On November 14, 2025, over 250 guests gathered at the Burnaby Delta Hotel to honour four outstanding individuals and their achievements at the 2024 BCIT Distinguished Awards.
The awardees are leaders in their respective fields and are inspirations to the BCIT community. Their achievements reflect who we are and what we do in creating meaningful, lasting impacts locally and around the world.
The evening was led by alumnus Kevin Lim (Broadcast and Media Communications – Radio, 2004) who served as the Master of Ceremonies. He welcomed an audience of industry partners, sponsors, donors, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and last year’s Distinguished Award recipients Bryan Fry and Dr. Judy Shandler to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s honorees.
2024 BCIT Outstanding Student Leadership Recipient
Sally Poon
A graduate of the Computer Systems Technology program, Sally Poon demonstrated strong leadership and community engagement during her time at the Institute. Focusing on collaboration, support, and student well-being, her service involved being a part of extracurricular clubs and serving as Treasurer & Director of Communications for Women in Computing, fostering discussions on representation in tech, and more. As Co-President of the Computing Club, she organized initiatives such as a hackathon and mentorship program for computing students. Sally’s leadership extended to the Student Association, where she progressed from Set Representative to Chair of the Downtown Campus. Highlights of her time at BCIT include organizing a panel for the Downtown Campus Tech Collider’s opening and a de-stress event to help students relax and connect.
“During my time at BCIT, I leaned on many mentors and leaders in my field who guided me along the way,” shared Sally. “They not only shared invaluable wisdom, but they also provided a sense of belonging, and a surge of confidence to push the boundaries of what I believed I could achieve. Many of these mentors were fellow BCIT students, alumni, instructors, and staff. I believe that my achievements and the recognition I’m receiving tonight reflect the collective experiences of all these individuals who have inspired me along the way.”
Watch Sally’s video:
2024 BCIT Faculty & Staff Association Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Donabel Santos
Donabel Santos is a graduate of BCIT’s Computer System Technology program, and is a data expert, teacher, author, and content creator with over a decade of experience in the data field. Her instructional approach emphasizes empathy, connecting data with people’s stories, challenges, and potential, and based on the belief that data is most powerful when it speaks to the human experience. In addition to her work in the classroom, Donabelle has garnered over 120,000 YouTube subscribers and over 3 million views on her channel Sqlbelle.com, where she teaches data storytelling, Tableau techniques, and advanced analytics. In addition, she is the author of Tableau 10 Business Intelligence Cookbook and Tableau Ambassador where she combines technical skills with practical applications to empower learners and professionals.
“I went to BCIT to get my diploma and degree, but I got more than education. I got a future,” acknowledged Donabel. “My time at BCIT was transformational because of my instructors. They taught with passion and compassion. They saw the person behind the student number. They didn’t just teach me skills, they taught me to believe in myself and that meant everything. That’s why for more than 20 years, I have chosen to spend my nights at BCIT teaching because my instructors changed my life. I can only hope to do the same for my students.”
Watch Donabel’s video:
2024 BCIT Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Kristy James
Kristy James is an alumna of the Nonprofit Management Certificate program, and has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector and is the President & CEO of the Burnaby Hospital Foundation. As a dedicated community champion, she strengthens the hospital and health community and services by building relationships with donors, volunteers, and staff. Under her leadership, the Foundation raised a record-breaking $30 million in less than three years for its first capital campaign. Kristy gives selflessly and uplifts those around her. She is an educator, teaching fundraising courses, and serves on several boards, including the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), where she volunteers as a tribute to her two children with Type 1 Diabetes. She currently chairs boards for Pacific Assistance Dogs Society and St. Michael’s Long-Term Care and is involved with Family Services of the North Shore.
“It’s a true honour to receive this award and I can’t fully express how much it means to me,” said Kristy. “Attending BCIT changed the course of my life both professionally and personally. The practical skills I gained were essential, but the confidence and resilience I developed were unexpected gifts that have truly made all the difference in my life.”
Watch Kristy’s video:
2025 BCIT Honorary Doctorate of Technology
Mark Angelo
A world-renowned river conservationist, speaker, writer, and paddler, Mark Angelo founded BC Rivers Day and World Rivers Day which is celebrated in over 100 countries. Mark led the Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation Program at BCIT, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award upon his 2011 retirement along with honorary Chair Emeritus status at the BCIT Rivers Institute. He is a recipient of the Order of British Columbia, Order of Canada, and honorary doctorates from Simon Fraser and Trent Universities. In 2021, he published The Little Creek That Could, and in 2025 will release River Magic. A Fellow of The Explorers Club and the Royal Canadian Geographic Society, Mark continues to mentor NGOs and youth on river conservation.
“I knew I wanted to spend my life doing what I could to protect or restore rivers and BCIT helped me to achieve that,” commented Mark. “In my first visit to BCIT’s Guichon Creek more than 50 years ago, the creek was barren, polluted, and dead. With the help of students, staff, and the community, the creek is now, once again, a beautiful and vibrant feature on our campus highlighting that nature can heal itself if only we give it a chance.”
Watch Mark’s video:
Nominate a leader for a 2025 BCIT Distinguished Award by December 6. Learn more.
BCIT gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our Presenting Sponsor for the BCIT Distinguished Awards 2024.
