SASSH Elections Candidates List
Executive Positions
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Presidential Candidates
Biancka Bella Pragash
Hi Everyone! My name is Biancka Bella Pragash (She/Her). I am in my third year in the Environment and Urban Sustainability program, minoring in Politics, and will be running for President of the SASSH. Currently, on SASSH, I am the EUS Director, a Grants committee member and SPROUT chair. SPROUT is a 4-day, interdisciplinary case competition where I chair the committee divided into three sub-committees. I am also vice president of internal/external affairs of EUSSA (Environment and Urban Sustainability Student Association). I’ve learned a lot in my roles in student leadership at TMU, and I look forward to continuing to build my skill set.
The driving force behind my involvement in these student groups was the desire to forge new connections and cultivate meaningful friendships. Although this was a reason for me first to get involved, I have gained many professional and interpersonal skills that will apply to my future. It has been a transformative period, a crucible for learning and growth in student leadership, time management, and more. Through these roles, I have understood the intricate dynamics of teamwork, the nuances of conflict resolution, and the art of event planning. These invaluable experiences have enriched my personal development and contributed to the broader tapestry of our student community. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue this journey of discovery, to learn from each experience, and to be a part of the vibrant tapestry that is our student community. I want to represent EUS and Faculty of Arts students further than I already have.
Vice President Of Operations Candidates
Sara Xhango
Hello! My name is Sara Xhango (she/her), I am currently in my 2nd year in the Criminology
program, and I am running to be your VP of Operations for SASSH’s 2024-2025 term! I have
been given the opportunity to be involved in multiple groups so far! I have worked in multiple
committees in SASSH; specifically an Event Planner for the Orientation Committee and a
Secretary for the Operations Committee, an Event Officer for the Criminology Course Union,
and a General Associate for the Students’ Law Network!
Vice President of Finance Candidates
Thomas Nguyen
Thomas Nguyen is an up-and-coming, distinguished 2nd-year student leader, who has already served in 4 student organizations this academic year, including as an Investment Analyst for TMU’s first and only intercollegiate investment group, Investa Insights. Having worked diligently on the Outreach Committee of the International Economics and Finance Course Union and as a Peer Mentor for the Department of Economics, he has fostered a strong sense of community, academic and professional excellence through his initiatives with alumni, program administrators, other student organizations, and most importantly, students. As the current Vice President of Finance for SASSH for the Winter 2024 term, Thomas is ecstatic about the opportunity to continue the successes of SASSH Finance and hopes to make a positive impact on the community by spearheading new financial strategies that will ultimately culminate towards supporting and enhancing the culture and quality of student engagement initiatives for more than 5000 students in the Faculty of Arts in the upcoming academic year.
Vice President Of Events Candidates
Yunes Tabibzadeh
Hi, my name is Yunes Tabibzadeh (he/him) and I’m running for the SASSH Vice President of Events position for the 2024-2025 academic year.
A little bit about me is that I’m a third year International Economics and Finance student, who likes cars and playing basketball in my free time. I am dedicated to fostering positive student life and promoting wellbeing. I am the current Vice President of Events of the SASSH and I am deciding to run for this position again because with a full year's worth of experience, I am confident in my ability to hold even bigger and better events for the upcoming year.
To learn more about me and my campaign, follow @vote.yunes on instagram for more information.
Vice President Of Marketing Candidates
Andrii Shumilin
My name is Andrii Shumilin, I am a first year student in the Undeclared Arts program, and I am running for the Vice President of Marketing position for the society of arts, social sciences, and humanities (SASSH). I am interested in many things such as self-training MMA with my brother, teaching kids how to swim, but more importantly, I enjoy expanding my horizon by learning new skills and opening myself up to new experiences. As the current head of events for the first year committee on SASSH, and due to the determination that stems from my personal hobby, I am motivated to not only showing you opportunities through advertisements and promotions, but also inspire you enough to not waste time and go out and get them.
But the first step comes from you. Expand your horizon! Vote for Andrii Shumilin!
Vice President Of Community Candidates
Melissa Ventocilla
Melissa is an incoming 5th year student in the Psychology program in the Faculty of Arts for the 2024-2025 academic year. Through active participation in the TMU community with the Student Experience Centre, SASSH, the annual SPROUT Case Competition, Psychology Students’ Association, and dedicated volunteer work for youth non-profit organizations, her commitment to fostering a sense of community is well-defined. Her leadership and engagement show a genuine passion for cultivating meaningful connections within and beyond the Faculty of Arts community
Vice President Of Corporate Candidates
Ricardo Valderrama
My name is Ricardo Valderrama (He/Him) and I am a 2nd year Politics & Governance major running for Vice President of VP of Corporate. My favourite hobbies are going to the gym and, well, talking about politics (duh). As the current program director for POG, my determination to improve our unions and student groups and keep us connected to different corporations makes me the best candidate for VP of corporate.
