Meet Priyanka Agrawal, an instructor for McMaster Continuing Education’s Business Analysis program. Priyanka has over 25 years of consulting and industry experience and has a proven track record of aligning IT solutions with business needs, promoting change through strategic initiatives and managing business process improvements while successfully leading projects.

I have built a career spanning over 25 years across industries such as utilities, healthcare, transportation, and municipalities. My professional journey has focused on business analysis, transformation, change leadership, and process improvement, with experience in both public and private sectors. Along the way, I have served in leadership and advisory roles, including as Director on the Board of the IIBA Vancouver Chapter, CBAP® coach, published author, and recurring speaker at international conferences such as Building Business Capability and BA World/Project World.

Since graduating from the University of Victoria with a Master’s degree in Computer Science, I became a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®), Prosci Certified Change Management Practitioner, ITIL, and am a trained Six Sigma Green Belt. I earned certificates in Strategy and Cyber security.

I have worked at multiple internationally recognized organizations, including TransLink, SAP, McKesson, CGI, and Provincial Health Authority. I have created the core Business Analysis (BA) course for the BA certificate programs at Simon Fraser University and the University of Manitoba.

I chose to become an instructor with McMaster Continuing Education because I believe in the power of applied learning to transform careers and build confidence. Throughout my professional journey, I’ve always found the greatest fulfillment in helping others grow—whether through coaching, mentoring, speaking, or leading transformation initiatives. Teaching at McMaster felt like a natural extension of that purpose.

McMaster’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education and practical skill-building aligns deeply with my own values. I wanted to be part of a learning environment where students bring real-world challenges, diverse perspectives, and a genuine desire to advance their careers. Being able to contribute to that kind of community — and to support learners in gaining clarity, capability, and momentum — is incredibly meaningful to me.

Ultimately, I became an instructor here because I see education as a partnership. I wanted to create a space where students feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to stretch themselves. Like McMaster, I also want to create a brighter world.

At McMaster Continuing Education, I currently teach BAN 100: An Introduction to Key Concepts and Competencies and BAN 101: Strategy Analysis, both offered in an online format.

My classes are interactive, discussion-driven, and grounded in real-world examples from my experience in business analysis, transformation, and change leadership. The goal is to help learners not only understand the concepts but also apply them immediately in their current roles or in future opportunities.

What I value most in my professional journey is the opportunity to contribute to the growth of others. Alongside my work in business analysis, transformation, and change leadership, I’ve been fortunate to be recognized within the global community for my contributions to practice, thought leadership, and professional development. These include being named among the Thinkers360 Top Thought Leaders (a global platform that highlights leading analysts, authors, influencers, and speakers), Thinkers360 and receiving a Women of Inspiration nomination by the Universal Women’s Network — an awards program that celebrates women who lead, inspire, and motivate others across North America. Several of my articles have also been selected as Best of BA Times.

I have also been featured by the International Institute of Business Analysis as part of their celebrations on International Women’s Day — including recognition by the IIBA — highlighting women who are shaping the profession and driving positive change, as well as accelerating impact.

I also serve the profession through roles such as Director on the Board of the IIBA Vancouver Chapter, CBAP® coach, published author, and recurring speaker and advisor at international conferences, including Building Business Capability and BA World/Project Summit. These experiences have enablhttps://www.iiba.org/business-analysis-blogs/international-womens-day-empowering-women-in-business-analysis/ed me to support professionals at all stages — while also continuously learning from them.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to creating learning environments that are engaging, grounded in real-world practice, and welcoming to all perspectives. My students consistently tell me that my examples help make complex ideas clearer and more practical. I see teaching as a partnership, and I’m always grateful for the trust learners place in me.