge of all cultures and applies this curiosity and reciprocity in her work as a career development professional.
Session: Strategic Collaboration to Maximize Career Development Across Your Institution (Tuesday, Breakout Sessions #4 — 3:05 – 3:55 p.m.)
Tracey Woodburn
She/Her/Hers
Tracey has worked in the field of education for 20+ years in BC, Alberta and Japan. With a focus on Open Education (OE) and Work Integrated-Learning (WIL), Tracey has also worked on projects promoting Universal Design for Learning (UDL), experiential place-based learning (EPBL) and promotion of digital & information literacies.
Session: Let’s get WILD! Get Adventurous with your Teaching and Learning Centre (Monday, Breakout Sessions #4 — 3:25 – 4:15 p.m.)