EGSA 2022-2023 Election - Meet the Candidates and VOTE
VOTE NOW! Open until November 21 at 5:00pm.
http://websurvey.sfu.ca/survey/436534987
Your vote is unique and anonymous. No personal information will be collected by the survey.
Meet the candidates:
Co-chair
The Co-Chair is a member of the Education Graduate Student Association’s Executive Team. Overall, the Co-Chair position includes the responsibility of ensuring the daily functioning of the EGSA as an organization. Whereas the other members of the Executive Team and Committee Representatives focus on their particular responsibilities as they relate to the EGSA, the Co-Chair role is responsible for keeping an eye on the organization at large. This includes specifics and the bigger picture of how the EGSA is situated within the Faculty of Education and among other graduate associations within the Graduate Student Society (GSS).
Candidate: Massi Khaleghi
My name is Massoumeh (Massi) Khaleghi. I am a PhD candidate in the language, cultures, and literacy program. As a proud member of SFU community, I would love to get more involved, and I am ready to put my skills and my experience to improve our community. I am responsible organized flexible, trying to use positive attitude along with my problem-solving skills. I have a great sense of teamwork. I understand the importance of the role that I am playing in a team and try using optimistic and future focused approach to help all team members reach our common goals. As SFU GSS members, we can create a better educational environment which is more inclusive by considering more understanding of every student’s unique difference, needs and goals. GSS can help students having a smoother learning during their experience at SFU. This will affect their future professional life. It would be an honor for me to be a part of this team.
Candidate: Neda Khodabakhshi
Hello, my name is Neda Khodabakhshi. I study "teaching languages in global contexts“ in Simon Fraser University and have been an English teacher for almost -7 years. I have great skills of communication and I work hard and won’t sit back until I get what I want.
I love sports and partying! I am a family person, i spend much of my time with the family, i am an excellent cook and love to hang out with new people.
I can be your voice and do my very best not to let you down.
Thank you.
Treasurer
The Treasurer is a member of the Education Graduate Student Association’s Executive Team. This member is responsible for recording all the associations’ expenses, creating an annual budget, processing the Professional and Community Development Grant applications, and working in collaboration with the GSS Office Administrator. In addition, this member collaborates with other members of the team to ensure accountability, transparency and accuracy.
Candidate: Massi Khaleghi
My name is Massoumeh (Massi) Khaleghi. I am a PhD candidate in the language, cultures, and literacy program. As a proud member of SFU community, I would love to get more involved, and I am ready to put my skills and my experience to improve our community. I am responsible organized flexible, trying to use positive attitude along with my problem-solving skills. I have a great sense of teamwork. I understand the importance of the role that I am playing in a team and try using optimistic and future focused approach to help all team members reach our common goals. As SFU GSS members, we can create a better educational environment which is more inclusive by considering more understanding of every student’s unique difference, needs and goals. GSS can help students having a smoother learning during their experience at SFU. This will affect their future professional life. It would be an honor for me to be a part of this team.
Candidate: Marie Pitre
Hi! My name is Marie and I’ve been a part of the SFU community for over a year. Coming to Canada as an international student was tough and if not for groups like EdGSA, I would not feel as welcome in the SFU community as I do today. I will make an excellent addition to the executive team because I have experience as an executive team member. In past positions, I oversaw the board and general group meetings, organized and hosted various events including a Graduate School panel, and assisted in developing numerous fun events to create a closer community. As an EdGSA executive team member, I would use my experiences to take part in providing other students with the same experiences and opportunities that I have received at SFU and more. I look forward to serving our community!
Candidate: Livia Poljak
I would like to nominate myself for EGSA treasurer. I am a PhD candidate in the Languages Cultures and Literacies program in the Faculty of Education and I have been treasurer since 2018. In this time, I have done my best to make sure our member’s budget was balanced, but was also used for the direct benefit of its graduate student population (in the form of professional development grants, for example). I prepare budget reports three times a year, collect emails from students who have applied for PDGs, reply to these students, collect all information from them, liaise with the GSS and applicants to provide funding for successful candidates, and do semester-long budget projections to making sure that we do not go over our budget for the semester/year. I hope to continue working as Treasurer for the 2022-2023 year.
Thank you for your consideration.
Social Director
The Social Directors collaborate to plan socials, connect members, and promote events and opportunities. They are members of the Education Graduate Student Association’s Executive Team. The Social Directors have important role in fostering a sense of community among Education graduate students.
