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Helen joined AV���� as Director Advancement and Executive Director of the AV���� Foundation in 2019. She has over 25 years of experience in non-profit management and leadership, fundraising and partnership development gained in roles in the U.K. and Canada.

Helen has a BA in English Literature and Language from the University of Leeds, an MA from Birmingham City University, and executive education from London Business School. Prior to joining AV����, Helen was Executive Director UWSIBC, Executive Director AV���� National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts, and Chief Executive of the Macular Society.

When she’s not working with donors who are passionate about education, she’s hiking, skiing or watching her son play soccer.

Sasha Carter joined the AV���� Foundation team in August 2021. With more than five years’ experience working in nonprofit planned giving and 17 years in the insurance industry, Sasha blends passion and financial acumen to support donors in planning their legacy. 

Sasha helps donors with identifying their passions and aligning them with projects at AV����, whether that be for individual student supports and bursaries, estate planning or capital project and program enhancement.  There is never one size fits all. 

For Sasha, it is paramount that she understands how her donors would like to have their positive impact felt in the world.  By understanding the different methods of funding, whether it be through publicly-traded gifts of securities, a gift in a will or other charitable tools, Sasha helps donors maximize their philanthropy.

Sasha is a mom to two young boys, and is an avid competitive curler.  She has competed on the provincial, national and international stage; capturing the title of World Champion in both 1995 and 2007. 

Pam Prentice joined the AV���� Foundation team in July 2023.

With over 15 years of experience in post-secondary and nonprofit fundraising in the Okanagan, Pam enjoys connecting community members with opportunities to make an impact through their philanthropy.

The motivation to give is different for everyone, and it’s the stories behind the giving that Pam is most interested in learning. Whether it be support for students, a specific program of interest or a capital campaign, she guides the process of giving with care and respect for the donor’s wishes.

Pam is a strong believer in the value of post-secondary education and is inspired by the many areas of study available to prospective AV���� students. Passionate about student health and wellbeing, Pam understands the impact of having a healthy mind and body and how it drives academic and career success.

Living in Kelowna since 2003, Pam and her family feel privileged to enjoy the many outdoor activities that the beautiful Okanagan Valley presents.

Camille is responsible for campaign communications planning, public and media relations, and the creation of website content and other key publications.

Prior to joining AV����, Camille has worked in a number of diverse roles from media to business consulting to launching a tech platform.

Camille loves helping people tell their stories. She feels very lucky to share the inspiring stories of students and donors alike, demonstrating first-hand the transformative power of education.

Camille has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Philosophy and Economics (PPE).

Deb serves as the Campaign Coordinator for Advancement - AV���� Foundation. Her primary focus is supporting capital campaigns. She is responsible for coordinating meetings for the Campaign Cabinet, organizing fundraising and community events, and supports the development of proposals and gifts.

Prior to joining the Advancement team, Deb was a teacher in Alberta and brings experience working with foundations and stakeholders to support initiatives that enhance communities. She is passionate about creating relationships that help build community and enhance the learning experience for students.

An OUC alumna and 25+ year employee of AV����, Dawn is the Executive Assistant to the Director of Advancement as well as Board Secretary for the AV���� Foundation. She administers the day-to-day operations of the department, manages the Director's schedule, and coordinates AV���� Foundation Board meetings and activities.

Dawn oversees the Annual Charity Golf Tournament in Kelowna, the 50/50 Staff Lottery program and other events through the year.

In 2020, Dawn was recognized by AV���� and her peers with the Career Achievement Award, highlighting her dedication to the College and passion for supporting students.

Samantha serves as the Campaign Coordinator for the Advancement department and AV���� Foundation. Her primary focus is supporting capital campaigns. She is responsible for coordinating meetings for the Campaign Cabinet, events and tours for donors and the community, and supporting the Director and Development Officers.

In 2019, Samantha was recognized by AV���� and her peers with a Service Excellence Award for consistently going beyond her regular duties and responsibilities to meet the needs of AV���� and contribute to our culture of service excellence.

Prior to joining the Advancement team in 2013, Samantha worked with local societies and non-profit organizations. Her primary responsibilities were to maintain and grow positive relations, and to creatively enhance the service experience.

Samantha earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (with Distinction), with a focus in Finance and Marketing, from AV���� in 2013. 

Fiona Chan joined AV���� Foundation as the Donation and Database Coordinator in September 2023.  

Originally from Hong Kong, Fiona has 20 years' experience working in IT for the insurance industry with a focus on project management and systems analysis. Fiona is passionate about numbers and database management. 

Fiona also understands the student experience. She came to AV���� to study Business Administration in 2020 and graduated with Distinction in 2022. During her studies, Fiona received several academic scholarships, making her feel supported and recognized. She finds it meaningful to now work with the AV���� Foundation team and help more students fulfill their potential as they pursue their academic and career goals. 

Jacob Cinkant works as the Division Assistant for the AV���� Foundation with a key focus of service, organization and efficiency. 

A lifelong resident of the Okanagan Valley, Jacob studied computers systems at BCIT before attending UBCO and receiving a Bachelor of Management Degree in 2010. His first assignment at AV���� was in Human Resources in 2014. Since then, he has provided service across several College departments, including Finance, Continuing Studies and Trades.

Jacob provides a wide range of service to the Foundation team with a focus on maximizing the positive impact OC can have in peoples’ lives.