Executive Positions
President*
Ricardo Valderrama
Hi guys, my name is Ricardo Valderrama and I am a passionate and driven person, with a love for student leadership. I have a strong background in politics, and I love to talk about my culture. Outside of school, I am a very active person and I am passionate about sports and love to listen to any genre of music! As the past VP Corporate and POG Director, I decided to run for President of the SASSH, as I will be committed to making a positive impact for Faculty of Arts students.
Vice-President, Operations
Sara Xhango
Hey everyone! My name is Sara Xhango (she/her) and I am running to be the Vice-President of Operations! I am a third year Criminology student minoring in Psychology! I’ve had the opportunity to participate in student leadership throughout my undergraduate degree thus far, spanning from a Secretary under the Operations Committee, and the Vice-President of Operations this year, to an Deputy of Student Life and Events on the Criminology Course Union.
Vice-President, Events
Lucas Paliouras-Loureiro
When I began my studies at TMU 3 years ago, I would've had no idea the opportunities, experiences, and people I would meet over the last 6 semesters. The events and programs the Society of the Arts Social Sciences and Humanities has offered, helped me gain some my closest friends and gain some of my best experience. I hope now to be able to offer you all the same opportunity to make lifelong friends and experiences through managing all of SASSH's wonderful events as your Vice President of Events candidate.
Vice-President, Marketing
Andrii Shumilin
Hello everyone! My name is Andrii Shumilin and I am in my 2nd year of Criminology. I first started my student leadership journey as the representative of Undeclared Arts program on the First Year Committee under SASSH. I then continued my journey by joining the SASSH board as the VP of Marketing and I am running again for the same position this year!
Vice-President, Finance
Kashaf Alvi
Kashaf Alvi is a 3rd year Politics and Governance student running for VP of Finance on SASSH. Passionate about the Faculty of Arts Community, Kashaf brings 3+ years of experience in student leadership including roles as the POG Director and Co-chair of Finance on SASSH, and Vice President of Events on POGSA. As VP Finance, she hopes to make the finance process easier, and promote communication between the membership and SASSH on financial matters.
Vice-President, Community Relations
Angus Li
"Angus is dedicated to strengthening student connections and opportunities within the Faculty of Arts. Drawing on prior student advocacy roles as POGSA’s Deputy of External/Internal Affairs, Special Project Coordinator on SASSH President’s Committee, and a Politics Department Council representative, he brings a strong foundation in leadership. Having worked in the TMU Student Financial Aid office, he understands student needs firsthand. As VP Community Relations, he will enhance student experiences that benefit all SASSH members. "
Vice-President, Corporate Relations
Meia Mathura
Hi there! I'm Meia (she/her), and I’m a third year Sociology Co-Op student running to be your SASSH Vice President of Corporate Relations! I’ve been involved with SASSH for three years now in a few roles: First-Year Committee Sociology Rep and Director of Sociology for two terms. I believe that my experience and passion for improving the student experience are what make me a good fit to be your Vice President of Corporate Relations!"
Vice President of Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA)
Sani Bediako
Sani Bediako (she/her) is a third-year Sociology student minoring in Child and Youth Studies. Running for VP of IDEA, this impassioned candidate will develop safe, inclusive and equitable environments for all. With a clear-cut vision to bring forth mental health conversations and supporting those in need through policy-change, Sani will certainly create an impact to TMU’s community. Outside of academics, Sani enjoys cooking, baking, dancing, reading, and playing badminton. When Sani speaks, Sani solves — Vote Now.
Harjas Toor
Passionate, driven, dedicated to equity, inclusion, and a stronger community—Harjas Toor is all about being your VP. From elected Year Representative for the CCU to Director of Criminology at SASSH she has advocated to break barriers, build inclusive spaces, and ensure IDEA values shape the student experiences. Harjas is committed to making TMU a place where everyone belongs, is heard, and thrives through leadership and community initiatives. Let’s build an inclusive TMU together—Vote 4 Harjas Toor!
Avantika Sampath
"Hi everyone, I’m Avantika Sampath, and I’m running to be your VP IDEA because I believe every student at TMU deserves to feel safe, heard, and empowered. As a third-year Psychology student with minors in Politics and Physics, I have spent my time at TMU fighting for equity, inclusion, and accessibility and I’m ready to take that fight even further. I’ve been deeply involved in student advocacy, peer support, and event organizing, serving at TMSU, TEDxTMU, and the SASSH EDI Committee. Through this work, I’ve pushed for mental health awareness, survivor support, and racial justice while ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive. As an international student, I know firsthand the struggles that many of us face whether it’s navigating housing discrimination, accessing financial aid, or dealing with institutional neglect. I’ve personally fought against exploitative landlords, housing scams, and barriers to support services, and I want to use my experience to create real change. I don’t believe in empty promises I believe in action. Let’s build a TMU where every student feels seen, valued, and supported."
Program Director Positions
Director, Arts and Contemporary Studies
Vacant
Director, Criminology
Isha Chawdhry
My name is Isha Chawdhry (She/Her), a second-year Criminology student, passionate about advocacy, Criminal Law, and an aspiring criminal lawyer. I have been actively involved in student leadership. I am involved in the Criminology Course Union, Women of Colour in Law, and the SASSH Marketing Committee. All three organizations foster inclusivity, and student relations among peers and faculty, and enhance professional, academic, and social relationships to enhance student engagement and student life.
Jason Gomez
Hello, I’m Jason and I’m running for criminology director in this year’s elections! My leadership journey began in my first year with SASSH’s First Year Committee, representing the voices of fellow first-years. In my second year, I became VP of Marketing for SASSH. Currently, I serve as VP of events for the Filipino Student Association of Toronto Metropolitan (FILMET). With your vote, I hope to continue my leadership journey in my final year at TMU!
Director, English
Vacant
Director, Environment and Urban Sustainability
Vacant
Director, Geographic Analysis
Vacant
Director, History
Lisa Marie Tontodonati
Director, International Economics & Finance
Thomas Nguyen
Thomas Nguyen is a distinguished 3rd-year student leader pursuing Economics and Finance, who has served as a Senior Investment Analyst at Investa Insights, a Senior Advisor for the program’s course union and a Peer Mentor for the Department of Economics. As the current Vice President of Finance for SASSH since the Winter 2024 term, Thomas is ecstatic about the opportunity to continue the successes of SASSH and return to the Board of Directors in the capacity of Director of Economics and Finance. He hopes to continue fostering a strong sense of community, and academic and professional excellence, supporting and enhancing the culture and quality of student engagement initiatives for Faculty of Arts and Economics students in the upcoming academic year.
Director, Language & Intercultural Studies
Vacant
Director, Philosophy
Vacant
Director, Politics & Governance
Marium Khan
Director, Psychology
Aisha Zubair
Hey TMU! I’m Aisha Zubair, a third-year psychology student running for SASSH Director of Psychology. I’m passionate about mental health advocacy and fostering inclusive spaces. As an active IDEA SASSH member and published author, I’ve gained leadership experience and value communication in creating change. Outside of academics, I love trail walking, exploring Toronto, and staying active through Pilates. If elected, I’ll enhance mental health resources, promote student research, and ensure every voice is heard!
English