SSU Welcomes A New Executive Team!

 
 

Meet Your New SSU Vice Presidents

Welcome your new Executive Team! Amalia Powell (SSU VP of Advocacy & Community Development), Grace Rebeca Verghese (SSU VP of Academic Integrity & Student Success), Ganyo Soh (SSU President), Fahad Khan (SSU VP of International Affairs) and Vincent Tsang (SSU VP of EDI). 

 
 

We are excited to introduce the newly evolved Vice President roles within the Sheridan Student Union (SSU), and welcome our new executive team. These roles have been carefully adapted to amplify the student voice and drive meaningful change. As you meet each of our executive members, you may notice a common thread connecting their educational backgrounds, passions, and vision through a unifying lens of advocacy.

The Vice President of Advocacy & Community Development role has evolved from it’s first iteration back in 2021. What initial began as two separate positions has now, under President Ganyo Soh’s leadership, been combined into one. “I was intentional within my selection of Executive team members,” shared Ganyo, “I wanted people from different backgrounds and specializations. I wanted individuals who are passionate about advocacy.”

Let’s meet your new executive team now; a group of passionate student leaders ready to make a real impact.

Amalia Powell, SSU VP of Advocacy & Community Development

"The journey continues in life. It does not matter where you are on your journey, continue because you will reach your destination." - Amalia Powell

As an international student from Jamaica, with an undergraduate degree in International Relations and a minor in Economics and Management Studies, Amalia Powell brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her position. “I applied for this role because I can advocate on behalf of students on various platforms,” she shares. “I understand how difficult post-secondary life can be, and I want all Sheridan students to succeed and have access to all the services and resources offered at SSU and Sheridan.” Amalia’s current studies in Sheridan’s Paralegal program, combined with her educational background, provide her with a unique perspective. “Through my love and passion for law, I can advocate and represent students as their Vice President and ensure that all students have access to justice.” This year, it is crucial for us as a Student Union to cultivate a stronger awareness and understanding of the laws and policies that directly impact student lives.

“Through my love and passion for law, I can advocate, support and represent all students.”

- Amalia Powell, VP of Advocacy & Community Development

“I want to focus on the large student concerns such as student housing, and plan to work with SSU’s Free Legal Service lawyer, Bill Reid, to address the growing concern for tenant laws and issues. I also hope to empower students to know their rights and responsibilities with regards to Sexual Health and Violence Prevention on campus. Even scenarios inside the classroom like group projects, where one student has done most of the work - call on us to advocate for fair grades.” This position offers a variety of opportunities to reaffirm our commitment to supporting Sheridan Students, while also providing students with the tools and information to feel empowered to stand up for themselves and peers.

While some students may know about the support available at Sheridan through departments like the Rights & Responsibilities office, Amalia recognizes that there are countless students who may not always feel comfortable or empowered to use them. “We want students to know that SSU will advocate on your behalf at the college, provincial and federal level. Sheridan, the SSU, and government laws are there to support you.” Through partnerships with organizations like CASA, Amalia hopes to implement resources that lead to a more informed and empowered student body.

Q&A with Amalia:

  • "I applied for this role so that I could represent minorities such as non-direct students, mature students, racialized students, students who are parents, and just all Sheridan students, both domestic and international. What excites me is that I get to meet and talk with all students. I can make an impact by amplifying the student’s voice.

    In my current position, I will collaborate with Sheridan students and staff to enhance student life which will support the overall well-being of each student. I am in a position where I can also connect to the non-direct students virtually or in person."

  • "For me, success is knowing that all students are excelling. Sheridan students are aware and knowledgeable about their rights and responsibilities. When the students leave Sheridan because of SSU they are enriched, and empowered to conquer whatever the world throws at them."

 
 

Vincent Tsang, SSU VP of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Inspired by the famous quote from activist, Verna Myers, Vincent shared that "Equity is hosting the party. Diversity is inviting. Inclusion is asking to dance."

