Becky Hayton (she/her) first found a love for technology and digital communications when she created her first over the shoulder box for an in-school news assignment. Since that day, over twenty years ago (pre-social media), she has witnessed an exciting digital revolution within the world. This has led to the creation of exciting new methods of messaging and understanding audiences using online tools.

She has worked in various capacities in both marketing and communications, starting out within the field of advertising by creating commercials. She quickly advanced her skills and education to include more focus on higher level strategy and tactics. Her work within all three pillars (corporate, non-profit, and government) and her previous experience with business ownership, gives Becky a big picture perspective and a more holistic outlook on implementing and evaluating communications tools to achieve goals.

Becky enjoys taking a challenge head on and has only been beat by a computer once (so far). When she’s not working, or volunteering, she can be found curled up with a good read, shopping for a great purse, or hanging out with her family, friends and pets.

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Becky is currently employed with Cowichan Tribes.

Megan Hamlet is a bilingual communications and marketing professional, trainer, facilitator, and keynote speaker with over 15 years of experience in employment services, adult education, and strategic partnership development. As a board member with CPRS-VI, she is hoping to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of public relations on Vancouver Island while learning from fellow board members and deepening her understanding of the profession.

Megan has led initiatives supporting career development for diverse communities, including students, newcomers, persons with disabilities, and equity-deserving groups. She works closely with employers, post-secondary institutions, and funders to build sustainable labour market connections and promote inclusive hiring practices.

Her expertise includes strategic communications, marketing, training and facilitation, program management, grant writing, and relationship building. Megan is passionate about empowering individuals and organizations through equitable, innovative, and results-driven strategies.

Stephanie Riley (she, her) is currently a Communications Advisor leading internal communications at Okanagan College. With over a decade of experience in the public sector, Stephanie has shaped strategic communications and public engagement initiatives across municipal government, First Nation government, and post-secondary education. She brings a deep commitment to innovative, inclusive and community-centered communication.

Stephanie holds a Master of Arts in Professional Communication from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Victoria. She’s passionate about supporting others in the field, and her board experience spans from local sport organizations to, more recently, the UVic Alumni Association.

As a Board member for CPRS-VI, Stephanie is excited to contribute to a community that values belonging and lifelong learning. She believes in the power of thoughtful, holistic communication to build stronger organizations and more connected communities.

Neha Pande is a dynamic Communication Specialist with over five years of experience in the communications and research industry. Her cross-cultural competence and strong interpersonal skills enable her to thrive in diverse environments, while her commitment to professional development ensures she remains at the forefront of her field. She excels in creating and developing strategic communication plans and leveraging analytical prowess and research to engage with the requirements of diverse clients effectively and in an impactful manner. She completed her Learning Project with the Community Office of Laurel Collins, MP of Victoria. She currently works with Island Health.

Neha’s mantra to successful strategy development is - Attention to Detail. Always. 

Neha's professional journey reflects her ability to thrive in cross-cultural and diverse environments, demonstrating strong communication skills, along with her adept conflict resolution skills, fostering smooth and productive interactions. Neha brings a results-oriented approach to every project.

Neha has a Masters in Intercultural and International Communications from Royal Roads University, 2024; Master of Arts in Women’s Studies from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, 2017; and Bachelor of Arts in English Honours and Spanish from the Foreign Languages University, 2015.

Cheryl Major loves to tell stories that highlight people who love their jobs, and programs that matter. She has had a diverse communications career over the past 20 years, ranging from public affairs for the Canadian Armed Forces, to marketing and leadership for an elite private school, to public service at the municipal and territorial levels.   

Cheryl has developed and delivered workshops on leadership, communications and engagement to both youth and adult learners throughout her career. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Diploma in Public Relations, both from the University of Victoria, and currently sits on the Steering Committee for the UVic Diploma in Public Relations program.

Cheryl is the recipient of an Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Affairs) national commendation for developing a program to engage youth in the public affairs function, and in 2025 received a CPRS Award of Excellence for a campaign to break down real and perceived barriers for women applying to policing.

This could be you!

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Michelle has over 25 years of experience in strategic communications and public engagement. As the City of Victoria’s Strategic Planning and Communications Advisor, she has had the opportunity to work with just about every department over the past 16 years. Some highlights include the award-winning Prepare Victoria recipe for disaster public awareness campaign, the Victoria Reconciliation Dialogues series, public engagement for the Government Street Refresh project and engaging local equity-seeking groups to help inform the City’s annual budget.

Michelle has her APR Accreditation in Public Relations from the Canadian Public Relations Society, has previously served on the CPRS-VI Board as Secretary, volunteered for local chapter events, and has served as an APR grader for the CPRS national office.  

Michelle also holds a Certificate in Public Participation from the International Association of Public Participation.