The STC Canada West Coast chapter is pleased to announce that Gabriel Forbes, a senior technical writer, will be promoting STC activities on Vancouver Island and the nearby islands as the new Vancouver Island Coordinator.
Gabriel, currently with Reliable Controls in Victoria, has previously worked with Trimble, MDA, Sierra Systems, and Electronic Arts.
“I got into tech writing because I saw myself as the bridge between complex solutions – for example, software – and the practical, day-to-day applications of that solution,” he said. “I was quite certain that as the world was becoming more complex, and there was an increasing need for people who could manage this complexity, connecting the dots so that others don’t have to.”
Gabriel will provide leadership by promoting local Tech Comm Café networking meetings to CWC members, encouraging technical writers in the area to participate with the chapter, and engaging members to share their technical communication skills and related expertise in seminars and workshops.
“We’re delighted Gabriel volunteered for the coordinator position,” said Stephen Gauer, president of the chapter. “He brings the perfect combination of experience, enthusiasm, and leadership skills to this role.”
Gabriel is well versed in being a business mentor and creating a mutually beneficial and supportive local environment.
“My wife and I just moved to Vancouver Island after a decade spent running an organic farm on the Sunshine Coast while I commuted to Vancouver to work as a consultant,” he said. “After focusing on agriculture as a business, I’ve returned to tech writing as a career, and I hope to develop it as a part of a thriving IT community on Vancouver Island.”
Susan Nishi is a technical writer with more than 20 years experience working at hi-tech companies and organizations in the Lower Mainland. In her experience, it’s true what Aristotle said: “The more you know, the more you know you don’t know,” so go talk to the developer.