Members of the Board

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About Debra

Debra Doucette, OBC, is the fifth chancellor of Capilano University (CapU). In this ceremonial and ambassadorial role, she reflects and upholds CapU’s values while presiding at key academic ceremonies and participating in official university events. 

A 2024 recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws from CapU, Doucette brings to the role a strong reputation for excellence, equity and community stewardship, along with a deep commitment to mentorship and public service. 

Doucette is chair of Odlum Brown, an independent Canadian investment firm, and a highly respected business and community leader with more than three decades of experience in Canada’s investment industry. She previously served as president and chief executive officer of Odlum Brown for 17 years and is widely recognized for her principled leadership, strategic insight, and commitment to mentorship and equity. 

A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Doucette was appointed to the Order of British Columbia in 2021 and has received numerous additional honours, including the Joseph and Rosalie Segal United Way Community Vision Award. 
Throughout her career, Doucette has championed philanthropy, mentorship and community investment. She has served on several boards across the health care, education and non profit sectors, supporting organizations that strengthen communities throughout British Columbia. 

As chancellor, Doucette serves as a member of the Capilano University Board of Governors and is also a member of the Senate. The chancellor’s voluntary role includes presiding over convocations, conferring credentials and supporting the university’s mission through ceremonial and public engagements. 

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.

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.

About Dr. Dewling

An accomplished senior executive with leadership experience across public and private post-secondary institutions, he is recognized for advancing academic quality, innovation in teaching and learning, enrolment growth, and strategic transformation - grounded in inclusion, student success and measurable outcomes.

Jason joined LCI Education in 2017 as president of LaSalle College Vancouver and went on to hold progressively senior roles, including president for Western Canada and Asia Pacific and, most recently, chief learning officer.

In this global role, he oversaw academic strategy across 20 campuses, supporting digital transformation, curricular and regulatory alignment, strategic enrolment management, student mobility initiatives and institution-wide alignment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including the organization’s commitment through the SDG Accord.

As president of LaSalle College Vancouver, Jason led the opening of a new $110-million campus designed to lead wellness, accessibility and sustainability standards, realigned programs to public-sector curricular expectations and expanded academic offerings - including the creation of new degrees.

He served in several LCI Education governance roles (locally and internally) and represented the private degree institutions as their representative for the British Columbia Council for International Education.

Earlier in his career, Jason was vice-president, academic and research, at Olds College, where he championed a multi-year institutional renewal that strengthened applied research, entrepreneurship and technology-enabled learning and advanced strong partnerships with industry and community.

He also served as an instructor and associate dean at Lakeland College, with responsibilities that included student supports and academic services, inclusive post-secondary education and Indigenous community engagement.

Jason’s commitment to inclusion and community service is reflected in both his academic background and civic leadership. He holds a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in education from the University of Alberta, with research focused on inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

Jason has been recognized with a number of honours, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the Manning Innovation Award and leadership awards for innovation in post-secondary education: national recognition from Colleges and Institutes Canada and Apple School of Distinction status during his tenure at Olds College.

Jason started his presidency at Capilano University on March 2, 2026.

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.

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.

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.