In this Q&A series featuring SIPP’s Board of Directors, Basma Majerbi reflects on her role with SIPP and building a diverse economy. She highlights initiatives like UVic’s Impact Investing Hub and the ACET clean energy program as examples of how collaboration, innovation and shared purpose can create both economic opportunity and social impact.
For Majerbi, Greater Victoria’s economy is not a set of isolated sectors but a complex, interconnected ecosystem where regional alignment, Indigenous partnership and a commitment to low-carbon, inclusive growth can unlock transformative potential.
Q1. What first brought you to Greater Victoria — and what keeps you here?
I came for a faculty position at UVic and stayed for the amazing quality of life, proximity to nature, especially the ocean, and the values-aligned, collaborative community that makes big things possible, both within the University and the Greater Victoria region.
Q2. Describe your perfect day living in Greater Victoria.
Sunrise walk on Cadboro Bay beach, coffee from a local roaster, a campus meeting that sparks a new idea, sunset along Dallas Road with family or friends, followed by dinner at one of our great local restaurants or attending an inspiring community event. Not every day looks like this, but living in Victoria means that perfect day is always within reach.
Our biggest gains will come from acting as one region, aligning land use, talent, infrastructure, and investments across municipal boundaries, with a long term vision for a low carbon, inclusive and regenerative future.
Basma Majerbi
Q3. How long have you been involved in South Island Prosperity Partnership?
Since 2022 officially, as a Board Director, and before that, through various collaborations and roundtables hosted by SIPP bringing various community actors together to discuss pressing issues for the regions.
Q4. What motivated/inspired you to join the SIPP board?
SIPP’s ambition and collaborative DNA. I was especially impressed by its agility during the pandemic, convening local leaders and community members by launching the Rising Economy Taskforce to respond quickly and effectively.
What makes SIPP unique is its ability to mobilize the full regional table: municipal and Indigenous leaders, local business and innovation actors, non-profits, civil society, and our colleges and universities. That breadth of partnership, grounded in trust, data, and shared purpose, turns big ideas into coordinated action for the South Island. I’m proud to be part of the SIPP family and support its work as a Board Director.
Q5. When you think about the future of Greater Victoria, what excites you most?
Our momentum in the clean and ocean economy, the strength of our research and innovation ecosystem, led by UVic and other post-secondary institutions, and the opportunity to grow prosperity and build a regenerative future through Indigenous partnership and inclusive innovation.
Q6. What do you wish more people understood about Greater Victoria’s economy?
Greater Victoria’s economy is regional and interconnected. Tech, ocean/cleantech, tourism, and public services reinforce one another. Scaling requires collaboration across all sectors and actors in the region. Our biggest gains will come from acting as one region, aligning land use, talent, infrastructure, and investments across municipal boundaries, with a long term vision for a low carbon, inclusive and regenerative future.
Q7. Why is it important for organizations like South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) to exist?
SIPP matters because complex challenges demand a trusted regional convener. Bringing together Indigenous governments and municipalities with business, non-profits, civil society, and our colleges and universities allows us to align strategy, speak with one regional voice, de-risk collaboration, and attract talent and investment, so we can move faster on shared priorities than any single sector or municipality can on its own. Regional prosperity is a team sport and SIPP has proven to be a committed and trusted orchestrator.
Q8. What’s one local business or community initiative you think deserves more spotlight?
I’ll shamelessly put the spotlight on] UVic’s Impact Investing Hub, connecting students, investors, and community enterprises to channel capital into climate solutions and inclusive local prosperity. We’re eager to partner across the region, through the ACET initiative, with communities seeking to accelerate their energy transformation. ACET’s mission is to collaborate with communities by co-creating equitable and resilient clean energy solutions that create new economic opportunities and strengthen local autonomy.
Q9. What book, podcast, or idea has influenced your thinking on leadership or community building?
“Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table” by Carol Anne Hilton, is an essential lens for building shared prosperity through Indigenous partnership. Her second book “The Rise of Indigenous Economic Power: Deconstructing Indian Act Economics” is equally eye-opening and inspiring.
