Cora Bell
President
president@bcitsa.ca
2025/2026 Executive Board
The Executives are a group of students who are elected by all BCIT students each year to govern the Student Association and to advocate for the interests of the student body. The President chairs the Council and leads the Executive team. The four Vice Presidents perform specific duties and tasks that contribute to overall student development. The seven Chairs focus on issues specific to the School or Campus they represent.
Your Executives are here to represent and empower you, don’t hesitate to reach out to them with comments, questions, or concerns.
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President
Cora Bell
Book a meeting with me today: president@bcitsa.ca
About Me:
Cora is in her 3rd and final year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at BCIT. She previously worked with an amazing team to support cognitive health research with older adults but was inspired by her many amazing colleagues at Island Health to pursue nursing. She currently works as an employed student nurse in postpartum.
As part of her role as President, Cora sits on the BCIT Board of Governors. Additionally, she served as the BCITSA VP External and as a student representative on Education Council for the 2024-25 year, and as a BCITSA health sciences councilor for the 2023-24 academic year. She has also been a Set Rep for her cohort since April 2023.
She is passionate about advocacy, science-based policy, and making student voices heard. In spring 2025, she joined several other student unions to lobby the provincial government to improve upon the BC post-secondary funding model. Alongside the Advocacy and Policy Committee, she helped implement an external policy position to denounce the KSA for its recent conduct in an effort to preserve the core student-centered values and autonomy of student unions in BC. She also began working on improving the BCITSA Bylaws and implementing additional accountability measures for student leaders, which she plans to continue to develop in the coming year.
When not overcaffeinated and busy with schoolwork, she likes hiking, cycling, and traveling around the world. She recently acquired a cute border terrier that has her wrapped around his little paws.
Feel free to send her an email at president@bcitsa.ca to arrange a chat in person or virtually.
Roles & Responsibilities
The President chairs the Board & is responsible for leading the Council and Executive team.
- Chairs the Council and Executive meetings
- Is the official spokesperson for the BCITSA
- Ensures that the Executive Members are fulfilling their duties
- A voting student representative on the Board of Governors
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Vice President Finance & Administration
Adam Matthews-Kott
Book a meeting with me today: vpfinance@bcitsa.ca
About Me:
Check back for more information.
Roles & Responsibilities
The four (4) Vice Presidents perform specific duties and tasks that contribute to overall student development.
- Chairs the Bylaw Committee and Finance Committee
- Assumes responsibilities of President in their absence
- Ensure financial reports are submitted to Council and the AGM
- Represents the BCITSA in any health & dental negotiations
Adam Matthews-Kott
VP Finance & Administration
vpfinance@bcitsa.ca
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Vice President External
Shervin Laghaie
Book a meeting with me today: vpexternal@bcitsa.ca
About Me:
Hi, I’m Shervin! I’m proud to serve as your Vice President External for the BCIT Student Association. I’m currently studying Occupational Health and Safety, a field I chose because I care deeply about protecting people’s well-being and advocating for safe, respectful environments—whether that’s on a job site, in a classroom, or within our student community.
Before coming to BCIT, I spent over 11 years in the telecom industry, with years in leadership roles focused on coaching, team development, and exceeding performance targets. That experience gave me a solid foundation in communication, advocacy, and strategic thinking—all of which I now bring into my work representing BCIT students.
I joined the BCITSA Board because I wanted to have a positive impact at BCIT while I’m here. I believe student voices deserve to be heard—especially when it comes to issues like affordability, housing, transportation, mental health, and career readiness. As VP External, my role is to make sure your concerns are brought forward to government and external partners, and that we are shaping policies that reflect the reality of student life.
Roles & Responsibilities
The four (4) Vice Presidents perform specific duties and tasks that contribute to overall student development.
- Chairs the Advocacy and Policy Committee
- Promotes and maintains good public relations with surrounding communities
- Liaises with Ministry and Government regarding issues that affect BCIT
- Represents BCITSA on the BCIT Alumni Board and any lobbying effort
Shervin Laghaie
VP External
vpexternal@bcitsa.ca
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Vice President Student Experience
Pratham Pannu
Book a meeting with me today: vpexperience@bcitsa.ca
About Me:
Check back for my bio.
Roles & Responsibilities
The four (4) Vice Presidents perform specific duties and tasks that contribute to overall student development.
