BGIS (Selkirk College)
A lifelong resident of Castlegar and proud Selkirk College alumna, Leeza Perehudoff advances evidence-based decision-making for rural community well-being through applied research and innovation.
Leeza is a graduate of Selkirk College’s Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Technology and Geographic Information Systems programs. She gained hands-on experience through Co-op Education placements with the BC Ministry of Forests’ Invasive Plant Program, Canfor, FortisBC and Selkirk Innovates.
She is working toward a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at Royal Roads University, which she anticipates completing in Winter 2025. For her thesis, Leeza is exploring how community-based post-secondary partnerships contribute to sustainable community development in rural Canada.
Since 2020, Leeza has been part of Selkirk Innovates’ Social Innovation Lab, contributing to rural, community-based social science research. She is especially proud of her ongoing work with the State of the Basin initiative, which monitors and reports on indicators of well-being across the Columbia Basin-Boundary Region. Notable past projects include Bridging Rural Homelessness and Well-being and Courageous Dialogues: Moving Beyond Polarization.
Leeza is passionate about applied learning and mentoring students through hands-on research opportunities.
Outside of work, Leeza values being an active community citizen and volunteer. She loves to explore our beautiful region with her partner, especially through human-powered outdoor recreation. She is also an avid gardener and delights in singing, crafting and reading.