Get to know... Brea Elford

This month, we’re excited to highlight Brea Elford, marketing and communications partner at the University of Alberta. A thoughtful storyteller at heart, Brea brings warmth and purpose to her work, helping share the stories and people that make the school such a meaningful community.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?

I grew up playing the piano and recently — finally — got my first one as an adult. It came from close friends and dates back to the early 1900s. It has the most beautiful tone, and I’m very excited to annoy my neighbours with my extremely rusty piano playing. 

Also, does anyone else completely blank when asked questions like this? Somehow “What do you do for fun?” becomes much harder when you’re put on the spot.

What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend or day off?

My ideal day starts with a glorious summer morning and absolutely no alarm clock. 

We’d load the dogs into the car, stop for coffee and treats along the way, and head into the river valley for a walk. After that: a patio, good food, maybe some time in the garden and an afternoon spent reading outside. 

It would end with dinner at my parents’ house. I have three siblings, two brothers-in-law, a nephew and soon-to-be niece, so family gatherings are chaotic, joyful and pure comfort. 

Oh, and we’d have burgers, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Right now? French Polynesia. There’s an island where you can swim with humpback whales during a few months of the year and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. 

What’s a hobby or skill you’ve recently picked up (or would like to try)?

A couple years ago I ambitiously decided I was going to crochet a blanket, despite having absolutely no idea how to crochet a blanket. 

I bought an unreasonable amount of yarn and started what has now become the Sagrada Familia of blankets —  enormous and seemingly never-ending. It’s currently living in my closet while I pretend I’ll definitely finish it someday. 

What’s a book, movie or TV show you’re currently enjoying?

I recently read Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy while on holiday and loved it — five stars. It follows a family living on a remote Antarctic island that houses the world’s largest underground seed bank, and it completely wrecked me.  

I’m also deep into nostalgia right now because Audible has been releasing full-cast versions of the Harry Potter books. They had a huge influence on my literary journey growing up and the new productions are incredibly well done. The seventh — and last — book was released this month!

Do you have a favourite meal or go-to comfort food?

This question is almost impossible for me because I genuinely love food so much. But, I think I’ll again lean on nostalgia today and go with:

1. Homemade Belgian waffles with whipped cream, fresh fruit and maple syrup — I’ve yet to have any better than the ones my mom makes.
2. A toasted tomato sandwich in late summer with fresh sourdough, crispy bacon, mayo, lots of cracked pepper, and tomatoes straight from the garden. 
3. A s'more on a hot summer evening, with an almost-blackened marshmallow roasted over the fire, fresh graham crackers and a couple thick slabs of creamy milk chocolate. 

What inspires or motivates you the most in your day-to-day life?

My family. I’m who I am because of each of them. They’re my grounding force and my biggest source of perspective. 

If you could have dinner with any historical or famous figure, who would it be and why?

I’d like to have tea with Jane Austen and ask her about staying true to herself and her voice in the world she lived in.

Can you share a bit about your role and what brought you to the Alberta School of Business?

As part of the external relations team at the U of A, I support the school as a marketing and communications partner. At the core, my job is about helping the school achieve its priorities through strategic storytelling, communications and marketing, and helping share the impact of the people, research and work happening across the school. 

What’s something about your job that you wish more people knew?

Marketing and communications can be most impactful when we’re brought into conversations early. It gives us the opportunity to think strategically, ask questions and help shape approaches — rather than simply reacting to an immediate need.

At the end of the day, our role is to help people and teams achieve their goals, and the best work usually comes from collaboration.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with a new colleague joining the school?

There’s a lot to learn, but people here are kind and willing to help. Reach out, introduce yourself, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to connect with colleagues across the school — some of the best parts of working here come from those relationships.