- Chairs the Clubs Committee and Selection Committee
- Handles student issues and concerns, academic and non-academic
- Liaises with BCIT on all matters affecting student life
- A voting student rep on Education Council
Pratham Pannu
VP Student Experience
vpexperience@bcitsa.ca
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Vice President Equity & Sustainability
Huy Tuan Tran
Book a meeting with me today: vpequity@bcitsa.ca
About Me:
Hi y’all, I’m Huy Tran!
I’m currently in the Mechanical Engineering program and working my way toward that B.Eng. I’m also an international student from Vietnam (xin chào!).
Over the past two years, BCIT and Canada have given me so many experiences and emotions. I understand how tough it can be to start a new life alone, in a new country, using a new language. I know how stressful BCIT can get with constant exams and the pressure to keep up. It can be exhausting, but we keep going.
Last year, I volunteered as a peer mentor for new international students. I wanted to help others who, like me, once felt clueless, anxious, and excited all at once about what the future might hold.
Since I was a kid, I’ve loved building and designing things. I made a mini projector with my grandpa when I was young, and recently, I designed a kayak lifting mechanism for my second-year project. Moments like those made me realize engineering is where I belong.
My dream is to make a real difference in the world, especially in the aerospace industry. I want to help make it safer and more sustainable for both people and our planet. That dream is also why I ran for this position.
No matter where you’re from, what language you speak, your race, your identity, or your abilities, you are welcome. Your voice matters. One of my favorite quotes from a movie I love, Hidden Figures, is this:
“Here at NASA, we all pee the same color.”
To me, that line is powerful. It reminds us that we are ALL HUMAN. And together, we can build a brighter, stronger, more inclusive BCIT.
Can’t wait to meet you all soon.
Roles & Responsibilities
The four (4) Vice Presidents perform specific duties and tasks that contribute to overall student development.
- Chairs the Equity & Sustainability Committee
- Advocates for increased equity and inclusivity on campus
- Champions sustainability initiatives
- Promotes BCITSA alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goal
Huy Tuan Tran
VP Equity & Sustainability
vpequity@bcitsa.ca
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Chair of the School of Business + Media
Ethan Van Dyk
Book a meeting with me today: chairbusiness@bcitsa.ca
About Me:
Hi! I’m Ethan, and I’m proud to serve as this year’s Chair for the School of Business + Media. It’s a privilege to represent more than 13,000 full-time and part-time students across our programs, and I’m committed to making sure your voice is heard, and your needs are prioritized.
Whether you’re here for a term or a few years, I want you to leave knowing that the SA made your experience better. That’s what I’m here for; to be your advocate, your voice, and your teammate.
I’m currently completing my Bachelor of Business Administration after earning a diploma in Marketing Management with a specialization in Entrepreneurship. Outside of student leadership, I bring experience in sales, hospitality, and digital marketing, all of which has helped shape my approach to problem-solving and people-first service.
Lately, I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a workaholic, powered almost entirely by coffee (yes, I’m a coffee snob). When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me at the gym, on the beach, or in my kitchen throwing together a dinner party with good food, and great drinks.
I don’t want to be just a name on a website. If you ever have questions, concerns, ideas, or just want to talk about how school is going, shoot me an email or stop me in the hallway. I’ll always make time to listen.
Here’s to a great year, let’s make it count.
Roles & Responsibilities
One of seven (7) Chairs perform duties and tasks specific to the School or Campus they represent and focus on issues specific to their School or Campus.
- Organizes and chairs monthly Set Rep meetings
- Appoints Student Councillors from their School or Specialty Campus
- Liaises between Council and their respective School or Specialty Campus
- In the case of TCE Chair, acts as chair of the Student Spaces Development Committee
Ethan Van Dyk
Chair, School of Business + Media
chairbusiness@bcitsa.ca
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Chair of the School of Computing & Academic Studies
Polina Omelyantseva
Book a meeting with me today: chaircomputing@bcitsa.ca
About
Polina is a CST student with plans to enroll in the BScACS program next year. As a former Set Rep and Club Executive, she is and has been committed to bettering the lives of students in the School of Computing and all of BCIT. She has lots of exciting plans for the year (like the anticipated Hackathon) and hopes everyone sticks around to participate!