Candidate: Alexis Carr
My name is Alexis Carr and I am a first year PHD student in Educational Technology and Learning Design. With a background in International Studies (SFU), I have 10+ years experience working in international development and education, including experience in event planning and project management. I have acted as an Advisory Committee member on the UNESCO Open Educational Resources Dynamic Coalition, and as a representative on institutional Gender and Resilience to Climate Change committees for an intergovernmental organization. As an SFU master's student I helped launch the U of Mosaic SFU chapter to promote dialogue for peacebuilding, and I have previous experience as a board member (fund development) for a non-profit focused on empowering youth as environmental change-makers. I am passionate about education and community-building and I hope to be able to contribute to the ESGA and all the great work done so far!
Candidate: Amrit Cojocaru
I am honored to live on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the Semiahmoo, sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), and sc̓əwaθenaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsawwassen) Nations. I live here as an uninvited guest and racialized settler with my partner and children, parents, siblings, grandmother, and many members of my extended family. I work at SFU as a Faculty Associate and in the Surrey School District as a teacher. Along with my lived experiences, my teaching experiences have led me to my area of research and pursuit of my PhD in Equity Studies in the Educational Theory and Practice program. I have worked as a member of the EGSA executive committee for the past two years and would be honoured to continue to do so.
Candidate: Massi Khaleghi
My name is Massoumeh (Massi) Khaleghi. I am a PhD candidate in the language, cultures, and literacy program. As a proud member of SFU community, I would love to get more involved, and I am ready to put my skills and my experience to improve our community. I am responsible organized flexible, trying to use positive attitude along with my problem-solving skills. I have a great sense of teamwork. I understand the importance of the role that I am playing in a team and try using optimistic and future focused approach to help all team members reach our common goals. As SFU GSS members, we can create a better educational environment which is more inclusive by considering more understanding of every student’s unique difference, needs and goals. GSS can help students having a smoother learning during their experience at SFU. This will affect their future professional life. It would be an honor for me to be a part of this team.
Candidate: Neda Khodabakhshi
Hello, my name is Neda Khodabakhshi. I study "teaching languages in global contexts“ in Simon Fraser University and have been an English teacher for almost -7 years. I have great skills of communication and I work hard and won’t sit back until I get what I want.
I love sports and partying! I am a family person, i spend much of my time with the family, i am an excellent cook and love to hang out with new people.
I can be your voice and do my very best not to let you down.
Thank you.
Communications Officer
The Communications Officer is a member of the Education Graduate Student Association’s Executive Team. This member is responsible for recording minutes of meetings, circulating minutes through an approval process, and providing the minutes to the GSS. In addition, this member collaborates with other members of the team to ensure pertinent information is shared in a timely manner.
Candidate: Amrit Cojocaru
I am honored to live on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the Semiahmoo, sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), and sc̓əwaθenaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsawwassen) Nations. I live here as an uninvited guest and racialized settler with my partner and children, parents, siblings, grandmother, and many members of my extended family. I work at SFU as a Faculty Associate and in the Surrey School District as a teacher. Along with my lived experiences, my teaching experiences have led me to my area of research and pursuit of my PhD in Equity Studies in the Educational Theory and Practice program. I have worked as a member of the EGSA executive committee for the past two years and would be honoured to continue to do so.
Candidate: Marie Pitre
Hi! My name is Marie and I’ve been a part of the SFU community for over a year. Coming to Canada as an international student was tough and if not for groups like EdGSA, I would not feel as welcome in the SFU community as I do today. I will make an excellent addition to the executive team because I have experience as an executive team member. In past positions, I oversaw the board and general group meetings, organized and hosted various events including a Graduate School panel, and assisted in developing numerous fun events to create a closer community. As an EdGSA executive team member, I would use my experiences to take part in providing other students with the same experiences and opportunities that I have received at SFU and more. I look forward to serving our community!
Media Officer
The Media Officer is a member of the Education Graduate Student Association’s Executive Team. The EGSA has a dedicated webpage in which necessary information about the association and the services provided are detailed, as well as an agenda with the monthly meetings and scheduled events. In addition to that, the EGSA also has a Facebook group to better support communication with the membership and to provide a space for network and connections between members. The Media Officer is the one responsible to keep both of them updated with current information, as well as administer the Facebook group, accepting members and posts when necessary.
Candidate: Michaela Armstrong
Hi there! My name is Michaela and I’m a 2nd year Masters student in Educational Psychology. I served on the Education Graduate Student Association this past year as the Faculty Council Representative, and I enjoyed representing and advocating for all education graduate students. I would love to contribute in a different role on the executive team for this coming year, specifically as the Media Officer. This position works closely with the social director which I have experience with in another group, and I will strive to ensure education students are kept up to date with any social events that are planned as well as maintain our website to best serve students. Thank you!
