SASSH Elections Candidates List
Executives
President
Johannah Alilio
Hi everyone, my name is Johannah Alilio (she/her) and I'm excited to announce my candidacy for SASSH President.
I am a third-year English student and throughout my time here I have been involved in a variety of activities and clubs. I have taken on leadership roles in several of these groups, giving me a well-rounded perspective on the needs and interests of the students. Some of these positions include: Tri-Mentoring Peer Mentor, English Department Council Second and Third Year Representative, English Course Union President and SASSH Director of English. With a passion for making a difference, I am committed to listening to your ideas and concerns and ensuring that the SASSH meets those needs.
Follow me on Instagram @Vote.Johannah for more information about me and the rest of my campaign. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve as your president!
VP Events
Yunes Tabibzadeh
Hi, I’m Yunes Tabibzadeh and I’m running for the VP of Events position for the SASSH 2023/2024 term. I’m a second year International Economics and Finance student, who likes Basketball, Football, and cars. I’m a current member of the events committee for SASSH, and my role is events support. I’m running for this position because l want to give arts students a good and healthy mix of not only academic but also social events throughout the academic year. The Covid pandemic has had a serious impact on everyone’s mental health. I’m a big advocate for student wellbeing and mental health. That's why I want to help students to cope and recover from the pandemic.
VP Marketing
Mylan Tran
Hi, my name is Mylan Tran (@mylantrann)!
I am currently a first-year Sociology student running for Vice-President of Marketing at SASSH for the 2023-2024 academic year. I am currently working with SASSH as a Graphic Designer for the marketing committee. From this experience I learned how to better manage my time and have been given the opportunity to be the Marketing Lead for this year's Sprout Case Competition. Being a part of SASSH and Sprout has given me greater confidence with navigating through university. While also helping me create new friendships and opportunities. I want to help encourage others to reach out to each other, produce content that will interest everyone whilst raising awareness of the SASSH brand and the value of an arts degree through marketing on various platforms. Overall, I believe that becoming a member of SASSH has been the best part of university, and I want other students to feel the same way. Starting university can be very stressful and intimidating, but since becoming a member of SASSH, I feel more at ease and it's nice to be a part of a team. #SASSHe23
Jason Gomez
Hello! I’m Jason Gomez (he/him). I’m a first-year in the IECON program and I am excited to announce my candidacy for Vice President of Marketing. This role will allow me to demonstrate my skills and interests in graphic design, content creating, and connecting with others through a digital platform.
Mary Ishaq
VP Operations
Aliza Alexeev
Jack Wray
My name is Jack and I’m running for Vice-President of Operations on SASSH for the 2023/24 academic year. I’m currently a second-year student double majoring in Sociology and Criminology. I intend to always advocate for students' best interests and invest in more initiatives to emphasize and strengthen students' mental health and well-being. As we continue to recover from the implications of the Covid pandemic on all of our lives.
Mallory Hurley
Mallory is in her fourth year of her psychology degree at TMU and is planning to return for a 5th year of studies. She has been involved and passionate about student leadership and governance throughout her time at TMU, serving in various capacities as Vice President, Operations and as President of the Psychology Students’ Association as well as the Director of Psychology for SASSH. When Mallory is not studying she works as an intake coordinator at a mental health clinic and as a music teacher for children. Mallory is running for the position of Vice President, Operations for SASSH in the upcoming term. Through this role she hopes to further strengthen her leadership skills and advocate for student success and wellbeing across the Faculty of Arts.
VP Community Relations
Angie Fouly
Angie Fouly (she/her) is currently a fourth year student in Sociology, and a Junior Data Analyst at Global Affairs Canada. She has a passion for innovation, ethics and trust, and applied mixed-methods research. As VP, Community Relations, Angie hopes to build partnerships with local organizations that serve the needs of the membership, and the broader TMU community. In her spare time, she volunteers for projects that promote the visibility, empowerment and celebration of Canadian-SWANA life on campus, in non-profits, and beyond.
VP Corporate Relations
Chelsea Marie Olarte
Chelsea Marie Olarte, pronouns she/her, is in her fourth year of the History-Philosophy Double Major. She has interests in medical history, juvenile law, international relations and existentialism. Throughout her university life, she has been involved within student leadership in the Faculty of Arts and her department. She has held roles within the Metropolitan History Council (formerly Ryerson History Society) as a deputy and now President. Within the Society of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities she has been the Director of History, for two school years. During her time at Ryerson she was fortunate to have received the Marc Castillo-Filipino Canadian Association of Ryerson Award for Student Engagement. Following the completion of her degree, she hopes to get into Law School. In her free time, she loves to read, play cozy video games and stay physically active. She hopes to empower and inspire her peers to do and be their best in academics and personal life, foster connections externally and internally of the TMU community.
VP EDI
Rioni Purcell
My name is Rioni Purcell. I'm now majoring in criminology, and I'm quite enthusiastic about the chance to run for vice president. In my capacity as vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion, I would be apart of creating and putting into practice projects and activities that support a healthy, multicultural, egalitarian, and varied campus where students prosper, and a globally engaged campus that values inclusivity. I demand that everyone have the same access to opportunities. For each student, I wish to enhance their TMU experience. Your vice president is who I aspire to be. I am certain that I can help you in the most effective way. I'll put enjoyment and a healthy balance between work and school life first as vice president. And I don't intend to stop there; whether it's faculty or students, I hope to influence people for the better and establish enduring bonds with everyone I meet.
VP Finance - VACANT
If you are interesting in applying for this position, please email avala.moore@torontomu.ca
Directors
Director of Criminology
Irene Park
Hi!
