Our

Team

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.

Shawna Dwyer

Visitor Centre & Museum Manager 

Shawna is a museum professional with extensive experience in heritage administration, collections stewardship, and inclusive leadership. Her leadership style is focused on community engagement, organizational stability, and integrating decolonizing practices into museum work.

Shawna holds a BA in History and Anthropology, a Graduate Diploma in Heritage Resource Management, and an MA – Interdisciplinary Studies. She has completed additional training in Human Resources Management (UFV), Indigenous Cultural Stewardship (UVic), and Community Heritage Fundamentals (RRU).

At AdvantageHOPE, Shawna leads a small team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable Visitor Centre Counsellors whose role is to promote the vibrant tourism region of Hope, Cascades, and Canyons. In addition, she is responsible for the Hope Museum Project and is currently completing an inventory of the collection.

For Shawna, history is a living force, one that shapes the present and informs more just futures. Her leadership centres on guiding museums toward practices that are relevant, relational, and responsive to the communities they serve.

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.

Preet Soni

Marketing Assistant 

With an MBA in Marketing and professional roots in India’s fast-paced, diverse market landscape, Preet brings a dynamic blend of strategic vision, creativity, and data-driven insight.

Skilled in digital marketing, website development, and brand building, Preet has a passion for elevating destinations and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders.

At AdvantageHOPE, Preet channels this experience into impactful marketing initiatives that celebrate the region’s character. Driven by curiosity and a commitment to community, He is dedicated to helping shape Hope’s evolving story as a destination known for its natural beauty, culture, and welcoming spirit.

Paramveer Singh Grewal

Visitor Centre Counsellor 

Paramveer brings a global perspective and a welcoming local smile to the Hope Visitor Centre team. Originally hailing from the vibrant region of Punjab, India, Paramveer moved to Canada in 2020 and quickly fell in love with Hope’s close-knit community and stunning natural surroundings.

Over the last few years, He have embraced the mountain lifestyle, transitioning from a newcomer to a passionate advocate for the region. Currently, Paramveer is balancing a role as a Visitor Information Counsellor with advanced studies toward a Bachelor of Business Administration, which complements a previous Diploma in Management.

By combining this professional training with a genuine love for people, Paramveer is eager to share hidden local gems, travel tips, and history to ensure every guest feels right at home in Hope.

Tristan Evans

Visitor Centre Counsellor 

Alongside his full-time position as the Archivist of the Chilliwack Museum & Archives, Tristan provides casual support at the Hope Visitor Centre.

Tristan holds a BA in History and Political Science from the University of California, Davis, and an MA in Public History with an emphasis on Archives and Manuscripts from California State University, Sacramento.

He was a founding board member of Cosumnes Culture and WaterWays, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and stewarding Indigenous culture and waterways.

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Tristan is passionate about recreation-based tourism and the role it plays in building vibrant communities. In his spare time, he enjoys Nordic skiing, backpacking, and whitewater kayaking, and is enthusiastic about helping visitors discover the exceptional outdoor experiences, cultural assets, and quality of life that make Hope unique.

Alexandra Hegh

Content Creator

Alexandra Hegh is a digital content creator from New Zealand who is now happy to call Hope, BC home. She is passionate about telling stories that reflect real community life and highlight what makes a place special, creating authentic content that feels true to the people and places it represents.

With over four years’ experience in content creation, Alexandra’s background spans social media management, visual storytelling, and brand development. Her work has taken her beyond New Zealand on a range of creative projects, including producing digital content for events such as the Singapore Garden Festival, filming music videos, and supporting local businesses with branding, social media presence, and visual identity.

Outside of her work, Alexandra has a strong love for the outdoors and enjoys hiking, adventure, and meeting people from all kinds of backgrounds. These experiences continue to shape her perspective and fuel her excitement for telling the stories of Hope; the people, the landscape, and the shared community life that makes the town truly unique.

Francesca Hoock

Visitor Centre Counsellor 

Francesca was born and raised in Hope. She loves to travel and experience new places, but has always been drawn back to this beautiful town. With a background in Environmental Science, she has a deep appreciation for the local mountains, rivers, and outdoor spaces.

Francesca joined the Hope Visitor Centre in November 2025 as a Visitor Centre Counsellor. She loves meeting new people and helping visitors find hikes and experiences that suit their interests. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, caring for plants, and crocheting.