Our

Team

Shawna

Museum Manager / Interim Visitor Centre Manager

Shawna has worked in the heritage sector since 2010. While she has held various positions she has primarily acted as the Manager/Director leading many successful projects and initiatives.

Shawna holds a Bachelor of Arts (History/Anthropology) and a Graduate Diploma in Heritage Resource Management. She is currently working towards an MA in Heritage and Social History, as well as a micro-credential in Indigenous Cultural Stewardship.

For Shawna, history is about change and tying the past into the present and future. Her focus as a leader in the industry is to ensure museums remain relevant for today’s audiences.

Shilou

Operations Coordinator

Shilou Wold is a returning team member at the Hope, Cascades & Canyons Visitor Centre. Her previous work at the Visitor Centre included marketing, outreach, event support, and visitor engagement. A lifelong resident of the Fraser Valley, she brings strong regional knowledge and a commitment to helping visitors connect meaningfully with the cultural and natural beauty of the area.
Shilou holds an Associate of Arts in Psychology from NVIT and an Advanced Diploma in Software Development. She has experience as a camp coordinator, has worked with First Nations organizations, and has extensive customer service experience across multiple industries.
As Coordinator, she is passionate about creating a welcoming and informative space, strengthening regional partnerships and providing each visitor with a positive experience.

Oleh

Visitor Centre Counsellor

Oleh is passionate about community changes in the era of globalization and digital transformation. Master of Culture Studies from one of the prominent Ukrainian
universities, Kyiv Mohyla Academy, he has a sufficient background in contemporary art
sales with the TSEKH Kyiv / Vilnius art gallery and therefore runs a permanent non-
profit contemporary Ukrainian art exhibition in one of the Fraser Valley’s renowned
breweries, Mountainview Brewery in Hope, BC. Oleh represented the artist, Mykola
Bilous, independently of the exhibition project at the Vancouver Art Fair 2023. Besides
that, community engagement, like Hope’s Pride 2023 and Newcomers’ Fair 2024, is
always among his priorities. As a Visitor Information Counsellor, Oleh is up to go the
extra mile serving with the best of his ability and knowledge to the guests of the town,
province and the country.

Amanda Figlarska

Marketing Manager

Originally from Europe, Amanda holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relationships and Marketing and brings a truly global perspective to her role at AdvantageHOPE. Having traveled to over 70 countries and worked in more than 15, she’s collaborated with Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) around the world – developing tourism strategies, crafting compelling content, and helping communities tell their stories in authentic, engaging ways.

Her journey eventually led her to Hope, BC – a town she instantly fell in love with. Now a proud local, Amanda believes there’s no better place to raise her children. With its breathtaking landscapes, welcoming community, and endless opportunities for adventure, she calls Hope the ultimate playground.

At AdvantageHOPE, Amanda leads marketing initiatives that highlight the town’s unique spirit. Her approach blends bold ideas, stakeholder collaboration, and a deep commitment to showcasing Hope as a vibrant destination for both visitors and residents.