Candidate Profiles
Below are the bios of all of the candidates standing for the GSS Executive elections.
DIRECTOR OF Academic Relations
Danica Reid
Hello everyone! My name is Danica Reid, and I am a PhD student in the Department of Linguistics. Having completed my MA at SFU and now pursuing a PhD, I have a unique understanding of the academic, teaching, and research responsibilities that graduate students at all levels contend with. I believe that my years as a graduate student will help me to advocate for you as students while maintaining the Graduate Student Society’s relationships with the university administration and the Simon Fraser Student Society.
For the past two years I have served as the GSS councillor for the Department of Linguistics. In this role I have acted as a liaison between the department and the GSS. It is my hope that I can take what I have learned as a councillor and apply that to the service of the larger community of graduate students at SFU as the Director of Academic Relations.
Simran Mehta
Hello everyone! I’m Simran Mehta, running for Director of Academic Relations in the upcoming GSS elections. I’m from India with a Bachelor’s in Management Studies and am currently pursuing my MBA at SFU. With a background in business and administrative experience, I’m passionate about enhancing our graduate experience and advocating for meaningful academic and community issues.
As an international student, I understand the unique challenges students face, and if elected, I aim to serve as a bridge between us and SFU’s academic community, pushing for initiatives that matter. After all, between managing coursework and figuring out Canadian winters, a little more support and a few fewer surprises go a long way!
I’m looking forward to meeting everyone at GSS events – let’s make our time here impactful and a bit warmer, in every sense of the word!
Maryam Farrahi Farimani
Hello, my name is Maryam, and I am an incoming graduate student in Urban Studies at the Vancouver campus. I’m thrilled to announce my candidacy for the position of Director of Academic Relations in the GSS elections for Spring 2024.
With a B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering and an M.A. in Landscape Architecture, my academic and professional journey has given me a strong foundation in research, data management, and academic writing. My time teaching architecture, organizing workshops, and coordinating student tours has also helped me develop valuable skills in teamwork, project management, and communication.
Currently, I work part-time as Research Support at SFU International. This role has given me first-hand experience navigating university systems and managing office tasks, preparing me to seamlessly transition into the responsibilities of the GSS position. I am passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive academic environment where every student feels heard and valued. If elected, I will work to build strong connections between students and university bodies, ensuring academic needs are met and creating opportunities for growth.
I’m excited about the chance to contribute to the GSS community and collaborate with my peers to make the graduate experience at SFU even better.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Faysal Ahmed Likhon
I am committed to fostering excellence, innovation, and team work in academic governance, and I aspire to bring these values to the Senate at Simon Fraser University (SFU). I have more than 3 years of experience in the investment and risk management sector. Leveraging my skills and experience, I seek to contribute to enhancing the academic experience and making a meaningful impact on the university’s future.
Key objectives:
- Ensuring Financial Excellence: My primary objective is to ensure sound financial management and strategic resource allocation for the GSS. Also, I aim to implement clear and efficient financial systems that maximize our budget and promote sustainability.
- Strengthening Student Engagement: Encouraging greater student participation in research and academic decision-making, ensuring their voices are considered.
- Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Promoting collaboration between faculties to create interdisciplinary research opportunities that address complex global issues.
I view the Senate not merely as a governing body but as a role model that inspires through its actions. My vision is to transform SFU into a center of innovation, leadership, and community engagement, where academic excellence is complemented by practical, forward-looking initiatives. Together, we can create a future that supports all SFU students, positioning the university as a leader in education, innovation, and inclusivity.
“Let’s work together to create a brighter future for all SFU students.”
Rei Kitagawa
Hello, I’m Rei, a first year Master of Urban Studies student at SFU and I am excited to run to be the Director of Finance at the GSS. I bring relevant experience from a similar position during my undergraduate studies, along with a strong academic foundation in finance.
