NIC alumna Shayla Auld is a good example of how enhancing one’s education can grow new ideas.

Growing up with what she describes as “an intuitive connection to the Earth’s natural systems and conservation sustainability,” she first pursued a degree in natural resource management, which examined wildlife biology, land-use conservation and forestry, all in one.

“I always knew that I wanted to make a difference in the world, and I felt like I could do that through this initial pathway,” she said.

She followed this with work for an environmental organization in Ontario, which involved a role in social media management and communications — something she did not yet have a background in but was naturally curious about.

“I was always curious about social media management and design, since I loved curating my personal social media feeds, and often experimented with pencil sketches, acrylic paints and digital illustrations,” she said. “Before I went to school for natural resource management, I actually studied art for a few years before I made the switch.”

When Auld moved to British Columbia in 2021, she looked for graphic design or communications programs on the Island, and after finding NIC, quickly signed up for the two-year communication design diploma, which she finished last spring.

She was able to do the program remotely, though she took part in NIC’s field school to Queretaro, Mexico in 2023. Through this experience, she and classmates designed and developed a hydroponics app, which helped her transition into her post-graduation plans. Tasked with creating a brand for her final semester project, she came up with a plan for her very own design business, Cetadora Graphic Design Studio, which works to provide “change-makers and solutionaries” with effective and intentional design. She also designed her own website and plans to launch merchandise soon. 

Through her business, she has been working as lead designer and project co-ordinator for the POLIS Wildfire Resilience Project.

“I’m super grateful to be learning from this team of experts, leading their socials and developing research reports and infographics that inform all levels of government and create long-lasting change for the province of B.C.,” she said. “A lot of my design work here involves skills gained from my time at NIC.” 

Also through Cetadora, Auld is the lead social media manager, web designer and merchandise designer for her client Integrated Operations Group, an innovative forestry company based on the Island that specializes in commercial thinning, wildfire mitigation, tree hazard mitigation and more. The company is also recently featured on the Discovery Channel’s Timber Titans.

More recently, Cetadora has entered into a new partnership with a Seattle-based art company named Interlude Collective, with Auld working to co-build their brand strategy and lead web design, merchandise design and more. This collaboration started off with a trip east to attend New York Fashion Week in early 2025.

“We're looking to bridge the gap between art, community and impact. We inspire and empower creatives through meaningful connections and collaborations,” she said. “We're a world-wide, inclusive, creative collaboration hub with an incredible network of successful brands, athletes and creatives. Be on the lookout for us this summer for how you can get involved, digitally or in person.”

Even though her business is new, Auld has made inroads quickly, and she credits her experiences — especially developing her own brand at NIC — as a crucial stage in planting the seeds for her current career.

“I had such a great experience at NIC,” she said. “I can't speak about it highly enough.”

For more information about NIC alumni, email alumni@nic.bc.ca.