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.
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.
Adrian Dhalla
Program Coordinator, Lower Mainland
Adrian has over 20 years' experience in the areas of marketing,
communications, media & public relations, event management, and program
coordination. Having previously worked for UBC, Capilano University, and the
non-profit Canadian Screen Training Centre, he brings significant education
sector knowledge to the Award. In his spare time, Adrian produces original multimedia
projects, including illustrated children's e-books and both live action &
animated films. After growing up in Nova Scotia, Adrian studied at the
University of Toronto, before settling in BC. He also enjoys traveling the
globe and has explored six continents, something that helps Adrian relate to
students from diverse cultures. He currently lives in suburban Vancouver with
his wife and son.
Teresa Lindsay
Program Coordinator
Teresa Lindsay formerly co-founded a
volunteer-run non-profit for impoverished women reentering the workforce,
organized openhouse charity events for the homeless,
and dedicated four years of her life curating and
writing editorial celebrating youth and diverse talent in our community.
To schools and universities, she presents on the importance of
personal development and the power of giving. Travelling as a program director
for cruise lines, Teresa covered five countries and thirty-five cities in less
than two years. After, while living in Germany for six months, she travelled to
France and Italy, and then completed several overland adventures through
central/western USA and the Yukon. In addition to checking off
her bucket-list, she is an experienced martial artist, skier,
painter, orchid whisperer and highly acclaimed local designer. As our program
coordinator, Teresa endeavours to express the value of education in conjunction
with personal goal setting; where passion and persistence leads to personal achievement,
improving self-confidence, self-awareness, and mental/emotional wellbeing so
young people are prepared to pursue their most fulfilling life.
Alex Roberts
Program Assistant
Alex is a
writer, game designer, and administrative professional of boundless enthusiasm.
Her games span digital, tabletop, and live-action formats, focusing on
collaborative, open-ended player creativity. This work has taken her across
Canada and the US, Central America, and even to Finland, where she was
Ropecon's Guest of Honor in 2018. Nothing makes her happier than watching
players' faces light up when they learn something new about themselves through
play. She also loves walking in the woods, oolong tea, and riding her 50cc
Yamaha Vino on a sunny day. Alex is a newcomer to Victoria, having lived in
Ottawa for the past decade. She is enjoying the fresh air and greenery.