Meet the Team
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Benjamin Kravchenko
President
Hi, my name is Ben. Last year, I was a First-Year Liaison alongside Renée and a member of the BCITMA’s Case Team. Before studying at BCIT, I worked as a warehouse receiver, butcher, line cook, landscaper, stonemason, server, and bartender–kind of like an entry-level worker Barbie. Now, I am a student in the BCIT Marketing Management – Entrepreneurship program. Across all those experiences, I’ve developed a dogged work ethic alongside a love for communication and problem-solving. Furthermore, I am very grateful that BCIT has recognized my efforts; I’ve received the Malcolm C.J. Wickson Memorial and Dean’s First Year Leadership Awards to fund my studies at BCIT.
As President of the BCITMA, I describe the role as being 50% motivational speaker and 50% firefighter. I have the opportunity to get involved in all of BCITMA’s initiatives, and every week, I get to do something completely different–website development, graphic design, event planning, and everything the club does. I am incredibly lucky to have a team of such bright, hard-working, and talented individuals. Thank you to every member of the BCITMA for everything that you do.
P.S. Outside of school, I love chess, poker, sports cars, powerlifting, marathon running, cooking, and rugby.
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Renée McGrath
Vice President
Hey, I’m Renée! I’m the Vice President this year and I focus on creating our chapter plan and annual report based on our year's strategy and goals. I work closely with each committee to answer any questions and help provide support where it’s needed. Last year I served as a first year liaison along with Ben, and I was also a committee member on Schmoozapalooza. I’m a huge “people person” and love meeting new people and forming connections. I’m super happy to be in this role this year, and so so grateful to be a part of the BCITMA.
I have a dual diploma in French and I studied computer science at the university of Victoria for 2 years. I also have an associate degree in business administration from bcit, which sparked my interest in marketing management. I’m currently in the professional sales program with the goal of entering tech sales.
Outside of school I’m really into running, hiking, skiing and skating to keep active. I love listening to different kinds of music as well, and I sing a little too (thank you high school choir). I’m also a huge aviation nerd and can probably tell you the exact model of plane that is flying above. Feel free to reach out to me if you’re interested in the MA, want some tips/advice, or just want to chat! My inbox is always open and you can find me on LinkedIn @reneemcgrath or email me.
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Lucas Macculloch
Vice President of Operations
Hi, I’m Lucas! As the VP of Operations for the BCITMA over the past two years, I thrive on building connections, organizing projects and leading teams to success. My lifelong involvement in hockey has definitely shaped my leadership capabilities, giving me the skills to guide teams effectively and collaborate with others. Joining the BCITMA has only strengthened my passion and comfortability in that leadership role.
I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, specializing in Business Intelligence, following my completion of my Marketing Management Diploma in Entrepreneurship with distinction! Outside academics, I’m fluent in French and hold a double-dogwood high school diploma to prove it! I enjoy skateboarding, skiing and my favourite colour is orange!
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Camila Parenti
Vice President of Digital Marketing
Hey, My name is Camila! You can call me Cami for short. I love content creation, health and wellness, and learning new things. Alongside being Vice President of Digital Marketing, I am specializing in Professional Sales. Combining both my skills in digital marketing and sales, I aspire to go into the media side of sales. Leading the digital marketing committee has given me the opportunity to learn the values of acceptance, collaboration, and helped me better my leadership skills. I hope to one day be able to bring all the knowledge I’ve learnt while at BCIT to a professional team. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn @camilaparenti
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Beatrize Roque
Vice President of Communications
Hey, I’m Beatrize and I’m this year’s VP of communications. Growing up as a more introverted person, writing became a space where I could express myself fully, kickstarting my passion for writing and creating narratives. I was studying communications at SFU when the world shutdown, and when it opened again, I decided to take a year off to travel. After returning home with fresh perspectives and curiosity, I decided to pursue digital marketing and branding at BCIT.
I love challenging myself and adding new skills to my arsenal. Whether it’s moving across the world on my own, getting catapulted into a canyon, or signing up for a charity boxing fight with no prior experience, I find beauty in uncertainty and seeing how I can accomplish tasks to the best of my ability.
