You know your 2021-2022 IGNITE Board of Directors is composed of great leaders – you voted for them. You know they have your best interest at heart when they choose how you’re represented at school.

But do you know about them as people?

IGNITE believes, when it comes to serving students, students do it best. After all, you know your needs. So, your Board of Directors – the utmost governing body at IGNITE – is made up of students like you. They’re students with favourite artists, personal styles and unique hobbies; they’re the peers you grab a coffee with before an exam. And, since these students will be approving all the major decisions that affect the programs and resources you have access to this year, IGNITE wants you to get to know them a little better.

In their own words, here’s a bit about each member on the 2021-2022 Board of Directors:

Your 2021-2022 Lakeshore campus directors

Shay Hamilton, Board Chair

Second year | Police Foundations

@shaybearss

“I joined IGNITE in 2019 as the Vice President of North. Before IGNITE, I was a student ambassador at Humber College and a personal trainer. I would definitely say, “Trust the process,” as I am now a general manager at a gym and also the Chair of IGNITE’s Board of Directors.”

Alex Sein

Fourth year | Bachelor of Commerce – Hospitality and Tourism Management

@seintientrambln

“I am highly engaged and deeply motivated as a student, entrepreneur, volunteer and educator. I have a Diploma in Outdoor Adventure and Leadership from Algonquin College where I also spent a year serving as a director with a students’ association.

Since joining Humber College, I’ve been involved in Leadership Camp, volunteer[ed] with Orientation Team, been part of the FYE and Peer Mentorship program, recorded segments with the Humber Students Podcast Club, helped lead outings for Humber’s Nature Club and competed in DECA events – taking two top five spots across Canada. [I’ve also] worked two internships under the Lakeshore Principal’s Office and actively volunteered with [the] Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre. There, I’ve led tours of Humber’s Lakeshore Campus, built deep community connections through different histories – often with help from organizations like Indigenous Education & Engagement – and provided digital programming on an ongoing basis.

I’m also a father to a rambunctious four-year-old and I lead walking tours around Toronto [to connect] people to the city.”

Gabi Hentschke

Fourth year | International Development

@gabihentschke

“I am a passionate sustainability advocate who also loves connecting with others, creating community and inspiring transformative change. When I am not studying or working towards a green and just future, you can find me reading, gardening or walking around my neighbourhood.”

Your 2021-2022 North campus directors

Eli Ridder

Third year | Journalism

@officialridder

“[I am] a student leader who seeks to push the limit of what’s possible for students, striving to be a listening and accessible leader.”

Karani Puvanesan

Second year | Architectural Technology

“I love swimming and anything water related. [I am] an outgoing, enthusiastic person that loves to travel and [has a] desire for photography.”

Maksym Botte

Third year | Business Administration

@_maksym01

“I’m an international student from Ukraine. I’m in my third year of [Humber’s] Business Administration major [and] I’m a hardworking, broad-minded and friendly student.”

Your 2021-2022 UofGH campus directors

Andy Do, Board Vice-Chair

Fourth year | Justice Studies

“[I am] a fourth-year Justice Studies student, assistant manager, reservist and, now, [a] board member. I bring in a diverse set of knowledge and experience and hope to create change for the student body.”

Gabi Rana

Fourth year | Media and Communication Studies

@gabirana.bodgh

“Hi! I love going on hikes, singing and working out. I enjoy spending time with my family, watching our favourite reality shows and Marvel movies. And I love to explore new cities!”

Melany Palacios-Naranjo

Third year | Justice Studies

@melany.boardofdirectors

“[I am] a third-year Justice Studies student with a passion for law who wants to emphasize the importance of mental health and sustainability within our school community. In [my] free time, [I] enjoy sleeping, shopping and playing with [my] puppy.”

Now you know exactly what to strike up a conversation about when you run into a Board member on campus. And, if you have questions, concerns or ideas you want discussed at a Board meeting, reach out to them via email.

With this team leading the way, this school year is bound to be one to remember.

Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

Check out the BoD’s monthly meeting summaries to keep up with these students’ stellar leadership.

Follow IGNITE on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all things student life.