Alumni Feature: Meet Sheira Hallam

SFU Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts - Major in Communication, 1992

Known to many as an open book, Sheira’s expressive; “tell it like it is” attitude has propelled her through a successful 30-year communications and public relations career after completing her Communications degree at SFU in 1992.

From high profile organizations in the federal and provincial governments and now as Director, Corporate & Member Communications at Coast Capital Savings, one of Canada’s largest credit unions, Sheira has experience in all areas of corporate communications from employee and external communications to media relations to issues and reputation management.

Sheira has found her niche at Coast Capital where she has been given the freedom and support to develop creative solutions to address communication challenges. Her contribution to helping shape and support the organization’s corporate culture through effective employee communication earned her the distinction of Coast Capital’s Leader of the Year in 2013.

Whether it is helping shape a culture of engaged employees or dealing with communication initiatives that affect thousands of the credit union’s members, Sheira’s got it covered. Just don’t ask her to convince her kids it is bedtime...this is an area of communications she is still trying to crack.

What drew you to your area of study?

In high school, I was fascinated with the news media and communications - including contributing stories to local newspapers. It seemed like a natural fit for me when I registered for my courses, and Communications quickly became my favorite area of study. I completed the Communications co-op program and this resulted in me being offered a full-time job in a federal government communications department before I had even completed my degree. Talk about getting a head start on a career that has led to some amazing opportunities.

What is your favourite memory of your time at SFU?

Project work with other students. I always enjoyed collaborating with others on projects - whether it was a scavenger hunt in the library for resource documents or debating online about where digital technology would take us in the future. I always enjoyed the passion, knowledge, and diversity of thought everyone brought to assignments.

What is your personal takeaway from your time at SFU?

Learning is constant and may come from the most unlikely places. Stay curious and remain open to new ideas. Give yourself the space and time to be creative and try new things. This will bring a fresh approach to the same old work and reinvigorate your own passion.

What advice do you have for SFU students going through their degree?

Get involved in the co-op program! It will provide you with the hands-on experience employers are looking for and a real advantage in the marketplace.