Board of Directors
Justine Arsenault, Co-Chair
Justine Arsenault is a Program Planning Analyst with BCIT’s SITE Centre and responsible for assessing the knowledge, skills and experiences of adult learners and advising them on educational pathways based on the APPL method. She also manages the BCIT Legion Program, providing prior learning assessments as well as career development and transition support to Canadian Armed Forces members.
Nicole Borhaven, Co-Chair
Nicole Borhaven is the PLAR Manager for Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. In this role, she supports her department in strengthening the PLAR program and ultimately, service to the students. Before this, she was a PLAR Advisor for 11 years and has deep insight into the diverse needs of students and how to support those, though acknowledges that this learning is never-ending, especially in the world’s shifting landscape. For the past several years, she and the PLAR Department have been on the meaningful, imperative journey of decolonizing and Indigenizing PLAR.
Raj Brar, Director
Raj Brar is passionate about helping newcomers succeed in Canada. As Director of Foreign Credential Recognition and Career Services at PICS, she supports internationally trained professionals in their journey to meaningful employment. With over 20 years of experience in employment programs, she has worked in project management, career counseling, and mentorship. Before joining PICS, she spent over two decades at BCIT’s School of Business, where she supported students in their professional growth and career development. She is also involved with the Women Economic Council of Canada and the BC Prior Learning Recognition Board, advocating for mentorship, entrepreneurship, and anti-racism initiatives.
Grateful for the opportunity to serve her community, Raj has been honoured as a Drishti Inspiring Women Award recipient and a Surrey Board of Trade Women in Leadership finalist.
Karime (Kay) Kuri, Director
Karime (Kay) is the Coordinator of Experience-Based Placement at BCIT, overseeing programs like PLAR and Advanced Placement. Since 2015, she has been dedicated to creating pathways for individuals to leverage their skills and experiences, engaging with diverse groups like the Legion and Newcomers of Canada. Additionally, she leads the new TradeupBC Initiative, aiming to enhance innovation and excellence in the trades. Notably, the team has expanded from the School of Business to institute-wide in the last year under the Agile/WIL department, reflecting the commitment to broader impact. Committed to breaking barriers and championing inclusivity, Karime believes in providing everyone, regardless of their background, with the opportunity to unlock their full potential. Through her work, she contributes to the development of a skilled and diverse workforce for the future.
| Skel7áw̓s, Naomi Narcisse; SFU Director of Indigenous Initiatives – People, Equity & Inclusion. Mom, Daughter, Granddaughter, Aunty, Sister, Warrior, and Another Coyote Skel7áw̓s is a current PhD student at The University of British Columbia (UBC) within the Faculty of Education Studies. She is a proud NVIT, SFU, & UBC relative and Alumni. Skel7áw̓s has over 11 years of experience working In Indigenous Higher Education. As a lifelong learner, protecting & sharing traditional knowledges, she fosters an environment of encouragement while nurturing holistic spaces. While experiencing firsthand the barriers that can take place in higher educational spaces, Skel7áw̓s is a leader in sharing innovative pathways while upholding equitable approaches. She is guided by her mentors, Matriarchs, Ancestors, tmicw (land) and Nxekmenlhkálha múta7 nt’ákmenlhkalha (traditional laws and way of life). Skel7áw̓s shares from a St’át’imc and Secwépemc women’s perspective, on the interconnection of traditional laws, education, lands, and language through oral stories. Tákem nsnek̓wnúk̓w7a (All My Relations) |
| Natalie Deveaux; Faculty, Coordinator Assessment Services Natalie Deveaux is the Coordinator of North Island College’s Assessment Services department. Her department is responsible for assessing NIC applicants’ knowledge and skills using Accuplacer, CARA and in house assessment tools. This work facilitates admission to NIC programs and the granting of course credit via PLAR. Natalie is currently working to improve NIC’s PLAR offering to Canadian Armed Forces members. Since 2022, she has been the co-host of the BCPLAN PLAR podcast. |
| Amy Poirier, Indigenous Student Support Advisor, Capilano University Amy is a current student at Simon Fraser University in the Indigenous Business Leader Executive MBA program. She is a proud Gitxsan mother, daughter, sister, and advocate for Indigenous voices to not only be heard but also valued. Her mother, originally from England, was gifted the name Ksim Hiihluwx when she was adopted into her father’s Gitanyow family. Her paternal grandmother, Nii Kyep, was a community leader. Amy has spent her career building pathways for Indigenous students and entrepreneurs, ensuring they have access to the resources, mentorship, and community support they need to succeed. Beyond education, she has also built a successful photography business, where she learnt firsthand what it takes to grow and sustain an Indigenous led company. |