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Shaelyn Vocat
Vice President of Creative & Branding
Hey, I’m Shaelyn! I am a passionate fashion content creator with a diploma in Fashion Marketing from Blanche Macdonald. Currently, a second year student in Digital Marketing and Brand Strategy and VP of the Creative and Branding committee. I am looking to merge my love for style, fashion, and marketing into a full-time career as an influencer and work in social media management for a fashion brand. When I’m not busy creating content or doing schoolwork, you can find me enjoying country music or joining a Pilates class. Let’s connect and explore how we can collaborate creatively, feel free to reach out via email or find me on socials @shaelynvocat.
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Genie Luong
Vice President of Finance
Hey, I’m Genie! I am the VP of Finance and am in my second year of Accounting at BCIT. Last year, I served as the Director of Finance, so I’m thrilled to be back with BCITMA for another exciting year. I am passionate about organization, planning, and analyzing, whether in my personal projects or professional roles. Beyond BCIT, I have held multiple leadership roles that have strengthened my skills in managing teams, strategic planning, and driving projects forward. These experiences have equipped me to be a proactive, reliable, and results-oriented leader.
I enjoy staying active by going to the gym or pilates, snowboarding, hiking, tennis, golf, and volleyball. This past May, I also completed my first half marathon with an average pace of 7:12 km. I am a huge dog lover with a cream puppy frenchie named Louie. I am always open to connecting and enjoy meeting new people, so please feel free to reach out!
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Cristobal Rodriguez
Co-Vice President of Sponsorship
My name is Cristóbal, I come from Chile, and I enjoy sports and outdoor activities. Having moved here three years ago, the MA allowed me to not only meet great people but also greatly develop my network and professional skills. I was also last year’s VP of ARC which was one of the most rewarding things I have done at BCIT.
Having graduated from the professional sales program with distinction and currently completing my BBA, I can confidently say that joining the MA was one of the best decisions I made at BCIT.
If you’re looking to get into sales and are curious about sponsorship, feel free to reach out.
Saludos,
Cristobal
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Keegan Maddoks
Co-Vice President of Sponsorship
Hi! I’m Keegan. I’ve been passionate about sports since I was young, the competitive drive in me led me through a 15-year journey in hockey. After hockey, I found myself at BCIT, where I'm now in my second year, studying Professional Sales. I love the outdoors—especially anything involving water—and I’m always challenging myself to learn and grow. Striving for self-improvement and being a positive influence in the lives of those around me are really important to me.
Since starting at BCIT, joining the BCITMA has been one of my best decisions. I've been able to build incredible friendships and have been surrounded by talented, driven individuals. Serving as VP of Sponsorship has allowed me to form meaningful connections and create valuable opportunities for myself beyond graduation.
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Jacky Tang
Co-Vice President of Professional Development
Hi everyone, my name is Jacky Tang, a second-year Professional Sales Student & Co-Vice President of the Professional Development Committee. Before attending BCIT, I was a STEM major studying General Science for two years at Langara with the goal of pursuing a career in the medical field before moving to BCIT.
One of my accomplishments at BCIT includes hosting Marketing Week for the BCITMA alongside Nicole Geronimo and the entire Professional Development Committee in 2024. Furthermore, I have also volunteered for five events at BCIT: Schmoozapalooza, Sales Career Night, BCIT High School Case Competition, First-Year Orientation Tour Guide, & the Annual Student Mixer.
Lastly, some of my favourite hobbies include drawing, playing badminton with friends, and going to the gym. If you have any questions, you can reach out to me on LinkedIn or by email.
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Nicole Geronimo
Co-Vice President of Professional Development
Hi there! I’m Nicole.
I’m a second-year Digital Marketing and Brand Strategy student, passionate about learning and continuous growth. Prior to BCIT, I was pursuing a degree in engineering at UBC, which helped me discover my interest in business and honed analytical skills.
Driven by curiosity, I love exploring new hobbies, different cuisines, and cities. In my free time, you’ll often find me at concerts, exploring new cafes, reading fiction novels, or spending quality time with family and friends. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn if you have questions or just want to chat!
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Taylor Gillespie
Vice President of Membership
Hi, I’m Taylor! I graduated from BCIT’s marketing management tourism option this past spring. I have been involved with the BCITMA since my first year and have held the roles of first year liaison, president, and now vice president of membership. I currently live in the UK and am thrilled to be involved with the MA! Being a part of this club has helped me to build on my leadership and professional skills immensely.
In my free time, I love cooking, baking, and teaching myself new recipes. Once I am back in Vancouver, I hope to pursue my bachelor's degree at BCIT. I love spending time outdoors with my puppy. Being a part of MA has taught me to always take on new opportunities and I am excited to see what is in store for the future! Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn!
