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
Selena Ferreira
Student Advocate, Humber Polytechnic
Selena Ferreira is a 4th year student majoring in the Bachelor of Criminal Justice Social Science at Humber Polytechnic. This year will be her thesis year, where she and 2 peers will work together with her Humber professor and the Toronto Police Services to proactively gather and dissect data on the public’s opinion on the police force and how that affects the services they provide. She is also a 2023 graduate of the Community Justice Services program and was a Customer Service Representative (CSR) at IGNITE for 1 year. Selena’s calling toward working in policy blossomed when she was the lead English Conversation Facilitator at Rexdale Women Centre where she fostered and led conversations with newcomer Canadian women about their experiences domestically and internationally. Policy is a sector Selena is passionate about because it is the root of social wellbeing and relies on teamwork and communication to be changed – which are two activities she loves. As a Student Advocate, Selena’s goal is to proudly represent the voices of students and advocate for positive change for everyone. She is ecstatic to begin this new role and cannot wait to see what the future holds. Selena wishes a beautiful start to everyone’s Fall 2025 semester at Humber Polytechnic!
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