The newly established Vice President of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion role addresses a key priority of our executive team and organization. In order to fully support and represent the diverse voices within our student community, we needed to “establish a framework that supports social change,” shared President Ganyo. As a student in Sheridan's Gerontology Social Worker program, Vincent Tsang is passionate about advocating for marginalized groups and creating a sense of belonging for everyone — whether you arrive at Sheridan straight out of high school or at various stages of your life. “What excites me most about my current position is the opportunity to drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all students. Every day, I am inspired by the potential to address disparities, celebrate diversity, and ensure that every student feels valued and heard. The chance to implement Indigenous initiatives that directly impact student well-being and create a sense of belonging across campus is both a privilege and a source of immense motivation.”

“I am here to advocate for student needs, promote educational opportunities on diversity and inclusion, and ensure that support services are responsive and effective."

- Vincent Tsang, SSU VP of EDI

As your VP of EDI, Vincent is committed to understanding the wants and needs of all stakeholders. "Equity is about justice and fairness - but it’s important to remember it’s not about treating everyone the same. Everyone has different starting points. Say for example, people who are neurodivergent. They may have different accessibility needs, certain advantages and disadvantages to consider. Inclusion, to me, is more personal. It’s about building and maintaining relationships with people.”

"I want the student body to know that I am deeply committed to listening to and amplifying their voices. My approach is rooted in empathy and collaboration, and I am dedicated to creating a campus culture where every student feels supported and valued. My role as Vice President will focus on advancing EDI by addressing challenges related to accessibility and mental health. I am here to advocate for student needs, promote educational opportunities on diversity and inclusion, and ensure that support services are responsive and effective."

Q&A with Vincent:

  • “I was inspired to apply for the Vice President role because of my deep commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the academic community. I believe that every student deserves an environment where they can thrive without facing systemic barriers related to intercultural communication patterns. My passion for advocating for underrepresented groups and my experience in developing and implementing EDI initiatives have fuelled my desire to take on this leadership role. I want to leverage my skills and dedication to shape policies and programs that ensure all students have equal opportunities and support.” We look forward to reinforcing our commitment to creating an environment where every student feels valued and heard, and where diverse perspectives contribute to our collective success.

  • "Success for me, as we embark on a new academic term, means making tangible progress toward our EDI goals and seeing a positive impact on the student experience. This includes implementing initiatives that nurture a more inclusive environment, increasing student engagement in diversity-related programs, and enhancing support systems for marginalized groups. As a team, success looks like strong collaboration and communication, shared commitment to our EDI objectives, and measurable improvements in student satisfaction and sense of belonging. Ultimately, success will be reflected in the creation of a campus culture where every student feels empowered and supported throughout their academic journey."

 
 

Fahad Khan, SSU VP of Academic International Affairs

From living in Doha, Qatar, to moving to Dubai and now navigating life in Canada, your Vice President of International Affairs, Fahad Khan has connected with people from a variety of cultures and demographics and he is excited to support all students through this role. “The main reason I applied for this role was to address the imbalance in representation for international students. I’ve noticed that their voices aren’t always heard as much as they should be, and I want to change that. The inspiration behind applying stemmed from my passion for diversity and a desire to create a more connected and inclusive campus environment where every student feels valued and seen. I’m eager to organize events that not only celebrate and uplift diverse communities but also create spaces where students can learn about different cultures and traditions in a meaningful way. ”

“The most exciting aspect of my role is the opportunity to foster greater inclusivity between international and domestic students.”

- Fahad Khan, SSU VP of International Affairs

As a student of the Bachelor of Computer Science program specializing in Game Engineering, Fahad is also looking forward to finding innovative ways of showcasing the power that gaming and play can have on a students’ sense of community and belonging. Leveraging his studies, Fahad hopes to enhance social wellness by supporting new opportunities for students to get involved in Esports and other gaming-related activities.

“I want the student body to know that I am approachable and always willing to listen. Whether you see me on campus or reach out virtually, I encourage you to come over, say hi, and feel comfortable asking for help with anything related to SSU. I can assist with navigating services, unlocking perks, or hearing out your suggestions for events or initiatives you’d like to see. My goal is to ensure that every student feels supported, and I’m here to bridge the gap between the students and SSU.”

Q&A Chat with Fahad:

  • "Being an international student myself, I understand the unique challenges they face, and I felt compelled to step up and ensure they have the support and representation they deserve. I want to create an environment where international students feel seen, valued, and fully integrated into the campus community."

