Even after graduating, Andrea Obnamia keeps finding her way back to BCIT. Now an alumna and recipient of the Laurie Jack Memorial Award, which recognizes a graduate who has made outstanding contributions to and enhanced student life, Andrea continues to support current students by mentoring members of BCIT Racing.
As a graduate of both the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology — Manufacturing programs, Andrea’s impact on student life stretches well beyond the classroom. From helping BCIT Racing evolve into a structured, multi-disciplinary team to taking on leadership roles across campus, she consistently found ways to bring people together and make student involvement more accessible.
Finding her place with BCIT Racing
A passion for off-road vehicles and outdoor activities drew Andrea to BCIT Racing, which is a student-led team that designs and builds competitive off-road cars. What began as casual involvement evolved over three years into the Vice-President of Logistics position which required Andrea to draw upon her travel experience, organizational instincts, and a desire to support her peers’ learning outside the classroom.
In the leadership role with BCIT Racing, Andrea cites her most tangible contribution as planning the team’s trip to the BAJA SAE Arizona competition. That work involved timelines, budgets, accommodation, travel options, collecting payments, and constant communication with a large roster of students. Treating logistics like an engineering problem, she gathered requirements, estimated costs, built contingencies, and pivoted when plans changed. The end result was a successful trip that came within $2 of the original budgeted estimate.
Service across campus and recognition
Andrea’s campus involvement extended beyond BCIT Racing. She served on the Engineering Student Society, was a Student Association Councillor and Set Representative, and even stepped in as President of the Engineering Students’ Society. Through these varied experiences, Andrea was exposed to committee governance, sponsorship relations, and event planning, while also gaining a broad understanding of student needs across programs.
Her breadth of service and efforts to enhance student life earned her the Laurie Jack Memorial Award. For Andrea, receiving the award was a moment of reflection. “It wasn’t about wanting recognition,” she explains. “It was about stepping out of my comfort zone and making a difference.” It was affirmation that her behind-the-scenes work mattered.
Hands-on learning that complements the classroom
Andrea credits BCIT’s applied learning approach with giving her the confidence to take on roles beyond what the curriculum required. Her time with BCIT Racing and other student organizations complemented her technical education with practical experience. “I learned how to take on management responsibilities, stay organized, understand the people I was working with, and communicate effectively,” she says. “Academics can open the door, but employers don’t just look at grades — they value experience.”
Life after BCIT
Today, Andrea is thriving in her role at a helicopter company. “It feels great to apply what I learned at BCIT,” she says. Surrounded by fellow BCIT alumni in the workplace, Andrea continues to experience the strong sense of community that began on campus.
Looking ahead, she remains connected to BCIT Racing. “Get involved,” she encourages. “It’s fun, exciting, and rewarding. The team understands that you’re a student and that school comes first. Even with a busy schedule, getting involved allows you to learn things you can’t get in class and those experiences will shape your future and create lasting memories.”
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