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2026 IGNITE Board of Director Nominees

Shivan Ahluwalia

Program of Study: Commerce – Accounting

Campus: Lakeshore

Motivation to Serve:
I am motivated to ensure student voices are represented where decisions are made. I want to help turn student concerns into meaningful action and support IGNITE in remaining transparent, accessible, accountable, and responsive to the evolving needs of students across all campuses.

Skills and Experience:
I work directly with students on a daily basis and understand their challenges firsthand. With leadership experience, strong communication skills, and financial knowledge, I can contribute to informed decision-making and help create real, visible, and lasting impact for students.

Sehaj Bajwa

Program of Study: Digital Communications

Campus: Lakeshore

Motivation to Serve:
I am inspired by peers and mentors on campus who lead impactful initiatives and make meaningful decisions. Serving on the Board would allow me to help shape IGNITE’s direction and strengthen it as an experiential resource that turns student feedback into lasting impact.

Skills and Experience:
As a digital communications student, former head boy, and current staff member in the Dean’s Office, I understand both student experiences and administrative processes. I focus on people, processes, and outcomes, and I am well-positioned to bridge communication between students and leadership through thoughtful advocacy.

Rish Diwan

Program of Study: Commerce – International Business

Campus: Lakeshore

Motivation to Serve:
I believe Lakeshore students deserve strong leadership, transparency, and effective representation. As a business owner, I understand responsibility and accountability. I want to be a dependable voice for students and help ensure student resources are used in ways that genuinely benefit them.

Skills and Experience:
I bring leadership and decision-making experience from running a business, along with a strong commitment to integrity and accountability. I am comfortable reviewing important decisions, asking critical questions, and ensuring accountability leads to meaningful outcomes for students.

Brandy Laurent

Program of Study: Commerce – Marketing

Campus: Lakeshore

Motivation to Serve:
I am passionate about breaking down barriers for diverse students and ensuring that affordability, mental health supports, and equitable access shape IGNITE’s strategy. Having studied across two campuses and lived on three continents, I understand that representation in governance matters and that students deserve leaders who understand their realities and work toward meaningful solutions.

Skills and Experience:
As a three-time student organization president across North and Lakeshore campuses, I bring experience in governance, financial accountability, and cross-campus collaboration. My international background informs my commitment to inclusive decision-making and amplifying marginalized voices. I am focused on translating student feedback into policy and ensuring IGNITE’s governance serves all students equitably.

Gracy Narewal

Program of Study: Business

Campus: Guelph-Humber

Motivation to Serve:
I want to represent Guelph-Humber students and create positive change on campus. I am especially interested in creating more year-round opportunities for students to network with business professionals, rather than limiting these opportunities to the start of each semester.

Skills and Experience:
I bring strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, along with experience working efficiently in large groups. I am well-connected with UofGH students across different programs and can understand and represent issues that affect a wide range of students.

Abdul-Moiz Saeed

Program of Study: Mechatronics Engineering

Campus: North

Motivation to Serve:
I am motivated to serve on the IGNITE Board to represent student voices, support initiatives that enhance the student experience, and contribute to decisions that positively impact campus life for all students.

Skills and Experience:
I bring leadership experience as a club Vice-President, a strong commitment to volunteering, and experience as a FAST student ambassador. These roles have strengthened my communication, teamwork, and advocacy skills, allowing me to represent students effectively and contribute thoughtfully to IGNITE’s governance.

Purab Sharma

Program of Study: Commerce – Finance

Campus: Lakeshore

Motivation to Serve:
I am drawn to the IGNITE Board because it shapes decisions that affect students every day, even if those decisions often happen behind the scenes. I bring a practical, business-minded perspective grounded in budgeting, governance, and student-led project work. I am comfortable asking thoughtful questions while balancing long-term sustainability with immediate student impact.

Skills and Experience:
My student-first perspective comes from direct involvement in campus leadership. I understand how decision-making can drift away from student realities and am confident in speaking up to close that gap. I focus on clear communication, accessibility, and ensuring student voices meaningfully influence decisions.

Surjeet Singh

Program of Study: Fitness and Health Promotion

Campus: North

Motivation to Serve:
Since joining the college, I have noticed the pressure students face in campus interactions, especially international students. Many activities do not fully bring out student potential. I believe more diverse and inclusive activities can help bring different cultures and communities together.

Skills and Experience:
I bring leadership qualities, quick decision-making skills, and an approachable, open-minded attitude. I value listening without judgment and believe this is essential for effective representation and governance.

Nick Walton

Program of Study: Media Communications

Campus: North

Motivation to Serve:
I want to serve on the IGNITE Board of Directors to help amplify student voices. I encourage students to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas. I want to ensure students feel heard and represented.

Skills and Experience:
As a Board Director, I understand the importance of participating in meetings, overseeing budgets, and advocating for students. I have experience working within government environments, which has prepared me to take on responsibility and contribute effectively. I am committed to standing up for student issues and representing their interests.

Maryam Zahid

Program of Study: BScN

Campus: North

Motivation to Serve:
I want to serve on the IGNITE Board because student voices matter. I care deeply about students feeling heard, supported, and respected. As a nursing student, I understand the importance of mental health, fairness, and community. I am motivated to help build a more transparent, compassionate, and student-focused campus.

Skills and Experience:
I bring empathy, strong listening skills, and a real understanding of the challenges students face while balancing school, work, and life. My healthcare background has strengthened my sense of responsibility, ethical decision-making, and advocacy. I aim to contribute thoughtful, compassionate, and practical input that supports IGNITE’s mission and students’ best interests.