Nicole-Ann Poitras

Nicole-Ann, who is of Cree-Métis and English descent, was born and raised in Burnaby, BC, and attended the University of British Columbia where she obtained her Bachelor of Commerce degree with a specialization in Marketing. Upon graduation, Nicole-Ann entered the foodservice industry and, for 8 ½ years, worked with a Western Canadian Franchised Restaurant chain as head of their Marketing department. After leaving the restaurant sector, Nicole-Ann was proud to work with women throughout the province of British Columbia, and specifically in Indigenous communities, in an Education, Partnership, and Engagement role with the Minerva Foundation for BC Women. Staying in the non-profit sector, Nicole-Ann served as the Events Manager at Big Sisters BC Lower Mainland and is currently the Director of Marketing & Programs at the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau.

Nicole-Ann is Principal of Purple Chili Communications, a company she created, where she consults for companies, government organizations, and foundations on Strategic Marketing, Strategic Communications, and Event projects, alongside her non-profit commitments. Her clients have included the Ministry of Agriculture/Heart & Stroke Foundation (Project Manager – Produce Availability Initiative Stimulating Demand for Fresh Produce in Remote BC Communities) and Marketplace Events (Cooking Stage Manager for the BC Spring and Fall Home Shows). Nicole-Ann happily takes time to mentor students at her Alma Mater through the UBC Commerce Executive Mentor Program, and the Ch’nook Aboriginal Management Program.