Candidate: Massi Khaleghi
My name is Massoumeh (Massi) Khaleghi. I am a PhD candidate in the language, cultures, and literacy program. As a proud member of SFU community, I would love to get more involved, and I am ready to put my skills and my experience to improve our community. I am responsible organized flexible, trying to use positive attitude along with my problem-solving skills. I have a great sense of teamwork. I understand the importance of the role that I am playing in a team and try using optimistic and future focused approach to help all team members reach our common goals. As SFU GSS members, we can create a better educational environment which is more inclusive by considering more understanding of every student’s unique difference, needs and goals. GSS can help students having a smoother learning during their experience at SFU. This will affect their future professional life. It would be an honor for me to be a part of this team.
Candidate: Chukwudi Nwobodo
My name is Chukwudi Nwobodo. I am a second-year graduate student of the ETLD Master’s Program. I am currently the EdGSA Media Officer. As an ICT professional, I have worked in spaces of IT Services, Social Media Marketing, and campaigns, communication, and publicity as well as youth and community leadership. I believe the experience, expertise, and skills garnered over the years make me qualify for the Media Officer position. I hope to develop high-impact social media content including graphics, videos, and other multimedia content that effectively informs and engages students, the SFU community, and external audiences to attend meetings, symposiums, workshops, advocacy campaigns, and all departmental programs.
Surrey Liaison
The Surrey Liaisons are members of the Education Graduate Student Association’s Executive Team. Considering that most Education programs are based at the Burnaby campus, the Surrey Liaisons are responsible to make sure the Surrey students and their needs and interests are being included in the discussions and decisions. They are the references or points persons for Surrey students to go to when looking for information or to bring up issues with their studies.
Candidate: Neda Khodabakhshi
Hello, my name is Neda Khodabakhshi. I study "teaching languages in global contexts“ in Simon Fraser University and have been an English teacher for almost -7 years. I have great skills of communication and I work hard and won’t sit back until I get what I want.
I love sports and partying! I am a family person, i spend much of my time with the family, i am an excellent cook and love to hang out with new people.
I can be your voice and do my very best not to let you down.
Thank you.
Faculty Council (FC) Representative
The FC Representative is a member of the Education Graduate Student Association and reports to the Executive Team. This member is responsible for representing and advocating for the EGSA and all education graduate students on the Faculty Council (FC). The FC is a Faculty-level committee charged with conducting the business of the Faculty of Education. The Dean of the Faculty of Education chairs FC. In addition to being able to vote in FC, this member reports back to the EGSA and Executive on the activities of the Faculty. In cases where two members are in attendance at a FC meeting, only one vote may be cast on behalf of the EGSA.
Candidate: Massi Khaleghi
My name is Massoumeh (Massi) Khaleghi. I am a PhD candidate in the language, cultures, and literacy program. As a proud member of SFU community, I would love to get more involved, and I am ready to put my skills and my experience to improve our community. I am responsible organized flexible, trying to use positive attitude along with my problem-solving skills. I have a great sense of teamwork. I understand the importance of the role that I am playing in a team and try using optimistic and future focused approach to help all team members reach our common goals. As SFU GSS members, we can create a better educational environment which is more inclusive by considering more understanding of every student’s unique difference, needs and goals. GSS can help students having a smoother learning during their experience at SFU. This will affect their future professional life. It would be an honor for me to be a part of this team.
Candidate: Neda Khodabakhshi
Hello, my name is Neda Khodabakhshi. I study "teaching languages in global contexts“ in Simon Fraser University and have been an English teacher for almost -7 years. I have great skills of communication and I work hard and won’t sit back until I get what I want.
I love sports and partying! I am a family person, i spend much of my time with the family, i am an excellent cook and love to hang out with new people.
I can be your voice and do my very best not to let you down.
Thank you.
Candidate: Marie Pitre
Hi! My name is Marie and I’ve been a part of the SFU community for over a year. Coming to Canada as an international student was tough and if not for groups like EdGSA, I would not feel as welcome in the SFU community as I do today. I will make an excellent addition to the executive team because I have experience as an executive team member. In past positions, I oversaw the board and general group meetings, organized and hosted various events including a Graduate School panel, and assisted in developing numerous fun events to create a closer community. As an EdGSA executive team member, I would use my experiences to take part in providing other students with the same experiences and opportunities that I have received at SFU and more. I look forward to serving our community!
