Mentor Spotlight: Alysha Deslippe on Curiosity, Connection, and Paying It Forward

BEEDIE LUMINARIES – As part of our ongoing Mentor Spotlight series, we are proud to share the stories of those who embody the values that drive Beedie Luminaries — community, resilience, and the power of paying it forward. These mentors do more than offer advice. They open doors, ask thoughtful questions, and remind our students that they do not have to navigate life alone.

Meet Alysha Deslippe, a mentor to Beedie Luminaries alum Ashley U from Cohort 2022. Alysha is a doctoral student at the University of British Columbia where she researches ways that teen athletes’ can be supported to make food choices that support their health, well-being and sport performance. Originally from Calgary, Alysha has fully embraced the West Coast lifestyle. When she is not immersed in her Ph.D. research in Human Nutrition, you can find her skiing, running along Vancouver’s scenic trails, or indulging in the city’s vibrant food scene—especially if potatoes are involved. She also finds time to give back in other ways, including coaching volleyball in the Delta School District for almost a decade.

Building Trust Through Curiosity and Connection

Alysha’s academic path has been shaped by the support and guidance of mentors who came before her. From early undergraduate supervisors to doctoral advisors, their influence continues to ground her approach today.

“It is worthwhile to contribute to the next generation,” Alysha reflects. “There is so much value in learning from those who have done what you are trying to do.”

That philosophy is evident in how she shows up for her mentee, Ashley. From the beginning, Alysha has been intentional about creating an open, relaxed environment—one that feels more like a conversation between peers than a formal meeting. Whether they are talking about coursework, post-grad plans, or Ashley’s love of dance, Alysha prioritizes curiosity and connection over checklists.

When asked what makes their mentee-mentor relationship so unique, Ashley says:

“What stands out to me is how easy we get along and how comfortable I feel sharing with her. Compared to other mentoring relationships I have had, my relationship with Alysha feels a lot more informal—more similar to a friendship with my peers. I feel comfortable discussing a variety of topics with her, from asking for advice on career decisions to talking about my hobbies.”

“We have been meeting regularly for over four years, since the beginning of my undergraduate degree. Even now that I have moved away from Vancouver for school, she still makes time to meet with me whenever I am home for break. I greatly admire her commitment to her role as a mentor.”

She invites her mentees to take the lead, to be candid, to explore. And when it is time to meet, she is fully present. No notifications, no rushing, and just genuine attention and care.

Alysha is also honest about the pressures that come with being a student today. From financial uncertainty to the constant stream of choices and expectations, she knows how overwhelming it can feel. Her role, as she sees it, is to offer grounding support—guiding without overstepping, and helping students build confidence in their own decision-making.

Like many great mentors, Alysha sees the relationship as reciprocal. She values what her mentees bring to the table just as much as what she can offer in return. Every conversation, she says, is a chance to see the world through a new lens.

“I hope my mentees remember me not just as a mentor, but as a friend—someone who helped them grow, encouraged their interests, and made space for their full selves.”

Alysha’s approach to mentorship is thoughtful, empathetic, and deeply aligned with Beedie Luminaries’ mission to foster authentic, empowering relationships.

Thank you, Alysha. Your commitment to learning, your compassion, and your belief in others continue to make a meaningful impact across our community.

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