I’m motivated to run for this position due to my desire to connect meaningfully with my fellow graduate students and foster a sense of belonging and representation within our community. I believe that beyond managing the financial aspects, this role provides an excellent opportunity to advocate for graduate students’ needs, represent our diverse interests, and ensure that funds are used effectively to benefit everyone.
As a graduate student myself, I recognize the importance of having an accountable, transparent, and responsible finance team within our society. My goal as Director of Finance would be to maintain open communication and transparency with the students and caucuses I interact with.
I am eager to contribute my skills in financial management, but equally, I want to actively engage with the student body by listening to concerns and ideas. By working closely with other directors and students, I would strive to serve as a trustworthy representative and to uphold the values of fairness, transparency, and student empowerment. This position is not only an opportunity to serve but a chance to strengthen the graduate community and make a lasting impact.
I look forward to the opportunity to represent graduate students next year.
Nihal Joshi
Daniel Alvarez Cruz
Hello, my name is Daniel, and I was born in Guatemala. In 2012, I moved to Vancouver to pursue my undergraduate studies. From working as a barista during university to becoming a financial advisor and small business account manager for two of Canada’s largest banks, my career has been diverse and enriching.
Currently, I am working part-time as a bookkeeper for a North Shore legal firm while completing my MBA. My extensive experience includes overseeing budgets and timesheets, reviewing account packages, and providing top-notch investment advice. I have managed business and foundation accounts at RBC and Scotiabank, ensuring the proper allocation and distribution of funds and payments.
What sets me apart is my hands-on banking experience combined with my current role in bookkeeping. I am confident that I can bring valuable insights and financial expertise to the Society as your Director of Finance. My commitment extends beyond technical skills; I am dedicated to being a direct line for your concerns and queries. You can reach me via email at daa74@sfu.ca or through phone at 778-683-1492 (WhatsApp or text).
Thank you for considering my candidacy. Together, we can achieve financial stability and growth for our community.
Ravleen Bajaj
As a current Master’s student in Statistics with a strong academic and practical foundation in data and data driven methods, I am excited to apply for the Director of Finance (DF) position. My expertise in statistics, combined with my skillset, positions me uniquely to uphold the Society’s fiscal integrity and transparency. I bring a data-driven approach to budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning, ensuring that decisions are not only well-informed but also optimized for financial sustainability.
Through my background in statistics, I have developed advanced analytical skills that allow me to conduct thorough budget reviews, interpret financial data effectively, and oversee audit processes with precision. My proficiency in data analysis tools enables me to efficiently track financial trends, generate insightful reports for Council, and implement strategies for sound financial operations.
I have experience applying statistical methodologies to optimize resource allocation, identify risks, and contribute to strategic decision making—skills that directly align with the responsibilities of overseeing financial operations and developing revenue-generating initiatives. My academic background also emphasizes transparency and clear communication of complex data, which I will leverage to ensure the Society’s finances remain accessible to all members.
I am confident that my strong statistical skills and acumen, combined with leadership and collaboration experience, make me the ideal fit for the Director of Finance role. I look forward to contributing to the Society’s long-term success through effective financial stewardship.
Mohammed Affaan
I am excited to nominate myself for the Director of Finance position with the Graduate Student Society (GSS). With a solid background in financial management and leadership, I am eager to bring my skills to enhance GSS’s financial oversight and planning.
As the current VP Finance of GBSA at SFU Beedie, I have hands-on experience managing budgets, ensuring transparent financial reporting, and optimizing resources. I’ve worked with my peers to design financial strategies that support the club’s mission and long-term sustainability. This experience in leading teams and setting clear financial processes will enable me to contribute effectively at GSS.
Professionally, I worked as an Audit Associate at Kreston Menon for 3 years in UAE, where I managed IFRS-compliant audits and advised on financial risks. This role sharpened my skills in handling complex financial data, maintaining accuracy, and delivering under tight deadlines.
