Get to know our Board of Governors.
Troy Abromaitis
Appointed Member - Board of Governors
Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for a term beginning July 31, 2022 and ending July 31, 2023. He was reappointed for a second term July 31, 2023 to July 31, 2025, and a third term beginning July 31, 2025 and ending July 31, 2026.
About Troy
Troy Abromaitis is a member of Lytton First Nation, one of the communities of the Nlaka' parnux Nation. He currently works as the Director of Development with the Bucci Group of Companies.
Mr. Abromaitis' portfolio of work includes successfully managing over 30 development projects throughout Western Canada. He has over a decade of community service with his commitment to charitable causes, volunteerism and preserving local heritage. He currently sits on the Canadian Home Builder's Association of BC Fraser Valley and the National indigenous Affordable Housing Corp.
Mr. Abromaitis is also the President of the Rotary Club of West Vancouver and is on the West Point Grey Community Centre Association and the Sto:lo Business Association.
David Ayriss
Appointed Member - Board of Governors, past chair
Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for a term beginning July 31, 2023 and ending July 31, 2024. He was reappointed for a second term beginning July 31, 2024 and ending July 31, 2026.
About David
David Ayriss is a former Vice-President and Pension Portfolio Manager, Institutions at Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel.
Previously, Mr. Ayriss was responsible for the Canadian Western Institutional clients at TAL Investment Management (now CIBC Investment Management).
Active in his community, he is the Director of the Capilano University Foundation. Mr. Ayriss holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of British Columbia.
Janet Cox
Elected Non-Faculty Employee Representative - Board of Governors
Elected non-faculty representative for a term beginning October 12, 2023 and ending July 31, 2024. She was re-elected for a second term beginning July 31, 2024 and ending July 31, 2027.
About Janet
With 28 years of service at Capilano University, Janet has become a seasoned pro in the Information Technology realm. Armed with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a talent for Identity Management, she has been the unsung hero behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs like a well-oiled machine.
When she is not immersed in the latest tech challenges, you can find Janet hitting the open road on her motorcycle, embracing the thrill of the ride. Off the bike, she channels her creativity into crafting, turning everyday materials into unique masterpieces.
Balancing a career in IT with a love for adventure and hands-on projects, Janet brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to everything she does. Janet is the unofficial social committee leader for her department, and tries to craft events that everyone can participate in. Life's too short to be serious all the time, and Janet knows how to keep things light and fun, both at work and at play.
Amina El mantari
Appointed Member - Board of Governors, Vice-Chair
Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for a term July 31, 2024 to July 31, 2025. She was reappointed for a second term beginning July 31, 2025 and ending July 31, 2027.
About Amina
Amina El mantari's professional focus is human resources and people engagement with over a decade of extensive leadership experience across diverse industries, including the waterfront industry, retail, First Nation Government, and education. She currently serves as the Human Resources Manager at səlilwətaɬ Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Prior to her role there, Amina was instrumental in the waterfront industry, where she led the implementation of comprehensive, values-driven programs supporting over 200 employees and fostering a unified organizational culture. Her efforts included transitioning the company to cloud solutions, aligning with core values, advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Reconciliation initiatives, and enhancing overall employee engagement.
Amina holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources from Capilano University. She is also a certified intuitive coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Committed to community service and empowerment, Amina serves as a board member at the Capilano University Alumni Association and served before as a member of the Capilano University Senate. Her dedication and contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the first place Winner of the Soroptimist International Award of the North Shore in 2016 – an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of girls and women in the North Shore community. In 2018, she was honored with the Capilano University Alumni Association Unified Award of Excellence.
Outside of work, Amina resides in West Vancouver and enjoys paddleboarding with her daughter at scenic spots like Deep Cove, Ambleside Park, and White Pine Beach in təmtəmíxwtən/Belcarra Regional Park.
Shelley Frost
Appointed Member - Board of Governors, Vice-Chair
Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for a term July 31, 2024 to July 31, 2025. She was reappointed for a second term beginning July 31, 2025 and ending July 31, 2027.
About Shelley
Shelley was named President and CEO of the PNE in 2018 after serving 15 years as Vice President for the organization. She is proud to be the steward of such an iconic organization and public space. Reporting to the Board of Directors, she oversees strategy and overall operations along with political and policy issues at the PNE.
Shelley's previous experience includes working as a senior-level executive for a publicly traded technology company, and providing consulting and freelance expertise for technology companies and arts and culture groups in the areas of sales, marketing and business development for companies based in Canada, the US and Europe. Shelley completed undergraduate degrees in both Psychology and Business (Marketing) from the University of Alberta and holds a MBA in International Business from Simon Fraser University.
Shelley is a member of the Vancouver Board of Trade and sits on several Boards and Advisory Committees. She is honored to join the Capilano University Board of Governors.
Yuri Fulmer
Ex-Officio Member - Board of Governors, Chancellor
The Board of Governors appointed the chancellor on the recommendation of the Capilano University Alumni Association on June 18, 2020. The chancellor is a member of the board for so long as he holds his office.
