Erica Commons Email & Phone Number

BCIB is the Provincial Crown corporation providing the qualified skilled trades workforce for the construction of public infrastructure projects operating under the BC Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), such as the Broadway Subway project and the Pattullo Bridge replacement project. Our priority is to mobilize and grow a safe, diverse, skilled workforce that represents the communities where CBA projects are built. Indigenous peoples, women and other traditionally underrepresented groups receive priority access to employment and training opportunities at BCIB.BCIB values the diversity and strengths of an inclusive worksite where everyone has the opportunity to build a career in the trades. Our Respectful Onsite Initiative (ROI) is a comprehensive approach to supporting all workers on CBA projects. As a part of the ROI, all BCIB employees receive BCIB’s Indigenous Cultural Competency training.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Toronto, Canada Area

Every year, Loran assesses over 5,000 applicants and select up to 36 promising young Canadians as Loran Scholars, based on evidence of integrity, courage, compassion, grit, and a high level of personal autonomy. Offered in full partnership with 25 Canadian universities, a Loran Award is valued at approximately $100,000 over four years of undergraduate study.Loran has an alumni network of more than 600 individuals around the world. Impressively, 96% of alumni have donated a cumulative total of over $2 million to the Foundation, despite the average age of alumni being just 31 years old.Throughout the year, alumni remain connected as volunteers, lending their time and expertise to the foundation as assessors, selection committee administrators and interviewers, mentors, and fourth-year transition coaches.Loran has eight national and three international alumni hubs connect past scholars around the globe, encouraging one another to live the values of Loran Each hub engages alumni through social, professional, and service-oriented gatherings. As the Loran alumni population grows, the hubs serve as intimate networks that support alumni as they contribute their talents to Canada and the world.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of North America's largest and most prestigious public research and teaching institutions, and one of only two Canadian institutions to be consistently ranked among the world's 40 best universities.As the Faculty of Science's Student Engagement Officer, I worked with the Dean's office team to provide vision and direction in the development and implementation of all faculty-hosted student engagement programs for 8,000+ undergraduate students. This included the delivery of existing student support programs designed to bridge students' curricular and co-curricular experiences. Programs included those developed in collaboration with Faculty of Science departments and academic programs, UBC Orientations, SCI Team, Science Peer Academic Coaches, the Science Undergraduate Society, strategic career initiatives, and more.In my team, we worked to identify programmatic areas, student life issues, and initiatives where programs and services would support and enhance Science student engagement. This included identifying existing gaps in the provision of resources, evaluating programs, and providing recommended solutions to senior leadership.I was also responsible for coordinating the annual budget and supervising our Student Engagement Coordinator, student employees, and volunteers.During this time, I was a Board Director for the Association or Administrative and Professional Staff at UBC (AAPS).

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

The UBC Bachelor + Master of Management Dual Degree Program (B+MM) gives students the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor's degree in a non-business faculty and a business-oriented Master of Management degree in just 4.5 years. The first of its kind, the B+MM program strives to grow interdisciplinary students who see success in turning their passion into a profession. The UBC Sauder Master of Management program is ranked #1 in North America by the Financial Times and #36 in the world by Times Higher Education. Launched in 2015, our team created and delivered the new programs and services for this student population. As manager of student career outcomes, I developed and implement the professional development curriculum and career advising support for ~500 B+MM students. This includes acting as an instructor in two graduate courses and a four-year online course called the Professional Journey Workbook, and providing one-on-one coaching and career advising to students. The results of this strategy show that 95% of Master of Management students are employed within three months of graduation.

Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Queen’s University is one of Canada’s oldest degree-granting institutions, and the Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) represents the 4,300+ graduate and professional students that are enrolled in 120+ degree programs at the University. As the Equity & Diversity Commissioner, I advocated on behalf of graduate and professional students to the University administration on issues of gender, sexuality, race, and disability. I directly supervised a team of Coordinators and oversaw the development of governing policies at the SGPS regarding equity and inclusion. Additionally, I served on the Queen's University Sexual Assault Policy and Prevention Working Group that developed and delivered the institution's first sexual assault policy, resulting in stronger services and supports for students who are victims of sexual assault. I also served on the Queen's University Positive Space Committee, the Educational Equity Committee of Senate and the International Centre Council.In recognition of my service to the University, I was awarded the SGPS Student Contribution Award in 2015.

Toronto, Canada Area

The Next 36 program accelerates the growth of Canada’s most talented young entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, capital, and unparalleled founder development. Every year, 36 young Canadian innovators are selected to participate in an eight month startup accelerator and are enrolled in business and technology courses at the University of Toronto Rotman School of Business. During the Next 36, I co-founded Loopscripts with a team of two other co-founders with the goal creating the first completely digital medical prescription that would be accessible from any mobile device. As CEO, I oversaw the successful development of the business model and demo prototype, which resulted in winning 2nd place at MasterCard Challenge for most innovative alternative payments app. Additionally, I supervised our software developers and conducted market research with pharmacists and physicians to validate our product-market fit.

The Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies (CIS) is an interdisciplinary research unit for Indigenous critical theory and politics, arts research, and applied social practice within the humanities and social sciences at UBC. It hosts First Nations and Indigenous Studies (FNIS) and the First Nations and Endangered Languages Program (FNEL). I provided on-going marketing and communications support for FNIS, including all digital content and producing the first edition of their annual report and newsletter--The Raven. Additionally, I managed the logistics for program events such as student lunches at the First Nations House of Learning and staff planning retreats.

On the first day of classes, UBC campus is transformed and over 9000 new-to-UBC students and over 1000 faculty, student, and staff volunteers come together to welcome students to their new academic community and celebrate the start of the school year.As a Student Coordinator, I managed the logistics for international student orientation programming, including the Jump Start parents orientation and exchange student orientation. Additionally, I was responsible for training and managing a team of several dozen student volunteers who were our Orientation Leaders.

Vancouver, Canada Area

UBC Student Housing and Hospitality Services (SHHS) provides accommodation for more than 9,000 students in 12 residence areas that supports students both academically and socially.Based in an upper-year undergraduate and graduate student housing with 1400~ residents, I directly supervised a team of Residence Advisors (student staff) and worked with the Residence Life Manager to provide ongoing support and training to staff. In collaboration with my advisors, I supported the development, facilitation, and follow-through of residence area-wide programming that supported student success and well-being.Additionally, I was a Residence Advisor in traditional-style/first-year student residence for two academic years before being promoted to Senior Advisor.

Ica Diploma In Governance, Risk And Compliance

Master'S Coursework, School Of Kinesiology And Health Studies

Research Residency - Native Hawaiian Studies

Ba, First Nations & Indigenous Studies

- Studied at UBC as a Loran Scholar, the country's largest and most comprehensive four-year undergraduate award - Studied hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓.

Academic Exchange - Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Studies