UBC Sauder applauds its 2024 Employee Award winners

Jana-Miray Skyers (She/her/hers)

Manager, Business Development, Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre

• Dedicated many hours to understanding the hurdles equity-deserving students face and has become a valued resource for student clubs, industry connections, guest speakers and mentors

• Directed a benchmarking project that analyzed EDI-related career services across major Canadian business schools 

• Served on the UBC Sauder EDI Committee and wider UBC EDI Action Network since 2022

“I am incredibly honored to be one of this year’s award recipients. This recognition holds great meaning for me, as it reaffirms the importance of fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion. I hope we can all continue to prioritize these vital efforts with intention and purpose. It is truly a privilege to contribute to a community committed to achieving excellence for not only our students and faculty but also for employees and our valued external partners.”

Ning Liu (He/Him/His)

Associate Director, Admissions, Recruitment & Admissions

• Led the integration of the admissions processes and systems across all portfolios that resulted in a smoother, more efficient admissions experience

• Continually advocates for fair opportunities for all applicants, overseeing comprehensive policy and application reviews to uphold UBC Sauder’s values

• Demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusivity by cultivating an environment where every team member feels valued and heard

“Being named Leader of the Year is a profound honour that reflects our team's collaborative excellence at UBC Sauder R&A. I am deeply grateful to work with colleagues who show such consistent innovation and dedication. This recognition celebrates not just individual leadership but our collective commitment to advancing student recruitment and admissions at our school.”

Maxim Greer (He/Him/His)

Development Officer, Development and Alumni Engagement

• Demonstrated remarkable growth through his drive, innovation and dedication to the success by taking the lead on outreach for the PMF Campaign and closing an impressive 11 gifts

• Built meaningful relationships outside the Development and Alumni Engagement team and across the broader UBC Sauder community

• Demonstrated a strong commitment towards his own professional development and engaged in online training to deepen his knowledge of fundraising best practices and skills

“I am incredibly honoured to be recognized by my peers from UBC Sauder DAE with this award. Through my career so far, I am grateful for the guidance, mentorship, leadership and support imparted by my leadership and colleagues on the DAE team and the wider UBC Sauder and UBC community. It is fantastic to work at an institution that truly invests in employee recognition. I am feeling motivated and look forward to collaborating and building towards another successful year in 2025 for DAE and the school as a whole!”

Jessica Pilfold (She/Her/Hers)

Academic Advisor, Undergraduate Office

• Spearheaded the Transition Program for Year One and Transfer Students and the creation of the BCom Prep for Math Success Canvas course

• Demonstrated genuine care for both UBC Sauder employees and students who value her ability to listen, empathize and provide valuable support

• Instrumental in shaping and enhancing the student experience through initiatives such as the UGO Social Committee, the School's EDI efforts and the Indigenous Student portfolio

“I’m honoured to receive this award and be recognized for my commitment to supporting students. I greatly value the opportunity to be part of a student’s academic journey and I’ve appreciated leading and participating in meaningful projects that positively impact UBC Sauder students. A sincere thank-you to my colleagues in the Undergraduate Office and across UBC Sauder who have been welcoming and supportive and served as great teachers.”

Nicole Linzmeyer (She/Her/Hers)

Communications & Engagement Specialist, People and Organizational Development

• Played an instrumental role in bringing key POD events such as U Day, the annual employee and faculty BBQ, Service Anniversary Luncheon, Employee Appreciation Day celebrations and much more to life

• Co-led the EDI Ambassadors and spearheaded the school's first Pride Celebrations in 2024

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by organizing celebrations for culturally significant days such as Diwali, Eid al-Fitr and Hanukkah

“I am proud of the efforts that myself and the People and Organizational Development team have made to strengthen the UBC Sauder community. We have a shared goal and vision for enhancing UBC Sauder’s workplace experience and this award is an excellent opportunity to reflect on our many achievements. I am grateful to be part of a team that supports and encourages new ideas, creativity and innovation."

Faye Ilsley (She/Her/Hers)

Executive Assistant, Dean's Office

• Collaborated seamlessly across UBC Sauder and UBC, fostering strong relationships, anticipating needs and facilitating effective teamwork

• Instrumental in transforming UBC Sauder’s curriculum management, establishing new processes, documentation and workflows

• Managed complex operations, communications and execution of the Dean’s Office with exceptional care and finesse

“I was truly honoured and very touched to receive this award – it serves as a great reminder of the dedicated work, welcoming culture and strong relationships that make UBC Sauder special. I feel incredibly lucky to get to work with the most amazing colleagues and friends in the Dean’s Office, as well as across the school and throughout our broader community.”

Elaine Qiu (She/Her/Hers)

Senior Admissions Officer, Recruitment & Admissions

• Consistently demonstrated exceptional support and service for applicants, students and external partners by going above and beyond her regular responsibilities to enhance the student experience

• Enhanced the experience of prospective students who have shared how her efforts provided clarity, support and guidance throughout the application process and helped them feel confident in their decision to apply to UBC Sauder

• Spearheaded the development of the R&A knowledge base

“Receiving this External Service Excellence Award was a great surprise; it is a recognition of my passion, dedication, and hard work. I would like to thank all my R&A colleagues for their support. Also a big thank-you to my supervisor and mentor, Ning Liu, for his invaluable guidance, support and belief in me! This achievement would not have been possible without his encouragement.”

UBC Sauder United Way Committee

Linda Tommasini (chair), Jonathan Bird, Carly Boettcher, Deb Harris, Ruth Kwok, Wally Mitchell, Irena Trebic, Alejandra Vega, Nadeesha Wickramaarachchi, Misa Zhang

• Actively engaged faculty, employees and students in initiatives that raise awareness about the United Way’s impactful services and the essential support it provides to communities across the Lower Mainland and British Columbia

• Over the last 18 years have been a vital presence within the UBC Sauder community

“Making a difference in the lives of others is a true honour, and receiving this award is a deeply meaningful recognition. As a community, it is our shared responsibility to support efforts that create a sustainable future, paving the way for others to thrive. Some of these individuals could one day become the leaders who shape our world. Everyone deserves a chance to succeed, and together, through collaboration and commitment, we can help turn this vision into reality.

Every day we have the opportunity to make someone’s world a little brighter let’s embrace that power!”