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As the co-founder of BAK’D, a popular local cookie company, alumnus Jessica Nguyen has stayed connected to the SFU community, returning to campus over the years to share her cookies at a variety of events and student pop-ups.

Most recently, Jessica created a special—and very delicious—batch of cookies that she distributed to those who attended SFU’s 60th Anniversary Alumni Celebration on September 24 in Surrey. Not a crumb was left behind!

In this Q&A, Jessica shares the story behind the delectable cookies she shared at the celebration, what she loves about coming back to campus, how SFU shaped her journey, and the advice she’d give to students walking those same paths today.

You’re no stranger to campus—you’ve been back many times since graduation to sell your cookies at pop-ups on campus. What do you love about coming back?

I was still an SFU student, just finishing up my last semester, when Andy and I first brought BAK’D to life. So every time I’m back on campus, it’s a grounding moment—a chance to reflect on how much has changed and how far I’ve grown since those days.

What makes it even more special is meeting students who tell me they’ve been following my journey and hope to do something similar one day. I honestly can’t believe it, because I was once that student saying the very same thing to industry professionals. It’s proof that it’s possible, and I feel lucky to be able to show the next generation that they can do it too.

How has your time at SFU shaped the person you are today, both personally and professionally?

SFU has shaped my life in more ways than I can count. On a personal note, I met my life partner here—and now we’re getting married! My closest friends are also the ones I met during my time at Beedie, and they’ve been some of my biggest cheerleaders.

Beyond that, I threw myself fully into campus life. I was deeply involved in student leadership, case competitions, and different organizations, and those experiences pushed me to grow in ways that the classroom alone couldn’t. I got to hone my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while building lifelong friendships. And perhaps most special of all, I met so many people who supported BAK’D in its earliest days and continue to cheer us on today.

Looking back, I can honestly say I made the most of my five years at SFU, and so much of who I am now—both personally and professionally—traces back to that chapter.

For SFU’s 60th Anniversary Alumni Celebration, you made a special batch of cookies. What is the story behind the recipe?

We baked one of our most beloved creations: the stuffed Red Velvet Cheesecake cookie. This cookie was born in our very first year of business when we wanted something extra special for Valentine’s Day. It instantly became a fan favorite with its rich red velvet chocolate base and creamy cheesecake center—so much so that we had to bring it back the following year. We haven’t baked it in a while, but when we were choosing which flavour to bring to SFU’s 60th anniversary and saw the university’s signature red, it felt like the perfect full-circle moment. It’s a cookie that’s not only decadent and nostalgic, but also feels like a sweet nod to my time at SFU.

And finally, what advice would you give to current students?

Don’t wait until you feel “ready”—because chances are, you’ll never feel 100% ready. I started BAK’D in my last semester at SFU with just $100, no industry experience, and a lot of uncertainty.

What I did have was passion, persistence, and a community around me that believed in the idea. Start small, take the leap, and let yourself learn along the way. The people you meet here—classmates, professors, mentors—can become lifelong friends and supporters, so lean into those connections.