About Yuri
For more than 20 years, Yuri Fulmer has been helping businesses to grow and communities to thrive. From the purchase of a single A&W franchise, Fulmer seeded a business portfolio that today includes nearly three dozen franchises and ownership and investment through Fulmer & Company in the hospitality, business-to-business, manufacturing, construction, digital technology and consumer service industries.
Fulmer is also committed to serving local communities, involving himself in non-profit, educational and arts organizations and his role as an accredited director for a number of corporate and civic boards.
"Capilano University's commitment to engaging with community resonates deeply with me. The past few years have shown people's resilience, innovation, perseverance and care for each other. By coming together, we're making an impact in creating a future inspired by imagination and I'm humbled and honored to serve CapU in the role of chancellor."
–Yuri Fulmer
In 2019, Fulmer established The Fulmer Foundation. One of the foundation's biggest undertakings is the management and support of Goodly Foods Society – a social enterprise working to repurpose surplus produce from local suppliers, while creating employment opportunities for people in need.
Fulmer also works hard to personally support Truth & Reconciliation and encourage others to do the same. To that end, he has been the title sponsor of the largest dedicated art prize in Canada for First Nations for multiple years; he has plans to expand this prize nationally.
In honour of his business achievements and community contributions, Fulmer was recognized in 2008 as one of Canada's Top Forty Under 40. In 2010 he received both the Order of British Columbia – B.C.’s highest honour – and the BC Community Achievement Award. He is a recipient of the Spirit of Vancouver Award, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the Joseph and Rosalie Segal Community Vision Award, the Andre Mailhot Award, and as a Business in Vancouver Living Legend.
Fulmer has been a valued supporter of Capilano University, donating both time and resources. In 2022, Fulmer and his family made a lead donation of $2 million to kickstart the capital campaign for the University's new Centre for Childhood Studies. Thanks to his donation, the campaign went on to raise $5.6 million for the centre opening in 2025 that will add 74 childcare spaces and increase enrolment in early childhood education programs by 25 per cent.
As chancellor, Yuri Fulmer also serves as a member of Capilano University's Board of Governors and the Senate. A key ambassador for the University, the chancellor's role is a voluntary one that includes conferring credentials at convocations and performing other official ceremonial duties.
Prabal Gupta
Elected Student Representative - Board of Governors
Elected Student Representative for a term beginning July 31, 2025 and ending July 31, 2026.
About Prabal
Prabal Gupta is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at Capilano University and currently serves as the Student Representative on the University's Board of Governors. With a strong passion for student engagement and collaborative leadership, he is committed to representing the diverse voices of the CapU student body and contributing to meaningful decision-making at the institutional level.
Beyond academics and governance, he enjoys hiking the beautiful trails of British Columbia, volunteering in the community, and exploring creativity through cooking and baking. These interests help him maintain a balanced lifestyle and a grounded perspective on student needs. Currently, he also serves as the Board of Governors liaison on the Capilano Students' Union Board of Directors.
He looks forward to working closely with fellow students, faculty, and administration to help build an inclusive and forward-thinking campus environment.
Brittany John
Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council - Board of Governors
Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for a term beginning July 31, 2025 and ending July 31, 2026.
About Brittany
Brittany John is a Squamish Nation member but grew up in St’át’imc territory in the Interior. She attended Thompson Rivers University where she studied biology and theatre. She began her career with Tsleil-Waututh Nation in 2013, she initially started as an intern with their fisheries crew.
Since then, Brittany has worked in referrals and with environmental assessments which included the review of proposed projects in the territory.
For the past three years, she was managing the referrals team which oversaw the review of 600+ annual proposed projects. More recently, she has transitioned into the relationship manager role which looks to create relationships between Tsleil-Waututh Nation and external parties so we can collaborate and negotiate agreements that are mutually beneficial.
Much of the work she does is grounded in Tsleil-Waututh protocol, culture and traditional knowledge.
Louisa Lun
Appointed Member - Board of Governors
Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending July 31, 2026.
About Louisa
Louisa Lun is a partner at Ernst & Young LLP in Vancouver. She has almost 20 years of experience providing audit and business advisory services to high growth companies in a multitude of sectors, including consumer products, life sciences and emerging industries.
She previously served on the board for the Association of Women in Finance, an organization that helps advance women in the finance field, including through education events, and encourages connectivity and development in the business community.
Owen McLachlan
Elected Student Representative - Board of Governors
Elected Student Representative for a term beginning February 13, 2025 and ending July 31, 2026.
About Owen
Owen McLachlan is an undergraduate student at Capilano University pursuing a Bachelor's degree in General Science with a minor in Biomedicine. He has served as Chair of the Kinesiology Student Council Club for two years, where he also held roles as Co-President and President during his first and second years.