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Julia Devito
Vice President of Community Relations
Hey I am Julia!! I have a strong passion for community which kickstarted during my time living and volunteering abroad. I saw firsthand the power of community and the positive impact it can have on individuals. I also enjoy spending time outdoors. You can typically find me skiing or mountain biking with a group of friends. Meeting new people and learning from their unique perspectives is something I truly enjoy, as I believe it broadens our understanding and connection with the world.
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Ryan Khorrami
Vice President of Events
I’m Ryan! I’m an Enthusiastic Leader with Critical Thinking skills and a drive for collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds. Overall I’d say I’m a total people person. My passion for diverse collaboration comes from my 5 years of serving experience for the Cactus Club. I’m currently a 2nd year Digital Marketing Student with 3 years of previous business studies, and a long term goal of mine is securing a job where I can lead a team of Marketing Strategists. My favourite colour is dark green, I have a black belt in Taekwondo, and my favourite person in the world is my Grandma Nikoo!
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Kyla Mutschmann
Vice President of Mentorship
Hello, my name is Kyla Mutschmann, and I am a second-year student at BCIT, specializing in the Professional Sales option. I am currently the Vice President of Mentorship at BCITMA. With an outgoing and enthusiastic personality, I am always seeking new opportunities to enhance my education and career.
My passion for people and sales was first discovered during my three years at Meridian Meats and Seafood, where I am working as a shift manager and meat cutter. I am passionate about my commitment to helping others and my ability to approach challenges with creative problem-solving.
Beyond my education at school, I enjoy exploring new experiences, traveling, working out at the gym, and playing sports, especially soccer. I thrive on networking and meeting new individuals, so please feel free to reach out!
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Kaysey Ho
Vice President of Regional Conference
Hi, I’m Kaysey. I am currently a 2nd-year student in the Professional Sales option at BCIT. My passion for growth is driven by Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy for 'continuous improvement,' which inspires me to seek personal and professional development. My current role as VP of the Annual Regional Conference has embodied this growth, allowing me to navigate new challenges and develop a collaborative leadership style. I’ve also built a strong foundation of adaptability, having moved four times in the last seven years. My experiences traveling abroad and working in the food service industry have allowed me to interact with diverse audiences, exposing myself to different perspectives and practices. Beyond the classroom, you’ll likely find me enjoying nature— either hiking, cliff jumping, or snowboarding.
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Nick Maggio
Vice President of Schmoozapalooza
Hi, I’m Nick.
I’m a second-year Digital Marketing & Brand Strategy student at BCIT and the VP of Schmoozapalooza. I also compete in the 2024-2025 AMA Case Competition, where I apply in-school learning to complex, real-world problems. Leading a team of 15 peers in organizing Schmooze has helped build my resilience when multitasking under pressure and improved both my people and project management skills. A few of my key responsibilities include securing sponsorships, coordinating event logistics, and leading an email campaign to secure attendees.
When I'm not busy with school, I like to sing and songwrite. I started making music with a few friends after class when I was 16 years old, and it’s since become one of my favourite creative outlets. I also enjoy a casual game of chess. Whether it be between classes or if you can keep a secret, in lectures, I always try to get a few games in. I’m always open to learning, so feel free to teach me a thing or two!
If you’d like to chat sometime, don’t hesitate to email me!
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Nigel Davies
Co-Vice President of Consulting
Hi, I’m Nigel! First and foremost, people are my passion. Having worked in hospitality for over 10 years, I was fortunate to have thousands of opportunities to connect with all types of people. To me, there is an art to human connection and I feel lucky to have found confidence in my ability to connect with others. In my personal life, I love personal growth and learning, I am an avid (yet terrible) sports competitor and fan, and love spending time with my family and friends.
At BCIT, I am a second-year student in the Marketing Management diploma program, completing my diploma with the Entrepreneurship option. In addition to the program’s designated curriculum, I am one of the VP’s running the Consulting team within the BCITMA. My role with running the team is on the client-facing side, connecting with clients, selling our services, and helping organize operations and delivery of our work. I am proud to be a part of a team that is offering solutions to help local businesses grow, and that we help provide an opportunity for other students to use their education - in real-time, with real clients!
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Sharon Chang
Co-Vice President of Consulting
Contact Sharon
Hello, I’m Sharon, co-VP of the Consulting Committee! I hold a Marketing Management Diploma in Marketing Communication and am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Business Intelligence.
