About the Panel

In a season once defined by sunshine and rest, summer in British Columbia now brings an ever-present reminder of the climate crisis: wildfires that threaten landscapes, communities, infrastructure, and learning environments alike. As these climate disasters become more deadly, how can B.C.’s post-secondary institutions respond swiftly, compassionately, and effectively? 

Join us for a timely panel discussion exploring how the sector can better prepare for, adapt to, and respond during times of crisis. From evacuation orders and connectivity disruptions to student displacement and mental health challenges, our panelists will examine the real and present impacts of climate-related emergencies on learners, faculty, and staff. 

We will explore questions such as: 

• How can institutions ensure academic continuity when disaster strikes?
• What does meaningful flexibility look like in a time of crisis?
• How do we support students, especially those already facing barriers, in continuing their studies under extraordinary circumstances?
• What role do collaboration, preparedness, and trauma-informed practices play in institutional resilience?

Join in the conversation! There will be an opportunity for audience members to ask anonymous questions upon registration. 

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or policymaker, this 90 minute virtual gathering will offer practical considerations and sector-wide reflections on leading with care in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Register Now!

This notice is to inform you that this session will be recorded, archived, and shared after the event. By participating in this session, you acknowledge that your participation will be recorded and the recording will be made available publicly.

About the Panelists

Dr. Alisha David (she/her) is a post-secondary educator, researcher, and lifelong learner who believes in the power of story to transform teaching and learning. Over the past decade, she has held a range of roles in education, from educational assistant to classroom teacher, and she currently works as a full-time college instructor. Her practice and perspective have been deeply shaped by her years living and working in Treaty 8 territory, the ancestral and traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, and Métis peoples. Witnessing the environmental loss of this region has informed her research focus on disaster-induced loss and its implications for adult education. Alisha’s work explores how disruption and grief shape learning and how educators can respond with empathy and foster resilience.

Dr. Bala Nikku is an Associate Professor of Social Work at the Faculty of Education and Social Work, Thompson Rivers University. He is a racialized immigrant to Canada from the Global South and brings a rich background as a social work teacher, scholar, and practitioner. In this panel, Bala will share his insights on disaster social work, how he teaches it, and how he strives to make the classroom a sanctuary for learning. How can we turn vulnerabilities and risks associated with disasters into opportunities for learning, hope, curiosity, and resilience? For Bala, resilience is not about suppressing emotions or merely surviving or bouncing back, but about embracing moments of vulnerability as a source of action, strength, and wisdom. 

Christy Foote (she/her) is the Events Manager at BCcampus. She is an experienced event planner with a background in interior design, known for creating inclusive and engaging experiences. With a focus on accessibility, safety, and community connection, Christy brings both creativity and care to every event she leads. Outside of work, Christy is a competitive fastball player and an avid world traveler, always seeking connection—whether on the field or across the globe.

Dr. Theresa Southam (she/her) completed her PhD in Human and Organizational Development in 2020. She is the Department Head of the Teaching and Learning Centre at Selkirk College and a 2025-26 Fielding ISI Fellow. With a long career in environmental communication, Theresa considers her life’s work to be the conservation of thousands of hectares of wetlands. She previously worked with the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, where she coordinated a network of community educators reaching over 10,000 children. She is the author of Driving Social Innovation: How Unexpected Leadership is Transforming Society (2022) and Transforming Trauma through Social Change: A Guide for Educators (2024). More about her work can be found on her website.