Alex Silva
Kelowna ,BC
Summary
Experienced IT leader and educator with a successful history in strategic IT planning, infrastructure modernization, and innovative technology implementation. Proficient at aligning technological initiatives with organizational objectives, particularly within Indigenous communities. Recognized for maintaining integrity, cultural sensitivity, and fostering collaboration across teams.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Instructor / Curriculum Developer
First Nations Technology Council
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Designed and delivered modular, culturally tailored IT and technical courses for Indigenous communities while increasing quantifiable results by 22%
- Collaborated with leadership to align programs with community needs and priorities by adding courses. I increased course offerings by 15% overall.
- Supported student success through recruitment initiatives and customized learning plans and set actionable goals for students
Trades and IT Instructor
Okanagan College
09.2017 - 03.2024
- Delivered IT training and electrical apprenticeship courses to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students classes increased by 11% overall.
- Designed employability skills programs for Indigenous students with an added curriculum for women in trades
IT Director Trades
Okanagan Training & Development Council
09.2018 - 09.2019
- Manage the IT department’s operations, including infrastructure, data management, and security
- Lead compliance efforts related to data privacy
- Create and execute strategic IT plans aligned with organizational goals
- Examples: IT Director for educational institutions, non-profits
- Directed program design and implementation, including the BC Hydro-funded Utility Arborist Program
- Oversaw training delivery for over300 Indigenous students across multiple IT programs
- Collaborated with chiefs and councils to ensure alignment with community goals
- Responsibilities:
Security and Network Specialist
Department of Indian and Northern Affairs
09.2000 - 08.2001
- Ensured network security and compliance with governmental IT policies
- Traveled to each community in BC to offer classes on its security and training.
- Delivered,setup and installed networks for communities
Education
Master of Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence
South Dakota School of Mines And Technology
Rapid City 08-2024
Provincial Instructor Diploma -
VCC
Vancouver, BC05.2021
Bachelor of Technology - Computer Systems
BCIT
Burnaby, BC12.2004
Journeyman Electrician Red Seal Certification -
BCIT
Burnaby, BC07.1991
Skills
- IT Leadership and Strategic Planning
- Infrastructure Modernization and Cybersecurity
- Data Management and Policy Development
- Indigenous Education and Cultural Safety
- Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building
- Regulatory Compliance and Governance
- Curriculum Design and Delivery
- Change Management and Team Development
- Networking: Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA), Cisco IT Essentials
Accomplishments
- Developed an Indigenous AI application for scanning, reading, displaying, and sounding out items (2024).
- Secured $1.18M in funding for two community programs (2018).
- Delivered the first-ever Indigenous public works technician training for the West Band First Nation.
- Co-led creation of an anti-racism and cultural safety program, doubling community engagement and satisfaction (2024).
Community Engagement and Leadership
- Anti-Racism and EDI Training, University of Calgary (2024)
- Two-Day Anti-Racism Workshop, BCNPHA (2022)
- Developed and implemented cultural safety programs within Indigenous communities.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- CompTIA Certification A+
- BC Driver's License
- Microsoft Certification Proffessional
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
- PIDP Provincial Instructor Diploma
- Cisco CCNA
- Cisco CCNA itn (instructor level)
- Cisco iT essentials itn (instructor level)
Timeline
Lead Instructor / Curriculum Developer
First Nations Technology Council
01.2020 - 01.2025
IT Director Trades
Okanagan Training & Development Council
09.2018 - 09.2019
Trades and IT Instructor
Okanagan College
09.2017 - 03.2024
Security and Network Specialist
Department of Indian and Northern Affairs
09.2000 - 08.2001
Master of Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence
South Dakota School of Mines And Technology
Provincial Instructor Diploma -
VCC
Bachelor of Technology - Computer Systems
BCIT
Journeyman Electrician Red Seal Certification -
BCIT
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