Leadership & Operations
Cole Thiessen
President
My journey to BCIT was unconventional to say the least. I graduated from high school and went straight into post-secondary at SFU. After 3 semesters there, I felt unsure of where my direction was heading so I took time away from school and joined the workforce. After SFU, I was a licensed Realtor and made a pivot to marketing, starting a boutique marketing agency with a focus on Realtors and Developers
At BCIT, I have been a set rep for both years, in my first year I was a presenter and finalist for the MA Case team in my first year, and now in my second year, I took on a role with more responsibility in the MA, serving as president. I have a passion for travelling and embarking on new journeys to fill my life with unique experiences. I try to build new and meaningful connections wherever I go, which inspires me to branch out and continue to reach new people.
Email me at president@bcitma.ca
Olivia MacGillivray
Vice President
Hi, I’m Olivia! I’m the vice president for BCITMA 2025/26.
Before studying at BCIT, I worked in hospitality, which allowed me to spend ten years travelling. In those years, I lived in Australia for five years and adventured through Southeast Asia, Central America, Europe, New Zealand and parts of Canada. Now, I am taking those lived experiences and applying them to my new life at BCIT in the Digital Marketing and Brand Strategy specialization. I (obviously) love travelling and adventuring, but I also love photography, reading, hiking and finding the best restaurants and bars in town.
I love working with people and thrive when I can help my team achieve new goals. As vice president, my core responsibilities are to write and design the Chapter Plan and Annual Report. Through creating these documents, I work closely with the BCITMA team, ensuring they feel supported in all areas to achieve success. I am so excited to work with this team and see what this year brings!
Email me at vicepresident@bcitma.ca
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.
Email me at Erica_Halvorsen@bcit.ca
Christine Lam
Vice President of Operations
Hi, my name is Christine. I’m a second-year Marketing Management student in the Digital Marketing option. Last year I served as the First-Year Director of Operations, and this year I’m excited to step into bigger roles as the Vice President of Operations and the Director of Speed Mentoring for Schmooze. These experiences have helped me build leadership, organizational, and networking skills, especially after coming into my first year a little shy and hesitant to put myself out there.
Before BCIT, I worked as a Freelance Web Content Specialist right out of high school, focusing on SEO, content fixes, and website improvements. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, gaming, and running. Volunteering is also a big part of my life - whether it’s working with kids or helping out at BCITSA/BCITMA events. Looking ahead, I hope to combine my passion for digital marketing with creativity and meaningful community involvement.
Email me at operations@bcitma.ca
Austin Ambrose
Co-Vice President of Finance
Hi my name is Austin Ambrose, I'm a second year student at BCIT’s Marketing Management program. I’m currently taking the Professional Sales Second Year option and want to get my practicum in the Tech sales sector. I grew up in a household surrounded by Sales and Marketing so I am right at home at BCIT.
Outside of school, soccer is one of my biggest passions. I've been playing since I was 4 years old and still play today. I have been a captain of a provincial winning team and a coach of a youth development team. This helped me build strong, instinctive leadership skills that I apply in my everyday life.
I chose professional sales because it's a natural fit for my everyday environment and personality. I’m passionate about building strong relationships and helping people find solutions that truly meet their needs. I also enjoy the competitive aspect of sales; the drive to reach goals and the constant push for success keep me motivated.
Email me at finance@bcitma.ca
Lucas Lepinski
Co-Vice President of Finance
Hi, my name is Lucas Lepinski, and I’m a second-year student in BCIT’s Marketing Management program, specializing in Digital Marketing & Brand Strategy. I currently serve as the Co-VP of Finance for the BCITMA, where I use my organizational skills and eye for detail to help keep everything running smoothly.
Outside of school, I’m a big hockey and sports enthusiast. I played hockey growing up, and the ambition I developed on the ice continues to help motivate me in my academic and professional journey. One of my biggest motivations is the idea of constantly improving in all ways, regardless of whether that’s fine-tuning a presentation, honing my skills, or stepping outside my comfort zone.
I chose Digital Marketing & Brand Strategy because I enjoy the challenge of combining creativity with strategy, and I love opportunities to present and create impactful campaigns. BCITMA has given me valuable real-world experience and a strong sense of community.
Email me at finance@bcitma.ca
Aliyah Kane
First Year Liaison
Hi, my name is Aliyah, and I’m excited to serve as one of the First-Year Liaisons and a member of the Case Team at the BCITMA. I'm a first-year full-time Marketing Management student, but my BCIT journey began through the Flex Learning option. My interest in marketing sparked in 2022 when I joined an events startup and discovered a passion for connecting with people through promotions and brand experiences.
I have an adventurous spirit—having travelled to 17 countries and counting—I’m always eager to try new things, from skiing and bouldering to salsa dancing. These experiences have helped shape my creative and people-focused approach to marketing.
Being part of the BCITMA gives me the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant, collaborative community. I’m passionate about helping first-year students feel welcomed and supported, and I look forward to building strong connections throughout the year.
Tyler Benson
First Year Liaison
I'm a first-year Marketing Management student at BCIT with a growing passion for digital marketing, branding and content strategy. While I'm just starting my journey, I'm excited to dive into everything from business communications to social media, SEO and the analytical side of marketing as part of my coursework.
My goal is to specialize in digital marketing, where I can combine creativity with strategy to build meaningful connections between brands and their audiences. I'm especially interested in learning more about social media trends, digital campaigns and marketing tools as I grow throughout the program.
I'm always open to connecting with industry professionals, mentors and fellow students - whether it's for advice, collaboration or inspiration. If you're in marketing, I'd love to connect and hear your story!
Benjamin Kravchenko
Vice President of Membership
Hi, my name is Ben. Last year, I was President of the BCITMA where I had the opportunity to get involved in all of BCITMA’s initiatives. 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. 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.
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.