My name is Irene Park, and I am a 3rd year Criminology student in TMU. I chose Criminology because of my passion for social justice and legal studies, and hope to someday be able to contribute to the progress of court cases and create a positive impact within the justice system. I would like to further the skills I have gained throughout my undergraduate studies to improve the diversity, safety, and support systems within TMU. This includes finding ways to increase the security and protection of students all around campus (especially Kerr Hall) . As the Director of Criminology, I want to advocate for the voices of students to be heard and recognized when pursuing solutions for environmental and academic challenges. As a racial minority (Korean), I understand the importance of representation and diversity within a community such as TMU. I aim to advocate for all students by creating an inclusive and safe space for everyone .
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to representing everyone's voices and improving our community!
Irene Park (She/Her)
Irene.park@Torontomu.ca
@1renepark
Sal De Giorgio
Hi everyone, my name is Sal De Giorgio and I’m currently in my second year of criminology here at TMU. I’m running for the position of Criminology Director on SASSH. If elected I will work hard to ensure that the program meets the needs and expectations of its students. I will collaborate with faculty members to develop new and engaging curriculums that prepare students for successful careers in criminology. Additionally, I will promote student involvement and foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment. I hope you consider my candidacy for Criminology Director. I am confident that, with your support, I can make a positive impact in the program and contribute to making TMU a better place for all Faculty of Arts Students.
Teresa Nigro
Hi my name is Teresa, I am in my second year of university and in the criminology program. I enjoy traveling, baking, listening to music, volunteering, and participating in extracurricular activities! My goal is to become a criminal lawyer. I have always been interested in criminology and law and hope to continue on this path throughout. I am currently running for the criminology director of SASSH and intend on making the right decisions for TMU’s criminology students by focusing on the program and activities associated with it. I am ready to be your voice!
Director of Psychology
Johanna Lewis
Hiiii! Nice to meet you all! My name is Johanna (she/her) and as of 2023 September I will be a second year psychology student. I am planning to complete a minor in criminology and child and youth care studies. I hope that through my degree I can learn more about the behaviours of people and use that information to help others. I hope that this year I can make new friends and build connections with the people around me! I want to be able to address the concerns that any psychology students have and be able to come up with a solution that everyone is happy with. I have a lot planned for this year and am always open to new ideas that anyone brings to the table. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, ideas, or concerns. Can’t wait to see what the year has in store for us!
Director of Philosophy
Maisha Karim
Hi everyone, I'm Maisha and I'm running for the SASSH Philosophy Director position! I am currently in my third year as a Philosophy-History double major and thoroughly enjoy both programs. I am most interested in Existential Philosophy and 19th century Russian History and hope to continue philosophy in my graduate studies. As Philosophy Director for the 2023-2024 term, I hope to aid and engage philosophy students within the Faculty of Arts (FoA) for a socially and academically satisfying year!
Director of Sociology
Meia Mathura
Hi everyone! My name is Meia (she/her) and I’m a first-year student in the Sociology program. I’m currently the First-Year Sociology Representative and I look forward to being your Director of Sociology next year!
Director of Politics and Governance
Ricardo Valderrama
Hello Politics and governance students! My name is Ricardo Valderrama (he/him) and I am your POG director! I am excited to help you all out and be there for you.
Director of Arts and Contemporary Studies
Laaibah Shami
Hi my name is Laaibah Shami and I am your new SASSH ACS Program Director. Currently, I’m in my first year at TMU and can’t wait to start working with everyone part of the FoA!
Director of History
Jordan Le Roux
My name is Jordan Le Roux and I am so happy to be your SASSH Director of History! I am an executive for the course union as well as the student History department representative for my year. Outside of school I work and volunteer, and I have a few hobbies like reading, journaling, crochet and other crafts. I’m also big on music, and my favourite artist at the moment is definitely Sufjan Stevens.
I’m a passionate and involved student in the History program and hope to bring my enthusiasm to all my fellow SASSH Directors, Executives and FoA students!
Director of International Economics and Finance
Jason Ramsay
Greetings! My name is Jason (He/Him), and I am thrilled to be running for the position of SASSH International Economics and Finance (IEF) Director. I am privileged to have served as a leader in over 8 different student organizations, including my time as the President of the IECON Course Union and the Chapter Co-Founder of Investa Insights, TMU's first intercollegiate investment group. These experiences have enabled me to make significant contributions towards enhancing the university experience of IEF students and fostering a sense of community within the IEF cohort. Furthermore, I have served as the SASSH IEF Director for nearly 2 years, and I'm tremendously excited about the opportunity to continue represent the interests of IEF students and contribute to the ongoing success of the program. Thank you for considering me as a representative of IEF.
Director of Language and Intercultural Relations
Ciboney Pennyman
Director of English
Apharnaa Suthananthan
Hi! My name is Apharnaa Suthananthan and I am running to be the Director of English on SASSH's 2023-2024 board. I enjoy being involved in student leadership and have a passion for improving student life. Currently, I am the VP Finance on the English Course Union (ECU), second-year representative on the English Department Council, and Shopify Administrator on the Finance committee at the Society of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (SASSH). I hope to apply the knowledge that I have learned in these roles to be a representative for all TMU English students.
Director of Geographic Analysis
Mishika Khurana
Director of Environment and Urban Sustainability
Biancka Pragash
Hi everyone! My name is Biancka Pragash. I'm a second-year student in the Environment and Urban Sustainability program, double minoring in Law and Politics here at TMU. I'm going to be you're SASSH Director of Environment and Urban Sustainability for the 2023-2024 term. Along with my passion for the environment and climate justice, I've always been interested in public policy. I believe my passion for the environment is rooted in the relationships I have with my younger cousins, hoping they have the least amount of climate barriers possible in their futures. I love to sing and play the piano in my spare time, something that has always been a part of my life. I love meeting new people so don't hesitate to reach out!