In her precious free time Polina plays roguelite games and crochets. Putting on an audiobook and sitting down with a hook and a skein of yarn is her favourite winding down activity. Her black cat loves to join her for that, and he is extremely spoiled and pampered.
Polina joined the Executive Board because she believes in BCITSA’s mission and is confident she can bring about positive change to the school.
Please feel free to contact Polina via chaircomputing@bcitsa.ca or ytyz on Discord with any comments, concerns, or suggestions.
Roles & Responsibilities
One of seven (7) Chairs perform duties and tasks specific to the School or Campus they represent and focus on issues specific to their School or Campus.
- Organizes and chairs monthly Set Rep meetings
- Appoints Student Councillors from their School or Specialty Campus
- Liaises between Council and their respective School or Specialty Campus
- In the case of TCE Chair, acts as chair of the Student Spaces Development Committee
Polina Omelyantseva
Chair, School of Computing and Academic Studies
chaircomputing@bcitsa.ca
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Chair of the School of Health Sciences
Ja Mu Ku
Book a meeting with me today: chairhealth@bcitsa.ca
About Me:
Hi, my name is Jamu, your Chair of School of Health Sciences. I am currently on 3rd year of nursing program (term 8). I am honoured to be in this role to support students and enhance student lives.
A little about me: I’m half-Korean and half-Filipino, and I love embracing both cultures I recently got into bouldering and found it surprisingly fun! I’m also into a variety of seasonal activities like golfing, surfing, and snowboarding. When it comes to self-care, nothing beats eating out and discovering new restaurants. Yes, I am very sociable person and would love to connect with people.
I joined the Board because I’m passionate about creating a more connected, supportive, and engaging student community of BCIT. As a nursing student, I’ve seen firsthand how intense and isolating the program can be at times. I wanted to be part of a team that advocates for students, provides leadership opportunities, and helps bring people together outside the classroom.
This leads to my goals as a chair for this fiscal year:
- I am planning to collaborate with Interprofessional Professional Education (IPE) committee to hold a Healthcare Expo which provides leadership and organizational skills for students who are looking for leadership opportunities.
- I would like to create a peer mentoring programs for other health science programs to engage with students from different terms/years. This initiative will allow mentors to demonstrate leadership while supporting the academic and personal growth of mentees.
- This is more personal and social, but I hope to organize social events such as a Healthcare Trivia Night at the pub. These activities will offer students a fun and informal way to connect, fostering a stronger sense of belonging within the Health Sciences community.
Thank you once again and I will do my due diligence to enhance students lives. Please don’t hesitate to reach me out if you have any questions.
Roles & Responsibilities
One of seven (7) Chairs perform duties and tasks specific to the School or Campus they represent and focus on issues specific to their School or Campus.
- Organizes and chairs monthly Set Rep meetings
- Appoints Student Councillors from their School or Specialty Campus
- Liaises between Council and their respective School or Specialty Campus
- In the case of TCE Chair, acts as chair of the Student Spaces Development Committee
Ja Mu Ku
Chair, School of Health Sciences
chairhealth@bcitsa.ca
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Chair of the School of Energy
Nina Lu
Book a meeting with me today: chairenergy@bcitsa.ca
About Me:
Nina is an Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology student who understands that real growth happens outside the classroom just as much as inside it. With a background in audio engineering and hands-on experience managing large-scale festivals and events, she understands the technical and leadership challenges that SoE students face on campus, at work, or balancing school with real-life commitments beyond the classroom.
As Chair of School of Energy, her top priority is to create opportunities for students to connect and thrive beyond just academics. SoE students have the talent to accomplish incredible things- but they’re often held back by staying within their own majors. Real-world innovation happens when disciplines intersect. Nina aims to break down these barriers by establishing a collaborative workspace where SoE students can network, experiment, and push the boundaries of their learning.
Nina has a strong history of supporting her peers, listening to their concerns, and speaking up on issues related to instruction, student wellness, and fairness. She takes a thoughtful, action-oriented approach to advocacy and aims to create an environment where students can focus on their studies knowing their voices are valued and their concerns will be taken seriously.
SoE is already making waves, but there’s still so much untapped potential. Nina is ready to advocate, innovate, and push for real solutions: Because students deserve more than empty promises, and real change starts with action.
