Shaleeta Harrison

I grew up on Vancouver Island and received my undergraduate degree from Vancouver Island University. I always had an interest in creative writing and magazines, and I graduated from Vancouver Island University in 2015 with my BA in creative writing, visual arts, and English. The publishing component in the creative writing program was inspiring, and I focused my education there. In my last year, I started my own literary magazine, text, which was distributed free across Vancouver Island, and printed six issues. After graduating I worked as the executive director for the Federation of BC Writers, where I managed the quarterly publication WordWorks, and worked with many new authors, assisting them with their publishing questions. This was an amazing experience, and I grew so much in this role. At the moment, I'm the publications manager at the BCIT Student Association. I manage a team to create the monthly magazine, Link, and an annual publication, APEX, as well as the annual student handbook, career workbook, annual report, and a handful of other print and digital resources. I also act as the content writer or editor as needed for our Marketing and Communications Department. I love magazine publishing, and I hope I'll always be able to work with magazines in some capacity as I move forward in my career!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

The Master of Publishing program here at SFU has been my goal for well over a decade. Many of my peers went through it and told me amazing things, and it seemed like the right step for my career.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

I'm learning how to better support the publishing industry, so I can continue working with creators and innovators every day! I focus on magazines, but I'm excited to learn more about trade publishing and really refine my editing skills at SFU.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I haven't started yet, but I'm sure it will be the collaboration with other individuals passionate about publishing.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I am very grateful to have received a graduate fellowship scholarship, which has helped tremendously during a challenging year.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

If you love books, magazines, or other print media, and you want to find your fit in the world of publishing, this is the right step. With a broad overview of the various aspects of publishing and a critical look at each vital skill, I'm confident I will become more effective in my career with this degree.

Contact Shaleeta Harrison: smh33@sfu.ca