Students like you, elected by you, working for you.

IGNITE’s 2020 Voting Week was March 9-13. You might remember that week because it ended with the cancellation of in-person classes at both Humber and UofGH due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As both students and instructors adjusted to online learning, IGNITE tallied the votes and determined who you wanted in charge for the 2020-2021 school year. The new Board of Directors was ratified during our virtual Annual General Meeting on March 27, 2020 and began the term on May 4, 2020.

A neon sign featuring the Beyonce lyric, "Who run the world?" in blue block letters.

The Board of Directors is at the apex of IGNITE. It allocates the organization’s funds and advocates for the programs that make your life easier. You voted the Board members in, but how well do you really know them?

IGNITE interviewed your 2020-2021 student leaders so you can become more familiar with the peers who call the shots. Up next are your Humber College North campus Board members: Anthony Grguric, Keithtian Green and Board Chair Eli Ridder.

Introduce yourself! What’s your program, campus, social media channels, email and year of study?

Anthony Grguric: I’m in the Bachelor of Industrial Design program at the North campus, I just finished my first year. I’m reachable on Instagram @anthonygrguric and you can email me at anthonygrguric@gmail.com.

Keithtian Green: I’m in my fourth year of the Bachelor of Nursing program at North campus. The best way to reach me is at keithtian.green@gmail.com.

Eli Ridder: I’m in the Advanced Journalism Diploma at Humber College’s North campus. I started in September 2019 and my expected graduation in April 2022. My IGNITE social media is @OfficialRidder on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

What inspired you to run for the Board of Directors?

Anthony Grguric: The lack of after-school socializing on campus. Everyone goes home and there is no real place that is completely packed and super busy with people just mingling. I wanted to propose something that would promote this.

Keithtian Green: I wanted to be the voice of my fellow Humber peers. I ran because I realized that this would be an excellent opportunity to positively affect change, empower students and build community at Humber. I also believe I would offer a unique perspective as a student representative being an international student, a female and someone that has attended both campuses.

Eli Ridder: You don’t run for something unless you think you can improve the organization or bring something new to the table. For me, I wanted to build on the amazing future-focused work of the previous boards but also look at better ways of having open, student-serving governance at IGNITE. I believe, through their votes, students at Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber have assembled an amazing team of directors that will look out for their best interests in both trying times such as these and in the better times I know are ahead!

Anthony Grguric, IGNITE 2020-2021 Board of Directors member at Humber College North campus wears a black polo T-shirt and light beige khaki pants. His arms are folded over his stomach and he smiles at the camera.
Anthony Grguric, IGNITE 2020-2021 Board of Directors member, North campus.

What do you consider to be IGNITE’s most significant accomplishment to date?

Keithtian Green: The Pads & Tampons Project initiated by Alissa Lim, former Lakeshore vice-president, in 2017. I thought it was an excellent step toward equity and inclusivity.

Eli Ridder: IGNITE’s inclusive atmosphere. From big events to the short interactions on a daily basis, IGNITE sets the campus standard for creating a positive experience with every interaction. While anything can always be improved, IGNITE has been a trailblazer from the pay-what-you-can Soupbar to free menstrual kits (shout out to Allisa Lim). I am excited to build on this legacy.

Keithtian Green, IGNITE 2020-2021 Board of Directors member at Humber College North campus wears a yellow long sleeved shirt, feather earrings and a braided updo. She smiles at the camera.
Keithtian Green, IGNITE 2020-2021 Board of Directors member, North campus.

With that in mind, what do you hope to see IGNITE accomplish throughout the upcoming year?

Anthony Grguric: To implement more social events and areas around campus.

Keithtian Green: The upcoming academic year will look very different and we are not sure how yet. Our lives have all been turned upside down by this pandemic. IGNITE has also changed its governance structure and this year there will be Student Engagement Co-ordinators for the first time. So for the upcoming year, I would like to see IGNITE working the best way it can to support and provide resources for students post-COVID.

Eli Ridder: We have a busy year ahead of us. Many of us had ideas heading into this term that we were elected on but some of those may need to wait as we prioritize the interests of students amid the pandemic. I had the honour of being elected chair of the board and in this capacity, it is my goal to build upon IGNITE’s inclusive atmosphere by facilitating well-rounded discussions in a way that prioritizes the students we serve in this role. I hope to see IGNITE accomplish smart planning, fiscal responsibility and strong, compassionate advocacy on your behalf. The real action is just beginning!

IGNITE 2020-2021 Board of Directors chair Eli Ridder wears a black suit with a grey dress shirt and a red tie while looking off into the distance.
Eli Ridder, IGNITE 2020-2021 Board of Director Chair, North campus.

What message would you like to share with your fellow students?

Anthony Grguric: Humber has the potential to be a lot more than what it is and by putting your trust in me, this potential can be fulfilled.

Keithtian Green: Remember fellow students, show humility, empathy, respect and compassion. We are all in this together and together we can succeed and accomplish the goals we came to Humber and Guelph-Humber to achieve. If you’re in need please let Humber and IGNITE know and access the resources available on campus.

Eli Ridder: Every single director elected to this board came to the table passionate, ready and willing to advocate on your behalf with well-informed, collaborative decision-making. Even with the pandemic situation, we have not stopped serving you—I know I speak for us as a board when I say that we are already laying the groundwork for how we can best proceed and we are eager to get down to work. As students ourselves, we want you to know that we are here alongside you, and we are your allies in the weeks, months and year ahead!

There you have it. Check back soon for another Board of Directors spotlight!

Got a burning question? Reach out to your IGNITE executives!

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