You’ve seen them around campus, but did you know these fun facts about the Board of Directors?
They campaigned for your votes and are ready to take the lead! The 2022-2023 Board of Directors are students working towards the betterment of post-secondary life by making sure your voices are heard.
They’ve developed and strengthened their leadership skills for this moment. After all, it’s important to get involved with your student union. Plus, they’re eager to connect with you!
First, let’s get to know your Board of Directors as students and learn some fun facts about them! Hear all about their experience, school life and clubs. Not to mention, what causes they’re passionate about!
Your 2022-2023 North campus directors
Aksnoor Singh Kamboj
2nd Year | Civil Engineering Technology | @as_kamboj | LinkedIn
“I am an international student [who] recently came to Canada. [I have a] great interest in advocating and helping people. Back in my home country I served various NGOs that [work to arrange] blood donors during [emergencies] and many other welfare works.
I also worked as a site supervisor and inventory manager in the construction field [which is why] I chose Civil Engineering. In Canada, I am working as a peer tutor, helping students out. I chose to be a board of director to work and help as much as I can. I hope I am able to represent, advocate and reach out to [many] students with [IGNITE].”
Fun fact:
“I am fond of Punjabi folk instruments and western musical beat instruments. Always happy to connect with people and available to listen and discuss anything.”
Jess Urzua Cordon-Carrera Valle
2nd Year | Culinary Management | @jessiithemama
“My name is Jessica but I prefer being called Jess and my pronouns are She/Her/Hers. I’m a mature student in my final semester of the Culinary Management program[.] [And I’ll be coming back] in September for the Hotel and Restaurant Operations program.
Besides being a full-time student, I also work on campus with student life as a Peer Coach and Senior Peer Mentor, and volunteer as an Orientation Leader. [And, I’m raising] two beautiful children. I love keeping busy and I always push to do my best [and] achieve the goal I have set for myself. I am very friendly, so when you see me say ‘HEYYYY!'”
Fun Fact:
“I have been on two CBC documentaries on producing less waste and using less plastic.”
Your 2022-2023 Lakeshore/IGS campus directors
Azi Afousi
2nd Year | Digital Business Management | @ozzle80| Twitter
“I love the outdoors, travelling, finding new trails to hike and experiencing new adventures. The past two years put a hold on many of my travels but allowed me a chance to discover Ontario a bit more, which was very interesting as I got to explore some regions that I may have not otherwise spent much time in.
As you can see, I generally try to find the silver lining in things, even a global pandemic[.] Plus, my dog has been loving every moment of it. I’m also an avid reader, in 2020 my New Year’s resolution was to read 60 books in 12 months. The [work from home] environment definitely helped me achieve this goal a bit more easily by subtracting a large commute from my day.
I’m excited to bring my passion for advocacy to [IGNITE and] amplify more student voices.”
Fun Fact:
“I share my birthday with my Mom and I can move my ears.”
Neha Singh
1st Year | Police Foundations | @singhneha222
“I am Neha Singh, an international student from India studying Police Foundations (though a lot of people won’t expect me to be an international student because of my program!) [I also volunteer] for the Region of Peel and I am trying to be an advocate for the mental health of students and people in the South Asian community.
I believe in the fact that all of us have a voice, a say in how things work, and every opinion and experience has value. [Different opinions and experiences need to be respected because they] help make the world the beautiful place we know it to be.”
Fun Fact:
“A fun fact about me is that I love to travel and discover different places. [As well as] get to know more about the cultures, people and histories that are different from my story. [I] would love to travel around Canada (if I get the chance) and find out all the beautiful and amazing things this wonderful country has to offer!”
Parul Yadav
1st Year | Public Relations | @parullyadavv | LinkedIn
“Hello Humber! I’m a passionate community builder, storyteller and a highly motivated international student. Coming from a mixed cultural background[,] I bring a diverse set of knowledge, experience and hope to bring a positive change for our student union.
Overall as a public relations and communication enthusiast, I love meeting and interacting with our vibrant student community. I want my peers to know that they have endless potential and IGNITE is here to support and cheer them on throughout their student life.
Always up for coffee chats: don’t ever hesitate to reach out!”
Fun Fact:
“I am a self-taught hip-hop dancer and pizza is my soul food. ;)”
Your 2022-2023 Guelph-Humber campus directors
Brittany Bartolome
2nd Year | Kinesiology | @brittbarts4bod
“Hey everyone! My name is Brittany Bartolome[.] I’m 19 years old and currently in my second year of the Kinesiology program at Guelph-Humber University. Although I was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario[,] I love to be exposed and involved in my Filipino culture to embrace the music, company and especially the food that comes along with it.
I believe that the 3 V’s: a Vision, Value and a Voice represents what I believe will guide me through my journey to becoming a successful advocate for my peers[.] I have high hopes that everyone’s 2022-2023 year at GH will be one of the most memorable to come.”
Fun Fact:
“A fun fact about me is that I have a passion for traveling! I’ve been on trips [around]
Canada, [to] the United States, the Philippines, Hong Kong and even Japan. Adapting to different communities and experiencing other people’s everyday lives has not only become extremely eye-opening, but also motivational.”
Lauren Abela
3rd Year | Psychology | @laurenabela3 | LinkedIn
“Hiya! Nice to meet you! My name is Lauren, I use she/her pronouns and am a 21 year old trying to live her best life in Vaughan. I love being outdoors, learning new recipes and volunteering!
I currently volunteer with Best Buddies Canada as our campus’ chapter president, the Good Neighbour Project delivering groceries, and am a new ambassador for the Discover Ability Network. Playing on sports teams and joining clubs was the easiest way to make friends, have fun, and ultimately shape the outgoing person I am today. I hope to improve campus life by making clubs more accessible and favourable to the student community.
IGNITE has the tools to connect you with your peers and make post-secondary life easier—and I want to be the catalyst to making that happen. Will you join me?”
Fun Fact:
“I have a twin brother and 2 cats that I wish would stay young forever 🐱.”
Woohoo! Let’s have a round of applause for the Board of Directors! Also, think you could have matched the fun fact to each person? Next time you bump into them, tell them a fun fact about yourself as well! (It’s only fair!)
Above all, everyone brings their own unique experiences to Humber and Guelph-Humber. Without a doubt, the 2022-2023 year is in good hands.
Not to mention, there are other ways you can also represent your fellow students on campus. After all, students understand other students the best!
Your directors have your back and if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas you want to be discussed at the next Board meeting, reach out to them via email.
Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Plus, looking to be productive even during your breaks? Discover 20 things you can do in that awkward 20 minutes between classes.
Follow IGNITE on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all things student life.
