Members of the Board

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.

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.

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.

Elected student representative for a term beginning July 31, 2024 and ending July 31, 2025.

About Sophia

Sophia J. Kara is an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in legal studies. She is a graduate of Capilano University's Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate and completed her practicum at the federal Department of Justice. Her future aspirations include a career in law and the military.

Currently, Sophia is proud to be serving for a second term on the Capilano University Board of Governors. She is involved with the CapU community through other roles as the president of the Capilano University Business and Professional Society, and BOG liaison on the Capilano Students' Union Board of Directors.

Her interests in gender equity and international human rights have led her to an advisory role on the Canadian Council of Young Feminists after holding positions with the United Nations Association in Canada and her regional Constituency Youth Council. Sophia's time volunteering with the Access Pro Bono Society of British Columbia was well-spent highlighting her activism for access to justice and legal representation regardless of household income.

Outside of her academic and social justice concentrations, Sophia is a black belt in SKF kickboxing, and is making her attempt to return to rugby after a lengthy hiatus.

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.

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.

Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for a term July 31, 2024 to July 31, 2025. She was appointed for a second term beginning July 31, 2025 and ending July 31, 2026.

About Katrina

Katrina Paddon is a senior strategic advisor who specializes in high risk, high value and high complexity technology programs. Working at the intersection of technology, organizational change and commercial strategy, Katrina has worked extensively for large corporate and government clients and brings to the Board deep international experience in technology sourcing, strategy development and program execution.

In addition to her advisory work, Katrina is a Founder and Managing Partner of a social venture Angel fund, which is a venture capital fund with the mission to promote more diversity on the cap table while deploying investments into the start-up ecosystem. Through this fund, Katrina and her team are working to reduce hurdles to participation in the VC and startup ecosystem through collaboration and education.

Katrina holds BAs in English Literature and Political Science from the University of British Columbia and an MBA from Curtin University in Australia. She is also accredited as a Certified Information Privacy Professional (Canada) by the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for a term July 31, 2019 to July 31, 2020. He was reappointed for a second term July 31, 2020 to July 31, 2022, and a third term starting July 31, 2022 and ending July 31, 2025.

About Rodger

As a partner at Ernst & Young LLP, Rodger So coordinates and executes the day-to-day tax planning, compliance and reporting activities for his clients and also works with all of EY's service lines as a champion of the B.C. market lifestyle sector.

He has over 12 years of experience in public accounting, serving domestic and international entities primarily in the financial services and consumer sectors. Rodger is a graduate of UBC with a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma in Accounting.

He also holds a Master of Arts from UVic. Rodger is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and a member of the Canadian Tax Foundation. A passionate supporter of the arts, he previously served as Director and Treasurer of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival.

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.

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 Advocacy. He is also a litigation lawyer at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP and practices in the areas of commercial litigation, employment law, and professional liability. Sam represents clients in various matters, including contract and negligence claims, employment disputes, banking litigation, and professional liability matters.

Sam has appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia as well as before administrative tribunals in British Columbia and Alberta. Before joining Gowling WLG, Sam served as a judicial law clerk for the Honourable Justice Robert L. Barnes of the Federal Court of Canada.

Sam currently serves 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.

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.

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.