Signed, sealed, delivered: 2024-25.

As the academic year wraps up, so does the incredible term of our 2024-25 IGNITE Board of Directors. From meetings to milestones and events to emails, these student leaders have lived through it all. Now, they’re passing the torch—and leaving us with their final episode.

We asked each board director to fill out our version of a yearbook with three key questions. Let’s see what wisdom they’re leaving behind.

Onoriode Francis Osifo — Chair, Board of Directors, Lakeshore

1. What leadership lesson sticks with you the most?
   • “You can’t do it alone.” Onoriode Francis Osifo came in with leadership experience, but IGNITE taught him the true power of unity. “United we stand, divided we fall,” Osifo said—words that reshaped his view of leadership from solo strength to collaborative growth.
2. What’s your one rule in a student leadership survival guide?
   • “Listen before you speak. Focus on logic. Don’t let feelings take over.”
3. If your term on the board were a Netflix show, what would it be called and what would be the most dramatic episode?
   • Title: Suits
   • Most Dramatic Episode: “So much greatness.” Osifo said it’s hard to pick just one!

Gabrielle Sterling — Vice-Chair, Board of Directors, North

1. What leadership lesson sticks with you the most?
   • “Don’t fall into dictatorship.” Gabrielle Sterling’s biggest takeaway from her time on the board is that she must make sure to hear every voice. “As leaders, we sometimes forget to actually listen,” Sterling said. While she’s always believed in collaborative leadership, her experience at IGNITE emphasized just how vital it is to stay grounded, stay aware and stay open.
2. What’s your one rule in a student leadership survival guide?
   • “As a leader, be the last to speak. Your opinion might influence others. Make space for everyone else first.”
3. If your term on the board were a Netflix show, what would it be called and what would be the most dramatic episode?
   • Title: Grey’s Anatomy
   • Most Dramatic Episode: “Rec Room.” Sterling said that on the last day of board training, they hit the Rec Room downtown. “It wasn’t dramatic in the usual sense, but it felt like a moment out of a show: joy, bonding and pure chaos in the best way,” Sterling said.

Kartavya Patel — Board of Directors, Lakeshore

1. What leadership lesson sticks with you the most?
   • “Leadership isn’t about bossing people around—it’s about standing with them.” For Kartavya Patel, this experience flipped the script on what it means to lead: it’s not about orders, it’s about guidance.
2. What’s your one rule in a student leadership survival guide?
   • “Time management is everything. Juggling school, work and leadership? Plan or it’ll plan you.”
3. If your term on the board were a Netflix show, what would it be called and what would be the most dramatic episode?
   • Title: Suits
     Dramatic Episode: “The January Board Meeting Showdown.” Big decisions and next-level teamwork.

Sesha Sai Sankrarasubramanian — Board of Directors, IGS

1. What leadership lesson sticks with you the most?
   • “Understanding and valuing contrasting opinions.” Sesha Sai Sankrarasubramanian learned that real leadership happens when every voice is heard, even when opinions clash.
2. What’s your one rule in a student leadership survival guide?
   • “Being the smartest in the room doesn’t mean you always have the best solution.”
3. If your term on the board were a Netflix show, what would it be called and what would be the most dramatic episode?
   • Title: Consensus Chronicles
     Dramatic Episode: “Debating What’s Right.” Where differences met diplomacy.

Ana Downes — Board of Directors, UofGH

1. What leadership lesson sticks with you the most?
   • “You stop thinking just for yourself and start thinking for the whole community.” Working with others taught Ana Downes that leadership is a collective mindset.
2. What’s your one rule in a student leadership survival guide?
   • “Go with your gut. If it feels right, don’t hold back. No regrets.”
3. If your term on the board were a Netflix show, what would it be called—and what would be the most dramatic episode?
   • Title: Tokyo: The Farewell
     Dramatic Episode: “The Bittersweet End.” As the board wraps up their journey, Downes gets nostalgic about the lessons and laughter.

Jack Pickett — Board of Directors, North

1. What leadership lesson sticks with you the most?
   • “Be a voice for others.” Jack Pickett’s takeaway was clear: leadership means listening and advocating. The experience didn’t just reaffirm his values; it deepened them.
2. What’s your one rule in a student leadership survival guide?
   • “Take breaks. Love yourself too. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
3. If your term on the board were a Netflix show, what would it be called and what would be the most dramatic episode?
   • Title: The Experience
     Dramatic Episode: “Queen’s Park Chronicles.” Where we faced the realities of provincial politics head-on.

Yash Patel — Board of Directors, North

1. What leadership lesson sticks with you the most?
   • “Communication is key—but listening is underrated.” For Yash Patel, the biggest leadership muscle he built was empathy through listening.
2. What’s your one rule in a student leadership survival guide?
   • “Be kind. That’s it. That’s the rule.”
3. If your term on the board were a Netflix show, what would it be called and what would be the most dramatic episode?
   • Title: The Journey
   • Dramatic Episode: “Snowstorm Hustle.” Patel braved a winter storm, a bus ride and a detour to make it to a board meeting. That’s dedication.

Zeynep Oz — Board of Directors, UofGH

1. What leadership lesson sticks with you the most?
   • “Patience.” After a full year working closely with her team, Zeynep Oz realized that great leadership means allowing space for people to have their moments.
2. What’s your one rule in a student leadership survival guide?
   • “Be patient with your team and remind them you’re on the same side, not their enemy.”
3. If your term on the board were a Netflix show, what would it be called and what would be the most dramatic episode?
   • Title: Grey’s Anatomy
     Dramatic Episode: “The Election Arc.” Nominating herself—and encouraging others—proved to be an emotional rollercoaster of self-belief and support.

Harleen Lamba — Board of Directors, Lakeshore

1. What leadership lesson sticks with you the most?
   • “There is no ‘I’ in team.” Harleen Lamba learned that leadership is all about doing everything together.
2. What’s your one rule in a student leadership survival guide?
   • “Never give up. You’re not alone and your team has your back.”
3. If your term on the board were a Netflix show, what would it be called and what would be the most dramatic episode?
   • Title: S.W.A.T.
   • Dramatic Episode: “Reading Week Blues.” A virtual board meeting during reading week turned into a challenging experience with muted mics, raised hands and awkward pauses.

Michael Tahir — Board of Directors, UofGH

1. What leadership lesson sticks with you the most?
   • “I learned to lead by example and show empathy, whether through governance or day-to-day interactions.” Michael Tahir discovered that leadership isn’t just about decision-making, it’s about mentorship, representation and showing up for others.
2. What’s your one rule in a student leadership survival guide?
   • “Show empathy. Lead by example.”
3. If your term on the board were a Netflix show, what would it be called and what would be the most dramatic episode?
   • Title: Friends
   • Dramatic Episode: “The September Shuffle.” As responsibilities picked up and reality set in, the team had to lean on each other like never before.

Final Episode

As the credits roll on their term, one thing’s for sure: the 2024-25 IGNITE Board of Directors didn’t just lead—they lived it. Every meeting, event and initiative was a testament to their commitment to shaping a better student experience.

From pushing for policy changes and advocating for mental health resources to showing up for students during long days and even longer nights—they were present, passionate and purposeful.

Their journey was filled with tough decisions, meaningful wins and unforgettable moments that shaped not only the campus but also the community. This past year wasn’t just about leadership—it was about legacy.

And this board made sure to leave their mark.

Feature image courtesy of IGNITE.

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