Meet the Team
Communications, Storytelling, and Events
Alicia Ashcroft, she/her
Writer & StorytellerAlicia Ashcroft graduated from TRU in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Theatre. She has lived in New Zealand and Australia and travelled extensively before settling back in Kamloops. Above most things in life, Alicia appreciates community, volunteerism, film, travel, laughter, close friends, a good book, CBC 2, her two bears and a well-made latte.
Leanne Friar, she/her
Communication, Storytelling & Events SupervisorLeanne received her BAS Specialized Honours Marketing from York University in 2010. She joined the Faculty of Student Development in April 2023 - and is bringing her events management and digital marketing expertise to the post-secondary sector.
In her spare time, Leanne enjoys hiking, photography, trying new restaurants, road trips and going on adventures with her kids.
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is Stupid” - Albert Einstein
Dea Hanifaputri, she/her
Events & Marketing Support SpecialistDea has a degree in Bachelor of Arts (Hons.), Design Communications from LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma, Marketing from TRU.
Dea brings with her 5+ years of international work experience in the marketing and communications industry, as well as experience working at TRU World as an Admissions Officer.
She has also been involved as a part of the Storyteller Squad, a Career Ambassador and from her six month Co-op with Career & Experiential Learning.
Student Storyteller Squad
Meet the 2024 - 2025 Student Storyteller Squad! The team, who range from new-to-TRU to nearly graduated, work closely with Writer & Storyteller Alicia Ashcroft to answer the question: when it comes to the student life experience, what kind of stories do we want to hear, and what stories do we want to tell?
Jenna Marshall, she/her
Jenna is completing her final semester as a BBA student and marketing major. A storyteller since 2022, Jenna joined the team after completing a Marketing co-op with the Faculty of Student Development. Now a senior storyteller, Jenna's primary focus is creating reels and videos for social media, writing blogs about her student life experience, supporting junior students on project work and engaging in various on-campus events. She brings the knowledge and experience she gained from her four co-op work terms.
Preethal Rodirgues, she/her
Pree is a final year (Post Baccalaureate) student majoring in Supply Chain Management. She joined the team in 2022 after meeting some storytellers at a TRU LEADership event. The storyteller who recruited her recognized what a bright, fun and enthusiastic student she was, so Pree was hired mid-semester and has been with the team ever since. Pree is highly energetic and deeply committed to campus engagement, community building and academic well-being. You might also know Pree as a volunteer with TRU World, Leap or as a Student Library Ambassador.
Reese Dolphy, he/him
Reese is a first-year student pursuing the Visual Arts Undergraduate Diploma. He joined the team in 2024, and the storyteller who recruited him recognized his creativity, perseverance and the enthusiasm he fosters academically, so Reese was hired mid-summer and has been with the team ever since. He identifies as a BIPOC trans man and is proud to be part of the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community. Reese is impeccably ardent and deeply committed to campus activities, community building and academic well-being. You might also know Reese as a volunteer with TRU Sustainability and various organizations and events in Kamloops.
Deiveek Agarwal , he/him
Dev (/deɪv/) is a fourth-year Communications student majoring in Public Relations. He is a photographer for the Omega Newspaper. With over two years of experience hosting his own radio show- 'Map it!' on CFBX 92.5 FM, and recent mentoring roles, Dev joined the Student Storyteller Team in 2024. His goals are to connect more students with TRU's student services and to see his campus bustling.
Ppriyanka Bokey, she/her
Ppriyanka is a 1st Year Post Baccalaureate student majoring in Marketing. When she first met the Storyteller team on Student Street, she wanted to join the team of raconteurs, which she did in the summer of 2024. The storytellers recognized her for her charismatic personality, her enthusiasm for work and her go-getter attitude. She is a people person who loves to connect and meet everyone on campus. She believes she has tales to share and knowledge to learn from everyone who would assist in community building and academic learning. Being a football player and fitness enthusiast herself, she wishes to encourage everyone through stories to take care of their well-being. You might have met Ppriyanka sometime or another, mainly if you had visited the TRU LEAP Desk, as she was there and is also a popular volunteer for LEAP. She was also featured in the Instagram post of TRUGaglardi #GetToKnowGaglardi
Puneet Malik, he/him
Puneet is a second-year Post-Baccalaureate student majoring in Tourism Destination Development. He gained valuable experience as a Learning Strategist - Orientation & Transitions co-op with the Office of Student Life, which allowed him to work in a multicultural team and develop a deeper understanding of the university environment. Puneet possesses strong communication skills, and his dedication and work ethic have enabled him to grow professionally and academically.
In his free time, he enjoys shopping, exploring new cafes, and sharing diverse student life experiences with his peers. Passionate about inclusivity and diversity, he is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment at the university, ensuring that all students receive the highest quality education without fear of judgment for who they are or who they aspire to be.
Through various professional training programs, such as 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy, People in Motion (disability training), Intercultural Leadership Training, and additional professional development opportunities, Puneet has broadened his understanding of diverse perspectives, which will enable him to showcase his skills in this role.
Emma MacAulay, she/her
Emma graduated from TRU in June 2024 after earning a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy. Now enrolled in the post-baccalaureate Human Resources program, Emma is excited about campus engagement opportunities. She was overjoyed to officially join the Student Storytellers after supporting the team on various projects during the summer and fall of 2024. Emma's passion for creative projects, organization and critical thought will allow her to contribute to creating and upholding safe/inclusive spaces to showcase the amazing opportunities and experiences at TRU. She hopes to encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and try something new at TRU.
