MICHAEL YUE, B.A., M.Ed. - Chairperson

Michael has been working in postsecondary education and career development for 30 years. He is Director of Partnership Development at Vancouver Community College (VCC), being responsible for community partnerships, institutional initiatives, and innovative projects. He sees postsecondary institutions as an integral part of a complex ecosystem that serves our community members. He believes in the power of collaboration and always champions opportunities for organizations to share their expertise and knowledge, and jointly deliver meaningful projects.

Michael has a B.A. (Sociology and Anthropology) from the University of Toronto and an M.Ed. (Higher Education Studies) from the University of British Columbia. Outside of work, he loves soccer and has been a devoted player since his teenage years. He lives in Vancouver with his wife Agnes and a lovely dog called Eddie.

CHRISTINE BUCHANAN - Vice Chairperson

Christine Buchanan is a Director of Employment Services and Training at Open Door Group. She provides oversight to 10 WorkBC centres throughout 3 regions in Vancouver City Centre, Sea to Sky, and Kamloops-Thompson. She creates service delivery models to improve services to job seekers and employers; along with developing partnerships with community services, associations, training institutions, and employers to best serve the local labour market needs. 

In 2016 she received the Career Practitioner of the Year award from BC Career Development Association for the positive impact on the profession. Christine has been working with Open Door Group for the past 15 years because it is built on the fundamental belief that everyone has the ability to succeed which is perfect alignment with her values. She has been known to be pulled away from her passion at work to follow other passions such as dancing and taking long silent meditation retreats. 

ALISON IRELAND - Treasurer

Alison Ireland is currently the Senior Manager of Employment Services at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society in Surrey, BC, and is earning her Executive MBA through the Quantic School of Business and Technology.  She has over 15 years of experience in leadership roles within the Employment Services Sector, with extensive work in proposal development, program management,

instruction, and the development of strategic community partnerships.  She’s also been a guest speaker and sessional instructor at Simon Fraser University’s Career Development Practitioner Program.

YAS SABERSHEIKH - Secretary

An educated professional, with 8 years of international working experience as a University Instructor, Corporate Trainer, and Logistics Expert, as well as working with five different not-for-profit local organizations for the past 7 years in multiple roles such as ESL Instructor, Career Advisor, Case Manager, and Job Developer. 

Yas holds an MBA in Strategic Management from the Farabi Institute of Higher Education and completed her Career Development Practice Certificate through Douglas College. Yas is an Employer Engagement Specialist (Job Developer) with PCRS at WorkBC- Vancouver, who is a connector between Employers and Candidates. In addition to that, she is a member of the Immigrant Advisory Table (IAT) at Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership (VLIP), and the Secretary of the Board of Directors at Heritage Vancouver Society.

KEVIN NED - Director

Kevin is a Career Practioner and a member of the Okanagan Nation and I am currently the Employment Training Facilitator for Westbank First Nation.  He has been involved in employment and training and Education for over 20 years working with first nations organizations such as: Employment and Training Facilitator - Westbank First Nation, Westbank, BC , Employment and Training Coordinator - First Nations Friendship Centre Society, Vernon BC , Aboriginal Youth Leadership/Employment Coach Program Coordinator-  Ooknakane Friendship Center, Penticton, BC, Education Director and social Development Director - Okanagan Indian Band, Vernon BC.

He holds the following certificates & diplomas:  Essential Skills Practitioner, Mental health First Aid , Business Administration Diploma, Aboriginal Leadership and Management. Banff, BC, Certified Aboriginal Economic Developer.

He has 10 years of experience as an elected Band Councillor for his community the Upper Nicola Band and he was recently elected to serve a 3 year term as an elected Band Councillor. 

ETAB SAAD  - Director

Etab Saad has over 17 years of international experience working in for profit, not for profit and academic sectors. In Africa and the Middle East, she has worked with refugees through a number of re-settlement organizations. She continued her passion for helping newcomers settle in their new environments through her appointment at MOSAIC as Manager of Business Development and Employer relations and most recently as Associate Director of Employment and Training Services at the YWCA Metro-Vancouver. 

Over the past 9 years, Etab has built strong relationships with employers, local organizations and government offices to support settlement and employment initiatives. Etab is passionate about social justice and equality and continues to be a strong advocate for minorities and some of our most vulnerable populations through various media and communication platforms. Her experience strengthened her lifelong interest in Social Justice and Equality and its associated opportunities and challenges.

Etab Saad has an MBA specialized in Leadership, and continues to serve as a coach for a number of individuals aspiring to become Leaders of tomorrow.

LAURIE KOCH - Director

Laurie is a dedicated professional with a strong background in the social service sector, particularly in employment services. She is passionate about advancing diversity, inclusion, empowerment, and community engagement, bringing extensive knowledge and a strong commitment to her role on the Board of Directors at BCCDA. With a proven track record of managing and executing multi-million-dollar employment programs, Laurie has demonstrated her ability to drive impactful initiatives. Currently serving as the Director of Career Services at ISSofBC, she continues to empower individuals and foster meaningful connections. Laurie holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University. 

SHABNAM KHANSHAGHAGHI - Director

Shabnam has been a dynamic force in Career Development since 2008, bringing her expertise to a wide range of roles. Since 2015, she has excelled as a Manager in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. 

A seasoned trainer of career development professionals, Shabnam has a wealth of experience working with practitioners throughout the Greater Vancouver Regional District and across British Columbia. Her passion lies in empowering vulnerable populations in both rural and urban settings. Driven by the conviction that education is the key to eradicating poverty, Shabnam is dedicated to making a meaningful impact. 

Dr. NORMAN AMUNDSON - Honorary Lifetime Board Member

Dr. Norman Amundson is a Full Professor in Counselling Psychology/Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia, Canada. He has given numerous workshops and seminars and has been a keynote speaker at many national and international conferences.

Dr. Amundson is actively involved in several professional associations. He is the Chair of the International Committee for the National Career Development Association and the Editor of the Journal of Employment Counselling for the National Employment Counselling Association. He also is a Governor of the Canadian Career Development Foundation. 

Dr. SPENCER NILES, D.Ed., LPC, NCC - Honorary International Board Member

Department Head and Professor of Pennsylvania State University, Counselor Education Department

Jim Bright, BA, PhD., FAP - Honorary International Board Member

Partner: Bright and Associates

Professor of Career Education and Development, Australian Catholic University