Additionally, he was a student representative on the Faculty of Global & Community Studies Council. Owen aspires to become a family doctor, and his leadership experiences have honed his communication and organizational skills, essential for this future role.
Currently, he serves as the Board of Governors liaison on the Capilano Students' Union Board of Directors.
Laureen Styles
Ex-Officio Member - Board of Governors, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor.
Laureen Styles (EdD) was appointed Interim President of Capilano University effective April 22, 2025. The President is a Member of the Board for so long as she holds office.
About Laureen
Laureen Styles joined Capilano University in 2018 and held the role of Vice-President, Academic and Provost and since the fall of 2024, has been serving as a special advisor to the president.
Throughout her time at CapU, she has been instrumental in the creation of Envisioning 2030 and the corresponding academic plan, Illuminating 2030.
Styles successfully established the office of Creative Activity Research and Scholarship (CARS), led the significant expansion of new programs, particularly at the degree level and oversaw the launch of the Squamish Campus.
Her leadership was instrumental in the creation of Indigenous Education & Affairs (IEA) and Chén̓chenstway, a living document outlining CapU's journey of reconciliACTION and learning.
Styles holds a Doctor of Education in educational leadership (EdD) from the University of Calgary as well as a Master of Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in nursing, both from the University of Alberta.
Prior to her tenure at CapU, she held the positions of vice president academic at the Justice Institute of BC, dean of the Faculty of Health and Human Services at Vancouver Island University (VIU) and faculty roles at VIU and the College of New Caledonia.
Sam Tecle
Elected Faculty Representative - Board of Governors
Elected faculty representative for a term beginning September 7, 2023 and ending July 31, 2024. He was re-elected for a term beginning July 31, 2024 and ending July 31, 2027.
About Sam
Sam is a faculty member in the School of Legal Studies, teaching Legal Advocacy. He is also an employment and dispute resolution lawyer at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP. Sam advises clients in both transactional and contentious matters – from employment agreements and terminations to wrongful dismissal claims and white-collar fraud investigations.
Sam has represented his clients before all levels of court in British Columbia, the Alberta Court of King’s Bench, and administrative tribunals including the Human Rights Tribunal and the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal. Prior to joining Gowling WLG, Sam served as a judicial law clerk for the Honourable Justice Robert L. Barnes of the Federal Court of Canada.
Sam recently concluded his second term on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers. He holds a Juris Doctor from Thompson Rivers University, Faculty of Law and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria.
RJ Wallia
Appointed Member - Board of Governors, Chair
Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for a term beginning July 31, 2023 and ending July 31, 2024. He was reappointed for a term beginning July 31, 2024 and ending July 31, 2026.
About RJ
An experienced litigator and distinguished legal professional, Rabjeet Singh Wallia (RJ) represents clients on commercial matters. He supports individuals and businesses, leveraging extensive legal knowledge to address his clients' unique needs.
In his legal practice, RJ seamlessly integrates his business acumen, legal prowess, and dedication to helping people. In his multifaceted career, he has served clients through in-house roles with major insurance companies, as well as private practice – putting his litigation skills to work for individual and corporate clients.
With a profound understanding that every legal challenge is rooted in the human experience, RJ navigates legal complexities with a personalized touch. He ensures his clients' objectives are not only met, but exceeded.
RJ graduated in 2012 from Osgoode Hall Law School with a focus on Litigation and Dispute Resolution. A recipient of the Dean's Gold Key Award, RJ commenced his legal journey by articling with a renowned litigation boutique in Toronto. He also contributed his expertise to the in-house legal team of Canada's largest direct home and automotive insurer, before returning to B.C. in 2015.
RJ is the Vice-Chair of the Capilano University Board of Governors. He is also heavily involved with the Canadian Bar Association as he is the Communications Officer for the CBA National Civil Litigation Committee, the chair of the Civil Litigation section (Vancouver), and sits on the Advisory Committee to Judicial Council. He also sits on the national committee for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives with Canadian Defence Lawyer, and is a member of the Vancouver Bar Association and South Asian Bar Association of BC.
Pegah Yaghmaie
Elected Faculty Representative - Board of Governors
Elected faculty representative for a term beginning July 31, 2024 and ending July 31, 2027.
About Pegah
Dr. Pegah Yaghmaie is the Co-Chair of the School of Business at Capilano University, where she mainly teaches strategic management and entrepreneurship. Dr. Yaghmaie holds a Ph.D. in Strategy and Innovation Management from the University of Hasselt, Belgium, with extensive experience in innovation ecosystems, particularly in the Belgian and Dutch nano-electronics industries. She completed her Mitacs Accelerate Postdoctoral Fellowship at Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University.
In 2021 Dr. Yaghmaie founded a Business consulting company in Vancouver, where she helps businesses to design and implement suitable business strategies.
Besides consulting, Dr. Yaghmaie is an active member of several professional organizations and a reviewer of academic journals and conferences such as the Academy of Management and World Open Innovation Conferences. She is passionate about creating strategic direction for academic excellence.