Meet Shola Fashanu, a graduate of the Bachelor of Applied Science – Mechanical Engineering program (2022). Shola was recently named a 2025 recipient of UBC’s Alumni Builder Award for the Okanagan campus, in recognition of her positive contributions to the campus and her field. Read more about Shola’s alumni journey below.
UBCO Engineering alumna (2022) Shola Fashanu
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a recent mechanical engineering graduate from UBC’s Okanagan campus, currently working as a development coordinator in the construction sector. I have previous experience in residential construction consulting as a mechanical designer. During my formal education, I developed a strong interest in student leadership and worked directly with my university in formal positions and as an executive in several student-led organizations. In my free time, I enjoy competitive figure skating, skiing, and exploring the beautiful Okanagan with my goldendoodle, Mia.
What drew you to UBC Okanagan and the School of Engineering?
I was born and raised in Kelowna, so the opportunity to study at a world-class university in my own backyard was a no-brainer.
What were some of your fondest memories of your time at UBCO?
I have so many phenomenal memories from my time at UBCO, but my fondest memories are traveling with my best friends, Holly and Kaila, to the various engineering conferences and competitions we attended while in university. We met while participating in several clubs on campus. These women inspired and supported me throughout my time at UBCO and beyond. Kaila and I will be bridesmaids at Holly’s wedding this summer.
What about your favourite courses and instructors?
Any subject taught by Dr. Hoorfar, who is now the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at UVic, she is a superstar. Dr. Goh and Dr. O’Leary taught courses in my very first semester, and I will always remember their quirky jokes in lectures that made the whole class laugh. My favorite course by far, however, was Finite Element Methods with Dr. Tiznobaik. Although he had an 8am lecture on Fridays in fourth year, his enthusiasm and the effort he put into his course made it a personal favorite.
What did the professional development opportunities mean to you?
Professional development opportunities during my time at UBCO meant everything to me. They were the clubs, conferences, and volunteer opportunities that kept me motivated when coursework was hard. They shaped my soft skills, which ultimately led to my success in my co-ops and post-grad career. They are the reason we go to UBC, because the opportunities are endless.
What are you up to today? What is your current role? What kind of work are you doing?
I now work for a local developer in project management as a Development Coordinator. Along with my colleagues, I facilitate the development and construction of residential projects across Canada.
What are your future aspirations?
I aspire to continue building a fulfilling career in the Okanagan. I also hope to have a few children and inspire them to study anything they want, whether it’s electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or even civil engineering.
How do you feel about receiving the Alumni Builder Award, and how do you think it reflects the impact you’ve made on the School of Engineering?
I feel honored to be chosen for this award. There are countless student leaders equally deserving who made UBCO the vibrant university that it was when I attended and still is today. I am especially honored as one of my nominators was Marie Reid, a former student who holds her master’s in mechanical engineering. Marie now works for the School of Engineering, facilitating initiatives to support inclusion, mental health, and notably inspiring the next generation of girls to pursue engineering. I have always looked up to Marie and continue to do so, as she has shown that you can be a phenomenal engineer and mother, both very difficult jobs.