Celebrating five outstanding leaders at the 2026 BCIT Vision Awards

On October 29, 2026, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) will celebrate five exceptional members of its community at the 2026 BCIT Vision Awards.

The honourees are being recognized for their leadership, innovation, community impact, and contributions to BCIT and beyond. From advancing Canadian broadcasting and Indigenous forestry practices to driving innovation in building science, strengthening student communities, and preparing the next generation of leaders, their accomplishments reflect the many ways BCIT alumni and community members are making a difference.

The 2026 recipients are:

BCIT Honorary Doctorate of Technology: Shushma Datt, O.B.C., CEO, i.t. Media Broadcasting
BCIT Distinguished Alumni Award: Jordon Gabriel, Community Relations & Forestry Manager, Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures
BCIT Faculty and Staff Association Distinguished Alumni Award: Mike Battistel, President, Cascadia Windows & Doors; Instructor, Architectural Building Engineering Technology, BCIT
BCIT Outstanding Student Leadership Award: Simone Chiang, Master of Engineering in Smart Grid Systems and Technologies, 2026
BCIT Outstanding Student Leadership Award: Andrey Lykov, Master of Engineering in Building Science, 2024; Building Science Consultant, RDH Building Science

About the recipients

Honorary Doctorate of Technology Recipient

Shushma Datt, O.B.C.

For more than five decades, Shushma Datt has been a pioneering voice in Canadian broadcasting and a strong advocate for community and multiculturalism.

As CEO of i.t. Media Broadcasting, Shushma has built a career that spans radio, television, journalism, and community engagement. She has used her radio and broadcast platforms to highlight social issues, Indian arts and culture, and the experiences of women and diverse communities.

Shushma’s influence extends well beyond broadcasting. Through radio-thons and other fundraising initiatives, she has helped raise more than $1.5 million for organizations including the Canadian Cancer Society and BC Children’s Hospital.

Her commitment to community service has earned her numerous honours, including the Order of British Columbia, the Jack Webster Foundation’s Bruce Hutchinson Lifetime Achievement Award, Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals, the BC Association of Broadcasters’ Broadcaster of the Year award, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Shushma has also contributed her expertise through advisory and board roles, including with BCIT and the BC Association of Broadcasters.

Jordon Gabriel

A member of the Líl̓wat Nation, residential school survivor, father, and grandfather, Jordon Gabriel has dedicated more than 30 years to forestry and wildfire management, including two decades with the BC Wildfire Service.

After completing BCIT’s Forestry Technician program, which was delivered within his community, Gabriel returned to work in Líl̓wat Territory. Today, as Community Relations & Forestry Manager with Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures, he helps guide forestry initiatives that bring together technical forest management and Indigenous knowledge.

A significant part of his work has involved learning from Líl̓wat Elders about cultural burning, traditional land stewardship, and the importance of protecting culturally significant plants and wildlife habitat. He now helps apply that knowledge through projects involving cultural burning, fuels management, community forestry, and wildfire resilience.

For Jordon, forestry is about more than managing trees. It is about maintaining healthy, interconnected ecosystems and ensuring future generations can continue to harvest berries, mushrooms, and traditional plants while supporting the people and wildlife that depend on the land.

FSA Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

Mike Battistel

Mike Battistel has spent his career advancing building science, building enclosure technology, and education.

After eight years working as a building envelope tradesman, Mike graduated with distinction from BCIT’s Architectural and Building Engineering Technology program in 1999. He went on to join RDH Building Science, where he became a Principal and helped the firm grow into a global leader in building science.

In 2008, Mike shifted his focus from engineering consulting to product innovation and manufacturing. He was instrumental in launching Cascadia Windows & Doors, which has become a North American leader in energy-efficient fiberglass window and door technology. Under his leadership, the company has developed award-winning, patented technologies, including North America’s first Passive House-certified window.

His connection to BCIT has remained strong throughout his career. Mike has taught part-time in the Architectural and Building Engineering Technology program for more than 24 years and received the BCIT Teaching Excellence Award in 2006.

Through his teaching and industry leadership, he has also helped create career opportunities and job placements for hundreds of BCIT students and graduates.

Outstanding Student Leadership Award Recipient

Simone Chiang

Simone Chiang’s time at BCIT has been defined by leadership, community building, and a desire to create positive change through technology.

A recent graduate of BCIT’s Master of Engineering in Smart Grid Systems and Technologies program, Simone served as Valedictorian for the Class of 2026. Originally from Taiwan, she came to Canada in 2023 and quickly became an active member of the BCIT community.

As Chair of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) BCIT Student Branch and Co-Chair of Pride BCIT, Simone helped create opportunities for students to connect, develop professionally, and engage across campus. Her leadership has also been recognized with the BCITSA Distinguished International Student Award.

Simone’s academic work focused on developing a digital twin platform that allows researchers to safely test how microgrids respond to real-world challenges, including power outages, cyberattacks, and extreme weather. Combining renewable energy systems, battery storage, real-time simulation, and protection technologies, her work aimed to improve the reliability and resilience of future energy grids.

Her leadership at BCIT has been grounded in people. Through events, community initiatives, and student leadership, she has worked to create a campus environment where students can find connection, support, and opportunities to grow.

Andrey Lykov

Andrey Lykov combined his passion for building science with a commitment to strengthening the student community at BCIT.

A 2024 graduate of BCIT’s Master of Engineering in Building Science program and a winner of BCIT’s Student Innovation Challenge, Andrey is now a Building Science Consultant with RDH Building Science. His professional interests include building enclosure performance, high-performance buildings, sustainability, and the long-term durability of the built environment.

During his time at BCIT, Andrey founded and served as president of the BCIT Building Science Club. Through club events, workshops, networking opportunities, and mentorship initiatives, he helped connect students with their peers, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals.

His leadership helped bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice, giving students opportunities to explore their field and build relationships that could support their careers.

Since graduating, Andrey has continued to contribute to the building science and heritage communities in British Columbia through his professional work, volunteer activities, and mentorship of students.

Learn more about the 2026 BCIT Vision Awards and the recipients.

Purchase tickets to attend the event.

Photo (L to R): Jeff Zabudsky, Simone Chiang, Andrey Lykov, Shushma Datt, Mike Battistel, and Jordon Gabriel