Student ADVOCATES
Collaborating with you, the students, to make your student life the best it can be!
What is a student advocate?
We’re students like you, and our focus is on bridging the gap between the student community and your institution, whether it be Humber Polytechnic or the University of Guelph-Humber.
We participate in conversations with staff and faculty, ensuring that your voices are not just heard but truly valued. We actively advocate for your best interests by engaging in meetings and sitting on committees that make important decisions that directly impact you and your student experience. We create connections with both students and staff, establishing open avenues for communication and trust, with the goal of amplifying your voices and delivering practical solutions to your problems.
We actively attend committees on various topics, including:
- Work Integrated Learning
- Pride
- Being a Good Neighbour
- Sustainability
- Food Vendor Selection
Additionally, we represent students and their interests at numerous events throughout the academic year.
Your concerns matter to us, and we’re here to make your voice heard! Need assistance? Reach out to us with any concerns or problems you may have. If we can’t directly solve your problem, we’ll guide you to the right resources and people who can.
Our mission is to help you confidently navigate your post-secondary journey. Think of us as your support system, here to back you up every step of the way.
Want to learn more about IGNITE’s advocacy initiatives?
Meet your Student Advocates
Naisha Suthaharan
Student Advocate, University of Guelph-Humber
Naisha Suthaharan is a 4th year student majoring in justice studies at the University of Guelph-Humber. She recently completed her term for the 2023-024 IGNITE Board of Directors and is excited to take on her new role as a student advocate. Naisha currently holds the position of Vice President of Activities at Alpha Phi Sigma, where she organizes events such as Wrongful Conviction Week and Coffee with a Cop. Outside of school, she works as a legal administrative student at a criminal justice law firm. During the 2023-2024 academic year, Naisha worked with her professor on a research project focused on gender-based and intimate partner violence in the GTA. The project spanned 12 weeks and resulted in innovative ideas to combat domestic violence, raise awareness of abuse and come up with solutions to remedy the problem. A few fun facts about Naisha are that she is a big foodie, a leftie, and has a big sweet tooth – especially for brownies. Naisha is looking forward to getting to know everyone at Humber Polytechnic and UofGH! She wishes everyone luck in the upcoming academic year.
Isabella Vergara Bedoya
Student Advocate,
Humber Polytechnic
Isabella Vergara Bedoya is a 4th-year student pursuing her Bachelor of Public Relations at Humber Polytechnic. Originally from Colombia, Isabella moved to Canada three years ago to embark on a new academic journey. Isabella’s passion for student advocacy and event planning started in her role as a brand ambassador assistant at IGNITE, where she led a team of 17 brand ambassadors and helped plan numerous student events. Currently, she serves as the social media manager for the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Student Steering Committee, where she leads marketing efforts to connect public relations students with industry professionals. In addition to her academic responsibilities, Isabella is the president of Lakeshore Christian Fellowship, an IGNITE club that welcomes students from various backgrounds to explore the Christian faith. Known for her friendly personality and love for engaging with others, Isabella can often be found on campus, particularly at the library or the gym. Her goal as a student advocate is to positively impact and meaningfully contribute to the Humber community. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with Isabella if you see her around – she’s always open to new connections!
Interested in becoming a Student Advocate?
If leadership and advocacy are your thing, any student can apply to become a Student Advocate through the IGNITE job portal. The position is a one-year contract with an option to renew for a second year.
What are the requirements?
These requirements are the foundation for your success as a Student Advocate:
- Be a current Humber or UofGH student
- Be an IGNITE fee-paying student at the time of the application
- Have at least 35 hours (full-time) available to work through the week
- Good leadership skills
- Passion for advocacy
- Active presence in your community
- Value empathy, good communication and time management
- Good project management skills
- Able to work in a high-pressure environment
Does this sound like you? Fill out an application today
