Emily Smejkal

Gaby Vieyra-Balboa is the Operations Manager at the Cascade Institute, where she oversees the institute's administrative operations, event planning, and budgeting processes. She supports strategic planning and collaborates closely with the leadership team to drive the Cascade Institute’s vision forward. With extensive experience in academic leadership and institutional management, Gaby plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Cascade Institute operates efficiently and effectively.

With over two decades of experience in academic management and faculty development, she’s passionately committed to advancing sustainability, ethical leadership, and democratic education through her work. Her interdisciplinary research and leadership roles have enabled her to develop innovative strategies for fostering collaboration, community engagement, and meaningful educational outcomes.

Her academic journey includes a PhD in Humanistic Studies with an emphasis on ethics and a master’s degree in Environment and Management. During her master’s research, she examined the role of emotions and mortality awareness in environmental education, exploring how psychological responses can impact students’ engagement with environmental issues. These insights contribute to her broader expertise in designing curricula and strategies that empower students to address complex challenges like climate change and sustainability.

Previously, Gaby served as the Division Director for the School of Humanities and Education at Tecnológico de Monterrey, where she led a team of over 80 faculty members and developed programs emphasizing environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and citizenship. Her leadership ensured the integration of these values across academic curricula and institutional initiatives.

Originally from Mexico, Gaby is basedin Victoria with her husband and 7 year old son. In addition to her professional endeavours, she actively engages in community service as a tour docent at BC Government House, a Colony Scouter for Scouts Canada, and a volunteer at her child’s school. Her dedication to service reflects her belief in the transformative power of community and education.

When she’s not leading operations or mentoring her team, Gaby explores her research interests in ethical leadership, educational innovation, and strategies for fostering hope and confidence in environmental education.