LinkedIn: /www.linkedin.com/in/ninaplaystime/
Roles & Responsibilities
One of seven (7) Chairs perform duties and tasks specific to the School or Campus they represent and focus on issues specific to their School or Campus.
- Organizes and chairs monthly Set Rep meetings
- Appoints Student Councillors from their School or Specialty Campus
- Liaises between Council and their respective School or Specialty Campus
- In the case of TCE Chair, acts as chair of the Student Spaces Development Committee
Nina Lu
Chair, School of Energy
chairenergy@bcitsa.ca
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Chair of the Schools of Transportation, Construction & the Environment
Abdul Aziz Ansari
Book a meeting with me today: chairtransportation@bcitsa.ca
About Me:
Serving you this year as Chair of Transportation Construction and the Environment (SoTCE), I am Abdul Aziz Ansari, a fourth-year student completing my Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Science. I joined the board this year in order to put my past experience as a board member to good use and serve the student body as well as I can. In my (limited) free time, I enjoy playing sports, hiking, and studying history.
Roles & Responsibilities
One of seven (7) Chairs perform duties and tasks specific to the School or Campus they represent and focus on issues specific to their School or Campus.
- Organizes and chairs monthly Set Rep meetings
- Appoints Student Councillors from their School or Specialty Campus
- Liaises between Council and their respective School or Specialty Campus
- In the case of TCE Chair, acts as chair of the Student Spaces Development Committee
Abdul Aziz Ansari
Chair, Schools of Transportation, Construction & the Environment
chairtransportation@bcitsa.ca
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Chair of the Downtown Campus
Elena Jou Luo
Book a meeting with me today: chairdowntown@bcitsa.ca
About Me:
Hi, I’m Elena, a CST Term 3 student and your Downtown Campus Chair. Before diving into the tech world, I actually studied mechanical engineering, and now I’m loving combining both sides of my brain in the computer systems program. After experiencing both the Burnaby and Downtown campuses, I was inspired to bring more resources to our students. It felt like we were missing out, and I’m determined to change that.
My goal is to ensure our campus is seen and supported by securing equal funding and opportunities. I’m focused on bringing career fairs and networking events directly to you. I love meeting new people and creating events where everyone can have a great time. A vibrant campus life is key to a great student experience, and I’m excited to keep building that together.
Roles & Responsibilities
One of seven (7) Chairs perform duties and tasks specific to the School or Campus they represent and focus on issues specific to their School or Campus.
- Organizes and chairs monthly Set Rep meetings
- Appoints Student Councillors from their School or Specialty Campus
- Liaises between Council and their respective School or Specialty Campus
- In the case of TCE Chair, acts as chair of the Student Spaces Development Committee
elena jou luo
Chair, Downtown Campus
chairdowntown@bcitsa.ca
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Chair of the Specialized Transport Campuses
Marisa Price
Book a meeting with me today: chairstc@bcitsa.ca
About Me:
Hello! My name is Marisa Price, and I am your 2025-2026 Chair of Specialized Transport Campuses. I am going into my second year of Marine Engineering at BCIT’s Marine Campus in North Vancouver. While in high school, I primarily worked in the outdoor guiding industry; after high school I spent a few years in the marine industry as a crew manager, deckhand and engine room assistant before deciding to attend school to further my career. Once at BCIT I joined the Student Association as the BMC Specialty Councilor, during my time on council, I learnt a lot about BCITSA and the important role it plays in student’s life’s. I joined the board as I felt passionate about the representation of satellite campus student’s needs. When I am not working through my course load, I try to get outside as much as possible, when that’s not a possibility you can find me tearing through the pages of a book. I am excited to apply my knowledge of the board, past professional experience, and industry experience to represent the students!
Roles & Responsibilities
One of seven (7) Chairs perform duties and tasks specific to the School or Campus they represent and focus on issues specific to their School or Campus.
- Organizes and chairs monthly Set Rep meetings
- Appoints Student Councillors from their School or Specialty Campus
- Liaises between Council and their respective School or Specialty Campus
- In the case of TCE Chair, acts as chair of the Student Spaces Development Committee
Marisa Price
Chair, Specialized Transport Campuses
chairstc@bcitsa.ca
Want More Information?
For more information, please contact Adam Beggs at abeggs@bcitsa.ca or reach out to your Executives!
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