Through the internship in my second year, I gained skills in implementing paid ads and SEO, which sparked my passion for this work. This passion led me to choose Business Intelligence as my major, allowing me to combine data analytics with marketing to uncover deeper insights, help businesses thrive, and challenge myself to see how far I can go.
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Mahdiyar Saber
Co-Case
Hi, I’m Mahdiyar, and I'm all about bringing creative ideas to life (I literally cannot control myself when I see a white board!). Currently, I’m a second-year Entrepreneurship student at BCIT from Iran. I lead our AMA Collegiate Case Competition team, where I work alongside a talented and driven group of students to create a full cycle marketing plan for Adobe. It feels like running a real marketing agency. We research, strategize, and present solutions to real-world problems. My passion for case competitions has also inspired me to join the 2024/25 JDC West academic team, where I’ll compete in an entrepreneurship case competition in Calgary.
Beyond case competitions, I’m a Global Education Ambassador, helping international students transition smoothly into BCIT by sharing my experiences and guiding them through their journey. During COVID, I founded a startup focused on smart sanitization—a venture that taught me invaluable lessons towards a future in entrepreneurship and consulting.
When I am not crunching numbers or spending hours in front of my whiteboard you will probably find me in the kitchen (my Croissant game is strong!) or getting lost in a good movie. I love listening to jazz and I am a huge football fan (aka soccer).
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Dominik Balino
Co-Case Lead
My name is Dominik Balino, and I recently graduated from BCIT’s Marketing Management Diploma Program (Entrepreneurship Option) with distinction. Subsequently, I decided to return to BCIT to pursue my Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree to enhance my skills developed in my two-year marketing diploma and broaden my knowledge through upper level business courses.
Joining the BCITMA was one of the best decisions I ever made. As last year’s VP of Finance, I understood the tremendous value you could gain by joining this club. I’m grateful to have met talented individuals within BCITMA along the way. Those same individuals inspired me when they won 3rd place in the American Marketing Association International Collegiate Case Competition just last year (and 2nd place the year before). This year, I became BCITMA’s Co-Case Lead to continue that legacy.
On top of gaining real-world marketing experience, I’m enjoying the opportunity of working with a bright and creative group that is the Case Team. If I’m not researching and strategizing for BCITMA’s Case Team, you can find me researching and strategizing for BCIT JDC West’s Entrepreneurship Case Team. I like playing basketball and lifting weights in my spare time.
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Cole Thiessen
First-Year Liaison
Contact Cole
Hi! I am Cole Thiessen, a first year student in the Marketing Management program, one of the First-Year Liaison’s and a member of the Case Study Team here at BCIT.
I have a diverse background with plenty of real-world experience prior to BCIT. Most notably running a startup marketing agency, spending a year as a Realtor, and most recently managing at Tap and Barrel. I have often been described as a hardworking leader with people skills. While I do tend to work hard and have a passion for making new friends, I still know when to have fun! In my free time I like to go for hikes, meditate, and spend time with likeminded people. My short term goal is to graduate from BCIT with my BBA. My long term goals have changed over the years but one thing remains constant, to live a happy and exciting life full with new experiences.
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Tyree Blue
First Year Liaison
My name is Tyree Blue, and I’m a first-year student in Marketing Management, first-year liaison and set representative.
I have nearly eight years of work experience in multiple customer service roles, including serving, bartending, management, and security. My personable skills and tenacity have allowed me to rapidly progress and thrive in each environment, leading me to take on numerous management roles over the years. I enjoy going to concerts with friends, reading, and swimming in my free time and love meeting new people. I hope to have a career in tourism and hospitality so that I am able to travel and see as much as I can.
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Erica Halvorsen
Faculty Advisor
Being Faculty Advisor for the BCITMA is the best part of my job! Getting to work with the most dedicated, passionate and fun marketing students and watching them learn in real time is an absolute privilege.
When I am not problem solving with our brilliant Executive Team, coaching our Case Team or attending one of our great BCITMA events, I am either teaching Professional Sales, Marketing Strategy or Brand strategy at The School of Business at BCIT , or helping purpose-driven business owners and organizations with branding, marketing and communications at ericajane.ca.
I love travel, nature, art, words, connection and learning about what makes us all tick. To me, the best thing in life is spending time with my family- my husband and two teenage kids- whether that's having adventures abroad, walking the Stanley Park seawall, or watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy extended version for the 100th time.