If elected, my goal is to provide proactive financial management for the GSS. I will ensure strong fiscal responsibility while identifying opportunities to increase financial efficiency and secure funding for future projects. By working closely with the Finance Committee, I will create sustainable budgets that align with GSS goals and address the needs of graduate students.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to contributing my expertise to the GSS.
DIRECTOR OF ACCESS & EQUITY
Farnoush Mansourian
As a passionate advocate for equity, I am excited to run for the position of Director of Access & Equity at the SFU Graduate Student Society. I hold a master’s degree in Urban Planning and am currently pursuing my second master’s in Urban Studies at SFU. With 14 years of experience as an urban planner in both the governmental and private sectors, I have worked closely with diverse communities in my home country, addressing many issues related to unfair access and equity in various projects. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the systemic barriers that prevent individuals, especially minorities, from accessing resources and opportunities.
Additionally, as an international student, I understand the challenges that many of us face when it comes to navigating barriers, accessing resources, and feeling truly included within our university community. That’s why I am committed to working tirelessly to address systemic discrimination and ensure that all students, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances, have an equal opportunity to succeed.
If elected, my priorities will include advocating for better accessibility, dismantling barriers to education, and supporting students who face discrimination or oppression. I will collaborate closely with SFU administration, student groups, and external partners to create policies and initiatives that foster an inclusive, diverse, and equitable campus.
I ask for your support and your vote to be your Director of Access & Equity. Let’s work together to break down barriers and build a brighter future for all graduate students.
Steff Hui Ci Ling
Hello! I’m Steff — I’m a first year PhD student in Sociology and I am running for Director of Equity and Access (DEA). As students, sometimes university life can make us feel a little disconnected from the broader context of social, economic and cultural forces that are not explicitly related to our studies. However, I don’t take for granted that we’re in the process of shaping the politics and social practices that take us deeper into civil society! How will we confront the sprawling challenges to access and equity? If elected, I’d like to focus my term on connecting students with established organizing communities and social movement groups. As students, we need to cultivate strategies and communities to address the issues that students are faced with as renters, migrants, disabled, neurodivergent, gender non-conforming, racialized and working-class members of society.
Off campus, I’m a core member of the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance (ACLA), a grassroots labour organization that works with Asian-identified membership in solidarity with unions and international students and migrant workers to address systemic issues that extend beyond the scope of institutions the labour movement. We have planned several workshops on worker-led policy, solidarity between unionized and non-unionized sectors, and skill-shares on organizing workplaces. I’m also grateful to have been part of anti-displacement campaigns in both Vancouver‘s and Toronto’s Chinatowns, as well as a member of the editorial collective at The Mainlander from 2013 to 2020. As a member of the TSSU, I currently serve as a steward for the Labour Studies department, active member of the Membership Mobilization Commuttee, and one of the union’s representatives at the Vancouver District Labour Council. Between campus life and community organizing, I have a lot of experiences and ideas to share about what solidarity looks like! If elected, I anticipate and look forward to hearing yours!
Mahmood Anwari
As an immigrant and newcomer to Canada, I dislike the term “person of minority,” which deliberately separates individuals from others. I believe in equity, which means everyone should be seen as equal and have equal rights, rather than being categorized as a person of color, Black, White, or any other racial label.
As an immigrant, I have faced many challenges, such as racial and economic inequalities, including income disparities, wealth gaps, unemployment rates, and limited access to education and job opportunities. However, these challenges have not deterred me because I am not someone who gives up easily. I strive to fight for positive change. Rather than waiting for the government to solve these problems, I always seek solutions myself.
I served as the chairperson for the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Committee. My role was to create a safe space where everyone could be themselves without biases or discrimination. I listened to my colleagues, and I heard the challenges they faced, and i communicated with leadership, and encouraged decision-makers to implement meaningful change.
That’s why I am pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy and chose to focus my research on Immigration, Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Reconciliation (DEIR). Although my background is in Finance, I chose Immigration and DEIR because I believe that if I can contribute even one percent toward positive change in the system, I will consider myself fortunate. I don’t want other newcomers, immigrants, or refugees to face the same challenges I did.
