Building a Stronger Community

At Alitis, our commitment to the values of Team and Community isn’t just words—it’s woven into our everyday actions. As a firm, we believe in actively supporting and connecting with the communities where we live, work, and play. Whether on the sports field, at community events, or in the boardroom, our team members volunteer their time and expertise to make a meaningful impact. Here’s a look at some of the work our team members do to give back.

Natalie Nguyen, Marketing Manager

Natalie has been a dedicated member of the Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Football Club for the past decade. During her tenure, she served as Captain of the Women’s team for several years and now sits on the Executive Committee as the Director of Socials & Fundraising. In this role, she plays a vital part in shaping the club’s strategic direction and takes the lead in organizing numerous events throughout the season to help grow the sport of rugby in the Comox Valley.

Through her work with Junior Achievement British Columbia (JABC), Natalie also makes an impact on local youth by empowering them with essential skills for the future. As a mentor, she provides young people with tools to achieve financial literacy and develop entrepreneurial thinking, instilling the confidence and knowledge they need to navigate their careers. Having been a JABC volunteer for over 10 years, she’s delivered several programs including More Than Money, Our Business World, Business of Our Own, Dollars with Sense, Economics for Success, and the JA Company Program. A strong advocate for financial literacy, she has also encouraged other members of the Alitis team to join as volunteers, to help the next generation make smart financial decisions.

Shawn Fetter, Associate Portfolio Manager

With over six years of coaching experience, Shawn plays an instrumental role in the lives of young athletes through the Comox Valley United Soccer Club (CVUSC), a volunteer organization whose primary goal is “To promote the enjoyment of, and participation in, the sport of soccer.” He coaches both boys’ and girls’ teams to create quality time with his son, Evan, and daughter, Lauren. This ongoing role is more than just being Coach Dad; it’s about mentoring young athletes, promoting teamwork, and instilling values of perseverance and hard work.

Beyond the field, Shawn actively contributes to the community as a speaker, willingly sharing his insights and experiences to inspire and educate others. His vast knowledge and approachable style make him a trusted voice in the community.

Aaron Robertson, Portfolio Manager & Head of Private Client

As a coach for Campbell River Minor Hockey Association and Campbell River Minor Baseball Association, Aaron dedicates his time and energy to guiding young players, teaching them not only the fundamentals of hockey and baseball but also the importance of perseverance, respect, and teamwork. Coaching U7 to U11 teams, Aaron understands that his role goes beyond drills and game strategy; he works to foster confidence, resilience, and a love for the game that will stay with his players for life. Aaron’s mentorship instills values of sportsmanship and dedication, shaping character both on and off the field. His commitment to youth sports brings families and the community together and supports healthy, active lifestyles.

Nic Przada, Chief Financial Officer

Nic has been serving as the volunteer treasurer for The Port Theatre in Nanaimo for 2.5 years, contributing to one of the area’s central cultural hubs. The Port Theatre hosts over 250 events annually, enriching the arts scene in Nanaimo. Nic’s role involves monthly board meetings and finance committee reviews, where he helps ensure the theatre’s financial health and stability. His work not only supports the theatre’s success but also enhances cultural access and appreciation for the entire community.

Harrison Brown, Portfolio Manager

Harrison’s enthusiasm for mentorship shines through his involvement with Junior Achievement BC (JABC).  He has delivered the Business of Our Own and Dollars with Sense programs and is currently delivering Economics for Success at Campbell River Christian School. This program, designed to teach students the principles of financial literacy, goal-setting, and career planning, aligns perfectly with Harrison’s commitment to equipping young people with tools for success. His sessions go beyond basic financial skills, sparking an interest in entrepreneurial thinking and personal responsibility. Harrison engages students by connecting real-world financial scenarios with practical skills, helping them envision a future where they can confidently manage their own paths and opportunities.

Recently, Harrison joined the board of the Campbell River Curling Club, one of the few privately owned clubs in BC, where he is helping to maintain a valued piece of local heritage.

Alicia Reny, Regional Office Manager

Alicia is currently serving as the secretary of the Comox Valley Food Bank (CVFB), where she finds great fulfillment in working alongside a dedicated team to make a positive impact in the community she calls home. Her commitment to ensuring everyone has access to food, water, and shelter—basic necessities—is close to her heart. Alicia’s previous experience as an Executive Assistant at another food bank opened her eyes to the realities of poverty. Alicia strives to be part of the solution by helping CVFB develop creative strategies that can further its mission and help fulfill the vision of a hunger-free future. Alicia also spearheaded Alitis’ Backpack Program, an initiative designed to alleviate some financial pressure on parents and guardians by ensuring children have the necessary supplies to start the school year on the right foot. Partnering with local food banks allowed for a broader reach to distribute the 216 backpacks that were filled. Alicia is also passionate about fostering a sense of community within Alitis, encouraging colleagues to support causes that matter to them and seeking ways to give back to programs and services in need.

Usman Afzal, Portfolio Manager

Usman’s involvement with Volunteer Victoria places him at the forefront of strengthening the non-profit sector across the Greater Victoria area. As both Treasurer and Board Member, he plays a crucial role in ensuring the organization operates effectively and transparently. His financial expertise provides critical oversight, allowing Volunteer Victoria to connect over 300 local organizations with dedicated volunteers. These connections help bridge the gap between those seeking assistance and the individuals eager to make a difference, ultimately fostering community engagement and making a significant impact on various local causes.

In addition to his role at Volunteer Victoria, Usman is a part of the Communications Committee for Emerge, an initiative of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. Emerge is dedicated to fostering authentic connections among local professionals, providing a platform for networking and collaboration. Through well-organized events and mentorship programs, Usman helps cultivate an inclusive environment where innovative business ideas can flourish. His efforts contribute to building a vibrant professional community that encourages collaboration, shares resources, and drives the economic development of the region. By connecting professionals and nurturing relationships, Usman plays an integral role in shaping the future of Greater Victoria’s business landscape.

Committed to Community

These examples illustrate how our team lives out our values of Team and Community. By sharing their skills, experience, and time, they create positive change, promote growth, and strengthen our community ties. Alitis is grateful to have such a dedicated team.