Candidate Profiles
Below are the bios of all of the candidates standing for the GSS Executive elections.
DIRECTOR OF Internal Relations
Aryana Mohammed
Hello everyone! My name is Aryana Mohammed, and I am an MA student in the Department of Gerontology. Some of you may know me from my “personalized” Council Notices as the GSS’ interim Director of Internal Relations. However, for those of you who have no idea who I am or what I’ve been up to since I was appointed in January 2025, let me take the opportunity to introduce myself.
I am an island girl from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. I hold two bachelor’s degrees: a BFA in Performing Arts and a BSc in Psychology. For the past eight years, I have worked as a drama educator at the secondary school level. I have been involved in student governance since my undergraduate days. Currently, I also perform duties as the Secretary of the Gerontology Graduate Caucus.
Serving on the Governance Committee (GC) at the GSS facilitated my transition to the interim Director (DIR) role. In the past two months, I have addressed the core caucus fund and stipend issues, planned the Summer 2025 caucus training sessions, and facilitated the GC to develop the electoral policy to elect members to sit on the inaugural Faculty of Graduate Studies Student Assembly. Additionally, I collaborated with the Executive Director and policy advisor to define our goals for the coming year. I am grateful to be able to serve as the interim DIR, and I look forward to serving the needs of the GSS members if elected again starting May 2025.
Maryam Farrahi Farimani
Hi everyone! I am a master’s student in Urban Studies with a background in Landscape Design. My past involvement in organizing academic programs, such as student field tours, software workshops, and photography sessions, has strengthened my ability to facilitate collaboration and streamline planning processes.
Since September 2024, I have been working with SFU International as an event assistant to help organize an international conference for the upcoming summer, gaining insight into university structures and student needs. In this role, I have:
• Supported internal and external communications
• Managed budgets, tracking expenses and financial processes
• Coordinated conference logistics, including registration and program planning
• Prepared marketing materials and website content
• Provided administrative support and drafted reports
Also, I have collaborated with GSS on the coffee and tea service after five years! These experiences have equipped me with the skills to navigate governance processes, communicate effectively with caucuses, and contribute to Internal Relations within GSS. I’d be honoured to have your support!
Dannah DeSouza
“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” – Peter Drucker
Hey there! I’m Dannah; architect, urban enthusiast and Formula 1 geek.
I’m currently working on my Master’s thesis in Urban Studies at SFU, which focusses on ensuring that inclusivity, accessibility, and engagement are at the heart of wayfinding navigation design for pedestrians facing access barriers.
While this thesis is my current raison d’etre, I also serve as Secretary of the Urban Studies Graduate Students Association, where I take on responsibilities similar to the Director of Internal Relations of GSS, ensuring smooth operation of the association by creating agendas and minutes, ideating events and curating engagement content. My experience in architecture has taught me how to effectively communicate complex ideas, while my Leadership certificates help me successfully connect with diverse groups.
As an extrovert who thrives on meeting people, I understand that healthy conversation grows from comfort. I aim to use my skill of understanding conversations beyond words to foster an approachable environment for Councillors and thus, the graduate society. With a focus on collaboration and open communication, I’m committed to creating an environment where Councillors feel heard, supported, and empowered to make a difference, making our graduate community better supported.
Together we can create a graduate community that can be heard. Feel free to drop me an email at ddd5@sfu.ca and check out some of my work at SFU here. (https://shorturl.at/CrSJR)
DIRECTOR OF Graduate Services
Simran Mehta
Hello everyone!
My name is Simran Mehta and I am an MBA student at SFU. I currently serve as the Director of Graduate Services since January 2025. As an international student from India, I
understand the challenges of navigating essential services like healthcare, financial aid, and student benefits while adjusting to a new academic environment.
My background includes administration and student leadership and I have been actively involved in student governance since my undergraduate days. Before coming to SFU, I served as the President of the Entrepreneurship Cell at the University of Delhi, where I worked on building student initiatives, improving access to resources, and advocating for student support systems.
Since stepping into my role as a Director in January 2025, I have worked on streamlining the grants process, improving access to healthcare benefits, and advocating for better U-Pass services by engaging with TransLink and university administration. I have also represented students in key discussions about health and dental plans, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.
If re-elected, I will continue to focus on:
● Simplifying the grants and financial aid process to ensure students can access support without unnecessary hurdles.
● Enhancing support for international students, addressing challenges in healthcare, finances, and integration into SFU life.
● Expanding healthcare support and making student benefits more accessible and transparent.
● Advocating for better transit services and ensuring student-friendly policies.
My goal is to make these essential services easier to access, more transparent, and better suited to student needs.
With spring on the way, it’s the perfect time for fresh ideas and new conversations. I look forward to meeting everyone at GSS events and hearing your thoughts.
DIRECTOR OF External Relations
Remi Makinde
Hello Graduate Students,
My name is Remi Makinde (they/them). I am a 2nd Year Masters Student in the Gender, Sexuality, and Women Studies (GSWS) department. I am currently the Director for External
Relations (DER) at the Graduate Student Society (GSS), and I need your support to win my candidacy in the upcoming Spring Elections.
Background
In December 2024, I noticed the position of Director of External Relations at the GSS was vacant, and I expressed my interest in contributing to the Graduate Student advocacy at SFU. In the same month, my nomination was approved, and I received the support of Graduate student council members to be the next DER. Being the DER has allowed me to begin hard conversations with SFU leadership, collaborate with other student societies, and develop advocacy frameworks that prioritize the needs of graduate students at SFU. There is a lot that I bring to the table. However, advocacy requires time, and your vote will provide
me with the time to deliver my advocacy plans.
What Are The Advocacy Plans?
– Advocate for inclusive opportunities for graduate student welfare
– Work with local vendors to support food security on campus.
– Source independent scholarship sponsors.
– Advocate for more diversity in SFU hiring so graduate students can learn better.
– Present issues affecting graduate students to the Provincial government through the Minister of Post-Secondary Education.
What Are My Qualifications and Experience
– As the current Director of External Relations at the GSS, I am familiar with what is required to advocate for graduate students, and I can deliver the mandate by sustaining the existing advocacy flow.
– Legal and advocacy training: I am a lawyer with years of experience in advocacy. I understand policies thoroughly and can identify potential policy roadblocks efficiently.
– I have experience with SFU protocols as a student Representative in Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry (SOCA), the GSWS graduate caucus, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), and a Member at-Large for the SFU Queer Collective.
These multi-disciplinary engagements mirror my unwavering commitment to contributing to decisions directly impacting students’ lives.
The Graduate Student Society’s vision to support graduate students’ well-being and success is based on the premise that every graduate student deserves access to equitable policies to help them thrive. I am committed to this vision and strongly believe that every graduate student can achieve their fullest potential with the right support.
Thank you for your time and attention.