Graduate Programs Committee (GPC) Representative
The GPC Representative is a member of the Education Graduate Student Association’s Executive Team. This member is responsible for representing and advocating for the EGSA and all education graduate students on the Graduate Programs Committee (GPC). The GPC is a Faculty-level committee charged with advising the Director of Graduate Programs on such matters as changes in graduate courses and approving new graduate programs. In addition to being able to vote on the GPC, this member reports back to the EGSA and Executive on the activities of the committee. The GPC expects there to be an Alternate should the Representative not be present. In cases where both are in attendance at a GPC meeting, only one vote may be cast on behalf of the EGSA.
Candidate: Kau'i Keliipio
My name is Kau’i Keliipio and I am submitting my ‘bio’ for the role of alternate representative to the Graduate Programs Committee (GPC), representing the Education Graduate Student Association (EdGSA). Last year I served as the EdGSA representative to the Graduate Programs Committee and found that it was informative and instructive to serve in that capacity and to understand how new courses are considered and discussed in the GPC. I have also served a year as the EdGSA representative to the Faculty Council and learned about the Faculty of Education’s 5 year plan and the way it guides the work in the FOE.
I served for three terms as a graduate student representative on Senate. I continue my studies as a doctoral candidate from the “Culturally Inclusive Place-based” cohort.
Candidate: Neda Khodabakhshi
Hello, my name is Neda Khodabakhshi. I study "teaching languages in global contexts“ in Simon Fraser University and have been an English teacher for almost -7 years. I have great skills of communication and I work hard and won’t sit back until I get what I want.
I love sports and partying! I am a family person, i spend much of my time with the family, i am an excellent cook and love to hang out with new people.
I can be your voice and do my very best not to let you down.
Thank you.
Candidate: Marie Pitre
Hi! My name is Marie and I’ve been a part of the SFU community for over a year. Coming to Canada as an international student was tough and if not for groups like EdGSA, I would not feel as welcome in the SFU community as I do today. I will make an excellent addition to the executive team because I have experience as an executive team member. In past positions, I oversaw the board and general group meetings, organized and hosted various events including a Graduate School panel, and assisted in developing numerous fun events to create a closer community. As an EdGSA executive team member, I would use my experiences to take part in providing other students with the same experiences and opportunities that I have received at SFU and more. I look forward to serving our community!
Graduate Student Society (GSS) Councilor
The GSS councilor is the representative of education graduate students to the Graduate Student Society (GSS) as part of the GSS council. As a GSS councilor, the GSS representative is involved in the decision making process in GSS council meetings on behalf of the education graduate students. The GSS representative is also a member of the Education Graduate Student Association’s Executive Team. This member is responsible for attending the monthly GSS council meeting and report back to the members at large at the monthly EGSA general meeting.
Candidate: Erika Saenz Gomez
I am an international student from Mexico and currently I am completing my Master’s in Art Education. I have been an educator for over ten years in various contexts focusing on community building and social change through arts and education. Now I’m working on my thesis research which explores Embodiment as a collective act of resistance weaved through the journey of birthing. I am passionate about education and the infinite possibilities to create, discover, teach, and understand the world and each other. I believe that communication is key for a healthy and strong community therefore it would be a privilege for me to represent and advocate for the EGSA and all the Education graduate students as the GSS Councilor.
Candidate: Massi Khaleghi
My name is Massoumeh (Massi) Khaleghi. I am a PhD candidate in the language, cultures, and literacy program. As a proud member of SFU community, I would love to get more involved, and I am ready to put my skills and my experience to improve our community. I am responsible organized flexible, trying to use positive attitude along with my problem-solving skills. I have a great sense of teamwork. I understand the importance of the role that I am playing in a team and try using optimistic and future focused approach to help all team members reach our common goals. As SFU GSS members, we can create a better educational environment which is more inclusive by considering more understanding of every student’s unique difference, needs and goals. GSS can help students having a smoother learning during their experience at SFU. This will affect their future professional life. It would be an honor for me to be a part of this team.
Candidate: Marie Pitre
Hi! My name is Marie and I’ve been a part of the SFU community for over a year. Coming to Canada as an international student was tough and if not for groups like EdGSA, I would not feel as welcome in the SFU community as I do today. I will make an excellent addition to the executive team because I have experience as an executive team member. In past positions, I oversaw the board and general group meetings, organized and hosted various events including a Graduate School panel, and assisted in developing numerous fun events to create a closer community. As an EdGSA executive team member, I would use my experiences to take part in providing other students with the same experiences and opportunities that I have received at SFU and more. I look forward to serving our community!
UNFILLED POSITIONS
The following positions of the EGSA executive have not received any nominations, and are therefore not filled at this time. If you are interested in serving in any of the these positions, please contact EGSA at info-edgsa@sfu.ca