Sushil Saini
Executive Director
Sushil Saini has been working in the non-profit sector for 25 years specializing in communications and development. Before joining The Award in BC, she worked for a number of organizations supporting environmental sustainability, food security, and social justice. A public speaker and writer, she is passionate about the role of non- profit agencies in developing healthy people and vibrant communities. She has worked and travelled across Canada, India, Thailand, France, and Spain where she walked the 800km Camino de Santiago. When not working, Sushil is a devout bibliophile with a special place in her heart for science fiction, high fantasy, and culinary history. She is also a dedicated gardener and swimmer. She lives in Victoria with her family and her garden.
Lindsay Brookes
Manager of Philanthropy
Lindsay Brookes is a Gold and Silver level Duke of Ed
Alumnus. She is a people person and is passionate about helping others and
fundraising for important causes. She has recently completed a Master of Public
Health at the University of Victoria and has previously completed a Bachelor of
Commerce at the Gustavson School of Business. In her spare time, she enjoys
volunteering with people who have disabilities, playing soccer with young
adults who have developmental disabilities on a weekly basis, and as a
counsellor at Operation Trackshoes, which is an annual sporting event for
people of all abilities. She is also the Vice Chair of the Canadian College of
Health Leaders for the Vancouver Island Executive.
Nikki Tellem
Manager of Operations & Cadet Liaison
Born in South Africa, Nikki has lived in the Middle East, Europe and the USA, before settling in Victoria, BC. She is an avid believer in Youth Empowerment, and actively volunteers with Cadets. Nikki is also a member of the Air Cadet League of Canada, British Columbia Provincial Committee, responsible for Public Relations & Communications. Nikki explores her creative side through art and handwork, while fostering cats, attempting to conquer her TBR pile, and raising a teenage son. To complete her bucket list, Nikki hopes to achieve a degree, experience at least one cruise, see the breathtaking Gates of Petra, and visit Australia.
Jillian Jones
Bronze Award Officer & Registrations Liaison
Jillian is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and mental
wellness, and is thrilled to be a part of the Duke of Ed team. After completing
her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Alberta in 2013, Jillian
began her career working in mental health - focusing on the areas of education
and advocacy. Her previous professional and volunteer experiences provided her
with the opportunity to support youth as they worked to create a stigma-free
community through projects in Edmonton and across the country. When not at
work, Jillian likes to attend as many concerts as possible, explore BC, and
spend time with her family.
Miranda Riou-Green
Silver and Gold Award Officer & Leader Liaison
Miranda moved to Victoria in the fall of
2015 and quickly fell in love with the city. In the spring of 2018, she
completed her Master’s degree in Anthropology at the University of Victoria.
Miranda has a love of history, heritage, nature, and youth empowerment. Miranda
knows first-hand the benefits of youth empowerment and strong community
involvement through her life-long participation with Girl Guides of Canada and
the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, achieving all three levels of the Awards in her
teens. When Miranda isn’t working, you can find her exploring Vancouver Island
or visiting her friends and family back home in Port Moody.