Executive Board of Directors 2024-2025
Executive Positions
President
Izabela Mazur
Serving as President since 2023, Izabela is an Associate Teaching Professor at Thompson Rivers University and a veteran educator with over two decades of experience in ABE. She champions the use of OERs to improve educational accessibility and affordability. Her commitment is demonstrated through her authorship of “Introductory Algebra” and co-authorship of “Advanced Business Technical Math.”
Vice-President
Mark Friesen
Mark is an Assistant Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley where he teaches ABE English. His research interests are in adult place-conscious learning and Indigenization, as well as generative AI and its impact on teaching and learning. Mark has been a board member of ABEABC since 2022.
Secretary
Stephanie Forgacs
A qualified TESOL instructor, Stephanie began working in the field of English language teaching in 2019 after a 25-year career in fund development in higher education and healthcare.
Treasurer
Shauna Svekla
Shauna coordinates ABE at the University of the Fraser Valley but also possesses experience across the non-profit and education sectors in immigrant employment programs, private education, and HR. She advocates for the consideration and support of talent among people with barriered backgrounds. In her spare time, she enjoys personal growth, time with her daughter, and gardening.
Regional Representatives
| Fraser Valley: | Bamabe Assogba |
| Surrey-Delta: | Roberta Power |
| Kootenay-Boundary: | Vacant |
| Metro Vancouver: | Vacant |
| North Central Region: | Eric Moon |
| Vancouver Island: | Puja Gupta |
| Cariboo Okanagan: | Tory Anchikoski |
Board Members
| Groundwork Co-Chair: | Stephanie Forgacs & Christine Miller |
| Conference Co-Chair: | Puja Gupta & Mark Friesen |
| Membership Chair: | Shauna Svekla |
| Indigenous Liaison: | Stephanie Thomas |
| Government Liaison: | Vacant |
| Past President: | Viviana Chiorean ~2022 |