Vice President Of Equity Diversity & Inclusion Candidates
Veronica Valtati
Hello! My name is Veronica Valtati (she/her) and I am running to be your upcoming VP of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) for the 2024-2025 SASSH term. I am in my 3rd year in the Sociology Co-op program and I have been involved in student life opportunities since my 2nd year! I started as a VP of Operations for the Sociology Student Union (SSU) and worked my way up to President! I also have been involved in SASSH as an Orientation Volunteer/Sponsorship and Partnerships Coordinator. I believe in continuously creating a positive environment for students and building a sense of community! I am looking forward to hopefully being your Vice-President of EDI for this term!
Ciboney Pennyman
Hi everyone!!
My Name is Ciboney Pennyman, I am 3rd year student in the Language and Intercultural Relations program. I am running to be your upcoming Vice President of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in SASSH. I have been an active member in my course union and the 2023-2024 SASSH Board as the Director of Language and Intercultural Relations. I have been fortunate enough to work alongside the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee in SASSH this year and have gained so much knowledge. I hope to continue building the EDI portfolio, creating more student-driven initiatives and policies that will make our university more inclusive and be an advocating voice for students creating meaningful change in the Faculty of Arts.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: Empowerment for Every Voice!
Director Positions
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Arts & Contemporary Studies Program Director - Vacant
If you are interesting in applying for this position, please email avala.moore@torontomu.ca
Criminology Program Director Candidates
Harjas Toor
Hey everyone! I'm Harjas Toor, thrilled to present myself as a candidate for the position of Director of Criminology. Having actively engaged in various leadership roles, such as First and Second Year Rep within the CCU, I am enthusiastic about driving positive change within the Criminology department.
I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the continued success and development of our academic community. Thank you for considering my candidacy. Looking forward to the journey ahead!!!
Sarah Roopnauth
Hi! My name is Sarah Roopnauth, and I am running to be the Director of Criminology for the upcoming term. Throughout my student leadership experience in SASSH and TMU Women of Colour in Law, I have coordinated and executed events that fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment for the TMU community. It would be an honour to continue making a positive difference for Faculty of Arts students!
English Program Director Candidates
Oindrilla Ray
I am Oindrilla Ray, my pronouns are she/her. I am a second year English major and pursuing a minor in Criminology. I have always been a part of student leadership because I believe that it
helps develop strong skills such as confidence, critical thinking and it strongly promotes community building. My student leadership journey started in First Year as a student representative on the English Department Council. Currently, in my second year I am involved with the English Course Union (ECU) as the Vice President of Student Life & Events and as an Events facilitator on the Events Committee for SASSH. My goal as the Director of English is to create an environment for English students that focuses on interpersonal relationships with peers, encourage deeper academic connections and foster professional networking to ensure that the
English students achieve their full potential.
Environment & Urban Sustainability Program Director - Vacant
If you are interesting in applying for this position, please email avala.moore@torontomu.ca
Geographic Analysis Program Director - Vacant
If you are interesting in applying for this position, please email avala.moore@torontomu.ca
History Program Director Candidates
Jordan Le Roux
Hi! My name is Jordan Le Roux and I am a third-year History student, minoring in Law. I am so excited to be running for Director of History for the 2024-2025 term! My experience on SASSH has been amazing, both as Chair of the Kaleidoscope Conference Committee and Co-Chair of the Corporate Committee, and I have been able to develop my leadership, confidence and communication skills. I would love to come back in full swing for another year! I'm also part of my course union, the Metropolitan History Council as the VP of Finance and serve as a Student Representative on the History Department Council. In my free time I love to read and hang out with my three cats, Arthur, Baby and Olive 🙂
International Economics & Finance Program Director Candidates
Josh Klomp
Josh Klomp is a 3rd Year International Economics and Finance Student, previously serving the International Economics and Finance Course Union as the President throughout the 2023-2024 School Year. Josh is passionate about student leadership and believes the best friends and connections are made through collaborations across programs and faculty. Josh is committed to bringing his experience in previous student groups and passion for collaboration into SASSH, to make the Faculty of Arts a more collaborative and enjoyable experience for all students.
Language & Intercultural Relations Program Director - Vacant
If you are interesting in applying for this position, please email avala.moore@torontomu.ca
Philosophy Program Director - Vacant
If you are interesting in applying for this position, please email avala.moore@torontomu.ca
Politics & Governance Program Director Candidates
Kashaf Alvi
Kashaf (she/her) is in her second year in the Politics and Governance program. Throughout this year, you may have seen her in a variety of roles, such as an Event Planner for Orientation Week, the Deputy of Events on the Politics and Governance Student Association (POGSA), and the special projects assistant on the SASSH's Community Relations Committee. Kashaf is dedicated to getting more POG students involved within the faculty. If you see her, don't hesitate to strike up a conversation, she loves talking to others.
Psychology Program Director Candidates
Sarah Shahrour
I’m Sarah (she/her) and I’m going into my fourth year in the psychology program. I gained interest in this position after spending last year on the Psychology Students Association. I hope to connect with the psychology students at TMU and help them get the most out of their university experience, without sacrificing fun.
Sociology Director Candidates
Meia Mathura
Hi everyone! I'm Meia (she/her) and I'm the current Director of Sociology on the SASSH Board. I'm running to continue performing my role this upcoming year, and I look forward to serving the student body to the best of my ability.