Helen joined Okanagan College as Director Advancement and Executive Director of the Okanagan College Foundation in 2019. She has over 25 years of experience in non-profit management and leadership, fundraising and partnership development gained in roles in the U.K. and Canada.

Helen has a BA in English Literature and Language from the University of Leeds, an MA from Birmingham City University, and executive education from London Business School. Prior to joining Okanagan College, Helen was Executive Director UWSIBC, Executive Director Programs National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts, and Chief Executive of the Macular Society.

When she’s not working with donors who are passionate about education, she’s hiking, skiing or watching her son play soccer.

Sasha Carter joined the Okanagan College Foundation team in August 2021. With more than five years’ experience working in nonprofit planned giving and 17 years in the insurance industry, Sasha blends passion and financial acumen to support donors in planning their legacy. 

Sasha helps donors with identifying their passions and aligning them with projects at Okanagan College, whether that be for individual student supports and bursaries, estate planning or capital project and program enhancement.  There is never one size fits all. 

For Sasha, it is paramount that she understands how her donors would like to have their positive impact felt in the world.  By understanding the different methods of funding, whether it be through publicly-traded gifts of securities, a gift in a will or other charitable tools, Sasha helps donors maximize their philanthropy.

Sasha is a mom to two young boys, and is an avid competitive curler.  She has competed on the provincial, national and international stage; capturing the title of World Champion in both 1995 and 2007. 

Samantha Blandon is dedicated to building community and believes deeply in the power of education.

As Development Officer, Annual Giving at Okanagan College, she connects community with meaningful opportunities to support students through awards and impactful programs.

A proud OC alumna (2013 BBA), Samantha brings more than a decade of experience in fundraising and non-profit engagement. Recognized with a Service Excellence Award in 2019, she is known for her thoughtful approach, commitment to student success, and ability to bring people together to create lasting impact.

Samantha was born and raised in Kelowna and is a proud first-generation Canadian with Central American roots. She’s grateful to call the Okanagan home to enjoy all the natural beauty and vibrant community it offers. 

Pam Prentice joined the Okanagan College Foundation team in July 2023.

With over 15 years of experience in post-secondary and nonprofit fundraising in the Okanagan, Pam enjoys connecting community members with opportunities to make an impact through their philanthropy.

The motivation to give is different for everyone, and it’s the stories behind the giving that Pam is most interested in learning. Whether it be support for students, a specific program of interest or a capital campaign, she guides the process of giving with care and respect for the donor’s wishes.

Pam is a strong believer in the value of post-secondary education and is inspired by the many areas of study available to prospective Okanagan College students. Passionate about student health and wellbeing, Pam understands the impact of having a healthy mind and body and how it drives academic and career success.

Living in Kelowna since 2003, Pam and her family feel privileged to enjoy the many outdoor activities that the beautiful Okanagan Valley presents.

Deb serves as a Development & Stewardship Coordinator for the Advancement team. She plays a central role in the executing of fundraising campaigns and programs and works to enhance donor relationships. She assists with capital campaign fundraising, stewardship support and events.

Prior to joining the Advancement team, Deb was a teacher in Alberta and brings experience working with foundations and stakeholders to support initiatives that enhance communities. She is passionate about creating relationships that help build community and enhance the learning experience for students.

Morgan joined the Advancement team in June 2025 as Development & Stewardship Coordinator. She plays a central role in the executing of fundraising campaigns and programs and works to enhance donor relationships. She assists with the awards portfolio, stewardship support and events.

Morgan holds a BA in International Relations from the University of British Columbia Okanagan, along with a Project Management Certificate from the UBC Sauder School of Business. From the outset of her post-secondary journey, she has been driven by a commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change—by helping individuals and communities build the social and economic skills needed to thrive. A lifelong resident of the Okanagan, Morgan takes pride in using her passion and expertise to give back to the community she deeply values and calls home.

An OUC alumna and 25+ year employee of Okanagan College, Dawn is the Administrative Coordinator, Advancement Operations and the Board Secretary for the Okanagan College Foundation. She manages the department's operational processes and information systems, departmental and OC Foundation Board policies and procedures, and governance for the Foundation. Dawn also manages fundraising initiatives including the 50/50 Staff Lottery program and Giving Tuesday.

In 2020, Dawn was recognized by Okanagan College and her peers with the Career Achievement Award, highlighting her dedication to the College and passion for supporting students.

A born and raised Okanaganite, Dawn spends her free time outside enjoying all the Okanagan has to offer, or at the hockey rink cheering on her two sons.

Rhonda joined the Advancement team in December 2025 as Fundraising Database & Systems Specialist. Rhonda is responsible for the strategic oversight, maintenance and enhancement of the Advancement / Okanagan College Foundation's fundraising database.

Renata joined the Advancement team in July 2025 as Communications Advisor. She leads fundraising communications, marketing strategies and execution for the Advancement department and the Okanagan College Foundation to ensure success of fundraising goals.

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she completed her BA in Social Communications and a Marketing MBA, Renata brings a multicultural lens and a passion for using communication as a tool for inclusion and purpose.

When she arrived in Kelowna six years ago, Renata was a student at Okanagan College’s Writing and Publishing program. Now, working at the Okanagan College Foundation, she has the opportunity to give back and transform her gratitude into meaningful impact. Her story comes full circle. Renata is proud to be an example of how education can be a fundamental catalyst for change in someone’s life.

As a mother of two boys, she enjoys spending her free time with family, appreciating the lifestyle and breathtaking landscapes of this special place they've chosen to call home: the beautiful Okanagan Valley.

Jacob Cinkant works as the Division Assistant for the Okanagan College Foundation with a key focus of service, organization and efficiency. 

A lifelong resident of the Okanagan Valley, Jacob studied computers systems at BCIT before attending UBCO and receiving a Bachelor of Management Degree in 2010. His first assignment at Okanagan College was in Human Resources in 2014. Since then, he has provided service across several College departments, including Finance, Continuing Studies and Trades.

Jacob provides a wide range of service to the Foundation team with a focus on maximizing the positive impact OC can have in peoples’ lives.