If we want Canada to be truly diverse—which often refers to cultural diversity—we must also think about economic diversity. Economic diversity is key to successful immigration and a prosperous Canada.
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE
Pokman Tong
Key Goals:
- Improve access to non-academic resources through enhanced online communication tools.
- Collaborate with the Faculty of Graduate Studies to streamline orientation events for a more welcoming experience.
- Explore the more structured reorientation events for graduate students with the University.
- Support new graduate students, newcomers to Vancouver, in finding essential resources, fostering a smooth transition into SFU’s community.
Relevant Experience:
- President, Urban Studies Caucus (current): Led initiatives including alumni outreach, workshops, social events, and orientations, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
- International Student Representative, Urban Studies Caucus (two terms): Connected with international peers to amplify their voices and ensure their concerns are addressed.
- Member, GSS Benefit Plan Committee (current): Advocated voluntarily for student interests, addressing critical needs for the Benefit Plan effectively within the GSS community.
- Senator, SFU (current): Active representation for graduate students on university governance committees, including the Senate Committee on University Priorities (SCUP) and Senate Policy Committee on Scholarships, Awards, and Bursaries (SPCSAB), ensuring graduate students’ welfare remains a priority.
Vision for the Role:
- I am committed to enhancing your SFU experience by promoting accessible, inclusive, and responsive support systems that make your life as a student the best it can be!
Ravi Soni
Hey everyone! I’m Ravi, and I would be thrilled to be your GSS Director of Student Life for next year!
Throughout my educational and professional experiences, I’ve been deeply involved in various non-profit organizations, governmental bodies, and undergraduate committees – organizing social events, workshops, and support groups to unite people and build vibrant communities. As we’ve increasingly adopted hybrid social models, I’ve also recognized the importance of maintaining well-managed online platforms to keep people informed and engaged.
Having the privilege to live on campus, I’m deeply integrated into the graduate student residence community, as a community advisor, and committed to supporting fellow graduate residents through physical, mental, and academic support.
Being on Burnaby Mountain means I’m always close to any event, meeting, or task that needs attention. It also means that I can always adopt an interdisciplinary and intercampus approach where collaborating with diverse groups to build a strong and connected community is only an arm’s reach away. I truly believe in helping students connect, expand their knowledge, and share ideas to thrive together.
If you haven’t already, please check out my candidacy video to get to know me better! I look forward to an engaging year ahead!
Robert Malone
Hi! My name is Bobby, I’m a Master’s student in English. I’m running for the position of Director of Student Life. As graduate students, it can be easy to slip out of campus life, or to be involved in ways that are high stakes: research, course instruction, and department events. As director, I would plan low stakes socials for students on campus. This is a first step towards the long term goal of making the campus a better place for graduate students.
With the Vancouver Tenants Union, I have planned monthly socials, movie screenings, and block parties. In the past three years, the VTU has grown its membership and people have formed committees to support each other. In this work I have grown a skillset that fosters community enjoyment and safety.
With the support and resources of the GSS, I would be able to bring my skills to the graduate student community to make the campus a more welcoming and hospitable place.
Swaifa Haque
As someone who values community and connection, the role of Director of Student Life at SFU offers an exciting opportunity to create meaningful experiences for graduate students. I believe this role is about more than organizing events—it’s about fostering an inclusive environment where students feel supported, engaged, and part of something larger than themselves.
My priority would be to build a strong sense of community by organizing a variety of events that bring students together. Whether through social gatherings, academic workshops, or professional networking opportunities, I want to ensure every graduate student has access to spaces where they can connect, grow, and thrive.
My passion for student engagement and my own experiences as a student give me a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities in creating a vibrant student life. I’m excited to bring my ideas and enthusiasm to this role, helping to shape a strong, connected, and thriving graduate community at SFU.