At BCIT, we are committed to supporting the people who shape and elevate our students’ journey. The People Plan: Caring for our people. Strengthening BCIT together guides how we support employee wellbeing, growth, belonging, and transformation.
Through the Our People series on BCIT News, we celebrate the passion, expertise, and impact of individuals who help shape a better future at BCIT and beyond.
Meet Marie Bassey, Associate Director, Enterprise Risk Management, who joined BCIT a year ago. In her role, she helps the Institute identify factors that could affect its mandate and future, prepare for challenges, and make better-informed decisions.
What has been your most memorable moment working at BCIT?
One of my most memorable moments at BCIT was working with students on the development of an automated environmental intelligence tool to support smarter external monitoring and analysis. Seeing students take an idea and turn it into a practical solution with real-world applications was incredibly rewarding.
What made the experience especially meaningful was watching classroom learning come to life. The students weren’t just completing an assignment; they were tackling a real challenge, building skills, and gaining experience that will help prepare them for their future careers.
Moments like that remind me why institutions like BCIT are so important. We help develop the talent, innovation, and problem-solvers that support British Columbia’s workforce and economy. Seeing the students’ creativity, curiosity, and confidence grow throughout the project was inspiring and something I’ll always remember.
What do you enjoy the most about working in post-secondary education?
Working in post-secondary education aligns with a lifelong passion of mine. My mother was a teacher, and growing up, I saw firsthand the difference education can make in people’s lives.
What I enjoy most about BCIT is the opportunity to contribute to an institution that changes lives every day while helping develop the skilled workforce, innovation, and talent that support British Columbia’s future. Although I’m not in the classroom, I find it incredibly rewarding to help create the conditions that enable student success and support BCIT’s mission.
Every day is different. One week I may be discussing student success, artificial intelligence, research, or tools and equipment. That diversity of perspectives is one of the things I enjoy most about working at BCIT.
What are projects or initiatives that you have completed at the Institute that you are proud of?
One initiative I am particularly proud of is helping establish BCIT’s quarterly enterprise risk reporting process. Traditionally, organizations often assess risks annually. By introducing more regular conversations about emerging risks, mitigation progress, and changing conditions, we are helping leaders stay informed and respond proactively in a rapidly changing environment.
I am also proud of leading BCIT’s AI Risk Registry initiative. Artificial intelligence presents tremendous opportunities, but it also raises important questions around privacy, security, bias, governance, and accountability. Working with colleagues across the Institute to identify and assess these risks has been an exciting opportunity to help BCIT navigate a rapidly evolving landscape.
Finally, I have enjoyed developing the ERM Learning Series. My goal was to foster a more risk-aware culture by making risk management accessible and practical for everyone. Risk management is often viewed as complicated or highly technical, but at its core it is about making better decisions. Helping colleagues see that connection has been incredibly rewarding.
Is there an Institute event or initiative that you look forward to every year?
One of my most memorable moments at BCIT was participating in my first Convocation as an ambassador. After spending much of the year working behind the scenes to support BCIT’s success, it was incredibly rewarding to see the outcomes of our collective efforts come to life through our graduates.
I had the opportunity to help graduates from the School of Business + Media prepare for their special day. The excitement, pride, and sometimes even the nerves were palpable. One particularly memorable moment was helping valedictorian Felix Omondi, a graduate of BCIT’s General Insurance and Risk Management Diploma, get ready before he took the stage.
Felix’s message resonated deeply with me. He reminded the graduating class that we are often more alike than we are different and encouraged everyone to move forward with confidence, knowing they are equipped to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and make a difference.
As someone who values inclusion and creating opportunities for others, it was especially meaningful to witness that moment. Seeing graduates from diverse backgrounds celebrated for their achievements reflected the kind of community BCIT strives to create, where talent, determination, and hard work are recognized and supported.
Convocation was a powerful reminder of BCIT’s impact on students, industry, and BC’s future workforce. It was inspiring to witness firsthand the culmination of years of dedication and achievement, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s celebration.
Do you have a favourite spot or activity at the BCIT campuses that you enjoy spending your time at?
A colleague recently introduced me to Guichon Creek, and I couldn’t believe it had taken me almost a year at BCIT to discover it. Tucked away in the heart of campus, it feels like a hidden gem. The trails, flowing water, birdsong, and natural surroundings create a peaceful escape from a busy day.
It has quickly become my favourite place for a walk when I need to clear my head, reflect, or reset between meetings. I love that it serves as a reminder that even within a vibrant and fast-paced institution, there are spaces to pause, recharge, and reconnect with nature.
I am also grateful that BCIT has preserved this natural treasure and the unique ecosystem surrounding Guichon Creek. It beautifully reflects the Institute’s commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and creating spaces where people can learn, work, and thrive.
Share with us how what you are passionate about outside of work. Do you have any hobbies?
Outside of work, I am passionate about lifelong learning, mentoring, community service, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. I have served, and continue to serve, on several boards and professional associations, including MOSAIC, BC RIMA, and the Women’s Economic Council. I believe in paying it forward by helping others grow and ensuring there is space for diverse voices and perspectives.
I also enjoy connecting with people from different backgrounds and industries. Some of my most valuable insights have come from conversations over coffee rather than formal meetings. If we haven’t connected yet, chances are we’ll be grabbing a coffee sometime soon!
Travel is another passion of mine. I also document some of my travels on YouTube as a creative way to connect with people and share experiences from around the world. This summer, I checked a long-time item off my bucket list by visiting Salzburg, Austria, and experiencing the world of The Sound of Music.
Exploring different cultures helps me keep an open mind and appreciate different perspectives. It reminds me that there is rarely a single path to success, and that some of the best ideas and solutions come from taking the time to understand how others see the world.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?
One thing I have learned throughout my career is that uncertainty is not something to fear or avoid. Every meaningful decision or outcome involves some degree of uncertainty, whether positive (opportunity) or negative (risk). The key is understanding that uncertainty well enough to make informed choices.
At BCIT, I have been inspired by the willingness of our people to collaborate, innovate, and continuously improve. As the Institute navigates new opportunities and challenges, I believe that curiosity, openness to new ideas, and thoughtful, timely decision-making will continue to be among our greatest strengths. It has also been exciting to see the role of Enterprise Risk Management continue to evolve alongside BCIT’s growing needs, helping leaders make informed decisions in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing environment.
Come grow with us. Explore career opportunities at BCIT.