Prolific ambassador, EDI enthusiast awarded for exceptional leadership
By Alicia Ashcroft
Yunisha Bist, a third-year Communication and Journalism student, known for her contributions and commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice, has been named the winner of the 2026 Neil Russell Student Leadership Award.
She has also received the Jay Chaudhry Memorial Award.
During her time (so far) at TRU, Bist has been a social media ambassador team lead at TRU World, an Intercultural Ambassador with the Faculty of Student Development, a racialized persons representative on the TRUSU board of directors, and a communication and content creator in the Faculty of Arts.
“My first year in particular was very quiet. I used to go from school to work, then home to sleep. I was unaware of student leadership programs, so seeing the social media ambassador job posting from TRU World was really the starting point.”
Seeking new experiences
Bist worked with TRU World for three semesters, and while she describes the experience as a “very good time,” she began to expand her interests and endeavours.
“I got to know about the intercultural program from my friend, Deiveek, who was working a co-op term in their office. I really wanted to be part of it. That kind of work really aligns with my personality. That’s how I got to meet my amazing intercultural coordinator, Dr. Amie McLean.
McLean, who co-nominated Bist with Justine Waselick, academic and administrative coordinator for the arts faculty, said, “Yunisha consistently leveraged her media and storytelling skills to advance more inclusive conversations and interactions, collaborating with students and faculty to produce inclusive content that amplifies diverse voices and stories. Peers look to her for guidance on how to communicate in ways that welcome, rather than tokenize, marginalized communities.”
Bist helped plan and facilitate intercultural events and workshops, supported international students’ transitions, and collaborated on inclusive programming that encouraged critical reflection on privilege, power, and social justice. She also took a lead role in the Orange Together: Standing for Truth campaign in fall 2025.
“Yunisha acted as a bridge-builder across cultures, modelling humility, curiosity, and solidarity in ways that align directly with TRU’s intercultural and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) goals,” McLean said.
“What sets her apart from many student leaders is her integration of formal training, such as 4 Seasons of Reconciliation, Indigenous awareness and education, Foundations of 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity and intercultural training, with lived practice.”
Bist describes the overall experience as “humbling.”
Learning historical context to navigate the present
“Before coming to Canada, I didn’t know anything about its history. Intercultural learning affirmed that as a newcomer to the land, I should give back, work in solidarity, and acknowledge the land and the people I share it with.”
Her parents were initially resistant when she told them she wanted to leave Nepal to study abroad. Now, Bist said they’re impressed by all her achievements and comforted by the supportive community surrounding her.
“They are so proud, my mom and dad are always waiting for me to call with the latest update. Moving all the way over here wasn’t easy, so I want to build connections, take on different roles, learn new things, and gain experiences I can bring into the real world. I want every penny I spend to be worth it, because this time will never come back.”
Bist cites Dr. McLean’s STSS 1020: Local to Global course as a keystone academic experience.
“Racial and cultural injustices are not just in the past; they’re still occurring today, so we’re learning how to be interculturally aware, challenge our own assumptions and be an effective bystander and ally.
Taking action, making a difference
Part of the intercultural ambassadorship mandate is to field those questions and help students access resources, make connections, engage with services and find their place in EDI efforts.
Bist notes that collective action among students has included Amnesty International urgent action letters, the Write for Rights campaign, 2SLGBTQIA activism, ReconciliACTION activities, and EDI-focused lecture series.
“I’m willing to speak up and show my support in any way possible. If you want me to stand outside the city council, I’ll be there. If it isn’t going to cause a big anything, it’s okay. We can still do it. All these little actions and patterns make changes. It doesn’t happen overnight. EDI is not the easiest work, and not everyone knows how to show up for it.”
Bist believes that many students care about equity issues but may not know how to engage.
“EDI requires inward learning and unlearning, which often takes place before outward involvement and can be confronting.”
She also believes that advocacy efforts can be a balm to anxiety, anger, grief and feelings of helplessness related to social, political and global violence.
Finding community off and on campus
She often tells her peers that they don’t need to be in a leadership role or sit on a committee to act. However, she also recommends intentional engagement through peer mentorship programs, student politics, and/or TRUSU clubs, which empower students and increase a sense of belonging.
Bist’s emotional, empathetic, and intercultural intelligence, paired with communication, campaign curation and content skills, has extended beyond campus with a volunteer ambassadorship role with Tourism Kamloops.
“I have felt so welcomed here, so I want to create the same experience for others too, by providing help or any resources. It makes me really happy whenever people come to me for advice. All these opportunities have given me so much, and I will always be grateful. Whenever I can pass on any knowledge to others and give back to the community…that’s what I want to do now.”
“All these roles have taught me different things. I think it’s very beautiful to be part of something bigger than yourself. I’m grateful to all the amazing people who trusted in me and gave me those opportunities. I’m going to carry this with me forever.”
Yunisha is currently completing the Wildfire Communications and Media Certificate. She will join the student storyteller squad for TRU Student Life in fall 2026.
The Neil Russell Student Leadership Award, given in recognition of the former TRU VP Student Affairs and VP Academic, honours TRU undergraduate students who have demonstrated leadership and made outstanding contributions to TRU, their communities and/or society at large.