  • "For me, success means making a real difference in the lives of students. One of my big goals is to set up an International Student Hub, a space where international students can find support, connect with others, and feel like they truly belong here at Sheridan. I also want to create cultural exchange events that bring students from different backgrounds together, allowing them to share their stories, traditions, and experiences. As a team, success will come from working closely with one another to make these goals happen. We’ll know we’re on the right track when students start telling us they feel more connected and engaged, and when we see more faces at our events. It’s those small moments of impact that will show me we’re making a difference."

 
 

Grace Rebeca Verghese, SSU VP of Academic Integrity & Student Success

"Integrity is about making choices today that we’ll be proud of tomorrow. It’s the gift that keeps on giving." - Grace, VP of Academic Integrity and Student Success 

Our Vice President of Academic Integrity & Student Success, Grace Rebeca Verghese, is excited to redefine student’s understanding of academic integrity in her new role. From working as an RA at the Davis campus residence to having a co-op with S-Sense, Grace has been involved in Student Affairs since her start at Sheridan and her passion for supporting her peers has only grown. As a current student in the Human Resources Management Program and a returning graduate from Sheridan’s Business Analysis Program, Grace understands just how intimidating academic integrity can feel for students, and she’s on a mission to change that. In an effort to move away from the common negative associations with academic integrity or only knowing the academic appeals process, Grace is ready to invite conversations around academic integrity that feel more fun, approachable, and inviting for students.

“Academic integrity is so much more than just following the rules. I’m eager to show students how honesty in their work today can open doors tomorrow.”

- Grace, VP of Academic Integrity & Student Success

“What excites me most is the chance to help students realize that academic integrity is so much more than just following the rules- it’s about setting ourselves up for success in the long run.” As an HR student, Grace recently discovered that the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) requires applicants to disclose any past academic integrity sanctions. A past violation can leave applicants in a difficult position as they try to prove their integrity. This is something that could impact students across a variety of programs and industries, which is why, Grace is so passionate about raising awareness about the long-term effects of academic integrity. “It’s the little choices we make now that set the stage for bigger opportunities down the road. I’m eager to show students how honesty in their work today can open doors tomorrow. Plus, I love the idea of being part of their journey to success. Having worked in various student affairs roles at Sheridan, I’ve seen firsthand some of the challenges students face. I applied for this role because I wanted to make a difference where it counts.”

For Grace, a student from Kerala, India, connecting with the Sheridan Malayali Association at Orientation was empowering and put a spotlight on the impact she hopes to make alongside the exec team. “It’s not only about sharing our unique backgrounds and speaking out on the change we want to see,” Grace emphasized, “but also about finding those who are looking to be represented and supported and ensuring that every voice is heard.”

Q&A Chat with Grace:

  • "For me, success is all about making an impact that matters. It’s about finding fun, creative ways to help students connect with academic integrity in a way that sticks with them. I want to make sure students feel heard and that they have the support they need to thrive throughout their time here. As a team, success means working together to create a space where every student knows they have a voice and a community behind them. It’s about seeing students not just attend our events, but leave feeling more confident, more connected, and ready to take on whatever comes next. These moments of growth and trust are what will show us that we’re achieving our goals together."

  • “I’ve always been passionate about standing up for students and promoting academic honesty- because it doesn’t just matter in the classroom, it’s something that follows us into our careers and lives. I wanted to create a space where students feel seen, supported, and confident that they’re making the right choices for their future.”

 
 

Looking Ahead: Mission & Visions

At the core of each SSU Executive position lies a passion for supporting and standing up for student rights. Our new Vice Presidents are determined to create diverse opportunities for students to learn, grow and connect. Although each of the four new Vice Presidents has distinct responsibilities, it is clear that together our SSU executive team is passionate about fostering a sense of belonging, community and representation for our diverse student populations.

“All four portfolios can support in building capacity for the student community. My goal is to support students in having a better quality of life by being represented. I created an executive team that understands the needs and wants of the students and will take the initiative to learn more about the ever changing needs of students. Together, we are able to amplify the student voice on a whole and create meaning change and drive meaningful change through advocacy. This executive team is in alignment with the vision and mission of the SSU.” - Ganyo Soh, SSU President

We are proud to welcome our SSU Executive team and look forward to sharing more of the impact they made this year.

Our executive team is committed to help enhancing your #SheridanLife!